Thursday, April 18, 2013

Final Exams and Graduation

Hi UTSC-ers!

Because final examinations are on full gear, I will make this blog post short. 

First, just a quick reminder to double check your exam schedule to see if you have the right room number and time of your exams. You can check that here.
Second, I'm assuming time management has been your best friend for the whole semester.. If not, don't forget to start your study sessions by writing down an efficient and flexible to-do-list. This helps you reduce your test anxiety, make your studying a walk in the park, and in no time you'll ace your exams.
You can print out a daily task planner here.
Third, adapting to your learning style can help you study efficiently. Whether you're visual, auditory or kinesthetic (using whole body movement and real life experiences) learner, it is important to adapt to these learning processes to match your learning environment. Using flashcards, sticky notes around your wall or study table, or even re-watching online lectures may just be some examples.


Lastly, for those intent and are eligible to graduate this June: here is a quick graduation check list you may need to look over. As well as Graduation link for UTSC regarding details about the convocation, date, tickets, etc.

This is my last blog post as this is my last semester in UTSC (sad face), so if you are graduating with me on June, don't be hesitant to say Hi :)

Good luck on your exams!!

See you when I see you,
Katrina









Friday, April 5, 2013

Summer School?

Hi guys!

Let me reiterate a couple of important summer deadlines and procedures:
  1. The Subject Post Application period for limited subject post(s) have started on April 5th until May 4th, 2013. You can find the subject post codes and procedures here. You can start adding unlimited programs right now.
  2.  The summer course enrollment begins on April 9th, 2013 in UTSC. For UTSC students planning on taking courses in UTM/St. George, it starts on April 18th, 2013. (For program requirements that you are planning to take in another campus, you need to have your program supervisor's approval PRIOR to enrolling. However, if it is an elective, you don't need an approval. In addition, the procedures for enrolling in ROSI are the same as the UTSC courses.)
  3. The deadline to accept offer for limited subject post(s) is on June 23, 2013
  4. Last day to add F and Y is on May 20, 2013.
Further questions regarding other summer dates and procedures can be found on the registrar's website.

So if you are thinking of taking summer courses, besides taking note of the procedures and deadlines I have mentioned above, it may be in your best interest to consider these guidelines:

  • Do you have time to devote to your studies during the summer? This is the first question you have to ask yourself and may be the most important one. Students may have the most distractions during summer (bbqs, roadtrips, nice weather outside), so it is important to make sure you are able to balance out school, work, and other activities during the summer semester. 
  •  If you are on Academic Probation, are you aware that you must get an overall sessional GPA of 1.6 for the summer courses in which you are registered? Make sure it is in your best interest to take summer courses, especially if you are on academic probation. You have to plan your courses and make sure you are able to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours of study, review and preparation time for every 1 hour of class time. Also, keep in mind that if you are taking F or S courses, time management is your best tool because these courses are condensed and offered in half the time. (don't forget to book an appointment with an Academic and Learning Strategist to go over your options)
  • How is your energy level? Students usually use the summer semester to take a break from the stressful fall and winter semesters. For the same students, it is important for them to maintain a healthy self, physically and mentally. So, it is also important to ask yourself this question.
  • Are you worried about OSAP? The Financial Aid and Awards office can provide you with information regarding OSAP and other provincial loan programs. You can book an appointment with a Financial Aid Officer through your e-service.

 Lastly, if you want to hone your study skills over the summer, consider attending a study skills seminar or book an appointment with an Academic and Learning Strategiest. By calling us at (416) 287-7561 or by stopping by our office: AC 213.

Have a productive weekend!

Until next time,
Katrina