The SLC is Hiring!

The SLC is looking for SLC Specialists!

Are you interested in working on campus part-time for a team dedicated to creating a world class experience for students?  The SLC staff is made up of enthusiastic team players committed to their own personal growth and the success of the team! Come join us. 

Contract starts August 25, 2022 and ends December 18, 2022.

The SLC Specialists are key members of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Student Learning Centre’s (SLC) frontline team known as the Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Team. We collaborate with various stakeholders to foster student engagement and pride of place, ensuring the SLC is a physical manifestation of TMU’s spirit. 

Reporting to the SLC Assistants, Specialists enhance TMU’s reputation by providing excellent customer service, assisting in the daily operations of the SLC, and embodying the SLC Principles. We pride ourselves in ensuring students are integrated into the core of operations as this demonstrates the importance TMU places on student-centred ideas and decisions. 

This position is an exciting opportunity to:

  • Gain experience working as part of a supportive team focused on professional development.
  • Gain experience in problem solving by participating in staff hackathons, providing feedback, and supporting events and students with on the floor decision making.
  • Enhance skills in data organization using technology and traditional means.
  • Learn to communicate effectively using an interoffice messaging app, radios, and email.
  • Gain experience providing world class customer service.
  • Enhance presentation skills with opportunities to guide tours.

Deadline to apply: June 30, 2022 4:00 PM ET

Full job description and how to apply:

  • If you are an international student or not CareerBoost-eligible, apply at this Portal. Look under “Other On-Campus Job Opportunities” for the job posting titled “SLC Specialist.”

Please note that while we appreciate your interest, only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

This position operates in-person on campus. Interviews and training also take place in person.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The SLC is Reopening! Here’s what you need to know!

The SLC will reopen on September 8 with new hours and many changes to operations in order to provide a safe study environment for those whose home is not suitable for study and online classes. 

Ryerson remains committed to a healthy campus and your wellbeing is our first priority. If you’re entering select campus buildings this semester, you’ll see Ryerson has implemented many health and safety measures across campus. 

The new SLC building hours will be Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (to 11 p.m. from Nov 18- Dec 18). We will be closed mid-day from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. every day for cleaning — the building will be cleared and students will not be able to make bookings at this time.

In order to visit the SLC, students must book a reservation through our internal booking system or have an appointment booked through Academic Accommodation Support (AAS), the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC), or the Ryerson University Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (DME).

This semester the SLC will only be open to those with a OneCard. The SLC is operating at a reduced capacity and we want to prioritize Ryerson students. 

Upon arrival, students will be checked in by Student Staff before entering the building. Your OneCard is the best way to quickly identify that you are a student at Ryerson while also confirming your identification for your reservation.

During your visit to the SLC, masks will be mandatory throughout the building and while at your desk, worn properly covering the nose and mouth. 

Personal belongings should be kept to your reserved space and should not spill over to adjacent desks. This is to ensure effective contact tracing and cleaning.

To discourage gathering, events will not be taking place at the SLC during this time. The SLC is prioritizing the space to be a safe and secure study environment.

Booking System

Our booking system allows us to keep track of who is in the building, when they are in the building, and where they are located. This information is crucial for contact tracing as well as informing our cleaning staff on the highest priority touch points to clean throughout the day. Booking a space also allows us to regulate the amount of students booking at once, which helps keep traffic down and provide a safe space for everyone.

Reservations will be made online here. Reservations must be made with your Ryerson University log-in. 

You can look through floors 3, 5, 7, and 8 for available desks. Available desks will be marked with a green plus sign. Desks that are unavailable for booking will be grey.

You can make 2 reservations per day and a total of 15 hours worth of time can be reserved per week , you may divide these hours in any way that works best for you — there is no daily limit. You can reserve a desk up to 5 days in advance.

Reservations must be made before arriving at the SLC. 

Checking In

When you arrive at the SLC you must have your Ryerson OneCard and show your reservation confirmation or provide the time and room booking of your AAS or CSDC  appointment.

