Dean's Messages

Latest information for Engineering students, faculty & staff from Dean Chris Yip

Advisory Committee on the Appointment of a Chair, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering: Call for Nominations

March 16, 2022

Professor Markus Bussmann’s first term as Chair, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, ends on June 30, 2022; he is eligible for reappointment. In accordance with the Policy on Appointment of Academic Administrators, we will be commencing the process to seek approval of an Advisory Committee to the Dean on the appointment of a Chair, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

The Committee should normally be composed as follows:

  • the Dean of the Faculty;
  • three to five members of the teaching staff of the department;
  • the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies or representative;
  • one or two members of cognate departments;
  • one or two students;
  • a Vice-Dean of the Faculty, where appropriate;
  • a librarian, where appropriate; and
  • in addition, the committee may include an alumnus/a, a member of the administrative staff and, in the case of professional faculties or schools, a senior member of the appropriate professional community.

I would appreciate receiving nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee by March 25, 2022. Please forward all nominations to the attention of the Dean (dean.engineering@utoronto.ca).

Standing with Ukraine

March 3, 2022

To our U of T Engineering community

We have all been appalled, shocked and deeply shaken by the invasion and ongoing war in Ukraine. As engineering students, teachers, researchers and professionals, we seek to apply all we have learned and discovered for the betterment of humanity. We work to address the complex, multifaceted and pressing challenges that the world is facing. The understanding that our community is interconnected and global is foundational.

Our hearts are with the Ukrainian people, almost one million of whom are now forced to flee their homeland, and with their families, friends and loved ones here in our Faculty and all across the globe. We also recognize that this may be a difficult time for the many Russian people in our community and beyond who oppose this war. I echo President’s Gertler’s statement and wishes for a speedy end to violence and restoration of peace and democracy in Ukraine.

The majority of us have not, in our lifetimes, faced this level of instability and uncertainty. It is personal and local, as well as universal and global. Our connections are what strengthen us: I want to remind you that you are each a vital part of this community. Students, staff and faculty all have access to free, 24/7 mental health resources and supports. Please reach out if you’re feeling overwhelmed — let’s take care of ourselves and each other as best we can.

Chris

Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto

Myhal closed until Monday

February 10, 2022

To our U of T Engineering community

Due to ongoing power disruptions, the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (U of T building 087) will be closed today, Thursday, February 10, 2022, and remain closed through the weekend.

Crews are on site and working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. I want to extend an enormous thank you to our facilities and infrastructure staff across the Faculty, especially those in Myhal, as well as to the Registrar’s Office and Grad offices. This has been a real challenge and I appreciate everyone’s hard work and patience.

Classes scheduled in Myhal on Thursday and Friday are being relocated — instructors have been contacted with alternate room assignments. Students, please continue to check your inboxes for the latest updates from your instructors.

The University is also aware of reports that more protests may be planned for downtown Toronto and around Queen’s Park this coming weekend, February 12 and 13, 2022. Any important updates that may affect the University community will be shared via the UTAlert system — as I mentioned last weekend, I encourage everyone to sign yourselves up to UTAlert if you haven’t yet.

I recognize this week has brought unexpected challenges. Though we’re still facing some uncertainty, we will find a way back to stability by working together and doing our best. I’m grateful to each of you for your efforts to take care of yourselves, and support each other.

Chris

Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto