Overview Brochure

Learning to Change Lives How we make an impact by bringing together the right people, programs and possibilities at the School of Continuing Studies

On the cover:

“ The School of Continuing Studies has helped me grow personally and professionally,” says Rumeet Toor, founder of the successful website Jobs in Education. Now a PhD candidate at OISE, Rumeet invests profits from her online venture into school-building projects in the developing world. “I’ve gained the skills I needed to propel my business forward. And being exposed to influential instructors who are passionate about leadership has opened many doors.”

How do we change lives?By providing valuable knowledge and credentials.By building bridges to moremeaningful careers.By fuelling new venturesand economic growth.By inspiring creative curiosity.

The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies is recognized around the globe as an innovative leader in the advancement of lifelong learning. In each new initiative we undertake, we’re committed to making an impact – on our students’ futures, and on the future of Canadian society.

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Why are we here?To extend U of T’s reach deeper into the community that supports us.

The purpose of the School of Continuing Studies is to help people progress along the continuum of lifelong learning, pursuing their personal and professional goals and further enriching the economic and cultural life of Canada.

A core value defining every School initiative is responsiveness: We constantly evolve our programs to reflect the priorities of our students and match the rapid pace of technological and social change. The breadth of our curriculum, the high calibre of our instructors, our ability to respond quickly to emerging needs – all reflect our passion for seeing individual achievements trans-formed into collective success. Every course we develop, every innovation we introduce, advances our vision of a society in which lifelong learning enables people to become more successful – as individuals, and as members of organizations and communities. Why are we here? Like the University of Toronto, of which our School is an integral part, we’re committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians – and to the economic prosperity, cultural richness and future promise of Canada.

Marilynn Booth, DirectorUniversity of TorontoSchool of Continuing Studies

4 SCS, LEARNING TO CHANGE LIVES

What is the value of lifelong learning?First and foremost, it’s about unlocking human potential.

For individuals, lifelong learning is the key to sustain-ing personal and professional growth as lives and careers unfold. For the wider community, continuing education provides the tools to keep pace with change while guiding it in a positive direction.

Lifelong learners gain the specialized knowledge and professional credentials they need to advance in their careers or launch new ones – which in turn fu-els economic growth and prosperity. By encouraging individual promise while promoting collaboration and partnership, continuing education helps build stronger, more cooperative, more forward-looking communities. It strength-ens the diversity and shared values that help civil societies flourish. At the same time, lifelong learning fosters personal enrichment, help-ing people stay open-minded, current and connected. Research clearly links higher levels of education with healthier, happier lives. And as those lives grow longer, neuroscience offers the reassurance that aging brains retain their mental agility and actually thrive on constant reinvention. In every dimension of personal and social growth, the value of lifelong learning is clear.

“ An effective lifelong learning system is fundamental to maximising the capacity of employers to provide employment opportunities, and thereby improve social development and living standards.” – International Organisation of Employ-ers, Business and Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD: G20 meeting on Business Strategy on Lifelong Learning, March 2010

“�In�all�the�courses�I’ve�taken�at�the�School�of�Continuing�Studies,�the�instructors�have�impressed�me�with�their�knowledge,�enthusiasm�and�great�pedagogical�skills,”�says�Victor,�a�professor�in�the�U�of�T�Faculty�of�Medicine.�Internationally�renowned�as�the�founder�of�the�St.�Michael’s�Hospital�Sleep�Laboratory,�he�is�dedicated�to�exploring�all�areas�of�knowledge.�“I�wait�impatiently�for�each�new�catalogue�and�look�forward�to�deciding�which�courses�I�will�take�–�and�always��feel�sorry�that�I�cannot�take�more.”

Victor HoffsteinPhysician, U of T Professor of Medicine, Arts & Science student


“��The�Canadian�Business�Management�Essentials�program�helped�me�better�understand�other�points�of�view�and�learn�to�communicate�more�effectively�in�my�company,”�says�Edmond,�a�project�and�marketing�manager�in�the�high-tech�industry.�This�certificate�program,�developed�in�partnership�with�Sing Tao�(Canada)�Daily�Newspaper,�is�the�only�business��program�in�Cantonese�offered�by�a�Canadian�school�of�continuing�studies.�“It�has�definitely�been�helpful�for�my�career�and�my�future�entrepreneurial�pursuits.”

