December 15, 2023
Wise Words and Big Ideas
Is There a Gen Z Happiness Crisis? Dr Laurie Meets the US Surgeon General - The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Have we created a culture where young people prioritize good grades, social media likes and constant hustling over the important wellbeing pillars of sleep, friendships and free time? Dr Laurie Santos joins the US Surgeon General on his podcast House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy to ask how we got here and what Gen Z can do to get out of this happiness crisis.
Quiet Late Start for Teaching Staff Dec 19
Teaching staff will have a quiet late start the day after the Holiday Concert on December 19. Operations Staff should check in with their Department Head.
Special Schedule - December 22
This is a reminder that Friday, December 22 is a half day with a special schedule.
The day will start with Holiday Breakfast, followed by the Holiday Assembly.
Students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and Departments that do not have pressing deadlines to meet are encouraged to close down at 2 p.m.
Student Work During the Break
Teachers please ensure that you are not assigning students any work for your courses during the Dec 23-Jan 7 period.
Students may be expected to do a little work (of no more than 45 mins/course) during the January 8- 9 PD days which are not considered holidays for students.
No summative work should be due January 10, but a reasonable amount of work could be due January 11-12.
U of T Holiday Closure
Please note the University will be closed for the holiday break effective December 21.
The Spadina, Bloor and parking lot doors will be locked and you will need your fob to enter on December 21 and 22.
Please be sure your fob works on those doors if you will be using them for access.
Caretaking Over the Break
Please move any boxes you have stored under your desk to the top of your desk prior to leaving for the holiday break.
This will allow the caretaking staff to do a more thorough cleaning of the floors while you are away.
Come See Jeff McLeod Perform at the Jazz Bistro
Jeff and his band will be playing a pair of very special shows at the Jazz Bistro on Friday and Saturday night with Donnybrook a great soul jazz group that he co-leads, featuring special guest Perry White, one of Canada's most well-loved saxophonists.
Donnybrook is: guitarist Ben Bishop, drummer Morgan Childs with Jeff playing Hammond Organ. Reservations recommended.
Where: Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria St, Toronto
When: 8pm - 10:30pm, Friday Dec 22 and Saturday Dec 23
Who: Donnybrook (Jeff McLeod, organ, Ben Bishop, guitar, Morgan Childs drums) with very special guest Perry White on Saxophone.
Event page is here
Fulford Debate Judges
UTS is hosting the Fulford Debate on January 13, 2024.
As part of this experience, UTS is looking for 54 volunteers to help judge the debates and provide feedback to the participants. A delicious hot lunch is provided!
Silver Lining
Thanks to Negar Shayan for providing this week’s Silver Living. If you would like to share a Silver Lining for a future Staff Update, please submit your content here.
“A big thank you to Nat and Bert for their kindness and hard work in organizing (and laser-cutting all the festive shapes!) the delightful holiday card making workshop for us during last Thursday's staff social. It was such a fun activity with a wonderful group of colleagues. Thank you also to the Staff Social Committee for the Poutine buffet!”
