As you wrap up your Program Kick Off this week, we trust that you are excited about next week’s launch of Term 1. We hope that the skills you’ve been learning in LDT are setting each of you up to be an effective team member in the courses ahead.

As you heard from Scott earlier last week, three of your four Term 1 courses (Economics, Models & Data, and Accounting) will be in-person, dual-delivery. The fourth course, Leading People in Organizations, will be delivered fully online. For those of you in Toronto, you’ll be expected to attend Economics, Models & Data, and Accounting in-person. For those of you not yet in country, you’ll be able to attend these Term 1 courses online.

By the end of this week, you will receive instructions from the Registrar’s Office as to how to access your Term 1 course schedules. The Registrar’s Office is working on getting as many students as can be in the classroom into the classroom for our in-person, dual-delivery courses within the social distancing and capacity limits under the current provincial guidance.

Currently, the University is operating under the Step 3 of the reopening roadmap of the Province. This means that there are physical distancing requirements that limit the number of seats available in our classrooms and that for a couple of your courses (Models & Data and Accounting) there will not be enough space for all students who are enrolled in class to attend simultaneously. In these courses, the Registrar’s Office will assign students to subgroups and rotate which subgroups attend any given course meeting. The list of subgroup membership will be placed on the course Quercus page. As the provincial guidance on social distancing and room capacities changes, we will adjust the rotation as quickly as we can.

We are happy to report that many international students are joining us each week in Toronto! We encourage all students with study permits to arrive in Toronto as soon as they can safely. For those of you still awaiting study permits, please make sure you are working closely with your Section AD so that they can support you in achieving a successful Term 1 experience.

Finally, this September, all members of the University community coming to campus—including students, staff, faculty, and librarians—will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or register in the University’s rapid screening program, where results will need to be uploaded regularly. You can read more about UCheck (the university’s self-assessment tool) here.

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Maria and Scott

Program kickoff is around the corner and you’re likely feeling a combination of excitement and nerves. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. The Rotman commUNITY is here to help set you up for success. Below are three tips for you on the eve of program launch:

• Dive into Pre-Program next week. For those of you who are registered for the Academic Pre-Courses, Quantitative Boot Camp, Communications Boot Camp, Self-Development Lab Sessions, and Co-Curricular Workshops, the next two weeks are your chance to get comfortable with the academic concepts you’ll be tackling in the first year of the Rotman MBA. Our world-class faculty have designed these sessions to help you build a solid foundation for a successful program launch so jump right into the work and start getting to know them!

• Be on track to Complete Career Readiness Checklist Phases 1 & 2 by September 27th. For those of you who attended Career Discovery Week (CDW) this week, we hope the sessions provided you with a chance to explore the many career pathways after the Rotman MBA and gave you a glimpse of our powerful Rotman alumni network. Rotman Career Services has a full year of programming planned in the year ahead to set you up for professional success and continue to connect you with industry. Do your part to be career-ready by completing your career readiness checklist.

• Prioritize your health and wellness. The year ahead will be both exciting and challenging so make sure you know about the many health and wellness resources available to you as a Rotman student. You’ll soon be learning which Section you are in for year one of your Rotman MBA. Your Office of Student Engagement Section Assistant Director is your first point of contact for any questions related to student services. Freeda, Stephanie, Margaret, and Susan can connect you with Academic Support Services (Rotman Scholars, Learning Strategist, Rotman Write Now), Accessibility Services (Accommodations and Supports), and health and wellness supports (Peer Mentorship Program, Rotman-dedicated mental health counselor).

We’re looking forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Maria Jimena Rivera

One of the four goals in Rotman’s Academic Plan Catalyst for Change is harnessing the power of community. As a Rotman student, you will have access to an incredible community of global business leaders who will be important partners in your professional and personal development as an MBA student. This community includes Rotman’s diverse and dedicated network of over 14,000 alumni worldwide and the deep pool of corporate and industry partners Rotman engages with every year.

Here’s a few tips on how you can harness the power of community as a student at Rotman:

• Take Professor Tiziana Casciaro’s advice and consider networking as an opportunity for learning. Read more about what leaders need to know about networking here.
• Don’t miss out on the hundreds of amazing speakers Rotman brings in every year to discuss the most pressing business issues of our time. Stay up to date on Rotman’s speaker series here and make sure to carve out time during the schoolyear to attend these impactful sessions.
• Bookmark the Rotman Insights Hub to stay current on the learning, engagement, and professional development happening across the Rotman community. By sharing discoveries, experiences and advice, our intent is to strengthen and accelerate Rotman’s impact on expanding the frontiers of business knowledge.
• Take part in the numerous networking opportunities Career Services provides our students from industry event nights, workshops with alums, to unique mentoring opportunities such as our LEADS program. You’ll learn more about how Career Services connects you with industry in Careers Discovery Week to be held later this month.

