FIRST - YEARSUCCESS GUIDE

2016

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This handbook has been put together to support your student experience. It should act as a reference document during your time as a first-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga. We’ve filled it with lots of useful information about UTM and how the Department of Management and the Institute for Management & Innovation works. So, keep it somewhere handy, refer to it often and get in touch whenever you have questions.

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06ACADEMIC GUIDE

09CAREER PLANNING

13GETTING INVOLVED

18ACADEMIC SUPPORT

21MAKING IT COUNT

24CAMPUS PRO

04NOTE FROM CREATORS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

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Dear prospective Commerce or Management students:

congratulations on your first year at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM).

Our serene and beautiful campus welcomes you and awaits you to make your mark. As you walk into lecture halls brimming with eager students, do you feel unsure of how to successfully navigate through the uncertainties of first year? Well, worry no more. We know your pains and have you covered.

The First-Year Success Guide 2016 is here to help alleviate the stress of adjusting from high school to university life at the

Department of Management and the Institute for Management & Innovation.

From academic support to career planning, we have put together a tailored resource to help guide business students to success.

Our hope is that you will keep this guide throughout your first year and challenge yourself to attend as many events as you can. This will help you get a head start on the Transition Titan Award available exclusively to first year students! (see pg. 21 for more details).

While grades are important, experiential learning, networking, and soft-skills development are equally important for business students in today’s competitive job market.

NOTE FROM

THE CONTRIBUTORS

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L-R: Joshua D’Lima, SJ Silva, Hassaan Saleem, Prince Wang, Iqra Jawaid, Yuki Zhong

It’s never too early or too late to start...whether it’s case competitions or student leadership roles, you never know what you might enjoy until you give it a try - and first year is the perfect time to experiment. As you read through

the extensive range of opportunities and resources available to you, we hope you will feel inspired to achieve your fullest potential this year. Read on, and feel excited by the endless possibilities at UTM.

A special thank you to Ryan Cerrudo and Heather Hines for their contributions to this guide.

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Admission to First-Year Studies in Commerce

Admission to First-Year Studies in Management

Please consult the Office of the Registrar for official requirements: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/registrar

Please consult the Office of the Registrar for official requiremets: http://www. utm.utoronto.ca/registrar

FIRST-YEAR ADMISSION

Students admitted to First-Year Studies in Commerce will be eligible for a place in the Commerce program (BCom) after first year, provided they complete:

• Introduction to Management Functions (MGM101H5 with at least 63%);• Financial Accounting I (MGT 120H5 with at least 63%);• Introduction to Economics (ECO 100Y5 with at least 63%);• Calculus and Linear Algebra for Commerce (MAT 133Y5 with at least 50%), or equivalent.• a total of 4.0 credits and obtain at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The exact required CGPA varies each year depending on the number of applicants and their grades.

Students admitted to First-Year Studies in Management will be eligible for a place in the Management program (leading to a Bachelor of Business Administration specialist or an HBA / HBSc major)after first year, provided they complete:

• Introduction to Management Functions (MGM101H with at least 63%);• Management in a Changing Environment (MGM102H with 63%);• Introduction to Economics (ECO 100 with 63%) or the equivalent• and you complete a total of 4.0 credits• and obtain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.5. The exact required CGPA varies each year depending on the number of applicants and their grades.

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Take an interest in your studies. Try to apply the theories and concepts you learn in class to your own life. The more you integrate your classroom experiences with your personal

experience, the more value you will receive from your education.

- Michael Mazze, Accounting Specialist

What is a subject POSt?

A Subject POSt, or program of study, is a group of courses in a specific discipline. There are three levels of programs:• Specialist program• Major program• Minor program

Check the Academic Calendar (www.utm.utoronto.ca/regcal) for specific program requirements for each Subject POSt. You will follow the degree requirements listed in the Academic Calendar for the session you were admitted to the university as a degree student (i.e., If you were admitted to the university beginning September 2016, you would follow the degree requirements listed in the 2016-17 Academic Calendar).

When Do You Enrol in Subject POSts?

Students who have already completed 4.0 or more university credits by the end of the Fall-Winter Session, or plan to complete 4.0 credits by the end of the Summer Session, must enrol in Subject POSts (Program of Study). Uof T Mississauga students can only enrol in Subject POSts offered at the U of T Mississauga campus.

For further information, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgsubjectpost

FIRST-YEAR ADMISSION

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Important Dates Released by the Office of the Registrar

Sessional dates and deadlines involving enrolling, the start of class, mid-term recesses and the examination periods are determined annually by the Office of the Registrar. These dates are important for students to keep in mind throughout the academic year.

