Tag: Student Learning Centre

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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!

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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!

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Shop The SLC 2019

Want to shop local for the upcoming holiday season?

Shop the SLC is back this year with over 50 vendors from the Ryerson community, all with unique handcrafted goods! Come check out the local talent from November 25th to the 29th from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

The Team is buzzing with excitement as we get ready to transform the Student Learning Centre’s Amphitheatre into Ryerson’s largest craft market! Get ready to celebrate the coming winter season with music, treats, and finding that perfect gift for someone you love. Or show your self some love and celebrate all your hard work this year with a little gift to yourself.

Each year Shop the SLC brings Ryerson students, alumni, staff and faculty together to showcase their home grown talent and entrepreneurial spirit through a free marketplace experience.

Each day will feature new vendors and products as well as a chance to win a gift bag full of products from each vendor listed that day! With a wide variety of goods, you’re guaranteed to find that perfect something.

Monday

$ – inkbymi – Artwork
$$ – Ruisi Liu – Painted/Hand decorated rocks & Other artwork (like pencil caricatures, portraits, prints, etc)
$ – Tejal Telang – Arts and Craft (such as handcrafted jewellery and key-chains)
$ – iLashez Co – False eyelashes
$ – $$ – Aviry Lux – Original art, prints, bookmarks, stickers, mini books
$ – NUARDIS INC. – one of a kind, authentic, handmade art pieces, including wearable art such as jewelry and accessories
$ – $$ – Infinitely Classic – Halal beauty company
$ – Vegan Treats by Maria – Dessert foods that are vegan, nut free and some gluten free
$ – 5 Fingers of Selfless Service – Baked goods
$$ – RecallTheOld – Vintage Second Hand Clothing Company

Tuesday

$ – Marigold Bakery – Baked goods
$ – Saada Patel – Sugar Cookies
$-$$ – Triplejoy Collections – Jewellery
$$ – Plant Me In – Concrete planters and macrame hangers
$ – $$ – RHS – Homemade baked goods and confectioneries, retailing student-designed sweaters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia
$ – $$$ – Wild Strawberry Moon – First Nations Dream catchers Bead work Jewellery Moccasins Tree of Life Pendants
$ – MelodicMisa – high quality enamel pins, stickers and art related merchandise
$ – Law and Business Student Association – Baked Goods
$$-$$$ – elamy Design – Women’s clothing, “made for your curves” collection – women’s apparel and some branded accessories such as tumblers and jewellery

Wednesday
$ – $$ – Paper Cuts – Handmade greeting cards and home decor
$-$$$ – Explicit Culture – Explicit Culture is a Canadian-made startup streetwear brand based in Toronto
$-$$$ – Terminal 6 – Apparel
$ – Unsalted Honey Jewelry – Jewellery
$ – $$ – Doris Lovadina-Lee Designs and Maria.n.Designs – Hand dyed shibori scarves and handcrafted crochet jewelry
$ – imqshop – Jewellery
$ – Serenity Lashes – Cosmetic products such as both mink and silk falsies, neon eye shadow pigments, glitter pigments and much more.
$ – The Treasured Giftshop – handmade jewelry, cards, prints, stationary, and accessories
$ – Cute City – Japanese Imported Gifts – cute keychains, stationaries, cosplay and apparel wear, giant plushies

Thursday

$ – PuckHeroes Artwork – Artwork prints
$ – Iris Yeh – Handmade wire earrings
$ – Amanda Chin – Crochet accessories like scarves, pouches, and coasters, handmade earrings, and cross-stitched bookmarks and cards
$ – GAUDi – A Toronto based jewelry line. Pearl based designs, unique statement pieces.
$ – ASB Ryerson – Art prints and others
$ – VaultNinetySeven – Apparel
$ – Search for Something – Crystal beaded jewelers and hand made goods.
$ – Nil’s Kitchen – Durum (Turkish Burger Wrap ), Pocket Sandwiches, Turkish Croisants, Poacha, Achma, Apple Cookies.
$ – Jaleesa Rae Creations – Cards and Art Prints
$ – Tea In Me Patisserie – Cupcakes and cream puffs
$$$ – Cooks Who Feed – Handcrafted Kitchen Aprons

Friday

$ – Oh My Sweetheart – Earrings and socks
$-$$ – LittleCeramicCo – Ceramic Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, decorative pieces.
$ – Wikklow – Jewellery
$ – Llamaru – Anime buttons, anime charms, zines (small illustration booklets), Christmas ornaments with small origami inside, and 3D origami figures
$-$$ – Northern Philosophy – Toronto Apparel
$$ – Bone & Quill Indigenous Crafts – Native hand made crafts
$ – $$$ – World Printing Company – 3D Print on demand services, models, miniatures and accessories for gaming and modelling
$ – Food Certified – Funnel cakes and jerk chicken sandwiches
$ – Saimah Rahman – Baked goods
$ – JoyfulDesignsbyLandM – handmade embroidery hoop art and knitted/crocheted mug sleeves.