When you arrive at the SLC the far left two doors will be marked with entrance signs. There may be a line and we ask that you line up 2 meters apart. If there is not a line, you will need to tap your OneCard to enter the building (a new OneCard reader will be installed near those doors).

If you need to use the accessibility door, you will enter using the far right accessibility door by tapping your OneCard. To help create an efficient and smooth check-in experience for everyone, we ask that only those who need the accessibility door use this door.

A check-in desk will be located on the first floor. Each student must check in showing their OneCard, and their reservation confirmation or provide their AAS or the CSDC time and room number before accessing the rest of the building. Follow instructions from the signs, floor decals, and staff members when arriving. 

If you have any accessibility concerns or questions regarding the  entrance, the check-in process, our booking system, or finding your desk, please contact us at slchelp@ryerson.ca

Temperatures will not be taken at the SLC. You will be asked to self assess whether you are experiencing any potential symptoms, as well as if you have had contact with anyone who has tested positive or traveled outside of Canada in the last two weeks. You will be expected to answer honestly and to the best of your ability.

All guests must stay 2 meters apart at all times and keep elevator use to two people per elevator. We are asking that all students maintain physical distancing within the SLC. If you are conversing with another student we ask that you keep your mask on and keep the recommended 2 meter distance between you.

Mandatory Masks

You will be expected to wear a mask while inside the SLC, worn properly covering the nose and mouth. This is the best way to keep our community safe.  An individual may temporarily and briefly remove a mask or face covering when necessary to take a bite of food or a sip of a drink. We ask that between bites and sips you replace your mask, keeping your mask on whenever possible. If you don’t have a mask we will provide you with one.  

There are some accepted exceptions to wearing a mask such as: 

  • Persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering;
  • Persons who are unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance; and
  • Persons who are reasonably accommodated by not wearing a mask or face covering, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

This is in alignment with Ryerson’s Mask Policy and the City of Toronto Bylaw.

If you are unable to wear a mask we ask you to take extra precaution while in the building to stay 2 meters apart from other guests, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands regularly. 

Please help us keep the SLC a safe place for students by respecting these guidelines.

Floor Access

The SLC will be closed from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday for cleaning. Students will not be able to create bookings at the SLC during this time. 

The first floor of the SLC will be primarily devoted to checking students in, providing distanced lines for elevator waiting, and be home to our Welcome Desk. We will not be providing bookable space on the first floor. Starbucks is closed until further notice.

The second floor doors to the Ryerson University Library will be closed. Access to the Library will be through Victoria Laneway. The Library will be operating separately from the SLC.

The 2nd floor doors to the Library will be closed. Access to the Library will be through Victoria Laneway. The Ryerson University Library will be operating separately from the SLC. 

Ryerson University operational hours Starting September 8, 2020:

Online Service Hours (EDT)
Monday -Thursday – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Saturday & Sunday – Noon to 6 p.m. 

On-site Hours (EDT) – By Appointment Only
Monday – Friday –  8 a.m. – 8 p.m.  
Saturday and Sunday – Closed

All on-site services will be by appointment-only. You can keep up-to-date with the library on their Instagram @ryersonulibrary.

The DMZ Sandbox and the Ryerson University Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (DME) located on the 3rd floor are both closed until further notice.  For up to date information regarding the DMZ Sandbox, follow them on Instagram @dmzsandbox. For information regarding the DME follow @ryersonulibrary.

The 4th floor will not be available for students. Student Learning Support will continue to operate online, you can find them using this link. You can contact the SLS front desk at sls@ryerson.ca and stay up to date by following their instagram @ryersonslls.

The 6th floor will not be included in booking options, however students are able to move to the sixth floor for a change of scenery, to take a phone call, speak with a louder voice, or stretch their legs. We expect students to maintain physical distancing and continue wearing their mask while on this floor.

The 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th floors will have bookable desks and tables, spaced 2 meters apart. 

CGWRs will remain closed at this time.

Building Operations

All bathrooms in the building will be open for use. They have been approved at a capacity of 1 person per washroom. We ask that you respect this capacity limit and wait if a washroom is in use.

Charging stations and vending machines will be available for use. We recommend washing or sanitizing your hands after use of any common touchpoint.