For more information, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgimportantdates

Admission to First-Year Studies in Commerce

Take courses you are genuinely interested in. Don’t take courses only because you hear they are easy or ‘bird’ courses. You will only do well and take away the most in a course if

you really enjoy what you’re learning.

- Iqra Jawaid, Management Specialist

Always treat your academics as a humble learning opportunity, have a questioning mind and critically analyze every issue

you come across. This positive mind set will go a long way in excelling in academics.

- Hassaan Saleem, Accounting Specialist

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The Academic Internship course (MGT 480) is for credit and designed to bridge the gap between graduation and full-time employment, where students gain meaningful work experience in their desired stream. Students also get to work on a written and oral submission which contributes towards developing soft skills. The course is open to upper-year students who have met the pre-requisites.

For more information, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgacademicinternship

The Research Opportunity Program (ROP) is an on-campus research program where you will use your experiences to build strong relationships with instructors, learn about exciting new developments in their research field, and explore new areas of interest.

Through the ROP you will gain practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to careers or toward future graduate studies. Most importantly, you become involved in hands-on formal research.If you are successful in gaining a spot in the ROP you will earn a full course credit upon completion of the course.

If you are interested andwant to know more about ROP, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgrop

MGT 480

CAREERPLANNING

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ICUBE

ICUBE is the business incubator located in the lower level of the Innovation Complex. It offers early-stage commercialization services and assistance of business experts to provide them the foundation to qualify for future funding. If you are a student with innovative business ideas, this may be the place for you.http:uoft.me/icube

PDLC

The Professional Development & Learning Centre (PDLC) offers career-related programs and activities, specifically tailored for undergraduate business students. It is also a place for employers, alumni, and community partners who add value to our growing network of career offerings. More than anything, the PDLC strives to help our students with career goal development. The space is separated into a Learning Hub and Group Collaboration Hub with capacity and technology for a range of career-related activities.http:uoft.me/fysgpdlc

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UTM Career Centre

The Career Centre engages students in the career development process throughout their time at UTM and two years after graduation. Numerous workshops and activities are offered by the Career Centre to help students seek relevant connections and present themselves professionally. More specifically, the Career Center provides resume and cover letter critiques along with mock interviews. They are one-on-one sessions that students can book through the Career Centre website. Many on-campus and off-campus full-time/part-time opportunities can also be found through the Career Learning Network (CLN). Don’t hesitate to visit the Career Centre today.

To book an appointment or to find out more about the services the Career Centre provides, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgcareers

Deadlines are closer than they appear! Pretend that the deadline is one week before the actual deadline, so that all

you have to do is edit when everyone else is finishing theirs the night before the due date.

- Yuki Zhong, Management Specialist

Exploit opportunities to the best of your ability that you have been fortunate to come across, and never compare yourself to other people. Your career will fall in to place when people see the skills you have, sharpened along the way, and the magic

you bring in your craft.

- John Loong, Finance Specialist

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Keep a good relationship with all your connections. While it is important to make connections, it is even more important to maintain and nurture those relationships, so that you may learn first hand about the industry that you aspire to be in.

- Christine Do, Marketing Specialist

The worst thing that you can do is realize that one method isn’t working, and continue to repeat it over and over

anyways. Whether it’s one method of solving something or one method of studying, learn to adapt and change your

approach, and success will follow.

- Kevin Noel, Accounting Specialist

Employers are looking for well-rounded individuals with high academic standing who are also involved in extra-curricular activities. Take the time to pursue your interests, get involved with a non-profit, a sports team or do case competitions--

make your resume reflect who you aspire to be!

- Jennifer Winardi, Accounting Specialist

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GETTINGINVOLVED

SMA

The Student Management Association (SMA) is an Academic Society representing all students enroled in the Management Specialist and Major Program. They aim to provide students with numerous opportunities to develop their professional skills outside of the classroom. Also, they offer a variety of on- and off- campus events to help strengthen the connections between faculty and peers while connecting students with successful industry professionals. They host and co-host numerous events throughout the year such as: Business Banquet, Ready Set Market, and CPA BohnanazaGame Night.

