| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.05 |
| Liaison | Beverley Ayeni |
| Submission Date | Dec. 11, 2020 |
University of Toronto Mississauga
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Student groups
Yes
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Zero Waste Club - The purpose and objective of the club is to bring awareness of waste management issues within the environment and provide information, opportunity, and tools for students and faculty to live a more sustainable and less waste wasteful lifestyles. https://www.facebook.com/ZeroWasteUTM/
Student Association for Geography and Environment - S.A.G.E: The Student Association for Geography and Environment, is a University of Toronto Mississauga academic society which organizes academic and social events for Geography and Environment students. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/sage/geography-society
Regenesis UTM - Regenesis is a Canadian community environmental organization. Regenesis UTM creates and manages environmental initiatives and programming that provide services to the local community. We have three common goals that they strive to achieve: to educate about the human impact on the environment, to show sustainable alternatives for everyday living, and to inspire long-lasting behavioural change towards sustainability in young people by offering an affordable, accessible and friendly service. https://regenesis.eco/chapters/mississauga
Student Association for Geography and Environment - S.A.G.E: The Student Association for Geography and Environment, is a University of Toronto Mississauga academic society which organizes academic and social events for Geography and Environment students. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/sage/geography-society
Regenesis UTM - Regenesis is a Canadian community environmental organization. Regenesis UTM creates and manages environmental initiatives and programming that provide services to the local community. We have three common goals that they strive to achieve: to educate about the human impact on the environment, to show sustainable alternatives for everyday living, and to inspire long-lasting behavioural change towards sustainability in young people by offering an affordable, accessible and friendly service. https://regenesis.eco/chapters/mississauga
Gardens and farms
Yes
A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
The University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union runs a community garden which is administered by the UTMSU Food Centre. The on-campus garden supports students who access the Food Centre, supplying students who experience food insecurity with fresh vegetables. The garden is staffed by the Food Centre coordinator and volunteer students. Volunteers, through their time at the garden, learn how to grow food and harvest vegetables.
Student-run enterprises
Yes
A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
The UTM Zero Waste club prominently includes sustainability in its mission statement as follows: The purpose and objective of the club is to bring awareness of waste management issues and provide accessible information for students and faculty on how to live more sustainable and less wasteful lifestyles.
The Zero Waste Club regularly tables on campus, educating students about how to reduce their waste and selling zero-waste accessories such as metal straws, reusable food wrap, and reusable bags. The Zero Waste Club also plans and holds events such as clothing swaps and the annual Trashion Show. The Zero Waste Club's website can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ZeroWasteUTM/
The Zero Waste Club regularly tables on campus, educating students about how to reduce their waste and selling zero-waste accessories such as metal straws, reusable food wrap, and reusable bags. The Zero Waste Club also plans and holds events such as clothing swaps and the annual Trashion Show. The Zero Waste Club's website can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ZeroWasteUTM/
Sustainable investment and finance
Yes
A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
The University of Toronto Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) is a levy organization that operates as a funding body and networking hub for any person, group or club within the university community interested in sustainability and environmentalism on campus. UTERN focuses primarily on funding initiatives that pertain to sustainability at U of T.
UTERN's website (which includes a list of past funded projects) can be found at http://utern.org/wp/
UTERN's website (which includes a list of past funded projects) can be found at http://utern.org/wp/
Events
Yes
A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
The Sustainability: Transdisciplinary Theory, Practice, and Action (STTPA) Conference ran three full days from Wednesday, October 16 to Friday, October 18, 2019 at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus in Maanjiwe Nendamowinan and the Instructional Centre Buildings.
In total, we welcomed approximately 350 guests from all around the world. The STTPA Conference was comprised of 7 Plenary Keynote Sessions, 10 Sub-Plenary Panel Sessions, 8 Workshops, 2 Solution Sessions, and 36 Concurrent Sessions.
In addition to the sessions hosted, the STTPA Conference held 3 Sustainability Tours of the University of Toronto Mississauga, a Poster Presentation viewing by the MScSM Class of 2020 students and conference delegates, and exhibitor tables.
