November 1, 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Andrey Sheptytsky (1865-1944). The famed Eastern Catholic churchman, who served as ethnarch of his people in present-day Western Ukraine for 44 years, survived three-years of Tsarist imprisonment as well as occupation under six different governments. The Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto is organizing an international conference to analyze Sheptytsky’s legacy. October 31 and November 1 are the dates of the academic gathering taking place in Muzzo Family Alumni Hall. The building is located at 121 St. Joseph Street, Toronto.

Sheptytsky’s leadership in various fields has been lauded for decades. In 2015, Pope Francis declared him “venerable,” a step towards canonization. Two years ago, Russia’s war against Ukraine inspired the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church to issue a Pastoral Letter calling on the faithful to develop a special devotion to Sheptytsky.

The number of scholarly publications either devoted exclusively to his work, or which refer to his exemplary leadership, has multiplied significantly. Timothy Snyder, the renowned historian at Yale University, has written admiringly of Sheptytsky, and will speak at the Conference dinner. Snyder’s address is entitled “Exemplary Behavior during War.”

More than 30 other scholars will appear at the Conference. They hale from universities such as Notre Dame and Georgetown. Especially noteworthy will be the presence of specialists from Ukraine. The opening of archives in Ukraine and other parts of the former USSR and East bloc, not to mention the Vatican, has enabled scholars to nuance, deepen and challenge previous thought on Sheptytsky.

The conference proceedings will be published and become a “companion volume” to Paul R. Magocsi’s seminal Morality and Reality: The Life and Times of Andrei Sheptyts’kyi, publicized on Amazon as an “acclaimed classic reference work.”

Admission to the academic portion of the Conference is free, but registration is required. To register, e-mail quinton.peraltagreenough@mail.utoronto.caFor more information contact the Chair of the Organizing Committee: peter.galadza@utoronto.ca

Academic Hours of Operation

The following hours will be assumed throughout the Academic Year;

Chartwells Staff and Faculty Discount Program

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our Staff and Faculty Discount Program in partnership with our new food service provider, Chartwells. This program has officially relaunched, offering the same great benefits you’ve come to enjoy.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • 25% off the door rate inside the Canada Room, Loretto Dining Hall, and Faculty Dining Room.
  • 50% off the door rate on the first of every month inside the Faculty Dining Room.

To ensure you receive all the benefits and updates, we kindly request all staff and faculty verify the accuracy of their information listed in the staff directory. Keeping your contact details current is essential for smooth communication and accessibility within our university community. If any updates or corrections are needed, please contact HR at hr.stmikes@utoronto.ca  at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing you take advantage of this continued program!

The shutdown is needed to service TO Hydro equipment in one of the buildings on campus. The Kelly Library, Alumni Hall and Regis College building will not be affected.  

During the shutdown, there will be no wi-fi, no VOIP phone service, no hard-wired internet connections and no elevator access. 

All staff and faculty should confirm working arrangements with their manager. If you are planning to be on campus during the outage, remember to charge your devices in advance and make plans to work in areas that are not affected by the outage.  

  • Alumni Hall and the Kelly Library will have power and wifi, but the Kelly Café  will be closed.
  • All food services will be moved to Loretto College, which will have power but will not have wifi. 
  • To ensure safety, Founders House, Odette Hall, Carr Hall, and Brennan Hall will be closed.  

Click here to view or download a map of the buildings on campus.

Signs will be posted on affected buildings in advance and updated on August 14 to include emergency contact information.

Students have been informed that the Registrar’s office will be working remotely so there will be no in-person meetings. Questions and requests should be sent to smc.registrar@utoronto.ca

Students in residence will be made aware of how to access buildings, and will also be informed that sinks and toilets across campus will not be affected, but hot water will be limited, and laundry services will not be available until the power is restored.   

At St. Basil’s Parish, regularly scheduled Masses and confession will still take place, however there will be no lighting or speakers, and the washrooms will be unavailable. The parish office will be closed.

