Dear graduate students/trainees,
Earlier this week, Joshua Baker, Dean of the School of Graduate studies sent a message out to graduate students and supervisors encouraging supervisors and students to connect for a mentoring meeting to discuss the impact of the pandemic on research plans, understanding it is not clear how long our current circumstances will persist. If you have not already had these conversations with your supervisors, they will be in touch to arrange a time.
Managing the uncertainty we all face is an ongoing challenge. As a Faculty, we continue to meet and plan ways to support our students and trainees throughout the pandemic and toward a “new normal” as it continues to unfold on a daily basis. Earlier today you received an announcement outlining additional financial support we will be provided through the Shaping Student Life and Learning Fund to graduate students to help alleviate the financial burdens brought on by the pandemic. Thank you to Rob, Micheline, Suzanne, and our Advancement and Finance teams for working together to make this happen.
I would also like to share a few additional resources from the University:
- Webinar: Managing Finances during the Pandemic and Planning for Afterwards (April 20 1 -2pm)
- The University has created a web page to share information on known volunteer opportunities. This resource is a non-exhaustive list of volunteer opportunities in the GTA, aimed at anyone interested in helping combat the virus.
If you are currently volunteering or become involved in the future, I encourage you to reach out to our Communications team at the Faculty so they can help amplify your contributions.
I hope you are each finding ways to stay connected and are taking advantage of the resources the University is providing. Remember to be kind to yourself and take some downtime over the weekend.
Sincerely,
Dean
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy