ASSU e-Newsletter

September 2014

In This Issue
ASSU Executive By-Elections
ASSU Locker Rentals
Project: Universal Minds
What is a Course Syllabi?
Say No to Private Review
Companies
Writing Plus writing seminars
Events from the Library
Faculty Enrolment Survey
ASSU Screening: The Internets
Own Boy with Director Q&A
MGYSU Meeting & Elections
IRS Upcoming Events
APSS Upcoming Events
Slavic Languages Elections
HSA Conference
ESA Back to School Event

Links
ASSU Facebook Page
ASSU Facebook Group
ASSU Course Unions
ASSU Twitter
ASSU Instagram
Faculty of Arts & Science

Contact Us
Sidney Smith Hall
Room 1068
416.978.4903
http://www.assu.ca

Volume 1, Number 1

Welcome back! We hope you are all enjoying the first week of classes. We are
the Arts & Science Students Union (ASSU) we represent the academic
concerns of all full-time, undergraduate, A&S students registered on the St.
George campus. We carry copies of student-donated term tests, sell cheap
pop, have photocopiers and a fax machine, run a tutoring program, offer
awards and bursaries and answer all sorts of questions!
We also have over 60 Course Unions, representing various departments and
programs. They hold lots of seminars (academic, career, etc) and social events.
Check them out and get involved!
Every month we send out a newsletter of our upcoming events and other
important information enjoy our first one.
ASSU Executive By-Elections
ASSU is holding elections for two (2) Executive Members positions. We are
looking for people who are committed to improving the academic life for Arts &
Science students. If you have the dedication, time, and energy to get involved
then please run! Nominations are now open and close on Friday, September
19th at 5 p.m. Elections will take place on Monday, September 29th at 4 p.m.
Nomination forms are available for pick up at the ASSU office SS 1068.
ASSU Locker Rentals
ASSU has lockers for rent in the Sidney Smith building. Locker prices range
from $20 for a bottom 1/3 size locker to $35 for a top 1/2 locker PLUS a $20 key
deposit (which is refunded when the key is returned). These lockers are rented
out for the entire school year until the last day of exams. Come to the ASSU
Office - bring your Student ID and CASH only.
Project: Universal Minds Volunteer Tutoring Program
ASSU runs a volunteer tutoring program where UofT students go to local high
schools to tutor students in English, Maths and Sciences. These are students
who really need the help and generally are not in a situation to pay for private
tutoring. The commitment is 1 hour a week for the school year (until June). At
the end of the program, each tutor will receive a Certificate of Recognition from
the Dean of Arts & Science/ASSU. If you are interested in applying, please visit
our website or office for an application. Applications are due on October 10th.

students.assu@utoronto.ca

What is a Course Syllabus?

The course syllabus is an instructors contract with their students for the
requirements of their course. Instructors are required to include in the syllabus
anything that contributes to the students mark, e.g. the marking scheme, and any
policy or rule that affects the mark, such as late penalties. Students must abide by
what is in the syllabus. Instructors must make the syllabus readily available to
students, either by posting it on the course website, or by distributing a copy to
students in the first or second class in the course.
Below are some of the required items that students should expect to see on their
syllabi let us know if you have any questions:
- Contact information for the course's instructor(s)
- Time and location of the instructor's office hour (or else indicating "by appointment"
or "immediately before/after class")
- Weights and dates for all evaluations other than final exams
- Assignment due dates must be within the term period
- No term test or combination of term tests having a value greater than 25% of the
final mark may be held in the final two weeks of classes at the end of any session. This
includes any assignments where topics or questions are both assigned and due within
those two weeks
Students should also be aware of their right to refuse the following tools frequently
used by instructors:
- Instructors choosing to use turnitin.com should be informing you that you have the
right to decline using this service, and must offer an alternative means of submission
for students who choose to exercise that right
- iClicker's are not mandatory, instructor's must provide a reasonable alternative for
students who do not wish to use these devices
Over the summer, the ASSU Executive released a report on Faculty of Arts and Science
syllabus policy compliance. We found that instructors have been neglecting some of
the required elements of the course outline document and have brought this to the
attention of Faculty administration.
Our report on adherence to these policies is available here: assu.ca/wp/wpcontent/uploads/2014/07/ASSU-FAS-Syllabus-Report-2013-2014.pdf.
Say No to Private Review Companies
If you are in a first or second year large class, before a midterm you may notice people
handing out leaflets for paid review sessions. These sessions guarantee a good mark
on the midterm and make it seem like most people in the past have failed when they
relied on their own efforts. But be warned. These companies are not affiliated with U
of T. They prey on your anxiety to make a profit. There is no guarantee that what you
will be learning in these sessions will be on the midterm. There are free resources the
university offers you can use instead: visit uoft.me/freeresources to find them. Say no
to private review sessions.

