OISE Interim Dean Community Update
Dear OISE Community,
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I hope that you have all enjoyed what has been a wonderful summer season. With the start of the fall term just around the corner, I wanted to share with you a few important updates and reminders as we begin our return to a full academic term and to the building. As always, you can find community updates on the Dean's Community Updates and Resources website.
OISE Fall-Winter 2022 -2023
OISE will follow the general guidance of the University of Toronto in continuing to carefully monitor the ongoing pandemic; we are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for our community. We have been actively planning for the 2022-2023 academic year at OISE and are pleased that, along with the rest of the University of Toronto, we are able to return to more in-person activities. Students should consult with their department for any updates and communication decisions pertaining to ongoing delivery of courses. For the latest student updates, please also visit the ROSE website.
OISE Student Orientation Week
OISE students will be engaged in a range of student orientation activities from September 6th to 9th. The main OISE Orientation will take place on September 7th and will include a welcome and welcome back to all our students with both new and returning students invited to participate. I encourage all faculty and staff to take part in supporting these orientation activities to ensure that our students feel a sense of belonging to a caring academic community.
Hybrid Service Enhancements
As we look forward to welcoming our community back to more in-person teaching, learning, research and outreach this Fall, we are pleased to offer OISE’s suite of services in a new, hybrid format. Over the past two years we have learned a great deal about leveraging technology to enhance the community experience, and we look forward to providing faculty, students, staff, and OISE’s partners with a high quality of service in a convenient, timely and efficient manner, whether accessing services in-person or remotely. &Բ;
Building Protocol
The University continues to encourage all members of the community to be fully vaccinated and to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they become eligible. In the event of a new wave of COVID-19 and further guidance regarding public health regulations, students, faculty, librarians and staff may be required at any time on short notice to be fully vaccinated in order to visit the campus in person. More information about vaccines can be found at ;
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While the University lifted its mask requirement as of July 1, 2022, the continued use of masks in the OISE building is strongly encouraged, and is particularly important during activities and in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. We also ask that you continue to monitor your health and, if you are feeling unwell, that you take time to focus on your wellness and do not visit campus. The Province’s COVID-19 self-screening tool is available online to aid in your health monitoring.
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In order to better accommodate the ramp up of more in-person activities on campus, the building’s entrance to the TTC’s St. George Subway Station will re-open on limited hours as of September 1, 2022. The corridor can be accessed between the hours of 8:00am-8:00pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00am-8:00pm Saturday and Sunday during the Fall term.
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You can also stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 information as it relates to building procedures and policies by regularly visiting the Chief Administrative Officer’s community information page at: and see the University’s updates at: .
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OISE Council
Over the years, OISE Council has seen an increase in community engagement in governance that has transformed the Institute’s highest governing body into a forum that allows for productive discussions while fulfilling its formal governance mandate. This year, we are delighted that OISE Council meetings will be held in-person, and we look forward to seeing many returning and new members at Council meetings. The Call for Nominations to fill the vacant positions on OISE Council and its Standing Committees for the 2022-2023 academic year will be sent after Labour day. Please watch your inbox for an e-mail message from “OISE Council”, and consider self-nominating. To learn more about the Council, its committees, the nominations and elections process, and the 2022-2023 meeting schedule, please visit the OISE governance website. &Բ;
OISE Library Hours
Lastly, I share with you a reminder of the following OISE Library Hours for the fall term:
• Monday - Thursday: 9:30am – 7:00pm
• Friday and Saturday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
• Sundays: closed
Be sure and visit OISE Library for the most up-to-date information.
Have a wonderful long labour day weekend and see you next week!
Sincerely,
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Normand Labrie, Ph.D., FRSC
Professor and Interim Dean
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University of Toronto