For more information on the Student Management Association visit their website: www.utmsma.com

UCSThe Undergraduate Commerce Society (UCS) is an Academic Society representing all Accounting, Finance, Marketing and Commerce Specialist and Major students. They are the largest academic society on campus hosting approximately 50+ events each year. They aim to provide Commerce students with professional skill-building, networking and core experiential events to help develop their soft skills throughout the year. They have strong relationships with successful alumni and industry leaders. They organize andco-host many events such as Show Me the Green, Business Banquet and the IMI Finance Competition.

For more information on the Undergraduate Commerce Society visit their website: www.utmucs.ca

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DECA

DECA UTM aims to actively engage its members through participation in corebusiness-related competitions and conferences with other like-minded students from all over Ontario in areas such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Some of the competitions that DECA participates in include InterUofT, DECA Provincials, as well as external competitions held at Queen’s and Waterloo.

If you would like to challenge yourself with cases, pleasevisit: www.decautm.ca

BCA

BCA

The Business Consulting Association (BCA) is an on-campus club geared towards providing students from all disciplines insight into consulting opportunities. They hold various events such as consulting panels and case competitions. They connect students who are interested in a consulting career to successful consultants and firms. They aim to unlock potential analytical and problem-solving skills in students in order to give them an edge in today’s competitive workforce.

For more information on the Business Consulting Association visit their website: www.utmbca.ca

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PSDP EVENTS ARE EXCLUSIVE TO COMMERCE & MANGEMENT

STUDENTS BEGINNING IN 2ND YEAR THROUGH TO FINAL YEAR.

STUDENTS WHO EARN AT LEAST 46 PSDP POINTS WILL BEE ELIGIBLE

TO RECIEVE A NOTATION ON THEIR OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

TRANSCRIPT.

6 CATEGORIESKNOW YOURSELF

INDUSTRYACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOP SKILLSBUILD RELATIONSHIPS

JOB SEARCH

Work-Study Program

Similar to various work-study positions offered by other departments, the Department of Management also offers work-study opportunities in four different areas: Student Experience, First Year Experience, Careers & Communications Assistants. This is a yearlong paid opportunity which also contributes towards one’s professional development by developing communication and leadership skills.

PSDP

The Department of Management believes strongly in providing opportunities and experiences to complement and enhance the material learned through coursework. Students who consistently take part in Professional Skills Development Program (PSDP) activities throughout their years in the Commerce or BBA/Management programs will be eligible to recieve a notation on on their official UofT transcripts. http://uoft.me/fysgpsdp

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IMIC

The IMI Competition Group is an elite group of students who compete in case competitions across Canada. Not only are they funded to compete, but they also receive additional tailored training based on their selected competitions. The competitions that IMIC participates in include the CFA Research Challenge, LIVE hosted by U of T, and RISE hosted by Schulich.

For more information please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgimicompetition

IMIFCThe IMI Finance Competition is a four-month stock trading competition, in which students trade on the stimulus platform, and follow up with presentations for selected participants. Check out UCS (www.utmucs.ca) and SMA’s (www.utmsma.com) website for more information.

Cash prizes and awards are handed out at the closing ceremonies, and are only a few of the perks and benefits of participating in UTM’s largest stock competition.

For more information, please visit:http://uoft.me/fysgevents

RSM

Ready Set Market! (RSM) is an all-day marketing case conference filled with opportunities to grow academically and professionally. Throughout the day of the conference, students in groups of about five are provided with a real-life marketing case, and required to thoroughly analyze the case and present feasible solution in front of several judges. It is also an excellent networking opportunity for marketing students to gain exposure to trends in the industry and the skills required for success. More importantly, it comes with great prizes for the top three winning teams. Check out UCS (www.utmucs.ca) and SMA’s (www.utmsma.com) website for more information.

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SMG

The Show Me the Green (SMG) conference is an annual environmental sustainability case competition held at UTM, where 20+ teams compete by pitching innovative ideas with a singular goal: sustain the world with something that is both economically and environmentally friendly. By partnering with professional designations, companies with a sustainability focus, accounting firms and several major banks, the SMG conference continues to provide amazing opportunities for students including the chance to network with elite professionals. The conference usually takes place in March. Stay tuned with UCS website (www.utmucs.ca) for further information.

External Case Competitions

This is a great way to get involved off campus and participate in external competitions. The Department of Management partially covers the cost of external conferences and competitions through an application process. Students can develop and showcase case writing and presentation skills. As well, this is a tool used by campus recruiters to find potential candidates to offer positions in firms and companies.

For more information or an application form please visit Blackboard.

Don’t feel that you are above any job. There are skills and lessons to learn from any experience.