Writing Plus writing seminars

The St. George Campus College Writing Centres, with the participation of the
Arts and Science Students' Union (ASSU), the Academic Success Centre,
University of Toronto Libraries, and the Career Centre, are offering this campuswide series of academic skills workshops to the University's entire student
body. All workshops are free and there is no need to pre-register. Come for
one, or come for all!
All the workshops are offered several times in the year, so check both Saturday
and weekday schedules to find times that suit you. If none of the times for a
workshop you want are convenient, ask the staff of your college writing centre
for help. Visit the Academic Success Centre website to find out more about
their lectures and workshops. Visit the U of T Library website to find out more
about library classes and self help. Visit the News page for other upcoming
workshops and news about other writing-related resources at U of T.
For more info and seminar dates: http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/writing-plus
Events from the Library

Celebrate Science Literacy Week - Take part in the inaugural Science Literacy
Week, from September 22-28, at University of Toronto a student-initiated
event meant to inspire wonder and promote engagement with all things
science! The weeks events include inspiring lectures from U of T profs, film
screenings, and book displays within participating libraries. To learn about the
weeks events, visit: http://uoft.me/scienceliteracy
Essential research skills workshops at the library - Need help with starting your
research, or citing and organizing your sources? Sign up for library workshops
that will help you with these essential research skills. Some courses are also
eligible for co-curricular record (CCR) opportunities. More info at:
http://libcal.library.utoronto.ca/libraryworkshops
Faculty Enrolment Survey
The Faculty of Arts and Science is currently engaged in a project to improve the
course enrolment process across the faculty. The Faculty will be sending out a
survey during the week of September 22nd. Make sure you fill out this survey
out to help improve course enrollment for all Arts and Science students.
ASSU Screening of The Internets Own Boy with Director Q&A
ASSU is proud to host an exclusive screening of The Internet's Own Boy, as part
of disOrientation Week 2014. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the
director, Brian Knappenberger. Join us on Friday, Oct 3rd at 7pm in SS2117.
Seating is limited, so please reserve seats - the link to obtain tickets is posted on
the event page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/767788589952653/?ref=ts&fref=ts

Molecular Genetics & Microbiology Student Union General Meeting & Elections

Have an idea for a great event? Want to get more involved with the Molecular
Genetics & Microbiology Student Union? Come to our General Meeting and
Elections on September 17th at 4 pm in MSB4171! Were looking for 2 Second
Year Representatives and 1 Social Coordinator! If youre interested in these
positions but cant make it, email a concise, interesting speech of up to 500
words to mgysu.uoft@gmail.com
International Relations Society Upcoming Events

What can you do with a degree in international relations? Panel discussion

and social
Friday, September 19 | 4:30-6PM | Junior Common Room, Trinity College
For our first event, find out where YOUR studies in international relations will
take you! We are proud to have Mairi MacDonald (Director of the International
Relations Program), Kathleen DeBoer (Deputy Head, OECD Washington Centre)
and Alexandra Sewell (Former IRSociety President and current advisor at the
Office of the Minister of International Trade). You will have an opportunity to
learn about different career paths in the field, how to get where you want to in
your career, and to ask questions.
Social: After the panel, come join the IRS Executive, our panelists, and other
international relations students for our first social of the year at Gabby's on
Bloor! Drinks and food provided. Come meet others in the program!
https://www.facebook.com/events/786617114710860/?fref=ts
First Year Elections
Friday, September 26 | 3PM-4PM | Rigby Room, St. Hilda's College
The IRSociety has election-based positions for two first year representatives to
join the executive for the upcoming school year! If you are interested in joining
the executive, you must email executive@irsociety.ca by September 24th a 150
to 200 word description of activities that make you qualified for the position,
why you have chosen the IRSociety as a club to be involved in, and what you
hope to bring to the position. On September 26, please show up with your
friends and applicants will be put to a vote by the general membership.
If you would still like to get involved with the IRSociety, but don't think that an
executive position is right for you, check out our FAQ section on our website
(http://www.irsociety.ca/faq/) for more details on how you can get involved.
Association of Political Science Students Upcoming Events
The Keith Davey Forum on Public Affairs: Class of 2018: The prospects for this
generation in an unequal world? Wednesday September 17 4:45pm-6:15pm at
Isabel Bader Theatre
https://www.facebook.com/events/341812369321608/?source=1

Municipal Elections Mayoral Debate with Candidates. Thursday September 18

12pm-2pm Location TBA
First Year Elections and Fall General Meeting Wednesday September 24 2pm5pm at the Political Science Lounge, Sidney Smith
Slavic Languages Student Union General Meeting & Elections
The Slavic Languages Student Union is a new course union initiative. It is
designed to enrich the experience of students studying a slavic language or
taking a literature course with the department. Elections and our first general
meeting will be hosted on September 23rd, between 6-8 at TC22. Anyone
enrolled in a class with the department of slavic languages and literature is
welcome to come out and learn more about co-curricular activities the
department has to offer. Those not taking a course with the department, but
are interested in doing so can also come out for further information.
History Students Association Conference
Are you interested in being a part of organizing the first HSA academic history
conference? This conference, A War Second to None: The Global Impact of
World War Two will commemorate the upcoming 70th anniversary of the end
of World War Two. To garner student participation, we will also be producing a
special World War Two edition of the Future of History that will be published
online in January. To apply to be a part of the Conference Team or the Journal
Editorial Board, email hsajournal@gmail.com with your CV and a 250-300 word
cover letter, with the heading titled with your name and the position(s) you
would like to apply for. We would also like to know how many hours you are
willing to commit.
Available positions are:
- Conference Planners
- Conference Team Members
- General Editors
- Managing Editor.
Deadline to apply is 15 September 2014.
For more information on how to get involved with conference and the History
Undergraduate Journal The Future of History, please visit uofthistory.com!
Economics Students Association Back to School Event
To all the first years, the Economics Students Association (ESA) would like to invite you
to our first event, Back to School! We have upper years students sharing insights on
how to ace your courses, access key resources, and make the most out of your U of T
experience. Well also be answering all the burning questions you have about university!
Heres the details for this event:
Date: Wednesday, September 17th
Time: 7-9 pm

Location: SS1073 (Sidney Smith Hall)

Its also a great opportunity to meet your fellow freshmen, and well be holding a draw
for two $25 gift cards for those who signed up at Clubs Day. Dont miss out!