Priorities:University of Toronto Student Priorities
Contents
- 1 Strategic Priority 1: Expand Opportunities for Global
- 2 Strategic Priority 2: Strengthening Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- 3 Strategic Priority 3 :Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration Learning and access to existing resources on campus
- 4 Strategic Priority 4 :Enhance access to Innovation and Entrepreneurship resources on campus
Strategic Priority 1: Expand Opportunities for Global
We want to address the current limitations that prevent effective collaboration between U of T students, faculty, and international institutions or industry partners. This priority aims to reduce barriers—such as lack of structured global partnerships, and limited international collaboration opportunities within the curriculum—that make it difficult for U of T's community to engage with global partners. By expanding these opportunities, U of T seeks to foster more interdisciplinary and international projects, particularly in areas like healthcare, where global cooperation is essential.
Time-frame
- Ideas tested over the course of the 2024-25 academic year
Point People
- Vedant Shukla - Primary
- Mikhail Lobo - Primary
- Linette Penney - Primary
Key Tactics
- Coordinate with faculties to integrate the program into existing coursework for student credit
- Establish partnerships with international institutions and facilitate co-op placements or international trips through courses.
- Introduce faculty who are interested in this idea to each other and to global partners
- Meet with Sandbox Program
Final Goal- Create a program that facilitates global collaboration, leveraging design thinking to tackle health challenges with sustainable solutions.
Strategic Priority 2: Strengthening Mental Health and Wellbeing Services
- Research Existing Mental Health Resources on Campus: Conduct an inventory of mental health resources currently available on campus to understand the existing support framework.
- Leverage Insights from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Program: Utilize insights gained from the MHFA program to inform the development and improvement of mental health initiatives.
- Offer MHFA Programs: Implement Mental Health First Aid programs to provide foundational knowledge and skills for addressing mental health issues.
- Surveys or User Interviews: Conduct surveys or user interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative data on mental health perceptions and experiences among students and founders.
- Find Out Common Mental Health Problems Among Founders: Analyze the data collected to identify prevalent mental health challenges student entrepreneurs and founders face.
- Analyze the Uptake of MHFA Programs: Evaluate the participation rates and engagement levels in the offered MHFA programs to assess their effectiveness.
- Collect Feedback on the Offered Programs:Gather feedback from participants in MHFA programs and other mental health initiatives to refine and improve the offerings.
- Co-Create with Founders Who Have Dealt with Mental Health Issues:Engage with founders who have experienced mental health challenges to collaboratively develop tailored resources and strategies.
Goal: Equip entrepreneurs with a comprehensive mental wellness toolkit that fosters resilience and well-being in their personal and professional lives.
Strategic Priority 3 :Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration Learning and access to existing resources on campus
The complexity of today’s challenges demands innovative solutions that draw from multiple fields of expertise. This strategic priority encourages collaboration across disciplines, enabling students, researchers, and faculty to combine their strengths and diverse perspectives. The University of Toronto is committed to creating more opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, research, and innovation, while also improving access to resources that support these efforts, fostering a campus culture where creativity and problem-solving flourish.
Time-frame
- Ideas tested over the course of the 2024-25 academic year
Point People
- Vedant Shukla - Primary
- Mikhail Lobo - Primary
- Linette Penney - Primary
Key Tactics
- Identify - Existing Spaces and Stakeholders
- Establish an UIF club to have more people helping us achieve our main goal
- Create or renovate a space in which to facilitate event
Final Goal - Hold at least three interdisciplinary collaboration events
Strategic Priority 4 :Enhance access to Innovation and Entrepreneurship resources on campus
To support the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, the university is dedicated to expanding access to its innovation and entrepreneurship resources. This priority focuses on creating a robust support system that includes mentorship, funding opportunities, incubators, and academic programs tailored to budding entrepreneurs. By integrating these resources into the university’s curriculum and extracurricular offerings, students and faculty are empowered to bring their ideas to life, from research projects to startups, ensuring continued innovation and entrepreneurial growth on campus.
Time-frame
- Ideas tested over the course of the 2024-25 academic year
Point People
- Vedant Shukla - Primary
- Mikhail Lobo - Support
- Linette Penney - Support
Key Tactics
- Identify - which accelerators to recruit from - Sign up at least ten teams to participate in a needs assessment
- Make and circulate exhaustive list of existing resources on campus and ask for feedback
- Plan events, focus groups and co-creating sessions for the structure of the fund
- Meet with IP and Financial teams for legal requirements
Final Goal - Create an structure for Pre seed and Seed innovation Fund
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