Once the power is restored, IT/AV will check all systems to ensure things are working properly.  

Please note:  

  • If there is an emergency on October 26, call: 416-722-0432 or 416-677-8663 
  • Updates will be posted on the website: stmikes.utoronto.ca 
  • Follow @uStMikes on X for real-time updates and to report any issues 

Thanks in advance for your flexibility, and we regret any inconvenience.  

Sister MaryAnne Francalanza, FCJ, is finishing a one-year post graduate diploma at the EAITE Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. As a Faithful Companion of Jesus, she left her teaching position in 2022 to complete her tertianship, a year away from active ministry to deepen her understanding of the FCJ life and charism. In addition to her teaching, Sister MaryAnne describes herself as an “eco-warrior” in her school. Her order aims to gather 1000 pledges of action for Laudato Si’ week in May.


In preparation for Laudato Si Week  19th – 26th May 2024 

We aim to gather 1000+ pledges of actions (small or large) that people will take in caring for our common home.  

Each person will be able to make their pledge online or via a small card which we have produced for our parishes and schools. 

The initiative is designed around Laudate Deum paragraphs #70 and #71 which assure us of the significance of small actions in shaping cultural change.  

People are invited to do any small (or large!) additional thing…pray, plant a tree, use a bamboo toothbrush, lobby parliament, etc. …. 

These pledges will be gathered and shared in Laudato Si Week. 

You can make your pledge online as a community or individual using this link:  https://bit.ly/FCJ1000Pledges 

Laudate Deum 

70. Nonetheless, every little bit helps, and avoiding an increase of a tenth of a degree in the global temperature would already suffice to alleviate some suffering for many people. Yet what is important is something less quantitative: the need to realize that there are no lasting changes without cultural changes, without a maturing of lifestyles and convictions within societies, and there are no cultural changes without personal changes. 

71. Efforts by households to reduce pollution and waste, and to consume with prudence, are creating a new culture. The mere fact that personal, family and community habits are changing is contributing to greater concern about the unfulfilled responsibilities of the political sectors and indignation at the lack of interest shown by the powerful. Let us realize, then, that even though this does not immediately produce a notable effect from the quantitative standpoint, we are helping to bring about large processes of transformation rising from deep within society. 

The Dean’s Office will bid farewell to a integral member of their team on May 4th. Joseph Sebastian, who is completing his PhD at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, boasts an impressive array of accomplishments. As a Vanier Scholar, Connaught Fellow, Massey College Junior Fellow, and recipient of the UofT Student Leadership Award, his contributions have been invaluable. In May, he will embark on a new journey as a Quantitative Trader at RBC Capital Markets.

Throughout his tenure as a Sr. Residence Dons and Residence Life Intern, Joseph has played a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring students and dons. From spearheading the development and coordination of multiple workshops and programs to providing emergency support, Joseph has been a tremendous colleague and support to all those who have had the pleasure of working with him. After four years, we are sad to see Joseph leave and are so grateful for his commitment to the student experience at St. Mikes.

Best of luck on all your future endeavors Joseph!

Katie Forjoe,

Assistant Dean, Residence Life

Wellness Lunch & Learn Recap and Staff Survey

How do we learn about ‘wellbeing’?

On February 21, SMC faculty and staff across departments attended a lunch and learn featuring research on student perceptions of wellbeing conducted by Dr. Lauren Brown (Program Coordinator at the Multi-Faith Centre). Dr. Brown’s research seeks to improve student wellbeing, as well as reduce the frequency and duration of mental health concerns through educational means. Significantly, her research uncovered that students explore and acquire skills in mental health literacy through experiential learning and contemplative pedagogy, engaging self-knowledge in personally relevant and solution-focused ways.