An individual may temporarily and briefly remove a mask or face covering when necessary to take a bite of food or a sip of a drink. We ask that between bites and sips you replace your mask, keeping your mask on whenever possible. We recognize that snacks and hydration are key components to your health.

Students can also leave and re-enter the building within their reservation timeblock. You will, however, need to check back in at the check-in desk on your way into the building.

Water bottle refill stations will be open to use for students who bring reusable water bottles. 

If you have any questions, or concerns we welcome you to contact us at slchelp@ryerson.ca or visit our headquarters on the 5th floor in room 516.

Important message from Ryerson Health and Wellness: 
We all know this year is going to be different. Connect with peers and help each other navigate this new environment with @trimentoring peer and group mentoring – head to ryerson.peoplegrove.com to get matched!

New Compost Bins!

As part of a campus wide commitment to sustainability, and thanks to Ryerson Facilities Services and Sustainability, the SLC now has 4-stream waste bins where students can compost their organics! 

The signage on the bins has also been updated to make them more accessible and clear to all Ryerson students, faculty, and staff. 

Previously, our 3-stream waste bins only included space for cans and bottles, mixed paper, and garbage. With these new 4-stream bins, students will now have the ability to compost organic waste! 

Organic waste is material from living organisms like plants and animals. This includes food like leftovers, peels, and greens. Providing students with compost disposal at the SLC supports Ryerson’s commitment to sustainability. 

Did you know that 26 per cent of items in our landfill consist of organics? This is very harmful to the environment! Organic waste in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

In 2018, Ryerson produced 1,000 tonnes of waste that ended up in a landfill, much of which could have been recycled or composted. Let’s work together to reduce this number! 

In Summer and Fall 2018, Facilities Services and Sustainability conducted a waste engagement survey to gain student, faculty, and staff feedback. With close to 800 responses, these new bins were designed to reduce Ryerson’s eco footprint and make waste management easier for everyone. 

As members of the Ryerson community and stewards of our great planet, we are all responsible for doing our part in creating a sustainable campus. 

Do your part in protecting our beautiful planet by remembering to read the signs carefully and throw out your waste accordingly!

The Sun

Our floors have all been built with a specific purpose in mind and each cater to a variety of student needs. For instance, we have floors dedicated to silent study as well as casual seating and socialization.

Our floors have all been built with a specific purpose in mind and cater to a variety of student needs. For instance, we have floors dedicated to silent study as well as casual seating and socialization.

On the fifth floor, students can find the perfect balance! It is a place where there is not too much noise, but it isn’t entirely silent as well, making it a great learning space. 

“It’s a nice floor to chill and study on because it’s quiet, but you’re still able to speak with your friends at a moderate tone,” said Joe Heri, a business management student. 

Known as The Sun because of its red and orange hues, this floor is a great place to work alone or in groups in a cozy environment. The colours of this floor were intentionally picked to get people energized, and the windows of this floor overlook both campus and Yonge-Dundas Square! 

This warm and bright floor is where students come to study, casually sit, and relax! 

“What I like about the fifth floor is that its split into a study side and a chill side. Its balanced so you can do both,” said Mohamedarif Sharrif, an aerospace engineering student. 

From individual desks and chairs, lounge chairs with attached desks, and tables for group work, there are a lot of seating options! Students can also book out Collaborative Group Work Rooms (CGWRs) for group study as well. 

As a plus for students who want to relax, reclined body chairs are located on this floor. Though these seats seem perfect for napping, it’s best to stay awake. If you happen to drift off, SLC staff may check in to make sure you are okay. Sleeping in a public building can put you at risk of theft and harm. Help us keep you and your belongings safe by staying alert.

Need extra study space during exam season? The large Seminar Room on this floor are open for all students to use until midnight during the exam period. This room is also available to be booked for workshops and are equipped with a projector and a white board. 

The room can be booked by any Toronto Metropolitan University student, staff or faculty here ! Priority is given to collaborations with academic partners to deliver innovative services that strengthen students’ out-of-class learning experiences.