Edmond Leung Engineer, martial arts expert, Business & Professional Studies student

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Who benefits from attending SCS? People from all walks of life, reflecting every aspect of diversity.

An entrepreneur broadening her business knowledge. An engineer from Asia adding credentials to his Canadian résumé. A retiree hoping to write The Great Canadian Novel. An international activist honing her communications skills.

There are thousands of individual stories that make up the student experience at the School of Continuing Studies. Ranging in age from 18 to 85, our students are educated people – many with university degrees – who see the School as the ideal place to pursue their professional goals and personal ambitions. From an accountant seeking accreditation as a Project Management Pro-fessional to the entire management team of a leading Ontario retailer – from an international student improving his English to study in Canada to a single mother boosting her employment prospects – we’re here to help people real-ize their potential and fulfill their dreams. We’re constantly enhancing and reshaping our school to meet the needs of adult learners across a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including:• recent college and university graduates working to advance their careers• mid-career professionals and entrepreneurs who want to upgrade their

knowledge and skills• internationally educated professionals augmenting credentials for the

Canadian context• students from abroad who need to improve their English for study and work• people in later life pursuing their intellectual and cultural curiosity. The common bond among SCS students is a dedication to expanding horizons – through our rich programs and by interacting with their inspiring fellow learners.

“ A learning society is both a private and a public good. Success will largely depend on the extent to which society actively engages and makes demands on the skills and knowledge of all its citizens, promotes the use of individuals’ compe-tencies, and encourages individuals to think, act and be engaged.” – Canadian Council on Learning, Taking Stock of Lifelong Learning in Canada (2005–2010): Progress or Complacency?

Programs at a GlanceCourses 510Sections 1,403Certificate programs 55Certificates earned 824 Total instructors 415

Enrolments by Program AreaBusiness & Professional Studies 13,100English Language Program 3,100Arts & Science 2,400Languages & Translation 2,000Creative Writing 1,400

“��Teaching�at�the�School�of�Continuing�Studies�has�been�a�wonderful�experience,”�says�Tina,�who�is�also�a�docent�at�the�Art�Gallery�of�Ontario�and�shares�her�acclaimed�word-and-image�presentations�with�appreciative�audiences�from�the�MaRS�Discovery�District�to�the�Royal�Ontario�Museum�to�New�York’s�Metropolitan�Museum�of�Art.�“To�share�my�passion�for�the�relationship�between�literature�and�art�with�students�who�bring�experience�and�creative�ideas�of�their�own�has�been�inspiring�and�educational.”

Tina UrmanChampion of visual art and literature, Arts & Science instructor

StudentsTotal�students�15,000Enrolments�22,000

Average�Student�AgeBusiness�&�Professional�Studies�34English�Language�Program�25Arts�&�Science�53Languages�&�Translation�35Creative�Writing�41

Male:Female�RatioBusiness�&�Professional�Studies�46:54English�Language�Program�44:56Arts�&�Science�23:77Languages�&�Translation�36:64Creative�Writing�28:72

“��I�still�refer�to�the�Project�Management�course�material,”�Hector�says,�“and�recall�the�group�dynamics�of�our��class�as�I�apply�the�knowledge�we�gained�to�challenging�situations�at�work.”�Originally�from�Mexico,�Hector��completed�an�MBA�at�U�of�T’s�Rotman�School�of��Management�and�is�now�working�as�a�business��transformation�specialist�at�Thales�Canada.�“I�expect��to�have�a�lifetime�relationship�with�the�School�of��Continuing�Studies,�because�I�can�rely�on�it�to�keep�me�updated�and�ahead�of�the�game�in�my�profession.”

Hector HernandezAerospace industry MBA, Business & Professional Studies student


What kind of learning experience do we offer?Our courses are designed to be relevant, enriching and inspiring.

The School of Continuing Studies offers individual courses as well as multi-course certificate programs, many of which lead to professional accreditation. Most important, our courses reflect students’ needs – and we’re adding more all the time.

