The Voice of the University of Toronto at Mississauga
MEDIUM THE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2008
VOLUME 35, ISSUE 3
www.mediumonline.ca
We get up close to Benicio Del Toro
Speak Easy program breaks down barriers
Representing the OHL
page 5
page 10
page 11
Students connect at the Blue Zoo
Photo/Matthew Filipowich
Students check out the Peel Public Health, Theatre Erindale, and Computing Services booths at the UTM Blue Zoo Resource Fair last Tuesday.
MEREDITH LILLY NEWS EDITOR Students gathered at UTM’s Communication Culture and Technology (CCT) building on September 9 for the 2008 Blue Zoo fair, an all-out resource fair connecting UTM students with resources within and throughout campus. Organizations from across the University of Toronto and the greater community assembled to raise awareness of the services they offer to enhance the student experience. New students and upper-year students alike discovered new opportunities for personal and professional development through the fair. Tessa Mandrapilias, who manned the rowing station, was busy encouraging students to commit to the 5:30 am practice times to have fun and improve self-discipline. “Rowing helps build time management skills that are readily
applicable to other kinds of work” said Mandrapilias. “It’s also a good w a y t o f it a th l etics into a busy schedule.” Peel Public Health and the UTM Health & Counseling Centre offered students many services, from psychiatric help to medical care. The two organizations presented displays focusing on healthy diets, addiction prevention, and sexual health. “We’ve recently done training for the residence staff at Sheridan C ol l e g e , a n d w e are discussing bringing the training to UTM” says Allison Imrie of Peel Public Health. Theatre Erindale, promises to entertain students all year long, with five shows planned for the 2008/2009 season. The first show, Elmer Rice’s “A New Life,” runs October 23-25. Student rates are $9 a show. For non-theatre students who wish to get involved, Production Manager Peter Urbanek advises students to keep an eye out for UTM’s Drama Club.
Meanwhile, UTM’s artists can get involved in Mississauga through the Blackwood’s Gallery, or through the U of T ArtsZone downtown. ArtsZone provides support for creative ideas and volunteer opportunities for the artistically minded.
“The experience [students] get at university will stay with them for the rest of their lives.” - Harpreet Randhawa, Studen Leadership Institute “If there is a musical piece you would like to compose, or a play you would like to perform, you can apply for a grant. We offer numerous grants and lots of support,” says ArtsZone Communications
Officer Alana Stuart. Events Assistant Nabiha Hossain, is looking forward to the six exhibits U of T is contributing to the ScotiaBank Nuit Blanche on October 4, as well as the 2009 U of T film festival. UTM’s Career Centre had a popular booth for students who need extra help in their job search. “We offer resume critiques and job fairs for students exploring whatever it is they want to do,” says Katie Li, their marketing and events assistant. “We also provide job listings through our website, and our mascot Jimi keeps facebook users informed. Students who need direction have a lot of resources to use.” Students who feel they lack experience in the work field can take advantage of UTM’s Student Leadership Institute. “We run workshops throughout the year to provide students with leadership and networking opportunities,” says Representative Harpreet Randhawa. “We host some very convenient weekend workshops for busy stu-
dents that will benefit those in all programs. Students who participate receive certification to show to prospective employers. The experience they get at university will stay with them for the rest of their lives.” Among others present, were the UTM Student Housing & Residence Life, who handed out tshirts and advertised work-study opportunities, and UTM Computing Services who requested students be patient with any delay in service over the busy first few weeks of school. The University Office of the Ombudsperson was present to explain how they can make the process of appealing grades less daunting, offering help to students who are unsure of how to navigate University policy or require preliminary mediation to resolve complaints. Students visited the Blue Zoo all afternoon, collecting information, merchandise, and advice to help make their year a successful one.