OCAD Mentor Program

No more blogging...

2008-06-09T09:52:00.002-04:00

The OCAD Mentor Blog will no longer be updated. This year we have started a new first-year Forum and discussion group at www.ocad.ca/newstudents.

A Mentor Program group page on facebook will also launch on July 1.

Be a Student Mentor!

2008-04-04T09:46:00.003-04:00

Teach... guide... advise... encourage... validate... coach... respect.

Be helpful... confident... supportive... experienced... accessible... approachable... open-minded... caring... trustworthy.

Volunteer Student Mentors do and are all of these things. They're knowledgeable, upper-year students assigned to a small group of new and first-year students (mentees) in the OCAD Mentor Program.

Student Mentors provide Student Mentees with information regarding OCAD’s procedures, student support services and extra-curricular activities, and as role models, share insight one-on-one. They help students identify the skills needed to succeed at OCAD, provide support and guidance, and refer them to appropriate resources. Mentors help create community on campus, build relationships among students, and enhance the overall student experience.

As a Student Mentor, you will:

* Initiate contact within two days of receiving Mentee contact information. Make introductions, provide contact information, and encourage Mentees to contact you with questions or concerns.
* Initiate contact and "check-in" with individual Mentees on a timely basis.
* Check e-mail on an ongoing basis and respond within 24 hours.
* Contribute, moderate and participate in designated online community networks, forums or blogs with other assigned Student Mentors.
* Participate in special social events, activities and meetings.
* Submit monthly experience report forms (September to November).
* Participate in training and other activities coordinated by the Campus Life office.
* Respect Student Mentee's privacy, ensuring that contact information and personal conversations are kept confidential.

Time Commitment
Interested applicants should be willing to commit a minimum of 8 to 10 hours per month for the duration of the program, July to November.

In addition, Mentors should be prepared to represent the Mentor Program during early registration and summer orientation days (beginning of July), Fall Orientation (first week of September) and other university activities throughout the fall semester where Mentor presence is deemed beneficial.

Sign up Today!
If you would like to be a volunteer Student Mentor (July to November 2008), in the OCAD Mentor Program, please contact Brent Everett James, Student Life Cooordinator, 416-977-6000, Ext. 275 or bjames@ocad.ca

OCAD Student Union Elections

2008-03-27T08:51:00.004-04:00

Strong candidates are needed to run for OCADSU for the 2008/2009 year! Elections will be held: April 7 and 8, 2008.

This is your opportunity to actively participate in the OCAD Student Union. Pick up a Nomination Package from the OCADSU Office, Student Centre, 51 McCaul Street between March 24 and 31, 2008.

ELECTIONS:
April 7 and 8, 2008
Main lobby, 100 McCaul Street
10 am to 6 pm.
Be sure to take a moment to vote!!

POSITIONS:
Executive:
- Chair
- Director, Finance
- Director, Communications
- Internal Director
- External Director

Board representation:
- Sculpture/Installation
- Drawing & Painting
- Printmaking
- Photography
- Integrated Media
- Material Art & Design
- Criticism & Curatorial Practice
- Environmental Design
- Industrial Design
- Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- First-Year Art
- First-Year Design

If you have any questions, please contact Tre Whan, Student Union Office Manager at 416-977-6000, Ext. 241 or e-mail twhan@ocad.ca

Experiences in Experience Design

2008-03-26T12:38:00.003-04:00

In a couple of hours, first-year Design students will be showcasing their class projects in the Great Hall, the Park and the Foyer. Experiences in Experience Design...

The event starts at 2.30 and ends at 4.30 and promises to be interesting, fun, awesome, cool, compelling, idiotic, weird, grand, great etc. etc !!!

Come by and enjoy yourselves! It promises to be a real relief from the end of semester stress.

And you know what ? It is sunny out there !!!

My group is in front of the cafe and is called Mirror Mirror.

stress

2008-03-06T13:40:00.002-05:00

Another 7 weeks and the winter semester is over again... Especially the last few weeks - and I know you have been warned before- the stress level can creep up so high that you may make mistakes. Painting mistakes are not too bad, but a mistake in the wood studio can cost you a finger.

Tips to keep safe:
1) Make sure you plan your last projects well. Try not to do any all nighters.
2) Plan personal time: a night out or a movie.
3) Talk about your stress with class mates and try to laugh about all the demands of school.
4) Sleep at least 8 hours every night.
5) Adhere to safety instructions in the studio's. If you are too tired to saw a piece of wood: ask the attendant to cut the wood for you ! They will do it gladly !
6) Keep hydrated and eat enough. This helps you to concentrate on your work - important to do when using dangerous equipment.