We offer more than 500 courses, classroom-based and online, covering a remarkably wide range of interests and specializations. We group them into five main areas of study:

1. Business & Professional Studies • Certificate programs ranging from

Accounting & Finance to Risk Management, from Human Resources to Website Development.

• More than 200 expert-led courses, including Business Analysis, Project Management, Marketing and Business Communication.

• Includes Engineering & Applied Science programs offering profes-sional development in a wide range of areas, from advanced building science to facility management.

• Many of our courses are accredited by leading professional associations.

2. English Language Program • Courses and certificate programs

designed for people who need to sharpen their English language skills to pursue their academic, professional and personal goals.

3. Arts & Science • From history and philosophy to liter-

ature, music and art history, a wide spectrum of courses designed to engage minds, deepen understand-ing and stimulate further inquiry.

• In exploring various dimensions of human culture, as well as the workings of the physical universe, students are inspired to think more deeply and bring broader insights to the everyday challenges of their careers and personal lives.

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4. Languages & Translation • From French and Italian to Mandarin

and Cantonese – courses in 19 languages for multiple skill levels, from absolute beginners to aspiring translators.

• Certificate and single-course pro-grams designed for the real world, constantly updated and expanded to reflect evolving professional needs and cultural interests.

5. Creative Writing• Certificate programs in creative

and freelance writing, along with a wide array of specialized courses for beginners, veterans and every-one in between.

• Accomplished instructors whose talent and reputation have made SCS an emerging hub for Toronto’s literary and professional writing communities.

“��Before�I�entered�the�English�Language�Program,�I�wasn’t�confident�communicating�with�native��English�speakers,”�says�Karina,�who�came�from��Kazakhstan�to�study�Architecture�at�U�of�T.�“Now�I’m�comfortable�sharing�ideas�with�other�students�and�presenting�in�class.�The�ELP�has�opened��doors�for�me.�I’m�prepared�–�and�excited�–�about�my�future!”

Karina DavydovaU of T Architecture undergraduate, English Language Program student


Who teaches our courses?CEOs and entrepreneurs. Doctors and engineers. Activists and literary stars. U of T profs and alumni.

All of the instructors who teach at the School of Continuing Studies are highly accomplished in their unique areas of expertise. Varying widely in their approaches, they have a common passion for sharing their knowledge with others.

At the School of Continuing Studies, we’re in the enviable position of always being able to recruit talented instructors – because they choose us. The Uni-versity of Toronto, like the city it helps to define, is a hub for people who are recognized leaders in their fields and who gain enormous satisfaction from giving back to the community by passing along their enthusiasm for learning. Our instructors combine academic credentials and professional experi-ence with a deep level of engagement and a genuine passion for their areas of expertise. The best way to communicate their diverse gifts is through the representative profiles throughout these pages.

Where do our students learn?

In-class. The School of Continuing Stud-ies offers classroom-based courses at all three U of T campuses: St. George in downtown Toronto, as well as Mississauga and Scarborough. Because time is at a premium for many adult learners, we offer the flexibility of varied course lengths and augment our multi-week courses with more intensive one-day, three-day and weeklong options.Online. Our e-learning courses offer added flexibility – especially for students juggling work and family commitments, who may be challenged by the extra commute to our campuses. The School’s total number of online enrolments has been increasing steadily every year. We’re currently developing a Digital Learning Initiative embracing social media, mobility, collaborative content development and other emerging capabilities that will set a new benchmark for online education.

“��Teaching�and�learning�throughout�life�are�among�the�finest�things�we�do,”�says�Kim,�acclaimed�author��of�The Disappeared,�a�novel�shortlisted�for�the��Scotiabank�Giller�Prize.�In�addition�to�her�wide-ranging�literary�experience�–�including�being�asked�to�write�an�introduction�for�Alice�Munro’s�story�collection�Runaway�–�she�shares�a�deep�grasp�of�the�creative�process�with�her�students.�“Engaging�intellectually,�and�intuitively,�in�creative�writing�are�excellent�ways�to�understand�ourselves.�The�world�needs�all�our�stories.”

