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Professor Susan McCahan

Message from the Vice-Provost

Congratulations to you all on the end of term, and another academic year. It was a busy year and I hope you all have some time planned this spring or summer to rest and recharge. I would like to congratulate all of the teaching award recipients for this year, and hope to see you all at the Teaching & Learning Symposium next month.

Awards

Congratulations to the 2023-24 Early Career Teaching Award and Global Educator Award Recipients!

The Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award recognizes faculty members who are effective teachers and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student learning, pedagogical engagement and teaching innovation. Congratulations to Professors Spyridon Kotsovilis, Alison Olechowski, Jasty Singh, Roberta K. Timothy and S. Trimble on being this year's recipients.

The Global Educator Award recognizes faculty members who embody the University's global mission and profile. Congratulations to Professor Phani Radhakrishnan for being this year's recipient.

Digital Learning

Updated Generative AI in the Classroom FAQ and Sample Syllabus Language

The OVPIUE has updated its Generative AI in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions page given the evolution of generative AI technology in recent months and the availability of Microsoft Copilot as a protected generative AI tool at U of T. The sample syllabus statements have also been updated; these statements are available for instructors to include in course syllabi and course assignments to help shape the message to students about what AI technology is, or is not, allowed in courses.

IT@UofT Strategic Plan Renewal: Seeking Input

Information Technology Services invites the U of T community to take part in the renewal of the IT@UofT strategic plan. Your input will inform the development of a refreshed framework to guide future efforts to support the University’s academic mission through IT services. Attend one of the upcoming town hall events to learn about the draft plan and share what matters most to you.

Register for an IT@UofT Strategic Plan Townhall

Teaching & Learning

Register for U of T's Teaching & Learning Symposium (TLS)

Wednesday, May 22 (online) and Thursday, May 23 (in-person)

Registration is open for U of T instructors, librarians, and staff. Join the discussion about the who, what, when, where, and how of defining the classroom through interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, Spark an Idea talks, and Inquiry into Teaching and Learning presentations. Review the Symposium agenda.

New Teaching Award and Grant Initiative @ TLS

Have you ever had questions about the PTA? LEAF? Northrop Frye Award? GEIF? As we gather in-person on Thursday, May 23 for the TLS, you’ll notice your faculty and staff colleagues donning ribbons corresponding to the institutional teaching awards and grants they have received. By doing so, we hope to create an opportunity for you to further connect with your colleagues and learn more about teaching awards and grants, the initiatives they have produced and the processes involved.

Register for the Teaching & Learning Symposium

Generative AI Assessment Design Clinic

Wednesday, June 19, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Application period closes Tuesday, May 21

Part 1: Generative AI and Principles of Assessment (hybrid: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Part 2: Assessment Design Clinic (in-person: 12:30-2:00 p.m.)

Are you looking to learn more about generative artificial intelligence in the context of teaching and learning? Are you considering revising one or more of your assignments in response to generative AI? Join fellow U of T instructors and facilitators in the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI) to explore the possibilities and constraints of generative AI for course and assignment design. Participants will discuss the current U of T generative AI landscape and experiment with the institutionally approved tool, Microsoft Copilot. We will also review principles and best practices for assessment. Participants interested in revising an assignment may stay for the “clinic” part of the session, where you will receive hands-on support and feedback on your course assessment. CTSI staff will be available to answer questions related to policy, privacy, and assessment design.

Apply for Generative AI Assessment Design Clinic by Tuesday, May 21

Student Advisory Committee to the OVPIUE

The OVPIUE is pleased to share they engaged a Student Advisory Committee during the 2023-24 academic year. Focusing on the topic of student success, the strongest theme that emerged was students’ desire for more opportunities to connect through community-building and social interactions. With the learnings from this year, we will be developing a 'playbook' of student success ideas to share on the OVPIUE website.

We would like to thank all Student Advisory Committee participants for the valuable insights provided throughout the year.