Good luck !

awarding professors

2008-03-05T14:15:00.003-05:00

Do you have a teacher who is excellent, who has taught you a lot this year ?

You can nominate her or him for the 'excellence in teaching' award !

Ask Lindsay Kochen for the form:

lkochen@ocad.ca

This is a great way to applaud good teaching...

Minors

2008-03-05T09:53:00.001-05:00

For several years students have been asking for more choice in developing their programs of study. In 2006, OCAD’s Strategic Plan articulated a process for revitalizing curriculum through an initiative called the New Ecology of Learning.

OCAD is pleased to announce the first phase of The New Ecology of Learning: the introduction of studio and Liberal Studies minors at OCAD, commencing May 1, 2008. This will enable students to pursue a secondary field of study without compromising their major field. Declared minors will appear on your transcript along with your major.

Minors will consist of 3.0 to 5.0 credits in disciplines such as Communication Design, Material Art and Design, Printmaking, Drawing & Painting, Art History, and Digital & Media Studies, just to name a few (refer to full list on website). Although you will be able to use some electives, some expansion studios, and some Liberal Studies distribution requirements toward the minor, we estimate it will take students an extra 1.0 to 3.0 credits to complete all the courses required for a major plus a minor.

We're offering double the number of summer courses this year, with a large increase in studio courses, including some core studios, so that students can work toward a minor, accelerate their studies, or just pick up courses over the summer. Please note that tuition for summer courses and for courses used toward a minor is the same as for courses in a major program or fall/winter courses. The same terms and conditions for OSAP are in effect during the summer semester.

Register now for the SUMO Robot Challenge 2008!

2008-02-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

Prepare your robot to meet its match! Registrations are now being accepted for the annual SUMO Robot Challenge, featuring homemade robots in competitions ranging from tug of war, dancer/painter, autonomous, and full out, head to head combat!

This year's event takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 1:30 to 4 (preliminaries and weigh-ins begin at 9:30 am). The deadline to register is Friday, February 29.

Long before the proliferation of robot wars and other similar robotic events that are commonplace today, the SUMO Robot Challenge has invited OCAD artists, designers, local high school students and the general public to compete against each other in competitions that push the limits of their imaginations, electronic, mechanical and fabrication skills. Begun in 1992, the SUMO Robot Challenge is an adrenalin-packed event that is not to be missed!

This event is open to the OCAD community and the general public. All proceeds raised go towards scholarships for OCAD students.

For information and registration forms, visit the SUMO Robot Challenge website. I went last year and it was SUPER FUN!

2008-02-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys [Groggy],

[Grunt] I felt moved to key-in with my most relevant musings to my immediate whereabouts, and lately it has unfortunately been the eternal thematic struggle of good and evil over the act (or lack there of) of getting out of bed...[Ramble]. So, after a quick practice tried-and-true remedies, here’s a little entry I think you’ll find helpful to battle that dreadful morning tug-of-war against the demands of the new day [“Nnuuugh!]. If any of you face the same morning paralysis to just stay in your warm blankets (especially during or chilly winters), - Well, first DON'T [laughs] - but here are the tips anyways, that I pretty much surmised off of Dave Cheong's 15 Tips... I chose the ones that I found either methods that I use and have worked for me, or ones that just seemed interesting [Ironic Yawn!].