Through a guided mental health check-in, free write exercise, and slow reading, staff explored how to create a campus community that promotes a relational and integrated approach to student wellbeing. An audio summary of Dr. Brown’s research and themes explored during the Lunch & Learn can be found here. If any follow-up questions emerge, she welcomes further conversation! Please email: laurena.brown@utoronto.ca

For all Wellness Lunch & Learn participants, or staff and faculty that would like to share feedback on future opportunities for wellness professional development, please complete this anonymous survey.  

From the Office of President David Sylvester
James Roussain has served in the capacity of the University of St. Michael’s College’s Interim William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian of the John M. Kelly Library since June 1, 2022, and his term in this role formally ends on May 31, 2024.

In order to inform a decision on the appointment of the next Chief Librarian, President Sylvester is organizing an external review of James Roussain’s leadership. The process will be run by an external Leadership Review Committee composed of Nicholas Terpstra (Professor, Department of History), Loryl MacDonald (Associate Chief Librarian for Special Collections and Director of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library), and chaired by Kate MacDonald (Chief Librarian of Trinity University). The Committee will establish standards in consultation with the President, run the review, and make a recommendation to the President in a drafted report.

Process:
Beginning in February, the Committee will solicit input from key stakeholders from the USMC and University of Toronto Libraries communities to assess James Roussain’s leadership performance as Interim Chief Librarian. In addition to all John M. Kelly Library technicians, librarians, and archivists, representatives from each of the following constituencies will be invited to meet with the Committee or submit written feedback: College Faculty, RSM Faculty, PIMS, USMC Senior Administration, and alumni.

The Committee will also invite written assessments of James Roussain’s leadership performance as Interim Chief Librarian from the wider community to collect feedback from those who were not directly contacted by the Committee. These written assessments will be considered by the Committee when preparing a final report.

After consultations are complete, the Committee will submit their recommendation to President Sylvester in a written report. The President will use this information to determine whether to appoint James Roussain the next Chief Librarian, or to call together a Search Committee.

Review of the Kelly Library:
The comprehensive review of the John M. Kelly Library, originally slated to occur before the hiring of the next Chief Librarian, has been delayed until a number of important ongoing projects have progressed or been concluded, including Federation negotiations with U of T and the Regis Library move. The Library review will take place in the light of any consequential changes to the Federation agreement(s), and its findings will inform both the Kelly Library’s strategic plan and the priorities of the Chief Librarian.

Smartphone applications can pose significant security and privacy risks because of how they collect and share data. If these apps are installed and running on devices used to access U of T data, these risks can extend to the University. 

Risk considerations 

By installing software such social media apps on your mobile devices, you give these companies permission to access your phone’s data including photos, videos, contact lists and location information. Sometimes you can explicitly deny these permissions, but in order to use these apps to their fullest, you may not be given that option. 

Here are some risks that could impact you: 

  • Identity theft. Many people consider their personal social media presence to be private. However, attackers can use personal information shared on these apps to impersonate you and access confidential data, such as bank account information. This is a powerful tool for those looking to commit financial fraud. 
  • Privacy concerns. Depending on your privacy settings, personal information and communications posted on social media can be accessed by unintended readers or recipients. 
  • Data leakage. The apps you install may contain spyware, resulting in leakage of your important information, including credit card numbers, personal photos or stored passwords. 
  • Information sharing. Apps may collect your personal information in the background, such as where you shop, what you search or your travel patterns, and share it with marketing firms or other agencies without your knowledge. 

How apps on work devices impact the University 

Since most of these apps, especially those on personal devices, are not vetted by the University’s information security teams, they may contain vulnerabilities that could be exploited and result in security incidents. 

  • Due to the data collection and sharing policies of these apps, the University’s confidential information is at risk of exposure to unauthorized users, which may result in reputational and privacy impacts to you, your colleagues, your students and the broader University. 
  • These applications may be an entry point for social-engineering attacks such as phishing and ransomware, which may put the University, its community members and their data at risk. 