- Chris Halim, Management Specialist

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Mentorship

There are numerous mentorship opportunities offered on campus through various clubs and associations. Some of them include the following:

• UCS and SMA Workshops: Learn the ropes from an upper year Commerce students. For more information visit their offices or check out their websites.

Student Life Mentorship Program Student Life organizes a mentorship program for students. Students can get mentored by peers or join the First in the Family mentorship program if you are first in your family to attend a Post-Secondary Institution.

For more information on the Student Life mentorship program, visit their website:www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/mpp/mentees

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ACADEMIC SUPPORTFLC

Established in 2008, the Li Koon Chun Finance Learning Centre provides specialized information resources and databases for the use of students. It also offers research expertise in commerce and management along with customized support for classroom learning. http://uoft.me/fysglkcflc

OST

The Office of Student Transition offers integrated and collaborative support for new and existing students on campus in the areas of academic support, community building, resource connection and mentorship opportunities. The OST also provides a first-year orientation and yearlong initiatives geared towards student transition including LAUNCH and First in the Family initiative. http://uoft.me/fysgost

RGASC

Peer-Facilitated Study Groups offered by the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre offers first-year students an enhanced learning experience beyond lectures and tutorials. These are led by students previously successful in the course and designed to facilitate the learning process, analyze study strategies, and encourage group work and collaboration. These are drop-in sessions and anyone can attend them as often as they want.

http://uoft.me/fysgrgasc

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Exam JamUTM Exam Jam is an academic event, which offers students intensive course-specific study sessions alongside opportunities to engage in activities that help manage or reduce stress and establish healthy and productive study habits. Exam jams are offered in a variety of courses and are often initiated by a collaboration between Professors and Teaching Assistants.

For more information please visit:www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/exam_jam

HCC The Healthy Campus Crew volunteers are ambassadors for the Health & Councelling Centre. They help promote services, programs and campaigns, and help in delivering the many health education and health promotion initiatives organized by the Centre. These initiatives occur throughout the year and include, Seasonal Flu Clinics and Health & Wellness Fairs.

Check out their website to see their full list of resources:www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/health-promotion/healthy-campus-crew

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Professionalism

The Institute of Management & Innovation aims to graduate students who excel academically, but at the same time learn how to act professionally in a work setting. This includes communicating effectively both orally and in written form. Additionally, It involves carrying out all dealings courteously and respectfully and abide by all the student conduct and academic policies on campus.

For more information please visit: www.utm.utoronto.ca/imi

IMI Awards

The Department of Management, in addition to the Office of the Registrar, offers various awards to its students, which also carry a monetary award. All award recipients are recognized at the Annual IMI Awards Night. The Transition Titan Award is presented to students who have completed their first year successfully in both academics and extracurricular activities. There are several other awards offered at all levels of study. For more information please visit: www.utm.utoronto.ca/imi

MAKING IT COUNT

Describe yourself in 1-2 unique words, and whenever you are networking or interviewing, ensure that everything you say reflects your unique personality, that’s the way to stand out.

- Narjis Fatima, Accounting Specialist

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Networking

Networking is one of the most important activities for a student or any professional to do. In simple words, it means communicating with people and establishing relationships with them to get a head start in job search. Most jobs are never posted online and are mainly filled through networking with potential hires. Networking isalso an ideal way to communicate your interest and discuss your experiences to convince the employer of your fit inthe company.

International Experiences

UTM offers several opportunities for students to have international experiences during their years of study. The Study Abroad/International Experience includes the Summer Abroad and Outbound Exchange. It also offers the Global Experience Program comprised of summer trips abroad that are centred on a theme. Past summer trips include Peru, Guatemala, Thailand, San Diego, and Northern Ontario. www.utm.utoronto.ca/international/outbound-opportunities

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1. Attend all your lectures and tutorials and come to class prepared.

2. Organize your time well. Do not pull ‘all nighters’ before a test or exam.

3. Avoid overloading on courses. For some students first year is a difficult transition from high school.

4. If you are struggling in a course visit your professor or seek help from the course TA as early as possible.

5. Visit me in the Department of Management (Room KN2270, Innovation Complex).

6. Find out what services are offered on campus and avail of them. Use the Library. Check out the Robert Gillespie Centre in the Library, they offer a full range of workshops, seminars, and individual consultations, www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc/

7. Respect academic integrity rules and policies. Success is found in preseverance, and accepting responsibility for your actions.

8. Take care of your health and get lots of rest.

9. Register for your classes on time. Make sure you are aware of important deadlines for example, paying your fees, adding and dropping courses.