1. Decide on a great reason to wake-up: I found that if I thought of an exciting reason to look forward too, even to romanticize my work process, that not only did it make me get out of bed the next day, but also lulled me to sleep much sooner. Start writing things down at first, then you’ll find over time that the affirmed scripture of your to-do’s soon switches to a quicker mental check-list.
2. Follow-Through immediately: If you just jot something down or have a clear though about your morning after but don’t actually follow through with it, then it would loose effect of getting you out of bed pretty quickly since you’re not actually doing anything. So take heed of your commitment and be productive in the mornings.
3. Get enough Deep-sleep: Sure it works a few times if you’re amidst the peak of work-load and need those extra hours of awake time, but it evens-out in the long run. You’ll find yourself less productive due to fatigue or even sickness so you might as well have not woken up at all. So, get enough sleep (6 to 8 hours average), and on that note, don’t overdue it. Research says that sleeping beyond 9 hours could have the counter effect of restlessness you’re trying to avoid.
4. Tuck-in early: Go to bed earlier then you are now if you find that you’re waking up tired. Make sure that you know what time you need to wake up based on what you need to do the next day and how long it typically takes you actually start working (ex.1 to 2 hours to shower, get ready, have breakfast, get to work/school etc) and then add the hours of sleep you need. So if you need to be at school by 8:15 for an 8:30 class, and it takes you two hours to wake up and get there, then you should be in bed at least by 11pm the night before.
5. Sleep more effectively: If you find that you’re still tired after 8 hours, and then other days you’re ready to go after just 3 hours, then you’re not sleeping effectively. The key is to relax before and during bedtime. I usually like to review what I accomplished that day two hours before bed, it helps me get some perspective and sometimes even manage to squeeze in an overlooked medial task before slumber. I then wash-up and grab a book or sketchpad or just rush to bed. No coffee, cigarettes, sugars or food for that matter at least 3 hours before bed. I also know that I have a great mattress, pillow and duvet [Drowsy already!].
6. It’s never “Just another 10 mins”: “I think everyone including me has two conflicting aspects to their personality. There’s the one which is good and generally seeks to self improve and be productive. Then there’s the other one - the little voice in the head urging us to sleep in for another 10 mins. I’ve learned the hard way that this little voice rarely has anything good to say. My advice is don’t ever have a discussion with him or indulge in anything he says! Sleeping in for another 10 mins is guaranteed to lead to another 10 mins and then another. The next time you hear that little voice, just say “No” out loud and …”
7. Jump: Stop yourself from rationalizing your temptation to stay in bed by simply jumping out of bed instantly. Once you’re outside the comforts of the warm and cozy bed, you’ll be more likely to actually wake up and stay up. Even go as far as leaving the bedroom immediately, then you’ll leave no doubt about your intentions to actually wake up and start doing things.

And there you have it peeps! Makes sure to check out the other 8 tips on the linked URL address at the top. Or better yet, Turn off the Computer and Go to bed! [Whip!]

R.I.P.

Student Group Fair

2008-01-30T14:57:00.000-05:00

Find out how to join existing student-run groups or start your own. Student groups create an atmosphere of diversity, excitement, and support. At this Fair, student-run groups at OCAD will promote themselves and sign-up new members.

Hot chocolate will be served! Decorate your own Valentine's brownie!
Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!

Thursday, February 14, 2008
11 am to 2 pm
Lobby, 100 McCaul Street

To view a list of current student-run groups, visit:
http://www.ocad.ca/students/student_services/student_groups.htm

PRIDE 2008

2008-01-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

Pride Week in Toronto is June 20 to 29, 2008. There has been keen interest expressed in seeing an OCAD float or OCAD involvement in the parade this year.

If you would like to join a committee of OCAD students to organize this, please contact Brent Everett James, Student Life Coordinator at 416-977-6000, Ext. 275 or e-mail bjames@ocad.ca .

[Thinking...]

2008-01-27T12:42:00.001-05:00

Lets see…what to keystroke for my first entry? I guess I’ll just feed-off of the available here and take it from there (uninspired anyone?). Actually, Mary-Ann’s latest entry is highly relevant to some of the concerns I’ve been getting from my mob of mentees. I have yet to peruse through Mary –Ann’s [faux guilt], but here are some of my fave’s for Graphic Designers - (that’s right , it’s Titled says I…[Smirks]) - they’re more inspirational then instructional; though I’m certain with an eye fro aesthetic anyone can benefit from the execution and construct of the following (in no specific order):

http://www.electrolux.com/designlab/
http://www.fullsail.edu/
http://www.wefeelfine.org/
http://demo.fb.se/e/ikea/dreamkitchen/site/default.html
http://www.kinetic.com.sg/
http://www.playb3yond.com/
http://www.serenatamobile.com/
http://www.jonathanyuen.com/
http://www.neue-digitale.de/projects/summer-of-love/
http://www.axelab.net/
http://www.goodbysilverstein.com/creative_mind/

And there you have it [Gong!].

Another concern I’ve been encountering besides venues of inspiration is doubt in computer skills amongst the designer’s mostly. I understand that like us in our first years, you expected OCAD courses to be more catered to instruction and tutorial with the software; when in-fact you’re trained more on discipline, discourse and practice of Art/Design and skills and techniques are self-acquired through individual work process. But for those interested in training options besides the Computer Workshops classes at school, I’ve had great luck with my trusty iTunes [Hugs iTunes]. Just go under the free podcasts section (Thanks Mary-Ann!) and key-in words as broad as “Photoshop” and that’s enough to conjure a plethora of options (with attached websites as well incase facing difficulty viewing the videos). You can watch them online, download them to your desktop, and even drop them onto you iPod for on-the-go.

