enSEMble: September 2023 – What’s Happening in VPSEM

GATHERING OF THE MINDS

2023-24 VPSEM Fall Kick-Off Recap

On Tuesday, September 5, 70 VPSEM staff members gathered in room 380 at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the VPSEM Fall Kick-Off. This event gave staff an opportunity to meet in-person over coffee, tea, muffins, and cookies to kick off the 2023-2024 academic year. After opening remarks from University Registrar Angelique Saweczko, staff had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy music and refreshments. Attendees also had the chance to provide feedback on questions, which will be shared in a subsequent newsletter. Thank you to all involved with organizing this gathering, with special thanks to Sharon Kelly and Zareena Khan.

best practices

Have You Updated Your Passwords Recently?

In today’s digital world, it’s important to do what we can to improve our IT security. Cyber-attacks and data breaches can cause significant damage to both individuals and organizations. To ensure the safety of our university’s information and infrastructure, the VPSEM IT team has shared some best practices for IT security.




Next Steps

In order to support these best practices, the URO Technical Services staff will be undertaking two initiatives that align to the best practices.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SUPPORTING STUDENTS

Leading with Compassion and Taking Action

On July 11, they held an engaging in-person team building event that included a potluck breakfast and pizza lunch. Toni Anderson, Assistant Registrar, Client Services, Marika Mayfield Dundas, Services Coordinator, and other team coordinators planned an Amazing Race themed event to help new staff familiarize themselves with the U of T St. George campus. The team has also developed and launched new internal Client Services recognition initiatives to acknowledge the contributions of team members.

Activated and On Display

On August 15, Client Services activated a new electronic display that will greet visitors to 172 St. George Street. The new screen will display a range of relevant information on slides produced with the help of the VPSEM Communications team. These slides will feature the Client Services operating hours, U of T fun facts, and important building notices. The new display will provide a modernized look and help reduce the need for paper signage.

Learning By Doing

On August 22, the Client Services team engaged in customer service training ahead of the start of a new school year, and one of their busiest times of the year. Speakers gave presentations and led the Client Services team in group role-playing activities to demonstrate what they learned. The topics covered included:

  • Toni Anderson, Assistant Registrar, Client Services, introduced the Client Services Framework and Service Motto
  • Steven Bailey, Director of Learning Space Management, shared some great techniques for elevating customer service including how to develop emotional intelligence
  • Ryan Dow and Lauren Weidmark from the Campus Safety Office shared tips for how to handle tough situations and more details on services the Campus Safety Office provides
  • Marika Mayfield Dundas, Services Coordinator, Client Services shared some Dos and Don’ts to take our client service to the next level and introduced the team activity, which included role-playing challenging service scenarios and discussing how to handle them

CREATIVITY WITH COLLEAGUES

Gosh Yarn It Group is Full of Creative Flair

Check out the unique pieces Gosh Yarn It created over the summer.