What you can do 

There are many valid reasons to use this software, but you can lower the risk by becoming aware of the potential vulnerabilities to you and the University. 

Four quick tips to consider for each of your apps: 

  1. Do a quick search: Before downloading a new app, check if there are any known privacy and security concerns associated with it. 
  1. Pause before granting permission: Be cautious about what permissions you are giving to the app and determine what data should not be disclosed when you sign up. 
  1. Review the terms & conditions: Read the applications’ privacy policies and terms and conditions to be aware of their data-collection and sharing policies. 
  1. Consider the source: Download apps from trusted sources like Apple App Store or Google Play to limit the risk of spyware and other vulnerabilities which may lead to cybersecurity attacks. 

If you are concerned about the security and privacy of any application(s), then: 

  1. Do not access any high-risk personal information (such as banking details, credit cards, etc.) from the same device as the app(s). 
  1. Do not access high-risk University data (level 3 or 4) from the same device as the app(s). 

If you use these applications for official U of T functions: 

  1. If you can, use the application on a dedicated device. 
  1. Do not access high risk (level 3 or 4) data from the same device as the app(s). 
  1. Use strong passwords and set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your U of T accounts. 

February 2024 — IT/AV is currently in the process of upgrading managed Windows 10 devices to Windows 11. The update is scheduled to commence on Feb. 12 starting at 5:00 PM. During this initial phase, a portion of users will receive the update, with the remaining users scheduled for the update on Feb.26.  This update is essential to introduce new features such as Microsoft Copilot and Snap Layouts. Additionally, it ensures continued access to monthly security updates and fixes. For more information on the Windows 11 please follow this link.

If you encounter any issues related to these updates, please notify IT/AV by submitting a ticket here:  Submit a Ticket

When will this happen? — The update will be made available Monday, Feb 5th, 2024 beginning at 5:00 pm. The update will automatically download to the device, provided your computer is connected to the internet. There will be no interruption to your device during the update. The installation of the update will take place outside the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to minimize any potential disruption to your workday.

Once installation is completed, you will need to restart your computer.

The Power icon, under the Start button, will provide options to apply the update. 

You have 7 days to complete this update before it is forced.

How long will it take to apply the update after restarting?

It should take between 15 to 30 minutes for the update to apply after restarting. If it takes longer, or does not apply correctly, please open a ticket.

How do I verify if the update has applied?

Once the update is complete the new login screen should be available. Upon logging in, the update can be verified by right clicking on the start button (or ⊞ Win+X), accessing System and checking the Windows Specifications section.

If you have any questions regarding this update, please reach out to us.

———————-

Karthika Paramanathan

Manager, Information Technology

karthika.paramanathan@utoronto.ca

Based on the initiative and creativity of the Student Wellness Advisory Group, all SMC students were invited to participate in a 5-day meditation challenge during this winter term Wellness Week (January 22-26, 2024). Social media posts sprinkled throughout the week encouraged students to develop the building blocks of meditation and incorporate mindfulness practice into their daily routines. Among its scientifically proven benefits, meditation fosters enhanced concentration, increases positive thinking, and reduces stress and anxiety. After being introduced to body positioning and breath awareness, the “day three” post presented a specific meditative tool called “imagery meditation.” Meditating on an image in our mind that we find peaceful or associate with calming, soothing memories can be a helpful way of quieting the mind and racing thoughts, and tapping into a sense of relaxation and restfulness. 

Try following these prompts: 

  • Find a quiet spot and a comfortable position. 
  • Place one hand somewhere you can physically feel the movement of your breath (e.g. the abdomen, the sides of your torso, or the chest). 
  • Inhale a deep, nourishing breath through your nose and try holding for 4 seconds (count by tapping your fingers on your knee); if 4 seconds feels too long, try 2 seconds at a time. 
  • Bring to mind a place that you find peaceful or calming. 
  • Set a timer for 5 minutes. 