You can find out what’s happening in the Seminar room by browsing the screens above the SLC lobby elevators or at the touch screen kiosks in the Amphitheatre.

Room 512 of The Sun is home to the Master of Digital Media program. This is an intense 12-month professional program designed to teach graduates the skills and industry experience they need to excel in the digital media world. It is open to students who may plan to develop their own start-up, work in corporate, or those that want to expand their existing skill set!

At the SLC, we are dedicated to creating amazing learning spaces for students to study, work together, and relax in a positive environment. 

Whether you need a place to relax, get some serious work done, or want to meet friends in a calm environment, this is the floor for you!

Fun Facts:

  • Charging stations are located on this floor near the elevator
  • There are vending machines located near stairwell A for stationary and cold beverages
  • Red and orange are colours that are known to energize!

The Garden

Having trouble with a certain subject or concept? Do you want help without having to spend countless hours searching the internet? Looking for Academic Accommodation Support? Then, the fourth floor of the SLC is the place for you! 

Known as The Garden, this floor is home to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Student Life & Learning Support (SLLS). When you enter the fourth floor, you are immediately greeted by greenery and friendly faces. 

It is where students can easily access all the academic and learning services they may need! 

The majority of this floor is dedicated to the SLLS. They offer a range of support programming designed to help students develop the skills necessary for academic success and participate fully in their academic programs. 

Services offered here include Individual Help, Group Sessions and Workshops, Guidance on academic accommodations, English Language Support, Math Tutoring, Writing Assistance, Supported Learning Groups, Test Bookings, and more. 

Students can drop by, book a session, or find out more here. 

The SLC opened its doors February 2015. Before the creation of this floor, current existing student support programs were scattered across multiple locations on campus. Now, with the SLLS located on the fourth floor of the SLC, students can take advantage of as many programs as they need all from one location!

It is a one-stop shop for students to come and advance their learning experience. Whether you need a hand grasping that frustrating math concept, or are looking for tips on formatting an essay, the SLLS is here to offer you support in an accepting and nurturing environment.

“I think it’s nice that when students don’t know what they need, that they can come here and someone will be able to help them,” said Meera Govindasamy, a writing programs developer and writing consultant at the SLLS. 

Classrooms and instructional spaces are located in the centre of the floor and casual study space is open for students to use by the elevators. SLLS staff offices are located on the perimeter of this floor so that students can easily ask for guidance and academic help from mentors, educators, and other professionals as well.

“The one-on-one help that you don’t get in large lectures and tutorials is available here, which a lot of students don’t know about, and it’s also free,” said Tori Krafczek, a professional communications student. 

The next time you are struggling with an assignment, feeling behind or over-whelmed, or just want someone to triple check that essay, head to the fourth floor and ask the reception desk how they can help!  We encourage all students to take advantage of this great resource. Come learn, improve academically, and leave with a positive experience. 

Fun Facts

  • One of the SLC’s three green roofs is also located on this floor and is visible from the casual open study space available to students!
  • “The Garden” was originally coined by the architects of this building who were inspired by its green interior and green roof
  • Vending machines with snacks and cold beverages are also located on this floor next to the stairwells for students to use. 

The Bluffs

Have a business idea, or want to gain digital media experience? With business experts available and 3D printers just waiting to bring your dreams to life, the third floor of the SLC is the place for you! 

Our third floor is known as The Bluffs, and is home to DMZ Sandbox and The Library’s Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (Library DME), where students can come to experiment with digital media and turn their entrepreneurial ideas into a reality.  They are part of Toronto Metropolitan University’s goal to foster an environment in which students and staff are able to participate in and nurture creative and entrepreneurial innovation.

Extra study space can be found on this floor along large floor to ceiling windows that look out over the 2nd and 1st floors. This is a great space to take advantage of especially during exam season! 

All of these facilities are available to all Toronto Metropolitan University students, staff, and community members.

The DMZ Sandbox is a startup and talent incubator that focuses on accelerating tech startups in Canada. They can help turn your ideas into a competitive tech company by connecting you with customers, capital, experts and a community of entrepreneurs and influencers.

