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Message from the Chair

Dear CTL Community,

As we wrap up the fall term, this newsletter offers a glimpse into the incredible work happening across CTL. From submitting grants, publishing books and articles, and orienting new cohorts, to launching new program pathways, developing innovative courses, defending dissertations, and crossing the stage at convocation—it's been a busy and productive season! I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for everything you do to support our students, sustain our programs, and advance groundbreaking research.

Much of what makes CTL a vibrant, thriving community happens quietly, behind the scenes—whether it's staff working to support students in need, faculty going the extra mile to engage students, or students collaborating to support each other’s academic growth. As the year comes to a close, I encourage us all to reach out to those who do this quiet, essential work: thank them, offer a helping hand, and recognize the many ways our community sustains itself. While I can think of a hundred examples, here are just a few:

Thanks to Amelia Ainsworth, whose tireless efforts in supporting and helping develop faculty grant applications ensure that administrative barriers are minimized, allowing faculty to pursue their research goals.

Thanks to Jeff Bale, who stepped in as the LLE program coordinator to allow Shakina Rajendram to enjoy her parental leave and welcome baby Alissa!

Thanks Kathy Broad and Gurpreet Sahmbi, who have spent the fall rethinking MT admissions practices to ensure they better align with our commitment to equity and access in the profession. And thank you to all the admissions file readers in our programs for their thoughtful work in adjudicating and admitting our next cohorts of Masters and PhD students.

I’m deeply grateful to work alongside such an incredible team of staff, faculty, and leaders. As always, my door is open if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about the future direction of CTL. The OISE academic plan, set to be released this winter, will provide an opportunity for us to revisit our priorities and aspirations as a department, and I look forward to those conversations.

As we head into the new year, I hope you all take time to rest and recharge. For those celebrating during the December holidays, I wish you peace, joy, and meaningful moments with those you hold dear.

Happy New Year!

The CTL Student Experience & Equity Team continues to work behind the scenes to keep the CTL community informed on events and resources and provide supports around mental health, well-being, accessibility and community resources. Contact the team at oise.ctl.equity@utoronto.ca  

We’re excited to welcome Yasmin to the CTL Student Experience & Equity Team. Yasmin began in November and will be supporting several upcoming department initiatives. Yasmin is eager to enhance the student experience by facilitating mental health workshops and hosting drop-in sessions. You can find her in 10-274 on Wednesdays & Thursdays for in-person support or to say hi!

Thursday December 5, 2024 | 4:00pm-5:30pm | 11-115
Monday December 9 & 18, 2024 | 3:00pm-5:00pm | 11-115

By popular request, we have booked some quiet study space for the first 3 weeks of December. Máiri will be there working too if it helps to have someone there  (i.e., body-doubling). Light snacks will be there for you too.

To ease accessing support in the difficult moments, we have made a new page in the called You can access it from the first landing page on the bottom right box. On the page you will find various supports including our team, Jeananne Robertson (the OISE Student Success Counsellor), helplines (if you need to talk to someone right away and if you want ongoing support in multiple languages over the phone or text), same-day counselling and more.  

For more information from the CTL Student Experience & Equity Team, view the or visit the page on the for Events, Community Resource Pages and more.