October 2025

Hello Advising Network,

Fall has officially arrived and mid-term tests and exams are on the way!

Speaking of exams, did you know that exercise boosts learning? Find out more in the article below and upcoming information session by Matt Edmonds, Aquatics & Active Wellbeing Coordinator, discussing the cognitive benefits of exercise for students, and consider referring students to Recreation and Active Wellbeing as part of their learning supports. 

Check out the information below for important updates about mid-term and final exams, curriculum modifications, professional development opportunities, academic consideration vs academic accommodation and more.

RO Updates

Scholarships and Awards: 

Impact of Course Drops for Entrance Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship recipients' eligibility will be reevaluated after the 50% refund date for course drop/program withdrawal in mid-October to ensure enrolment conditions continue to be met, i.e. maintain an 80% course load (4 or more billing units) in the fall semester, with exceptions for students with a work term or exchange placeholder; or who are registered with TMU’s Academic Accommodation Support and required to take a reduced course load.

Students who withdraw, discontinue their program, or reduce their course load will forfeit their renewable entrance scholarship for the current academic year. The decision is made by the Student Awards and Scholarships Office and is based on the terms of the scholarship. A cancelled scholarship may result in a fee being applied to the student’s account. To avoid late fees and a hold being applied to their account, students should promptly make payment to the university.

Curriculum Modifications

Curriculum modifications refer to course-level (category 1), curriculum-level (category 2), or policy-level and other (category 3) changes. Examples can be found in Policy 127: Curriculum Modifications: Graduate and Undergraduate Programs.

The minor modification Category 1 and 2 deadline for the 2026-2027 undergraduate calendar is October 3, 2025. Here are some reminders and resources: 

• Submissions are through the Calendar Change Hub found on the Undergraduate Calendar Publications page. Further instructions can be found on how to use the Calendar Change Hub.

• If there is a high number of Category 2 changes, it may result in a Category 3 change or major modification. These modifications require proposals to be submitted for approval by the Academic Standards Committee. The deadline for proposals was May 31, 2025.

• Please be sure the submission is complete and that all Category 2 submissions include the necessary approvals. Please review these instructions for obtaining approvals.

For further information, check out:

Undergraduate Calendar Publications

Staff Resources: including workshops, submission links, template and instructions.

Policy 127: Curriculum Modifications: Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

Enrolment for Winter 2026 Admits

Students admitted for the winter term will again receive a priority enrolment appointment. This early enrolment date allows new students to select classes with support from program advisors before enrolment opens for returning students and ahead of the Mid-Year Break.

• Tuesday, December 9: Priority enrolment date for winter 2026 admits.

To qualify for priority enrolment, students must be admitted at a Basis of Admission level of 1 or 2 for the Winter 2026 term. Students entering at a higher level will receive priority enrolment appointments based on their year level, if applicable.

Please note that academic program administrators will gain access to adjust winter 2026 undergraduate schedules on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Between November 19 and December 8, you may wish to enrol newly admitted students in your program into their required winter term courses.

Significant Dates 2025

Mid-Terms and Final Examinations

Mid-terms and final exams are on the way! Check out the details below.

Final Exam Policy

Senate Policy 135 - Final Examinations was revised last year and has been in effect since Fall 2024. For more information about the policy and procedures, please refer to Policy 135 - Final Examinations or register for the upcoming information session.

Department Communications

Department administrators will receive an email about exams, invigilator hiring, and online training. If you need to be added to the RO Exams mailing list, please contact exams@torontomu.ca.

Exam Booklets

Schools/departments can now submit requests for exam booklets using the Final Exams Booklet Request Form, linked in a staff-only document. This form is intended for school/department administrators to request exam booklets on behalf of their entire school/department. Only school/department administrators should complete this form. Faculty/contract lecturers can coordinate with their school/department administrator to request booklets. 

Most of the existing blank exam booklets with the Ryerson logo have been used, and new booklets with the TMU logo are available. However, if you have any booklets with the old name and logo, please use them first.

Masks

The university continues to welcome the use of masks in exam rooms. If faculty/contract lecturers would like to use a mask during their exam or at any other time while on campus, masks can be requested by emailing ehs@torontomu.ca, who will coordinate pickup as long as supplies are available. Please reach out 2- 3 business days before the exam to make arrangements.