Students were encouraged to attend this conference through volunteer opportunities at the conference (conference fees were waived for volunteers), and deeply discounted rates for student attendees. One of the organizing committees for the conference also consisted entirely of students. https://sttpaevents.com/
UTM's Master of Science in Environmental Management program hosts an annual speaker event entitled the "Sustainability Leaders' Series". Past keynote speakers have included the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, John Ehrenfeld, Bruce Poon Tip, and David Miller. While lectures are open to the public, students are the intended audience for these speakers. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/mscsm/mscsm-news-events/special-events/sustainability-leaders-series
In total, we welcomed approximately 350 guests from all around the world. The STTPA Conference was comprised of 7 Plenary Keynote Sessions, 10 Sub-Plenary Panel Sessions, 8 Workshops, 2 Solution Sessions, and 36 Concurrent Sessions.
In addition to the sessions hosted, the STTPA Conference held 3 Sustainability Tours of the University of Toronto Mississauga, a Poster Presentation viewing by the MScSM Class of 2020 students and conference delegates, and exhibitor tables.
Students were encouraged to attend this conference through volunteer opportunities at the conference (conference fees were waived for volunteers), and deeply discounted rates for student attendees. One of the organizing committees for the conference also consisted entirely of students. https://sttpaevents.com/
UTM's Master of Science in Environmental Management program hosts an annual speaker event entitled the "Sustainability Leaders' Series". Past keynote speakers have included the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, John Ehrenfeld, Bruce Poon Tip, and David Miller. While lectures are open to the public, students are the intended audience for these speakers. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/mscsm/mscsm-news-events/special-events/sustainability-leaders-series
Cultural arts
Yes
A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea is a three-part exhibition and publication series. Opening perspectives on climate change, environmental crisis, and resilience. Presented by the Blackwood Gallery, the University of Toronto Mississauga in partnership with the City of Mississauga.
The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea is a site-specific exhibition, public program series, and publication platform designed to expand perspectives on climate change through artistic practices, cultural inquiry, and political mobilization.
Stimulated by the narrative potency of contemporary art practices and bolstered by its unique position as a university art gallery, the Blackwood Gallery presents The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea and asks: How are we affected by this cancellation of the future? Can artists facilitate observation of human impact on the Earth and make observation a truly public enterprise? How can observation lead to action? The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea is a site-specific exhibition, public program series, and publication platform designed to expand perspectives on climate change through artistic practices, cultural inquiry, and political mobilization. To do so, the project appropriates the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force as an organizing device. https://workofwind.ca/
The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea is a site-specific exhibition, public program series, and publication platform designed to expand perspectives on climate change through artistic practices, cultural inquiry, and political mobilization.
Stimulated by the narrative potency of contemporary art practices and bolstered by its unique position as a university art gallery, the Blackwood Gallery presents The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea and asks: How are we affected by this cancellation of the future? Can artists facilitate observation of human impact on the Earth and make observation a truly public enterprise? How can observation lead to action? The Work of Wind: Air, Land, Sea is a site-specific exhibition, public program series, and publication platform designed to expand perspectives on climate change through artistic practices, cultural inquiry, and political mobilization. To do so, the project appropriates the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force as an organizing device. https://workofwind.ca/
Wilderness and outdoors programs
No
A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
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Sustainability-focused themes
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
UTM Hospitality & Retail Services hosts cooking classes on a regular basis which are open to all students. Many of these have sustainability themes, such as plant-based food, Fair Trade, and preparing meals using produce that was grown in the on-campus farm walls and honey that is harvested from the campus beehives. Students learn how to make multiple dishes at the class, and the meals prepared are shared amongst attendees at the end of the session.
