The International Student Centre (ISC) at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) would like to congratulate you on your acceptance into UTSC. You have made a big step. UTSC is a great place to call your university and we are glad to have you! The ISC has planned a range of essential Orientation and Transition Services in order to ease your transition into your new environment, academic and social life, and help make your journey at UTSC a fulfilling one.
Please keep in mind that these events and services are essential, even mandatory, as you begin your journey here at UTSC. You are strongly encouraged to sign up and attend. In addition to the events offered by the ISC, you should also make plans to attend UTSC’s campus-wide orientation, residence orientation ( if applicable) and your faculty orientation.
Settling in the City (Attend one session; Sessions held every Wednesday & Friday from 12pm-3pm August 29 to September 16)
Free and open to all incoming international students, exchange students and students who have recently settled in Canada. By attending one of these sessions students will receive assistance with TTC navigation, setting up a bank account, purchasing a cell phone plan, computer, and other necessities. Students will meet in the ISC (IC-349) at 12pm.
International Student Welcome Celebration ( Friday September 16, 2011 from 3pm to 5pm on the HWing Patio)
This is a mandatory event for all new international students. This is an opportunity for new students to connect with other international students, staff and faculty. Enjoy free food, entertainment, prizes and a Welcoming from the Principal of UTSC. This is the chance for students to make those vital connections which may lead to lifelong friendships. The ISC would like to thank Rogers for being our sponsor for the International Student Welcome Celebration.
Workshops: How to be a Successful International ( Attend one session; Sessions held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm-1:45pm August 29 to September 16 and Weds September 14 from 4:00-4:45 )
New international students are required to attend one (1) these important workshops! Students will learn important information on immigration policies and procedures, health insurance, other services offered by the ISC, and other UTSC community services. International students are responsible for knowing these immigration and university regulations. Locations to be announced.
Jump Start Campus Tours ( Attend one tour; Tours held every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00pm-3:00pm August 29 to September 16 and Wednesday September 14 from 5:00-6:00 )
Students will have the opportunity to learn about the UTSC campus with a guided tour provided by the ISC’s student staff/volunteers. The tour will help familiarize students with services on campus: pay phones, printing, gym, Student Centre, Campus Police, Accessibility Office, UTSC book store, etc. Also, the tour will show students the locations of classrooms, academic departments, Campus Express Store, and all the places students can eat —– yummy!!!!! Students will meet in the ISC (IC-349).
English Conversation Partners (ECP sessions available from September 19th onwards)
ECP is a peer-to-peer service for students who wish to practice their conversational English skills. ECP is facilitated by students, and offers non-native English speakers, and those who are new to Canadian English, the opportunity to improve communication skills and confidence when speaking in a fun and non-academic environment. Students can sign-up for a 20 minute, one-on-one conversational session with one of the English Conversation Partners.
First Year Experience Program ( August onwards)
Starting university, especially in a new country, can be an intimidating process. FEP targets the issues new students may encounter when they begin university. The aim of the program is to make the transition from high school and a new country to university as smooth, comfortable and enjoyable as possible. FEP mentors are upper year UTSC students who share academic and cultural similarities with new international students. They are approachable and will keep in contact regularly ensuring that new students get involved not only within the ISC but UTSC and the overall community.