Try to use your five senses to imagine yourself in this peaceful, calming place. If you do not have access to one or more of these senses, bring awareness to a sensation that feels restful for you.  

  • What do you see around you?
  • What sounds can you hear (waves, the patter of rain, wind)? 
  • What do you taste? 
  • What do you feel (temperature, sand, clothing)? 
  • What do you smell? 

*At the end of your 5 minute meditation, ask yourself: what was the effect of being transported to this peaceful place? Am I feeling a sense of calm that I can revisit when feeling stressed or anxious?

Provided by Community Wellness Manager Emily VanBerkum-Farahat

In a significant step forward in fostering inclusivity and supporting the well-being of everyone on our campus, USMC is proud to partner with Citron Hygiene to offer free period products on our campus. Effective November 2023, eight Aunt Flow dispensers have currently been installed in the following locations:

  1. Brennan Hall
    1. Ground Floor: Women’s washroom
    2. Ground Floor: All-gender washroom at south entrance
    3. Ground Floor: All-gender washroom at Scollard park entrance
  2. Kelly Library
    1. Ground Floor: Women’s washroom
    2. Ground Floor: All-gender washroom in Kelly Café
    3. Ground Floor: All-gender washroom in open-seating area
    4. Second Floor: Women’s washroom
    5. Third Floor: Women’s washroom

The period products are 100% organic cotton, hypoallergenic, and produce 25% less waste than regular brands. In addition, the products are packaged sustainably and are plastic free. Each dispenser is multilingual and includes braille and iconography to indicate that the products are free.

Access to these essential items is a basic right, and USMC believes it is our responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.

USMC is committed to:

  1. Access to dignity: This initiative ensures that every individual on our campus can focus on their education without the burden of worrying about the availability of these essential items.
  2. Equality in education: It fosters an atmosphere where conversations surrounding reproductive health and gender equality can thrive.

Thanks to the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) for championing this cause and piloting this important initiative.

The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to welcome Dr. Brendan Browne and Dr. Mike DeGagné to the Collegium, the University’s governing board.

Dr. Browne currently serves as Director and CEO of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), while Dr. DeGagné is the President and CEO of Indspire, the national organization which supports Indigenous post- secondary students and recognizes Indigenous excellence through the annual INDSPIRE awards.

“Dr. Browne and Dr. DeGagné bring exceptional governance and educational experience to Collegium and will help St. Mike’s advance two strategic priorities: how the University can engage fruitfully in the journey of Reconciliation and how best to leverage our position as a leader in Catholic education to serve teachers, school administrators and the community,” President David Sylvester said.

Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire
Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire

An Ojibway from the Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation, Dr. DeGagné served for seven years as President & Vice Chancellor of Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario and in 2020 he became the first President & Vice Chancellor of Yukon University in Whitehorse. His more than 25 years’ experience in public service includes serving as an executive with Health Canada as well as with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

In 1998, Dr. DeGagné became the founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, working on a national level to encourage and support community-developed and delivered culturally based initiatives addressing the intergenerational effects of abuses suffered in the Indian Residential School System. The recipient of numerous awards and honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2014 and Member of the Order of Ontario in 2010. He was made a Visiting Fellow at St. Michael’s College in 2021 and is a member of the advisory council for St. Michael’s Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability program.

Brendan Browne, Director and CEO of the Toronto District Catholic school Board (TCDSB)
Brendan Browne, Director and CEO of the Toronto District Catholic school Board (TCDSB)

The 14th Director of Education for the TCDSB, Dr. Browne has served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent and executive superintendent. He has written extensively on matters relating to education, including creating Catholic leadership course modules, and is the author of Leading for Educational Lives: Inviting and Sustaining Imaginative Acts of Hope in a Connected World.

He has served on numerous provincial and international committees and boards focused on educational leadership, including his current position on the provincial committee for school mental health, and internationally on the Board of Directors for a Christian mission hospital in Kenya.

