Spring 2025 Newsletter
Message from the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
Dear colleagues,
Warmer days and the end of the term are here, and with them, hopefully, a chance to reset.
When I wrote in the last newsletter, in January, that we were surely in for a turbulent start to the year, I could not have imagined just how turbulent. Like me, I am sure that you find yourself physically and emotionally exhausted, because the past few months have been…there are no words, really.
For our collective wellbeing, let’s turn our minds to better things. Conference season is upon us, marking a transition that allows us to nicely pivot and focus on our SRC. It is a time to connect with national and international colleagues, discuss big ideas, network/socialize, and map out our scholarly and creative work for the summer.
This newsletter includes resources that we hope will support your scholarly and creative pursuits over the coming months. At the same time, it’s also a chance for me to express my deep gratitude for your hard work and commitment to our students, to your Schools and Departments, to your colleagues, and to TMU. While rewarding, our roles take a lot out of us, so I want to close by reminding you to take time for yourself–to unwind; to breathe; to reflect; to slow down and shut down. You deserve it!
Have a great Summer.
Patrizia Albanese
Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
Spring and summer planning to support your SRC activity
From crafting your next grant application to focusing on your project or field work, the spring and summer months are an ideal time to dive into Scholarly, Research and Creative activities.
Explore tips and resources from OVPRI to support a productive season.
Safeguarding your research while traveling
Traveling for research this summer? Protect your work.
If you're heading abroad for a conference, fieldwork or collaboration, it’s important to safeguard your research and data. From minimizing digital risks to staying alert for security threats, a few simple precautions can help keep your work secure.
Exploring leadership at TMU
Sri Krishnan
Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
As the newly appointed Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS), Sri Krishnan shares his reflections on his 25 years at TMU, the evolving landscape of engineering education and his vision for the future of FEAS.
Bargaining updates
- Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association - Get ready to receive your new print copy of the Collective Agreement.
- CUPE 3904, Unit 1 - The new Collective Agreement has been ratified. Check out our (PDF file) overview and summary of the changes.
- CUPE 3904, Unit 2 - Bargaining began on March 21, 2025. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.
Upcoming events and learning and development opportunities
2025 Learning and Teaching Conference, and IT Conference | Registration closing soon!
Learning & Teaching Conference: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
IT Conference: Wednesday, May 21 - Thursday, May 22, 2025
Registration for both the Learning are Teaching Conference, and the IT Conference is still open for all faculty and staff at TMU. Both events kick off the morning of May 20 with a shared conference keynote featuring Mark Daley, Chief AI Officer at Western University and a Professor in the Department of Computer Science.
This year participants can register for one, or both, conferences using a single form. Make sure to register before the deadline of Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 5 pm.
New Faculty and Academic Staff Orientation
August 5, 2025, 9 am - 4 pm
Welcoming new faculty, librarian or professional counsellor this summer? Encourage them to attend the New Faculty and Academic Staff Orientation to connect with colleagues and learn more about teaching, SRC and life at TMU. Invitations will be sent out in early May.
In the meantime, direct them to our faculty and academic staff resources page for information on orientation, getting to know TMU, moving to Toronto and much more.
News and updates
New and renewed Canada Research Chairs at TMU
Two researchers from TMU have been named Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) in an announcement from the Government of Canada. The CRC program recognizes world-class emerging researchers who are impacting their fields.
Congratulations to professor Morteza Zihayat, who has been named a new CRC, and professor Miranda Kirby, who has had her CRC renewed for a second term.
Inside the teaching philosophies of TMU’s 2025 Provost Award recipients
TMU’s 2025 Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence winners highlight how hands-on, innovative and inclusive teaching turns classrooms into spaces for critical thought, connection and meaningful change.
This year’s award winners, Jennifer Poole, Janelle Brady and Angela Misri, each empower students to challenge assumptions and shape the world beyond the classroom.
TMU’s Sarwan Sahota Distinguished Scholar is on a mission to find out how cancer cells move
Professor Michael Olson will receive the top TMU research recognition, the Sarwan Sahota Distinguished Scholar Award at the Met Awards Gala on May 8, for his significant body of work, including his key discoveries of how proteins that regulate cancer cells’ cytoskeleton work.
Resources
TMU has launched its new International Plan, Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, setting the course for the next five years. These plans will guide our growth and impact across global engagement, academic excellence, and research innovation.
Video: Pathways to a healthier lifestyle – wellness habits for effective leadership (external link)
Watch this recording of our Pathways to a healthier lifestyle – wellness habits for effective leadership workshop, presented in partnership with Diana Brecher, Scholar-in-Residence for Positive Psychology, ThriveTMU. Explore how to create space for positive habit formation, prioritize wellbeing and restore balance as a leader.