And for fear of neglecting the ultimate semester thematic, I’ll remind you guys to just flex your time and course-load management skills. That alone, if practiced wisely (that’s what we’re here for), would allow for enough time to nurture your skills, acquire new tools, birth to new techniques and pull-off great semester work.

Congrats to all for making it this far [Confetti], and I’ll see you all at the finish line I’m sure. Till then, many meanderings on this blog are in demand (take heed of that promise – a warning [Maniac Cackles]).

“You Rock!” ~Brent [Wink!]

Fitness Membership Deal at USRC

2008-01-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

Less than three minutes from OCAD is a 25-yard pool; a gymnasium for basketball, soccer and badminton; a fully equipped Nautilus studio; and more! The University Settlement Recreation Centre is pleased to announce a new fitness membership deal for OCAD students.

If you are 18 to 26 years of age, pay only $57 (plus GST).
If you are 27 to 59 years of age, pay only $87 (plus GST).

Memberships are valid for four months from date of joining.

The deadline to join is Thursday, February 14 and Campus Life & Career Services will pay the first month’s membership! Visit USRC at 23 Grange Road for a tour or take your OCAD student ID to sign up. For more information, call 416-598-3444, Ext. 227.

Find out about other recreation facilities nearby:
http://www.ocad.ca/students/student_services/campus_life/recreation.htm

Study Groups @ the Writing & Learning Centre

2008-01-19T23:52:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys,

The grades are in...and if you haven't done as well as you wished I can suggest to get at least one of the marks for the next semster up. If you're in the Visual Study - Critical framworks course you may be aware of the study groups lead by Carmen, Raz or me (Elisabeth).
You can go to as many as you (even from different sections)...and don't let wait until the last study group before midterms or finals. Then it's almost too late!
Come when it's empty enough to get all your questions answered or come regularly and you won't fall behind. I went up to 3 times a week and I got my A. You can do it too! It's free help!

art blogs, podcasts and netcasts, oh my! *

2008-01-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

Audio blogs, videologs, podcasts, videocasts, netcasts, whatever you call them, there is an endless amount of visual arts-related content out there on the Internet. Anyone with a computer who is interested in art, artists, process, design, history, theory, writing, new media and technology, should be checking this stuff out.

Not sure where to start? Well, I browsed through the 5 pages of the iTunes free podcasts visual arts directory and came across the following ones I think are pretty interesting. Don't have iTunes? Not to worry, all of these can be viewed using just about any web browser.

Arts Now Podcast - BlogTO
The Arts Now is a weekly podcast all about the Toronto arts scene hosted by Ella Cooper & Amil Niazi.
Academic Aesthetic - Aaron "The Art Guy" Smith
Art. Education. Technology. - the purpose of this blog: for me to ramble on about art, education, technology, and any combination of those I can manage." OK, so his video podcast may not be interesting or relevant to all artists BUT the section on his website that IS, is his Blogging & Netcasting Workshop.
Art History Podcast - Learnoutloud.com
Each episode provides thoughtful analysis of the enduring artistic masterpieces that have become hallmarks of western culture.
Book Artists and Poets - Steve Miller
These Interviews with book artists and poets, are hosted by Steve Miller, coordinator of the MFA in the Book Arts Program at The University of Alabama. The lively conversations are about craft, inspiration, careers, and aspirations.
History of Photography - Jeff Courto
This podcast is recorded during class lectures for History of Photography, Photo 1105 at College of DuPage. The podcasts are intended as review for students in the class, but thousands of people around the world have found them useful to their education as photographers.
For Art's Sake - ON networks
Although most of us don't think of ourselves as artists, the fact is that we are surrounded and influenced by art all of our lives. For Art's Sake examines the lifestyle, inspiration, and work of many different types of artists and art enthusiasts. From comic book artists who love to cartoon to gallery owners with a passion that drives them to exhibit the work of others, there is something interesting and exciting for everyone in the world of art.
MOCA Audio and Podcasts
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is online with audio tours, art talks and podcasts going back to 2006.
MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art, New York
Audio podcasts of art talks going back to 2005.
Tate Events
This audio podcast presents highlights from Tate's wide-ranging programme of talks, symposia and live events at all four Tate galleries." The Tate also publishes over 300 hours of online learning video
TateShots
TateShots presents a selection of short videos each month, with a focus on modern and contemporary art at Tate. You can watch TateShots online or download the films to watch on your computer or portable device.
VernissageTV art tv
VernissageTV (VTV) takes you to opening receptions (vernissages) of exhibitions and events. Online, worldwide, on demand. VernissageTV provides insight to the social side of the art world. VernissageTV is based in Basel, Switzerland.
WSPS1: Art Talk
Art Radio WPS1 is the Internet radio station of P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center providing a 24-hour stream and on-demand archive of cultural programming. The station operates out of the historic Clocktower Building in lower Manhattan. Other WSPS1 podcasts include: DJ Sessions, Historic Audio and Sonic Adventures