In 2022, Dr. Browne received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Brock University, where he earned his doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies.

“It is an honour to welcome Drs. DeGagné and Browne to Collegium. Their respective skill sets will further enrich a very talented and dedicated board,” said Collegium Chair Rosanne Rocchi.

Dr. Browne and Dr. DeGagné take up their new role as of the October 11th Collegium meeting.

Collegium is the principal of two bodies that govern the affairs of the University of St. Michael’s College. Its members work to safeguard the property and funds of the University and ensure that it has the resources to carry out its mission while operating in accordance with the best academic practices and the governing law.

Senate is the other governing body. Its responsibilities concern academic matters and it has the exclusive power to grant degrees and award diplomas and certificates within the University. Senate also advises the Collegium on all academic and educational matters.

The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to welcome Dr. Brendan Browne and Dr. Mike DeGagné to the Collegium, the University’s governing board.

Dr. Browne currently serves as Director and CEO of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), while Dr. DeGagné is the President and CEO of Indspire, the national organization which supports Indigenous post- secondary students and recognizes Indigenous excellence through the annual INDSPIRE awards.

“Dr. Browne and Dr. DeGagné bring exceptional governance and educational experience to Collegium and will help St. Mike’s advance two strategic priorities: how the University can engage fruitfully in the journey of Reconciliation and how best to leverage our position as a leader in Catholic education to serve teachers, school administrators and the community,” President David Sylvester said.

Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire
Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire

An Ojibway from the Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation, Dr. DeGagné served for seven years as President & Vice Chancellor of Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario and in 2020 he became the first President & Vice Chancellor of Yukon University in Whitehorse. His more than 25 years’ experience in public service includes serving as an executive with Health Canada as well as with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

In 1998, Dr. DeGagné became the founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, working on a national level to encourage and support community-developed and delivered culturally based initiatives addressing the intergenerational effects of abuses suffered in the Indian Residential School System. The recipient of numerous awards and honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2014 and Member of the Order of Ontario in 2010. He was made a Visiting Fellow at St. Michael’s College in 2021 and is a member of the advisory council for St. Michael’s Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability program.

Brendan Browne, Director and CEO of the Toronto District Catholic school Board (TCDSB)
Brendan Browne, Director and CEO of the Toronto District Catholic school Board (TCDSB)

The 14th Director of Education for the TCDSB, Dr. Browne has served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent and executive superintendent. He has written extensively on matters relating to education, including creating Catholic leadership course modules, and is the author of Leading for Educational Lives: Inviting and Sustaining Imaginative Acts of Hope in a Connected World.

He has served on numerous provincial and international committees and boards focused on educational leadership, including his current position on the provincial committee for school mental health, and internationally on the Board of Directors for a Christian mission hospital in Kenya.

In 2022, Dr. Browne received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Brock University, where he earned his doctorate in Leadership and Policy Studies.

“It is an honour to welcome Drs. DeGagné and Browne to Collegium. Their respective skill sets will further enrich a very talented and dedicated board,” said Collegium Chair Rosanne Rocchi.

Dr. Browne and Dr. DeGagné take up their new role as of the October 11th Collegium meeting.

Collegium is the principal of two bodies that govern the affairs of the University of St. Michael’s College. Its members work to safeguard the property and funds of the University and ensure that it has the resources to carry out its mission while operating in accordance with the best academic practices and the governing law.

Senate is the other governing body. Its responsibilities concern academic matters and it has the exclusive power to grant degrees and award diplomas and certificates within the University. Senate also advises the Collegium on all academic and educational matters.

In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 no longer qualified as a global health emergency. Given this development, the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) will be gradually removing COVID-related signage around the campus. Please rest assured that we will continue to monitor and follow public health guidance, and that your health and safety remains our top priority.