You are joining a powerful community of people with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, with wide-ranging experience, talents and aspirations. We can’t wait for you to get to know them!

Looking forward,
Maria

One of our favourite annual student events is called Reflection where the graduating class gathers to reflect on their transformational MBA journey. We just celebrated Reflection with the Class of 2021 and here’s some chords of wisdom the graduates would like to share with you.

As you set to embark on your own journey, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the goals you are setting for yourself. Here’s a breakdown of some of the goals and tactics to keep in mind for each of the three activities happening between now and Program Kickoff on August 16th.

• Curriculum: To be able to get the most from the rich learning experience Rotman has to offer, aim to be in Toronto this fall. We are planning to be on-site as much as possible and we want you to benefit from the active in-person interactions among students and faculty. We encourage you to join us in person to set yourself up for academic success in the program.
• Careers: No doubt that you are embarking on this journey to shift the trajectory of your career. Set yourself up for professional success by making sure to attend Career Discovery Week on July 26 – July 29, 2021. This week will provide you with the foundation and resources required to get a head-start on your job search and connect with the Career Services team, Rotman alumni, and industry professionals for insights across a range of emerging and diverse industries.
• Community: The people in your class will be the business leaders of tomorrow. Not only will your professional network grow as a result of joining our community but your personal life will be enriched through these connections. Prioritize participating in the many welcoming events the 6ix Squad is planning for you this summer. Our students are looking forward to getting to know you!

You will experience tremendous intellectual, professional, and personal growth in the years ahead. We hope the above guidance and introspection can help you prioritize among our many pre-program offerings.

Looking forward,
Maria and Scott

Issue #1:  May 31, 2021

Rotman MBA students are required to own a laptop computer running Microsoft Windows 10 in English which is able to connect to the Rotman wireless network.  Operating systems, such as the Apple macOS, Linux, Windows RT, Windows 10 S, and Chromebook are not supported by Rotman.

The Rotman IT Helpdesk does not support macOS or Apple hardware. However, Apple computers can be used as long as they are configured to allow booting into Microsoft Windows 10 (Minimum hardware requirements includes a 256GB hard drive and at least 8GB of RAM). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their Apple computer has a valid copy of Windows 10 installed.

Welcome Full Time MBA Class of 2023!

We’re excited to have you join us this fall. As the Registrar and Director, Academic Services, my office (Registrar’s Office, or RO for short) is responsible for ensuring your operationally smooth progression through your program and we are the stewards of your academic information. We partner with all Rotman programs to provide you with quality service during your journey with us. The RO front desk team can answer any questions you may have about fees, scholarships and awards, course enrolment, exams, grades, policy information and any other academic aspect of your program. Our website has up to date information on all of these topics. If you haven’t done so already I encourage you to visit us online.

We look forward to seeing you at Program Kick-off!

Nicola Woods
Registrar and Director, Academic Services

Class of 2023, welcome to the 6 (aka Toronto!). We’re counting down the days to your arrival and can’t wait to meet you all at 105 St. George, your soon to be new home!

Over the next few weeks, you’ll be introduced to our 6 Squad (Rotman’s Official Welcome Committee) and our incredibly helpful team in the Office of Student Engagement who will be sending you information and tips to ensure your transition is smooth.

We’re currently putting together your pre-program and program kick-off and have some exciting plans for you including a number of socials, opportunities to meet your section classmates and our annual McKinsey Compass Challenge. In the interim here are three tips to help you prepare for your MBA experience:

1. Please bookmark and download the Go-to-Guide (Tip: You’ll want to reference the handy calendar with important dates). 
2. Our pre-program course assessments will be available soon. Use them as a guide to determine where you want to spend your time. While doing everything might sound exciting, you’ll want to pace yourself for the start of the program. 
3. Visit the OSE website to get familiar with our OSE team. Andreas, Edith, Freeda, Jonathan, Margaret, Stephanie, Susan and Tyler are some of the most helpful people you’ll meet during your program and they can’t wait to meet you! 

All best,

Neel Joshi
Director, Office of Student Engagement

Welcome Class of 2023!

We are delighted that you are joining the Rotman community. While we are still in the global pandemic, the University of Toronto and Rotman are working towards a safe return to in person learning for Fall 2021. You can learn more about the steps the university is taking here. You are joining an amazing group of students and alums, faculty and staff, and a global network of colleagues. We are excited about getting to know you – through our virtual community and, as soon as possible, together here at Rotman.

Our programming in the months ahead will help you engage with faculty, staff, and your fellow students. Between now and Program Kickoff on August 16th, we will emphasize three key activities:

• Curriculum: Start exposing you to Rotman’s foundation of rigorous analytic thinking and engagement with current practicing management through courses taught by our world-class faculty.
• Careers: Start crafting your personalized career plan tailored around your experience and goals.
• Community: Start building your strong base of relationships that reflect Rotman values of respect, excellence, diversity, and inclusion — within Rotman and across our global network.