* originally posted on my blog

Great Resource!

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys!

I just wanted to write a quick note about the Canadian Art Database. One thing that I found really interested me and helped me out was taking a look around this website. You will find that some of your teachers are on here and you can take a look at their work, as well as other teachers that you might be interested in taking courses from. This can really help you find teachers who inspire you and could work well with you to take your work to the next level. You can also just look around and find techniques you like, which can really help you figure out what you want out of your art. It really gives you a great view into the Canadian art scene and might supply you with some great inspiration!

Check it out! (http://ccca.ca)

Hope the semester is treating you well!

Erin

changing classes

2008-01-15T19:06:00.001-05:00

Hi !

Well, people, you have until friday to change classes without hassle, after that it takes a lot more time and trouble.

Where do you go ? To the registration page ! First check which days and times are available and then drop your former choice and pick up the new class.

But that's not it... now you got to email your new teacher - and if you want to be nice your old one ! Indeed MyCourses does not immediately change your status, it takes a day or so to catch up.

So how do you find out who your new teacher is ? Well, go to OCADs course calendar and click on first year design or art and voila: your computer downloads the course schedule which shows not only your section but also the name of your new teacher !

Write down that name, click on 'contact us' which is a little bar at the top right corner of your OCAD page and ... fill it in !

Easy.

What if your teacher is a brand new OCAD employee and isn't in the directory yet ? Well, you better go by the art or design office and leave a note in their mailbox ! Or check what other times they teach. There is a map in the offices that tells you where your teacher is, every day !

They should have a mailbox by now, if not, well, you have done all you could ! You may be a bit behind schedule, but not too much, so don't worry. Explain to the teacher all you did to get in touch with them, and you will find them pretty reasonable.

Have a fun winter term, people ! Enjoy your classes !

Frederieke

And so begins the semester...

2008-01-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

OCAD will re-open on Wednesday, January 2 but winter semester classes do not begin until Monday, January 7, 2008.

Volunteer Student Mentors will continue to serve as resource to their assigned Student Mentors.

Have a great winter semester!

And so ends the semester...

2007-12-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

The fall semester ended on Friday, December 17. The University will remain open until Friday, December 21 but will then be closed from Saturday, December 22 to Tuesday, January 1. OCAD will re-open on Wednesday, January 2 but winter semester classes do not begin until Monday, January 7, 2008. Volunteer Student Mentors will continue to serve as resource to their assigned Student Mentors.

On behalf of the OCAD Mentor Program, here's wishing you all the best of the season!

Holiday Food Drive

2007-12-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

Monday December 10, 2007 to Monday December 17, 2007

Campus Life & Career Services has arranged for a Daily Bread Food Bank bin to be placed next to the elevators in the main lobby, 100 McCaul Street. Please donate non-perishable food items for those less-fortunate during the holiday season.

Examples: peanut butter, baby food and formula, canned fruit or vegetables, canned fish or meat, pasta and canned sauce, rice, lentils, cans of stew or hearty soup, powdered or canned milk, cheese spread, cans of beans, boxed macaroni and cheese, or your family’s favourite nutritious foods.

Please drop off any donations by Monday, December 17, 2007

If you prefer, you can mail donation cheques to: Daily Bread Food Bank, 191 New Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M8V 2E7. Your dollar buys twice as much food when Daily Bread does the shopping.

Happy Holidays!

GOOOOOD LUCK!!!!!

