Back to School Skate
Join us on September 27 from 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. for a fun, social skate at Varsity Arena! Offered in collaboration with MoveU, the KINections Back to School Skate is open to all kinesiology students, both undergraduate and graduate. Bring a friend or make some new ones as you glide (or wobble!) across the ice.
Seasoned pros and newbies welcome. Free hot chocolate will be provided!
We encourage those with their own skates / helmets to bring them to the event.
Skate loans are available at no cost (limited sizes available).
How to participate
2024-25 KINections Volunteer & Work Study Opportunities
KINections is hiring!
If you want to develop and deliver events that enrich the #UofTKPE student experience, join the KINections team in a work study or volunteer role.
The KINections team curates, plans and hosts events and activities for undergraduate and graduate KPE students to connect with each other beyond the classroom.
How it Works
KINections activities are organized around themes, with an intentional focus on equity and inclusion woven into each of the themes. For each theme, there is a dedicated group of staff and students developing events and activities, called a pillar group. The pillar group typically meets as a group 5 - 6 times per year, and sub-groups may meet additionally to develop and present the activities they’d like to host. The large KINections group will also meet at least once each term. The themes are:
Mentorship
Health and wellness
Community engagement
Global citizenship
Career development
Research exploration
Equity, diversity & inclusion
How to Apply
Volunteer Roles
If you’re interested in volunteering with KINections, please complete the online application form.
The deadline for this recruitment period is August 31, 2024 with interviews scheduled to take place online in late August / early September. Volunteer positions will start September 2024.
Work Study Roles
If you’re interested in a work study position with KINections, please visit the KPE job listings page for detailed position descriptions and instructions on how to apply
The deadline for KINections work study roles is August 31, 2024. However, roles will be filled on a rolling basis, so apply ASAP!
Positions available:
· KINections Community Engagement Program Assistant
· KINections Career Development Program Assistant
· KINections Executive Program Assistant
· KINections Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Program Assistant
· KINections Global Citizenship Program Assistant
· KINections Health & Wellness Program Assistant
· KINections Research Exploration Program Assistant
University of Toronto Housing Fair
Are you looking for a place to rent in Toronto? Are you trying to figure out where to live the next academic year?
Explore different types of rental housing at the Housing Fair. This Fair will feature student-housing building operators, property management companies, and individual landlords.
Have your questions about renting Off-Campus answered by our housing educators!
How to participate:
Register for the University of Toronto Housing Fair
Saturday, July 13, 1–3 p.m.
Bahen Centre Atrium
2SLGBTQ+ Roommate Meet and Greet
2SLGBTQ+ students are invited to join this networking event to meet peers who are also looking for roommates.
There will be ice-breaker activities, information about renting, and arts and crafts activities. Come to enjoy some free snacks and fun activities while finding potential roommates!
How to participate:
Register for the 2SLGBTQ+ Roommate Meet and Greet
Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Online
2024-25 KINections Volunteer & Work Study Opportunities
KINections is hiring!
If you want to develop and deliver events that enrich the #UofTKPE student experience, join the KINections team in a work study or volunteer role.
The KINections team curates, plans and hosts events and activities for undergraduate and graduate KPE students to connect with each other beyond the classroom.
How it Works
KINections activities are organized around themes, with an intentional focus on equity and inclusion woven into each of the themes: mentorship, health and wellness, community engagement, global citizenship, career development, research exploration and equity, diversity & inclusion.
For each theme, there is a dedicated group of staff and students developing events and activities called a pillar group. The pillar group typically meets as a group 5 - 6 times per year, and sub-groups may meet additionally to develop and present the activities they’d like to host. The large KINections group will also meet at least once each term.
How to Apply
Volunteer Roles
If you’re interested in volunteering with KINections, please complete the online application form.
The deadline for this recruitment period is April 30, 2024 with interviews scheduled to take place online in May. Volunteer positions will start September 2024.
Work Study Roles
We are recruiting now for the Fall 2024 / Winter 2025 terms. If you’re interested in a work study position with KINections, please visit the KPE job listings page for detailed position descriptions and instructions on how to apply
The deadline for the following KINections work study opportunity is April 30, 2024. Please complete the online application form. You will also need to submit a resume and cover letter before your interview.