10. Get involved and join a club like the Undergraduate Commerce Society or the Student Management Association.

10 Useful TipsOn How to Navigate

Your First Yearby Mary Wellman

Academic Advisor, Department of Management

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Study Places

If the library is full and you’re looking for a place to get some studying some or somewhere to work on a group project with, check out the following places:

• Student Centre: there are numerous couches on the main level for you to study comfortably and catch up on current events

• North Building: there are many quiet places to study such as the new study lounge

• William G. Davis Building: this is a great place to work on group projects. Also check out Room 2082 for a study place to cram for exams

• CCT Building: 27/7 study spaces are available in this building

• U of T Mississauga Library: for library hours, see library.utm. utoronto.ca/hours

• Instruction Centre (IB): there is a quiet Study Zone on the second floor, along with 10 group study rooms, tables and computers.

CAMPUS PRO

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The Innovation Complex Rotunda has a capacity of 120 people and is open during the daytime and evening. It’s moderate noise level is perfect for small groups or collaborative-type studying.

To find a study place based on noise level, time of day and location that works best for you, check out the following website:

www.utm.utoronto.ca/study-space/home

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Food Services

Hungry and want to grab a quick bite before class? Or want to have a nice meal right after class? Check out the following places to Dine at UTM:

• Instructional Building: Second Cup, Fresca Panini,On the Go

• Deerfield Hall: Entrée Salads, Pizza & Calzones from a Woodstone Oven, Scratch Soups, and Freshly Baked Goos with a focus on Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free

• Oscar Peterson Hall: Culinary Table, Chef ’s Table, O.P. Grille, Pan Fri, Forno, Deli, Bento Sushi, Freestyle Coke Machine, Custom Salad Bar, C-Store, Tea Bar, and Late Night Snack Bar

• Hazel McCallionAcademic Learning Centre:Starbucks Coffee

• Student Centre:The Blind Duck Pub

• 5 Minute Walk: Food Truck

• Kaneff/Innovation Complex: Second Cup, Steamplicity Entrées, Soup, On the Go

• Communication, Culture & Technology Building:Tim Hortons Café Express, On the Go

• Davis Building (TFC): Tim Hortons Express, Pizza Pizza, Booster Juice, Tandoori, Sugar, Quesada, International Kitchen, Vegelicious, On the Go

• Davis Building:Tim Hortons, Subway

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ATM & Printing Services

UTM offers two ATMs for quick access to cash from your bank accounts. There are two Scotiabank ATMs located on campus, one in the Student Centre and the other in the William Davis Meeting Place. There are also multiple places to copy and print documents on campus, including the copy and print centre in the Library, the Student Centre, the CCT service desk atrium, the lower level of Innovation Complex, the Davis meeting place, and Deerfield Hall.will get two additionalPSDP points.

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TIMELINE FOR SUCCESS

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SEPTEMBER

FEBRUARY

OCTOBER

Accounting Recruitment • Consulting RecruitmentBizFrosh • Welcome BBQ • Second-Year Welcome

Reception • FASTrack 1 • SMA Wonderland Trip

Workstudy information sessionUCS Accounting Blitz • Show Me

The Green • Business Formal

Awards Night • Director’s Circle• FASTrack 5

• CPA Bohnanza Night• Countdown To Success

• IMI Finance Competition• Business Banquet

Ready, Set, MarketRun for the Cure

UCS Mentorship Social

• Second-Year Transition Panel

• FASTrack 2

• SMA/UCS Council Recruitment• Mock Interviews

• CSR Event: Food Drive• FASTrack 3 • First-Year Panel

• I Cube ICE Applications

2nd year commerce and management panel • Commerce and management opportunities fair •

1st year panel • MaRS Entrpreneurship 101 Sessions Begin

Study Break

Examination Period

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NOVEMBER JANUARY

MARCH APRIL JULY

Workstudy information sessionUCS Accounting Blitz • Show Me

The Green • Business Formal

Awards Night • Director’s Circle• FASTrack 5

• CPA Bohnanza Night• Countdown To Success

• IMI Finance Competition• Business Banquet

Accounting SocialResponsibility Event

• BCA Consulting Competition • BCA Boutique Consulting Night

• Commerce/Management 1st yearOpportunities Fair • FASTrack 4 • I Cube

Open Program Applications

• CSR Event: Food Drive• FASTrack 3 • First-Year Panel

• I Cube ICE Applications

MAP

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MAP

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