“��Working�with�the�School�of�Continuing�Studies�has�been�the�highlight�of�my�teaching�career,”�says��Michael,�an�award-winning�business�educator�and�high-profile�commentator�for�CBC�Radio.�Drawing�on�his�extensive�experience�in�the�financial�services��sector,�he�developed�the�School’s�highly�successful�CFA�preparatory�courses�and�brings�an�entrepreneurial�zeal�to�the�SCS�mission.�“I’ve�never�met�a�group�of�people�more�passionate�about�student�success.”

Kim EchlinNovelist and essayist, Creative Writing instructor

Michael HlinkaMedia commentator, MBA, Business & Professional Studies instructor


How does SCS fit into the University of Toronto?We’re an integral part ofU of T and its long-term educational strategy.

U of T is committed to providing academic opportu-nities beyond undergraduate and graduate degrees. Canadians expect this return on their investment: to be able to move forward along a continuum of learn-ing, enriching their lives and the life of the community.

The School of Continuing Studies was officially founded in 1974, but our roots go back more than a century, to pioneering efforts by the University of Toronto to reach a broader audience of adult learners. The curriculum, tools and support systems have changed dramatically, but our fundamental commit-ment remains. While other postsecondary institutions fulfill the promise of continuing education to varying degrees, a university offers distinct advantages, thanks to the scope of its academic offering and the depth of its research expertise. A leading university such as U of T is by definition a crossroads for influential thinkers and investigators in a wide range of disciplines. Lifelong learners can only benefit from being at a hub whose spokes extend into science, medicine, technology, business, culture, politics and every area of social inquiry. U of T has built a worldwide reputation by upholding the highest stan-dards of excellence in teaching and globally relevant scholarship and re-search. As an integral part of the university, the School of Continuing Studies is sustained by its tri-campus infrastructure and energized by its intellectual vitality. Our students see SCS as a portal through which they can enhance their lives by connecting to an institution that understands the needs of a knowledge-based economy and promotes positive change on a global scale.

Alumni WelcomeThere are many U of T alumni among the 15,000 adult learners who benefit from School of Continuing Studies programs each year. Indeed, we offer all graduating U of T students a $600 credit that they can apply toward any SCS course, as a next step in their journey along the continuum of learning. The university’s alumni also help develop and teach our programs, as do faculty members and graduates.

Part of Canada’s #1 University The School of Continuing Studies is an integral part of the University of Toronto, which was rated #1 in Canada and #17 globally in the authoritative Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2010–2011. Our partners within U of T include:

Division of University Advancement Faculty of Applied Science and EngineeringFaculty of LawFaculty of Medicine, Department of PhysiologyFaculty of Medicine, Department of BiochemistryFaculty of Medicine, Office of Continuing Education & Professional DevelopmentHuman Resources & EquityOffice of Environmental Health and Safety Rotman School of ManagementSchool of Graduate StudiesUniversity of Toronto MississaugaUniversity of Toronto ScarboroughVictoria College University of Toronto

“��Through�the�School�of�Continuing�Studies,�the��University�of�Toronto�extends�its�mandate�beyond�undergraduate�and�graduate�degrees�to�offer�the��full�spectrum�of�lifelong�learning�opportunities.��The�School�strengthens�our�connections�to��individuals�and�organizations�in�the�community��and�helps�the�entire�university�to�become�more��responsive�and�innovative�in�addressing�emerging�educational�needs.”�

� Cheryl Misak� Vice-President and Provost, University of Toronto


What is our impact on the community?We expand knowledge,enhance credentials andopen up new career paths. At the School of Continuing Studies, we encourage motivated people by giving them the tools to create positive change at every level – in their lives, in their communities, across Canadian society and in the larger world.

By unleashing their full potential through continuing education, our students have an impact on every aspect of community life.

• Developing Canadian talent: SCS students bring new insights and expertise to their jobs, advancing entire organizations as they realize their own ambitions. We expand the innovative talent pool that Canadian employers can draw from, helping them compete more effectively on the global stage.

• New business opportunities: Our students forge relationships with similarly motivated individuals to pursue future collaborations. They gain the confi-dence and know-how to launch their own entrepreneurial ventures, further fuelling economic growth.