There is a cozy amphitheatre where they hold many entrepreneurial-related events and workshops that are open to all students. This is also a place where students can come to practice pitching their business ideas! 

“The Sandbox is a perfect place for [students] to come by, pitch their idea to our entrepreneurs, and our program leads, and enter some of our student programs to build that product into something,” said Safir Sodouri, Operations and Brand Ambassador at the DMZ. 

Inside, students can also climb the blue mountain for a comfy high altitude study spot!

“It’s an open space for students,” said Madison Henry, Events and Programming Ambassador. It gives students the opportunity to come somewhere not as formal where they can get work done and just hang out.” 

The DMZ hosts many student-oriented programs to kickstart ideas and innovation including the Startup Certified program! 

This is where Ted Rogers School of Management students are given the opportunity to go through a unique and intensive program from the DMZ’s Entrepreneurs In Residence and DMZ founders through a semester. In the end, they are matched with the city’s top tech startups in critical roles to gain real-life experience and enhance their skills. 

The DMZ is able to connect people and ideas to the 10 different learning zones like the Transmedia Zone and the Fashion Zone.

The Library’s Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (Library DME) provides undergraduate experiential learning, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial resource support including: media creation, digital design, fabrication, and hands-on experience with emerging technologies such as 3D printing and Virtual Reality. 

For information about other Library resources, services and events visit Toronto Metropolitan University Library

Fun Facts:

  • The extra study space on this floor is usually quiet and is perfect for when the SLC becomes packed during exam season
  • The mountain in DMZ Sandbox is soft! Just make sure you remove your shoes before you climb!

The Bridge

Here at Toronto Metropolitan University, a lot of our buildings are interconnected! This is why our second floor is known as The Bridge. It bridges our building to the rest of the university. 

This floor is where the SLC’s headquarters are located! Students and guests can come here to get help from the SLC staff. In the winter, the Welcome Desk relocates from the first floor to the second to continue providing guests with help, while keeping our student staff toasty. 

Next to the expansive staircase leading from the first floor to The Bridge, casual seating is available for students. This is a good place to come if the seating on the first floor is occupied or crowded. 

“The SLC is one of TMU’s buildings that gives the space for reading and studying,” said Mardy Heng, a business management student. “It’s a comfortable place to just sit and read.” 

The west entrance of the Toronto Metropolitan University Library can be accessed from the second floor as well. Entering through the glass doors, the Library’s Research Help desk is on the immediate right, and computer stations on the left. 

From there, access is available to Jorgensen Hall, Kerr Hall, and the Rogers Communication Centre. 

On rainy and colder days, this indoor route around TMU makes it easier for students to reach their classes, move from building to building, and connect with services.

“When you have all the buildings connected, it’s super easy, especially in the winter so you don’t have to walk outside,” said Heng. 

Quick access to the Library makes it easy for Students studying in the SLC to be supported by the services it provides.

For information about Library services, resources, and events visit Toronto Metropolitan University Library

For the Library’s latest news and highlights check:

Twitter: @ryersonlibrary
Instagram: @librarytorontomu
Library campaign: ryerson.ca/your-library   

The Bridge is full of life, and it’s traffic never seems to cease. The connections throughout these central Toronto Metropolitan University buildings transform our campus into a community. 

Whether you need to get around, take a break, or find assistance, there is something on this floor for you

Some cool facts:

  • There is a OneCard PHIL Machine located on this floor, next to the elevators
  • There are vending machines located next to the elevators with snacks and stationary that can be bought with a university OneCard
  • Life hack: it’s easier to catch an elevator from this floor than it is from the first floor during peak hours

The SLC is Hiring!

The SLC is looking for SLC Specialists.

Contract starts Sept 3rd, 2019 and ends April 30th, 2020.

The SLC Specialists are key members of Ryerson’s Student Learning Centre’s (SLC) frontline team known as the Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Team. The SEAL Team is a dedicated group committed to making the SLC a world-class learning destination. We collaborate with various stakeholders to foster student engagement and pride of place, ensuring the SLC is a physical manifestation of Ryerson’s spirit. 