2007-11-25T20:13:00.000-05:00

yes the end is near. i can almost smell it see it and feel it! oh my gosh i'm so tired. i'm working on my illustration homework now. i'm so tired i'm not even sure if i'm doing it right! but at this point who cares!!! i just want to get it done with ^0^
don't forget this wed is a free clinic at ocad! i know we are all busy with school but let'e not neglect our health! AND when is anything FREE at ocad?!!! let's take advantage! kkkkk! hope to see you guys tomorrow!

OMG! The semester's almost over!!! AARRGGHHH!!!!!

2007-11-21T10:12:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else freaking out about this or is it just me? No? You too? sigh.

No matter how prepared we are or how well our time is managed, end of term is CRAZY-making time. There's one simple, little thing I do that (mostly) saves me from the worry-wart point of no return.

When I start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, I stop whatever it is I'm doing, close my eyes and take 4-5 deep breaths, from the diaphragm. I repeat that as many times as it takes to stop my heart and brain from racing so far ahead I can't keep up.

Then I repeat to myself (sometimes out loud) "What is the most important thing I need to do right now?"

Get out of bed? OK I can handle that.
Eat something? OK. Sooooo hungry.
Drink some water (seriously you're probably dehydrated right now!)? Check.
Read 4 chapters? OK well let's start with chapter 1.
And so on.

By focussing on the NOW, I sort of trick myself into not dwelling on what's to come. I know, I know. This sounds kind of simplistic but it really does work for me.

Now this may not be enough for those of you with histories of anxiety or depression or bi-polarism or whatever. Sometimes that pressure builds and it's too much for you to handle on your own. Consider meeting with your prof or TA to discuss where you are at; visit the Writing and Learning Centre and work with a tutor (I work there, know them and can vouch that they are super nice and helpful!), or even talking with a counselor at the Health and Wellness Centre.

You are not alone! Good luck and keep at it.

Invitation to professional development workshop at the Writing & Learning Centre

2007-11-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

All peer mentors are invited...

Monday, November 26, 2007
10 am to 11:30 am
Writing & Learning Centre
Room 1501, Level 5, 113 McCaul Street

What you can do to help students take control of their own learning at OCAD and beyond

Facilitators: Thomas Robles, Christina Halliday, and Rebecca Smollett

In this session, participants will learn why it’s important to encourage postsecondary students to become self-directed in their own learning—both the general student population and ESL students. Through an introduction to on-line and WLC resources and group work where participants will respond to student scenarios, participants will learn techniques for helping students to take more control of their learning.

Pls. rsvp to lchen@ocad.ca by Nov 20 if you plan to come. See you there! The WLC Director, aka Christina

Battling First-year Weight Gain

2007-11-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

It's been called the "Freshman 15". New students leave home and move into residence, or shared accommodations off-campus and there's nobody guiding you on what to eat and what not to eat. The choice is all yours--you're doing your own grocery shopping--so there's the potential to put on a fair bit of weight. It's normal to put on some weight, but there have been several studies that suggest that first-year students will gain up to 15 pounds (a little under 7 kg) between the time they leave high school and finish their first year at University.

For more information, suggestions on healthy eating, healthy alternatives and physical activity, visit www.cbc.ca/news/background/education/weight-gain

Your LIfe Away from your OCAD Homework

2007-10-29T08:48:00.001-04:00

1. 'Green your dorm' is an article in NOW, a free weekly paper about everything that happens in Toronto. Specific to art and design students I would say is 'turn off your computer when you are not working on it'. NOW advises to put your tv, dvd player, cell charger and computer on one power bar and to shut it off when you leave your room.

2. Craigslist.com is a good place for second hand books, chairs and stuff you can use to paint upon, build with etc ! It is also a good place to find other students who want to help you on projects and in that way fatten their resume: you will find student art directors, student photographers, student make up artists etc. Together you can make a better project/work !

3. For those of you who like film and photography, a cheap place to rent film and photo camera's, use a darkroom and take short courses is Toronto's own LIFT (Liaison for Independent Filmmakers Toronto). I took a couple of courses there: Clay animation, Final Cut Pro, 16 mm camera's and transferring telecine film to video transfer. Learned a lot in a field that isn't mine but interests me nonetheless. Courses are often on weekends/evenings. It is also a place to find a crew for your film.

4. Toronto Winter Fair is coming to town. A couple of people in my second-year illustration class are going for a day's sketching. There are a huge variety of horses, sheep, cows, piglets, chickens and the famous lama! And we can take a peek at Sheridan students doing the same thing. The horse carriage shows are pretty cool too. The Winter Fair is November 2 to 11. Take Streetcar 509 from Union Station.