“Through LAUNCH, I made lots of friends with similar interest and values, including my Launch leader. The sessions helped me transition from high school to university more smoothly and enhance my belongingness to university campus, making me feel that here is my second home.” - LAUNCH 2023 participant
What is LAUNCH?
The LAUNCH program supports incoming students in their transition to UTM by fostering a sense of community and supporting academic skill development. Participants engage in weekly sessions that delve into topics essential for student success such as time management, building connections with professors, study strategies, getting involved on campus, wellness, and more! These sessions are led by upper-year students (LAUNCH Leaders) enrolled in a similar academic discipline to you, providing you access to a peer mentor to support you in your first semester at UTM!
How do I join?
To join LAUNCH, participants must enrol through ACORN. Please note that LAUNCH is not a course (not for-credit); as such it is free. As LAUNCH is a co-curricular opportunity, participants who complete the program will receive recognition for their participation on the official University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record.
All LAUNCH sessions take place in the Fall semester. Please be sure to enrol based on your academic discipline:
UTM010H5 LAUNCH: Business, Commerce and Management
For students in Commerce, Management/Business and Economics only
UTM020H5 LAUNCH: Science, Mathematics and Psychology
For students in Life Sciences; Chemical & Physical Sciences; Psychology; Forensic Science; Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics
UTM030H5 LAUNCH: Humanities and Social Sciences
For students in Humanities; Social Sciences; Visual Studies; Communication, Culture, Information & Technology; Theatre & Drama
What are the elements of the program?
- 11 weekly sessions designed to support your success in your 1st semester at UTM
- One-on-one meetings with your upper-year mentor
- Monthly socials (activities done in the past include karaoke and tote bag painting!)
- End-of-Semester celebration event for all LAUNCH participants
What are the benefits of participating in LAUNCH?
- Make friends and get to know other new students in similar and different academic programs! Engage with and feel a part of the UTM community
- Develop academic skills to support your transition into your academic program of interest
- Access to an upper-year mentor in a similar academic discipline to you
- Learn about the UTM campus and resources that support student success
- For students in Commerce or Management: Upon completion of the LAUNCH program, you will earn 5 points in the Professional Skill Development Program (PSDP) for Academic Development
- Notation on your Co-Curricular Record highlighting the skills and competencies developed through participation in the program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This program is approved on the Co-Curricular Record!
What are some of the topics covered in LAUNCH sessions? What else can I expect from these sessions?
LAUNCH covers a wide range of topics that build community and academic skills development to help you become successful in your first year as a UTM student! Some topics include connecting with faculty, time management, study strategies, planning for your future, health and wellness, as well as a campus tour. These sessions are led by your LAUNCH Leader, and will sometimes bring in campus partners and professors for you to meet! You can expect to engage in presentations, reflections, group discussions, and games! You'll learn something new each week while connecting with your peers through fun and engaging activities!
When does LAUNCH happen and what is the time commitment for participating in the program?
LAUNCH takes place in the Fall semester only—we want to support you right away as you start at UTM to set you up for success in your journey here! There will be 11 sessions (1.5–2 hours each) in total, facilitated on a weekly basis. In addition, there are optional socials for you to meet participants in other LAUNCH sessions while engaging in fun activities!
What kind of support will my LAUNCH Leader provide to me?
Your LAUNCH Leader is an upper-year student that is in a similar academic discipline to you. As they facilitate weekly sessions on topics essential for student success, they will provide personalized information that is relevant to your program of interest. In addition, you may set up with your LAUNCH Leader to receive one-on-one support. As your LAUNCH Leader was once a first-year student, they can empathize with the new student experience and is there to support you along your first semester at UTM.
Hear from past participants!
“I have learned a lot and also enjoyed the overall experience. It helps me make more friends that have the same program…and to know much needed information regarding school resources, communities, and even study methods. I would recommend launch to 1st years...” - LAUNCH 2023 Participant
The sessions were well-organized, engaging, and provided valuable insights into various aspects of university life. The LAUNCH Leader played a crucial role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. I appreciate the effort put into fostering connections among participants. Overall, it was a fantastic introduction to university life, and I'm grateful for the positive impact it had on my transition into this academic journey.” - LAUNCH 2023 Participant
Inquiries
For all questions and feedback regarding LAUNCH, please contact us at:
Charesma Biaspal
Student Engagement Coordinator, Transition Programs
- Email: charesma.biaspal@utoronto.ca