As we head into the upcoming fall 2024 term, we would like to provide an update on our COVID-19-related campus improvements:

1. USMC has installed return air monitors in the following buildings/rooms, which will trigger a response from the building automation system and/or air purification units to address air quality issues:

• Brennan Hall

• Kelly Library

• Alumni Hall 100 and 400

• All classrooms throughout campus

2. All campus buildings are currently utilizing enhanced MERV 13 filters or better in all centralized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. We’ve implemented a regular filter replacement schedule and ensured regular maintenance of all HVAC systems.

3. All student rooms will be sanitized prior to occupancy in September.

4. Free-standing hand sanitizer stations have been installed in high-traffic areas around campus.

5. High-touch areas in common spaces are frequently cleaned and disinfected.


Faculty and staff are encouraged to:

· Stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

· Stay home if you are feeling unwell/sick or have symptoms of a respiratory illness.

· Respect personal choices around masking.

Microsoft Teams Phone will be rolled out to University of Toronto staff and faculty who have individual VoIP phone lines. MS Teams Phone will replace the Communicator 7 soft client application, which is no longer supported by our current telephony provider.  University of Toronto VoIP app Communicator 7 will reach end-of-life on April 30, 2023.

University of Toronto’s telecom team is leading the migration and will be communicating specific number porting dates for each division/department. Once a user’s phone line has been ported to MS Teams, they can start using the calling feature immediately. 

Please take a few minutes to review the Teams Phone resources page for more information about the features and scope, as well as user guides and frequently asked questions, and feel free to share it with your colleagues. 

Leveraging the MS Teams client, which is already installed on most staff and faculty workstations, and eliminating the need to switch between MS Teams and Communicator 7 will greatly simplify the user experience and reduce support calls.

Over recent years, many people have been successfully working remotely using a VoIP soft client without the need of a desk phone, and this is the recommended approach moving forward for current desk phone users. 

If you have any questions, please contact voipsupport@utoronto.ca.  

We are writing to inform you of a critical vulnerability in the Microsoft Outlook that is currently being exploited. This issue affects Windows users only and does not impact users on macOS.  In light of this situation, it is crucial that Windows users update their Microsoft Outlook application as soon as possible.

We strongly encourage you to perform the update yourself by following the detailed instructions provided below.

Instructions for updating Microsoft Office apps (Windows users):

  1. Save and close any open files or work in progress, as the update process will automatically close Office applications.
  2. Open any Office application, such as Word or Excel.
  3. Click on “File” in the upper left corner of the window.
  1. In the File menu, click on “Account” or “Office Account” if you’re using Outlook.
  1. Under “Product Information,” click on “Update Options.”
  1. From the dropdown menu, select “Update Now.”
  1. The update process will start, and you’ll see a progress bar indicating its status. Once the update is complete, you may need to restart your Office application.

Note: If you don’t see an update button in your office apps, your computer will be updated automatically.

If you encounter any issues during the update process or have any questions regarding the vulnerability, please do not hesitate to contact usmcitav@utoronto.ca.  We are here to assist you and ensure the security of our systems.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

USMC IT/AV

As an advocate for student success, Irene Krispis appreciates the important role that the Office of the Registrar and Student Services represents in helping students navigate the university’s vast support network.

Irene transitioned from a 19-year career in travel medical insurance to Student Services and completed her Student Advising and Support Certificate at George Brown College in 2016. She worked at George Brown beginning in 2015 as an International Student Services Officer and was then promoted to Admissions Officer before moving to the Academic Services & Learning Resources unit in 2018, where she was able to apply her advising skills to a broader range of students including both domestic and international in addition to those pursuing Continuing Education programs.

While post-secondary institutions all share the same commitment to promoting student success, Irene has always reserved a special place for the University of Toronto where she completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature, Master of Arts in French Literature along with a certificate in E-Learning from the School of Continuing Studies.

Having had opportunities to work at the U of T as a residence steward, research assistant and course instructor, Irene is honoured to have joined the Office of the Registrar and Student Services at the University of St. Michael’s College in September 2022.