Work study positions can not be officially offered until approved in the summer, but early application / interview will fast track hiring in the fall.
Positions available:
· KINections Community Engagement Program Assistant
· KINections Career Development Program Assistant
· KINections Executive Program Assistant (specifically looking for Master, PHD and MPK students)
· KINections Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Program Assistant
· KINections Global Citizenship Program Assistant
· KINections Health & Wellness Program Assistant
· KINections Mentorship Program Assistant
· KINections Research Exploration Program Assistant
Pilates & Mindfulness
Take a movement break and reset in this pilates & mindfulness session! The session will focus on strengthening your core and movements can be modified based on ability. There will also be a discussion component, where participants can share their experiences navigating student life and mindfulness techniques that help with stress management.
All equipment will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.
International students at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education are especially encouraged to attend this event.
Session Details
Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT (1.5 hours)
Location: Clara Benson Building, BN302, 320 Huron St, Toronto, ON M5S 3J7
Register for Pilates & Mindfulness
Tote Bag Painting Workshop
Wind down from the stress of school by joining fellow students from KPE and the Roadmap to Wellness Club in painting your own canvas tote bag! Express your creativity and leave with a unique—and useful—memento.
Light refreshments will be served. All materials will be provided.
How to Participate
Games of the Globe
Warm up this winter by playing fun games from around the world!
Join us in the Athletic Centre Dance Studio on Friday February 2, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. for a fun interactive event where you'll learn about KhoKho (India), Tai Ji Quan (China) and Jegichagi (Korea).
In the process, you’ll get a taste of how KIN’s diverse student body spends time with their loved ones and may even find that you have more in common with your peers than you thought!
How to Participate
Winter Wonder Skate
Celebrate the new year by joining us for a free skate on Friday, January 26! All KPE students are invited to skate at Varsity Arena on Friday January 26, 2024, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Bring your skates or borrow a pair from us and start the New Year off by getting active with friends. Whether you're a seasoned pro or are new to the cold, come out and have some fun!
We encourage those with their own skates / helmets to bring but skate loans are available (note limited sizes available).
How to participate
KINmunity Fridge Walk
Learn about food insecurity and mutual aid organizations in the City of Toronto with your KPE peers!
Join the KINmunity Fridge Walk on Thursday January 25 from 12:30 - 2 p.m. Participants will take a walk to the UTSU food bank and then visit 2 community fridges near campus. Bring food (perishable or non-perishable) items to donate to the community fridges. Take a walk on the wild side, meet like-minded KIN students and walk for good for the start of 2024.
How to participate
Spill the Tea
Spill your study tips and tricks with KINections! Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson building on Wednesday, January 24th to “spill the tea” from 11 – 2 p.m. Share how you prepare for the term and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, on us!
How to participate
Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson Building. No advance registration required!
KINections Halloween Skate Night
KINections Presents Halloween Skate Night
Join KINections and MoveU before the hustle and bustle of Halloween!
Head to Varsity Arena on Tuesday, October 31st, for a free Spooky Halloween Skate from 9:45 - 11 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume.
MoveU prize packs are up for grabs for the best costumes: Most Creative, Best Duo and Scariest Costume! Enjoy being active with friends, Halloween music, and of course, a couple of tasty treats!
Note: We encourage those with their own skates / helmets to bring their equipment, but skate loans are available (note limited sizes available).
How to participate:
KINect with Us Bollywood Dance Workshop
KINect with Us Bollywood Dance
Join us on Monday October 30 from 3 - 4 p.m. for this beginner-friendly class where we will learn some Bollywood basics and a fun, upbeat routine that will get your heart pumping!
Samira is a second-year Master’s student and has been a professional dancer and choreographer for over a decade. She teaches beginner and intermediate classes at Bollywood Dance School Canada and has performed at a wide variety of events including TIFF, Indian Film Festival Awards (IFFA), World Partnership Walk, and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Gala Nights.
How to participate:
KINections Lindy Hop Kick Off Dance and Clothing Drive
Join KINections and the UT-Swing Dance Club on Friday October 27 from 12 - 1 p.m. to kick off our clothing donation drive!