Sustainable life skills
Yes
A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
The Sustainability Office holds workshops on sustainable living on an on-demand basis. One of the most popular workshops is worm composting, where attendees learn how to build and maintain a worm composter, and build a vermicomposter to take home with them. Many students want to compost, but are unable to backyard compost or do not have access to curbside organics pickup (due to apartment living). In this workshop, students build a small composter that can fit underneath a sink and divert fruit and vegetable waste from landfill. All materials are provided. Students are also provided with information on how to keep their composter healthy and what to do in case of issues.
UTM Hospitality & Retail Services also hosts cooking classes on a regular basis which are open to all students. Many of these have sustainability themes, such as plant-based food, Fair Trade, and preparing meals using produce that was grown in the on-campus farm walls and honey that is harvested from the campus beehives. Students learn how to make multiple dishes at the class, and the meals prepared are shared amongst attendees at the end of the session.
UTM Hospitality & Retail Services also hosts cooking classes on a regular basis which are open to all students. Many of these have sustainability themes, such as plant-based food, Fair Trade, and preparing meals using produce that was grown in the on-campus farm walls and honey that is harvested from the campus beehives. Students learn how to make multiple dishes at the class, and the meals prepared are shared amongst attendees at the end of the session.
Student employment opportunities
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
Multiple sustainability-focused student employment opportunities are available each year.
During the fall/winter semesters, the Sustainability Office hires multiple students to assist with Sustainability Office programming and events. These positions include a Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer, Sustainability Programming Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and Waste & Recycling Specialist.
During the summer term, the Sustainability Office hires staff to help with summer programming. This includes 2 Summer Sustainability Assistants, who work to ensure that sustainability programming still occurs through the summer months. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/green/green-team
From April-October, there are also job opportunities available with UTM BikeShare. Each year, 2 students (one BikeShare Coordinator and one BikeShare Assistant) are hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the UTM BikeShare program. These positions work to recruit and train volunteers, sign bikes in and out, and ensure that the fleet of bikes are maintained in good and safe working order. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/bikeshare/volunteer
In addition, the UTM Student Union hires a Sustainability Coordinator each year.
During the fall/winter semesters, the Sustainability Office hires multiple students to assist with Sustainability Office programming and events. These positions include a Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer, Sustainability Programming Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, and Waste & Recycling Specialist.
During the summer term, the Sustainability Office hires staff to help with summer programming. This includes 2 Summer Sustainability Assistants, who work to ensure that sustainability programming still occurs through the summer months. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/green/green-team
From April-October, there are also job opportunities available with UTM BikeShare. Each year, 2 students (one BikeShare Coordinator and one BikeShare Assistant) are hired to oversee the day-to-day operations of the UTM BikeShare program. These positions work to recruit and train volunteers, sign bikes in and out, and ensure that the fleet of bikes are maintained in good and safe working order. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/bikeshare/volunteer
In addition, the UTM Student Union hires a Sustainability Coordinator each year.
Graduation pledge
No
A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
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Optional Fields
UTM's Undergraduate Commerce Society has hosted Show Me The Green annually since 2007. Show Me The Green is a business case competition where students choose an existing business of interest and develop an economically feasible business plan, which must demonstrate significant cost-savings, revenues, or increase operational efficiencies while benefiting the environment. Participants use the technical knowledge gained from their academic backgrounds and apply it to solve real-world problems. This combination of theory and practice makes SMG an event that challenges students both academically and professionally. Participation in Show Me the Green is open to all university students in the province of Ontario. https://www.ibautm.com/conferences
In September 2019, UTM held 2 weeks of activities leading up to the global climate strike that took place on Friday September 27th. Events included a climate change thoughts tree, where students could share their hopes and fears about the climate; a banner-making workshop; a series of climate teach-ins; climate change TED-style talks; a summit on climate change and health; and a documentary screening. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/vp-principal/global-climate-strike
In September 2019, UTM held 2 weeks of activities leading up to the global climate strike that took place on Friday September 27th. Events included a climate change thoughts tree, where students could share their hopes and fears about the climate; a banner-making workshop; a series of climate teach-ins; climate change TED-style talks; a summit on climate change and health; and a documentary screening. https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/vp-principal/global-climate-strike
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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