Reporting to the SLC Assistants, Specialists enhance Ryerson’s reputation by providing excellent customer service, assisting in the daily operations of the SLC, and embodying the SLC Principles. We pride ourselves in ensuring students are integrated into the core of operations as this demonstrates the importance Ryerson places on student-centred ideas and decisions. 

This position is an exciting opportunity to:

  • Gain experience working as part of a supportive team focused on professional development
  • Gain experience in problem solving by participating in staff hackathons, providing feedback, and supporting events and students with on the floor decision making
  • Enhance skills in data organization using technology and traditional means
  • Learn to communicate effectively using an interoffice messaging app, radios, and email
  • Gain experience providing world class customer service
  • Enhance presentation skills with opportunities to guide tours

Find the job posting HERE.

Or, log into the Ryerson Career Boost site and search under “Other On-Campus Job Opportunities” for the SLC Specialist posting. This position is NOT a Career Boost position.

Interview spots are filling fast.
Deadline: July 5th, 2019, 4:30 PM EST

We look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Pride Month from the SLC

The SLC came to life on Monday as we hosted two incredible events!

Photo shows crowd gathered in Amphitheatre of the SLC. Everyone has small Pride flags raised and waving. Eggy the Ryerson Mascot stands among them wearing a Pride flag cape.
Pride Kick-Off, hosted by Positive Space

The morning started with the installation of the Pride flag above the Library’s Research Help centre – at the Library’s westside entrance located on the SLC’s second floor. The flag was installed by Positive Space, in collaboration with the Library. Positive Space is a volunteer staff and faculty community network for people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, committed to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

At noon, Positive Space hosted the Pride Kick-Off event in the SLC’s Amphitheatre. All community members were welcome to join in the celebration as speakers touched upon what pride means to them and their community, and brought forward a call to action to encourage equity, and to empower the lost voices in the community. Speakers also discussed this year’s Display Your Pride themes of environmental sustainability, and impactful, systemic change.

While Pride Kick-Off was taking place on the first floor, Trans Youth Canada’s event Restoring the Circle: Trans Youth Inclusion in Healthcare, Schools, and Social Services was taking place on the eighth. This trans youth-led event partners young trans community educators with international leaders to teach about inclusion across service sectors.

The SLC is excited to take part in the #DisplayYourPride Contest running until June 13th. We invite you to stop by our Welcome Desk and Headquarters at LIB 272B SLC 516 from June 10th – June 13th to check out our progress or get involved!

Our number one principle is meeting the needs of our students and we strive to continually evolve our practices, training, and processes as we learn from our community.

We are always happy to hear how we can help make the SLC a safer space. Contact us at slchelp@ryerson.ca.

To learn more about the many ways you can enjoy Pride at Ryerson, check out the full list of Positive Space Events. If you would like to get involved with Positive Space, email positivespace@ryerson.ca

We wish you all a Pride 2019 full of growth, love, and support!

“Make Your Mark!” SLC Art Installation

Calling All Artists!

Have you ever wondered who creates the art in the stairwells? Currently, most of the art has been created by our very own talented student staff. The stairwell art initiative was developed to spread positive messages, and fill an otherwise blank space with something colourful and lively.

Want to have your art featured at the SLC? We will be accepting submissions year-round, giving all Ryerson community members a chance to make their mark in our stairwell!

The SLC is calling all Ryerson artists (students, staff, faculty, and alumni) to submit your work, and whether through text or art, we want to see what you have to say! Selected artists will be invited to come in and recreate their submission with chalk in our stairwells. To submit your work, and get all the details, fill out this form here.

IMPORTANT: Please read the first two pages of the form before getting started on your design. These pages include all information regarding: ELIGIBILITY COMPETITION & SUBMISSION PROCESS SUBMISSION CRITERIA AND DETAILS JUDGING CRITERIA & JUDGING INTELLECTUAL PROPRIETARY RIGHTS & LIABILITY I

If you are interested in learning more about our current art, check out this article in Ryerson Folio. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach us at slchelp@ryerson.ca for more information.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing what you have to say!