Make-Up Tests and Exams

TMU’s Make-Up Test Centre supports all TMU students with their make-up tests.

For more details visit the Make-Up Test Centre.

Remind Your Students They Still Need a Physical OneCard

While Digital OneCards can be used for door access and purchasing, all undergraduate, graduate and law students still need to get a physical OneCard for identification during midterms, exams and other assessments. Check out more information about the OneCard.

More Information

Student exam website

Final Exam Policy

Exam Information for Faculty/Contract Lecturers and Invigilators

On-Campus Exam Guide for Faculty/Contract Lecturers and Invigilators

Email: exams@torontomu.ca.

Professional Development

Navigating Academic Integrity Processes: What Advisors Need to Know

Wednesday, October 15, 1 - 2 p.m.

When a student shares that there is a suspicion of academic misconduct under Policy 60, academic advisors are often a trusted first point of contact. This workshop will explore how the Policy 60 Academic Integrity process may affect the advising role and interactions with students, and will equip advisors with the knowledge, resources, and language needed to support students with confidence and clarity. Register for the academic integrity workshop.

Brains in Motion: The Cognitive Benefits of Exercise for Students

Monday, October 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Discover how physical activity can play a powerful role in student learning, memory, and mental well-being. In this information session, academic advisors will learn the link between movement and improved cognitive function, and will be introduced to the range of recreation programs available to students. Attendees will also be invited to an in-person orientation at the Recreation & Athletics Centre! Register for the online information session.

Wellbeing Week

TMU is hosting a university-wide week event from October 20 - 24, dedicated to encouraging ongoing dialogue on mental health and wellbeing while promoting programs and services available to the TMU community. Find more information about Wellbeing Week.

Brains in Motion: The Cognitive Benefits of Exercise for Students

Physical activity doesn’t just strengthen the body or support mental health - it also sharpens the mind. Emerging research shows students gain powerful cognitive benefits when they stay active.¹

A 2023 meta-analysis found that different types of exercise have distinct impacts on cognitive performance:

• Resistance training (like lifting weights) had the strongest effect on executive function, or decision-making.

• Mind-body exercises (such as yoga) improved memory the most.

• Aerobic activity (running, walking, swimming) boosted overall cognition across the board.

At TMU, students have free access to two fitness centres (RAC and MAC), a swimming pool, and a wide range of group fitness classes, supervised drop-in sport times, and recreational clubs.

Academic advisors interested in learning more can connect directly with Matt Edmonds, Aquatics & Active Wellbeing Coordinator (matt.edmonds@torontomu.ca) for an individual orientation.

Find out more at the October 20, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. online information session.

¹ Zhang, M., Jia, J., Yang, Y., Zhang, L., & Wang, X. (2023). Effects of exercise interventions on cognitive functions in healthy populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 92, 102116–102116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2023.102116

News from Around Campus

Academic Consideration vs Academic Accommodation

All students, including students who are registered with AAS, may have extenuating circumstances that require consideration such as unexpected illness, injury, or hospitalization. AAS and the Senate Office have partnered to create a resource on the key differences between Academic Consideration and Academic Accommodation where you can learn about these policies and how to apply them. 

For extenuating circumstances extending beyond three days, please refer to the Senate’s ACR FAQ page. These circumstances require a comprehensive discussion with someone familiar with the academic program and curriculum expectations.

Learn more about the Academic Consideration Policy 167 in the Academic Consideration & ACRs website, FAQ document or join the upcoming workshop.

Review all details about AAS in the AAS Advisor Information.

Check Your Contact Information

Academic Advising Contact Updates

Review your program's academic advising contact information, including your program’s websites, and send any updates to advisingnetwork@torontomu.ca. Be sure to invite any new team members to subscribe to the newsletter!

TMU Directory Updates

Each department has designated staff (usually an administrator or departmental assistant) who can make changes to the TMU directory, including the green and white pages. 

RO Snapshot and Contacts

Staff can learn more about the Office of the Registrar and staff contacts in the RO Snapshot & Contacts document.

In Case You Missed It

Review the September issue of the newsletter for information about:

• Academic Accommodation Support deadlines

• Academic Advisement Reports

• Dean’s List

• Transferring between TMU programs

And Finally

Fall is a busy season with fresh energy. Take a moment to enjoy the leaves! 🍂🍁

Warm fall wishes,

Michelle