• Expanding newcomers’ horizons: We offer learning and credentials-building options for internationally educated professionals, who too often are underemployed in the Canadian marketplace. We also help students from abroad enhance their English language skills to achieve their academic goals in Canada, adding to the diversity of our schools.

• Enriching our culture: Many of the School’s programs develop creative interests and foster networking initiatives that enrich the cultural life of Toronto and Canada. Our adult learners are inspired to keep on expanding their intellectual horizons and contributing to community life.

• Promoting social growth: Students and instructors at the School of Continuing Studies are helping to create a society that is more adaptable, collaborative, culturally aware and energized by new ideas.

Community PartnershipsSCS regularly partners with other organi-zations – within U of T and throughout the wider community – that share our com-mitment to lifelong learning and can offer tangible support in program development, teaching expertise, professional accredi-tation, career advancement and other opportunities for students to broaden their horizons.

Some of Our PartnersThe following are just a few of the orga-nizations that have forged valuable links with the School of Continuing Studies:

Academy for Lifelong LearningCanada Green Building CouncilCanadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE)Canadian Innovation CentreCertified Management Accountants (CMA Canada)Chinese Professional Association of Canada (CPAC)Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)Insurance Institute of Canada

Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and ImmigrationProject Management InstituteRisk and Insurance Management Society Inc.School of Continuing and Professional Studies – The Chinese University of Hong KongSing Tao (Canada) Daily NewspaperThe New York Times Knowledge Network University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)

“��Education�liberates�you,�challenges�you�and�gives�you�tools�to�make�a�difference�in�the�world,”�says�Hind,�a�lawyer,�mediator�and�international�advisor�based�in�Toronto�and�Damascus,�Syria.�Named�an�Ambassador�of�Conflict�Resolution�for�the�Global�Agenda�Council�of�the�Davos�World�Economic��Forum,�she�credits�SCS�leadership�courses�with��preparing�her�to�meet�global�challenges.�“For�me,�continuing�education�was�not�only�a�good�invest-ment�for�me�and�my�family;�it�was�an�investment��for�the�whole�community.”

Hind KabawatLawyer, international mediator, Business & Professional Studies student

Where is our school heading next?

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We’ve reached a critical threshold in our evolution. The School of Continuing Studies can continue to meet the needs of adult learners, building on the success of our business model as we steadily realize our goals. But we see an opportunity to accelerate that momentum and take our scope, relevance and impact to a new level.

After several years of extensive research complemented by the insights of specialized experts, we’ve developed a comprehensive strategy for expanding and enhancing SCS. Our master development plan calls for investment in six initiatives:

1. Help newcomers realize their potential Centre for Internationally Educated Professionals 2. Take online learning in new directionsDigital Learning Initiative3. Help worthy students reach their goalsBursaries and Awards Program4. Extend our reach across three campusesTri-Campus Infrastructure Program 5. React quickly to meet emerging needsInnovation Fund6. Create a new home for our schoolBuilding Fund

Want to Know More?We’ve prepared a wealth of information on all of these initiatives as we launch a new campaign for the School of Continuing Studies. To obtain your copy of the case for support – Why Us? Why Now? – please contact:

Nory SiberryExecutive Director, DevelopmentSchool of Continuing [email protected]


• Enrol in one of our many courses and programs.• Share your expertise by becoming an SCS instructor.• Create networking opportunities for our students.• Partner with us to create lifelong learning initiatives.• Lend your support as we pursue our goals for the future.

To get the conversation started on any of these possibilities, please call: Marilynn [email protected]

For more information on the School of Continuing Studies, visit our website:learn.utoronto.ca

What can we do together?There are many ways you can get involved with the School of Continuing Studies.

We hope you’ll join us as wepursue new opportunities incontinuing education and explore, through innovative partnerships, the full potentialof learning to change lives.

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The School of Continuing Studies opens up new career paths, builds professional credentials and expands intellectual horizons. Every innovative course we develop advances our vision of lifelong learning as the key to success for individuals, organizations and entire communities. By helping adult learners achieve their goals, we invest in the economic and cultural wealth of Canada.

Overview Brochure

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