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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. 
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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!
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Hello, Student Life!

Summer is coming to an end and we’re starting the transition into autumn. We’re also going back into “school mode.” To me, the beginning of a new school year means a fresh start – reunions with our peers, making new friends and heading back to class. I love it, but I know that it’s not everyone’s favourite time of year. Take it from me and enjoy a smooth back to school transition by following three of my personal tips

1. Create a schedule

Student walking in an SLC hallwayIn order to feel organized and prepared for school to start once again, setting up a schedule for yourself is one of the easiest things you can do. Not only will you be able to block in the times when you have class, but you’ll be able to set aside much needed study time. Book a Collaborative & Group Work Room (CGWR) or use the open study space at the SLC to get back into the groove of things.

Continue reading “Hello, Student Life!”

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Toronto Urban Design Awards Features the SLC

Exterior night shot of the SLC“This contemporary, signature building creates a strong urban gateway to Ryerson University, marking the campus’ presence in the heart of downtown Toronto. Its south-facing plaza holds the corner, yet is also inviting: a geometric-tiled canopy provides a sheltering ceiling in “Ryerson blue,” while broad, sunny steps are well-used by students and passers-by. The invitation up and into the building is continued throughout the project. By programming the building as public, and not as a building exclusive to the Ryerson community, the school has made a powerful statement about its location on Yonge Street and how it can contribute to the public realm”

Read full article!

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Your Little Guide to: The SLC

“Your Little Guide to…” is a series – for students, by students – to help you navigate our SLC and make the most of all that it has to offer.

If you ask me, starting university was nothing short of exhilarating, inspiring and some days, simply overwhelming. It’s important to remember that there are countless resources to support you, including this short guide to help you out! Discover how the Student Learning Centre can best serve you with my floor-by-floor breakdown of the building. Welcome to: SLC 101.

Students sitting in the SLC AmphitheatreFirst Floor

The first floor is the perfect spot for anyone looking to meet up with some friends. Grab a coffee from Starbucks before class or check out any of the events happening in the Amphitheatre throughout the school year.

Continue reading “Your Little Guide to: The SLC”

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The ABCs of the SLC

It’s every student’s favourite time of year: back to school! With a new semester upon us, we’ve decided to ease into it and bring it back to basics. Below is everything you need to know about our SLC, from A-Z.

Accessibility

The Student Learning Centre is an intentionally inclusive space that is constantly improving itself to meet accessibility needs. To better understand accessibility throughout the building, the Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Team came together with the Ryerson community and initiated the conversation by organizing the SLC Charrette on Accessibility.

Beanbags

Feel a bit closer to the sailboats on Lake Ontario by sitting on the beanbags on the sixth floor! They’re made from recycled boat sails and even display the name boat they came from on the tag.

Student writing in a Collaborative & Group Work Room at the SLC
Photo by Clifton Li

CGWRs

Sometimes you just need a giant whiteboard and a little help from your friends to get you through an assignment. That’s why we have 61 easily bookable Collaborative Group Work Rooms (CGWR). Make use of the dry-erase markers provided and use the erasers to tidy up!

Continue reading “The ABCs of the SLC”

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Shop the SLC is Back

A Shop the SLC sign hung from the ceiling of the SLC Shop the SLC – a free marketplace for entrepreneurs – is back and better than ever. Support your peers or participate as a vendor to help grow budding businesses within the Ryerson community!

Come explore, discover and support Ryerson talent at the 3rd annual Shop the SLC: A Holiday Market November 20-24, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Student Learning Centre’s first floor Amphitheatre.

Just in time for the holidays: one of a kind crafts, food, art, jewelry, clothing and more!

Vendor call postcard

Continue reading “Shop the SLC is Back”