The Pre-MBA Insider and the Pre-Program Portal will be your guides to staying current on our programming – upcoming opportunities include sample classes, career discovery week, and our summer social series lead by the 6ix Squad.

Our commitment is to be open and responsive to you as you transition to Rotman. In general sessions and in our posted FAQs, we will answer as many questions as we can. Also, please continue to reach out to your Recruitment and Admission Assistant Director with any questions. Agnes, Chris, Danielle, Lynda, and Richard – and all of us – are here to help as you get ready to start your Full Time MBA program at Rotman.

We hope you are as excited as we are to start your transformative journey, as you become part of the lifelong Rotman community!

Looking forward,

Maria and Scott

When students first join Rotman, the suspense of meeting their classmates, preparing finances and reviewing housing options can definitely feel overwhelming. To help you during these challenging times, we would like to introduce you to the 6ix Squad.

The 6ix Squad is made up of second year students who can provide you with advice and encouragement as you transition to life as an MBA student. Learn more about each team member!

Kevin Thom
Favourite Class: Managerial Negotiations
Favourite Restaurant: Oddseoul
Preferred Superpower: Mind reading
Quick Tip: Definitely take advantage of the scholar sessions for core courses you’re not confident with – the extra help makes a world of difference!

Huy Luong
Favourite Class: Strategic Change & Implementation
Favourite Restaurant: All sushi restaurants
Preferred Superpower: Time travel to go to Jurassic World
Quick Tip: Know your upcoming pressures. You can’t avoid them. Term 2 will be super intensive. Arrange your time according to your objectives in MBA.

Scarlett Shao
Favourite Class: Economic Environment of Business
Favourite Restaurant: Dagu Rice Noodles
Preferred Superpower: Time travel
Quick Tip: Follow your heart and believe in yourself. You have made this time and investment to earn a Rotman MBA, please use this time to do what is best for YOU!

Mankaran Kharbanda
Favourite Class: Finance I
Favourite Restaurant: KOST
Preferred Superpower: Mind Reading
Quick Tip: Leverage the rich diversity in the classroom, clubs and social events to develop meaningful relationships. You will be surprised with how much you can learn from one another even in a virtual setting.

Ashwin Mehta
Favourite Class: Managerial Accounting
Favourite Restaurant: Pai
Preferred Superpower: Telepathy
Quick Tip: Things tend to get stressful at times, but relax, and enjoy your time here!

Avantika Sardana
Favourite Class: Business Design Fundamentals
Favourite Restaurant: The MoMo House
Preferred Superpower: Teleportation
Quick Tip: Be mentally prepared for a roller coaster ride. It will seem impossible to get through a couple of turns but at the end of it you will realize you had SO MUCH of fun!

Vamil Sangoi
Favourite Class: Managerial Negotiations
Favourite Restaurant: To be determined
Preferred Superpower: Ability to turn any song into a bad song (by singing it)
Quick Tip: Work hard but don’t forget to have fun!

Drishti Chawla
Favourite Class: Managing Customer Value
Favourite Restaurant: Pai
Preferred Superpower: Controlling time
Quick Tip: Use an organizer to plan ahead.

Maithri Basavapatna
Favourite Class: Economic of Environment of Business
Favourite Restaurant: Bar Raval
Preferred Superpower: Telekinesis
Quick Tip: Prioritization will be key in first year when there are so many things to do and attend.

Vania Sarin
Favourite Class: Managerial Negotiations
Favourite Restaurant: Kibo Sushi House or Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Preferred Superpower: Invisibility
Quick Tip: Always have an agenda (and a cup of coffee!)

Samuel Babarinde
Favourite Class: Economic of Environment Business
Favourite Restaurant: TBD
Preferred Superpower: Mind Control
Quick Tip: Reach out to as many knowledgeable people as possible to make optimal and informed decisions.

Danielle Wright
Favourite Class: Creative Destruction Lab Intro
Favourite Restaurant: Wilbur Mexicana
Preferred Superpower: Teleportation
Quick Tip: Try to keep doing your hobbies during the school year!

Omar Mneimneh
Favourite Class: Business Analysis & Valuation
Favourite Restaurant: Eataly
Preferred Superpower: Give me the trident of Neptune and the ability to breathe under water and I am Aquaman!
Quick Tip: The MBA is a steep learning experience; learn to love yourself along the way!

Renato Monzon
Favourite Class: Business Analysis & Valuation
Favourite Restaurant: Chotto Matte
Preferred Superpower: Flying
Quick Tip: With so many possible career paths, stay focused on your desired function/industry. Prioritize, quality is more important than quantity, and feel free to ask your questions.