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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

FSSH Uni Life Hacks


Take part in our diverse programming to get engaged, stay informed, learn how to navigate university life, and more. This is a great chance to connect with friends, peers, faculty and staff to share, discuss and learn.

Winter 2023 Schedule

The Winter 2023 program will take place at the following dates/times via Google Meet. Please also note our two special in-person sessions!

Please join by navigating to the following link:

https://meet.google.com/uqj-vfby-foe

Mondays

2:10-3 p.m.

Program Description

January 23

Ignite your motivation & work smarter

You will learn strategies that increase motivation and focus, and how to create new habits. These strategies will not only help you find success in university, but in all areas of your life, including tips on time and course load management.

Offered by the Student Learning Centre.

February 27

Writing essays - writing, editing and proofreading

In this workshop, we will talk about the sections in an essay, tips for revising your essay, and writing resources.

Offered by the Student Learning Centre

March 27

Managing Stress and Enhancing Wellbeing

Mental Health services; Is it time to break up with stress? Please join us to learn about various strategies to reduce stress and maintain wellness. You will also hear about university services available to students to help manage stress. This workshop is facilitated by mental health services staff and mental health peer mentors.

Offered by Student Mental Health Services

Winter 2023 in-person sessions

Join us at the first floor atrium of Charles Hall (by the main entrance) for one, or both, of these special in-person sessions!

Date/Time Program Description Registration

Monday, March 20


12 to 12:30 pm

Sweat and Recovery*

(Registration required)

Low impact active movements to build up a sweat, followed by some recovery stretching & guided breath work.

Offered by Athletics and Recreation

Register here

Monday, March 20


12:30 to 1 p.m.

Wellness Walk*

Get moving, get grounded and get lifted. 

Wellness Walks is a free and fun opportunity that promotes physical and mental health by getting mindful walking breaks during the busy school and workday. Come out for a walk to restore your concentration, uplift your mood, decrease your stress and be a part of your campus community. All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate.

Offered by Athletic and Recreation

None required
*Waiver form will be available via QR code at the session and must be completed prior to participation.

 

Fall 2022 Schedule

Date Program Description
Tuesday, September 13 Finance hacks

Planning—especially when it comes to your finances—is very important. Join our Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) team for a presentation with a question-and-answer period about government student assistance programs (e.g. OSAP) and other financial aid options, available during your time at Ontario Tech.

Offered by Financial Aid

Tuesday, September 20 Forging friendships and interests: Get involved

The Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) is here to help enhance your student experience! From Health and Dental to Esports to Wellness and orientation events, we at the OTSU want to support you and help make the most of your years here at Ontario Tech! Come learn about the services and supports we have at the OTSU and how to get involved with us! Whether it's through the various clubs and societies or our advocacy committees, we have so many different opportunities to choose from!

Offered by the Ontario Tech University Student Union

Tuesday, September 27 Work smarter, not harder

Do you ever feel like your study habits simply aren’t cutting it? Do you wonder what you could be doing to perform better in class and on exams? In this workshop, students will learn about how much to study, when to study, and how best to study in university. Students will also gain valuable knowledge about the best study strategies founded in scientific research.

Offered by the Student Learning Centre, Student Life

Tuesday, October 4 Nutrition hacks

Have you ever gone grocery shopping and come home just to realize you have not actually bought any real food to eat? Have you ever thought that you simply do not have enough time to make good, delicious food? Have you looked at your monthly statement and realized you have spent the vast majority of your money on food that you didn’t actually like? Well, this session is for you! In this session we will discuss some tips and tricks for reducing your grocery bill, buying healthy items, and getting the most out of your time when preparing food. We will discuss the fundamentals of making various types of stews, how to make rice that is both delicious and varied, and few quick meals for those in a hurry. I will be discussing some foundational techniques that you can use to make your own meals rather than a recipe or two that you will forget down the line. I am hoping to show you that you can make a meal for under $5.00 that is nutritious, healthy, and filling not to mention worthy of being on any fine dining menu. All you need to bring with you is a pen and paper and a sense of adventure.

Offered by Dr. Amir Mostaghim

Tuesday, October 11 to 16 Study break No programming. Academic Advising is available for drop-in hours.

 

Tuesday, October 18

Women's History Month: Women and work

This talk explores stories of women's labour in Oshawa, Ontario and Canada in the early twentieth century. We will consider the things that have shaped women's experience with work, and what--if anything--has changed from the past to the present. 

Offered by Professor Amanda Robinson

NOTE: This session will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25 Managing health and wellness

Join us to learn a wide variety of strategies to recognize and manage stress, and to improve your sense of well-being.  Hear about university services available to students to help manage stress. 

Offered by Student Mental Health Services

Tuesday, November 1 Exam preparation strategies

Exams are coming up soon and, for many students, this can be a time that is filled with stress and anxiety. However, with the knowledge of a few evidence-based study strategies and stress management techniques, students can minimize stress, study effectively, and feel more confident in their abilities. In this workshop, students will learn organizational strategies and tips for managing their exams.

Offered by the Student Learning Centre, Student Life

 

Tuesday, November 8 Active living

We all know that regular physical activity is associated with a plethora of mental and physical health benefits. Yet, most Canadians aren’t meeting the minimum recommendations for weekly movement. In this session, learn about the evidence behind the benefits of physical activity, and the simple ways in which you can integrate it into your life for lifelong changes that lead to long-term benefits. This session is focused on appreciating individual differences, and creating a plan that works for you.

Offered by Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Faculty of Health Sciences

Tuesday, November 15 The place of Mindfulness in Career Development

This presentation focuses on the importance of using different techniques of mindfulness to unlock your true potential and enhance imagination. The purpose of the presentation is for students to use this to improve focus in their career, recognize the importance of mindfulness when job searching, and heighten self-awareness.

Offered by Career Services

Tuesday, November 22 The pursuit of happiness

Why do we have emotions? How do our emotions impact our motivations and behaviours? How can they affect our thinking? How can we use this information to manage our emotions – and even be happier?

Offered by Dr. Tanya Karam-Zanders

Tuesday, November 29 Wrapping up your semester and Protecting your GPA

Meet with the Academic Advising team in a virtual group setting to get all your questions answered as you complete your semester. We will focus on protecting your GPA, when to drop a course, academic standing and much more!

Offered by Academic Advising