Sign up to participate in a beginner lindy hop workshop - no partner or dance experience necessary. Simply wear clothing you can move in, indoor shoes, water and be ready to try your best!
Please bring one (or more) gently used or new winter clothing items to donate to unhoused youth.
Session Details
Date: Friday October 27, 2023
Time: 12 - 1 p.m. (1 hour)
How to Participate
Sign up for KINect with US: Lindy Hop Dance and Clothing Drive Kick Off now
Hart House Farm Fall Retreat with KPEUA
Cradled in the Caledon Hills on the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment, the 150 acres of the Hart House Farm is the perfect place for any form of retreat and it’s only one hour from Toronto. Hart House Farm welcomes visitors to Ignatieff House, a rustic house fully equipped with kitchen, a piano and a cozy fireplace.
Join KINections and KPEUA, the Faculty’s recognized undergraduate society, for a day of fun-filled fall activities including hikes, games and cider-pressing. Participants will visit for the day, and are required to pay a refundable deposit of $25. As long as you attend the event, the fee will be refunded the following week.
KPEUA is also holding an overnight retreat at the farm for its members. These members will also need to apply by submitting the KPEUA survey during the registration process and pay an additional (non-refundable) $30 fee to the KPEUA.
Session Details
Date: Friday October 20, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (9 hours)
How to participate
Sign up for the Hart House Farm Retreat via recreation.utoronto.ca
Spaces are limited. Log in with your UTORid, complete the registration and pay your $25 deposit. As long as you attend the event, the fee will be refunded the following week.
KINections Volunteer Opportunities
KINections Volunteer Opportunities
The KINections team curates, plans and hosts events and activities for undergraduate and graduate KPE students to connect with each other beyond the classroom.
If you want to develop and deliver events that enrich the #UofTKPE student experience, join the KINections team in a volunteer role!
How it Works
KINections activities are organized around themes (called pillars), mentorship, health and wellness, community engagement, global citizenship, career development, research exploration and equity, diversity & inclusion.
For each theme, there is a dedicated group of staff and students developing events and activities called a pillar group. The pillar group typically meets as a group 5 - 6 times per year, and sub-groups may meet additionally to develop and present the activities they’d like to host.
The broader KINections group will also meet at least once each term. You can expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours volunteering in this role over the Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 terms.
KINections also offers work study opportunities, but all work study positions have been filled for 2023-24. Recruitment for work study roles for the 2024-25 academic year will begin in spring of 2024.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in volunteering with KINections, please complete the online application form.
The deadline to apply as a volunteer has been extended to September 18, 2023.
A full job description is provided below for reference:
KINections Volunteer - Position Description
Questions? Need more information about these opportunities? Please email kinections@utoronto.ca.
BIPOC Wellness Dialogues: Building Community Through Conversation
Tune in online to join this virtual space for Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Colour (BIPOC) and Queer Trans Black, Indigenous and/or Persons of Colour (QTBIPOC) identifying students, presented by U of T Student Life’s Health & Wellness team.
Join Shari and Change (pronounced as Chong- gay), two BIPOC Counsellors from Health and Wellness, for a bi-monthly virtual drop-in group where undergraduate and graduate students can meet, share, connect and talk about topics that influence our lives.
Connect with peers to share lived experiences, discuss current events that impact health and wellness, and celebrate diverse and intersecting identities. Dialogues will be tailored to students' input and needs. Topics may include coping with multiple cultural identities; family pressures; microaggressions and academic stress.
How to participate
KINections Volunteer & Work Study Opportunities
KINections is hiring!
If you want to develop and deliver events that enrich the #uoftkpe student experience, join the KINections team in a work study role.
The KINections team curates, plans and hosts events and activities for undergraduate and graduate KPE students to connect with each other beyond the classroom.
How it Works
KINections activities are organized around themes, with an intentional focus on equity and inclusion woven into each of the themes: mentorship, health and wellness, community engagement, global citizenship, career development, research exploration and equity, diversity & inclusion.
For each theme, there is a dedicated group of staff and students developing events and activities called a pillar group. The pillar group typically meets as a group 5 - 6 times per year, and sub-groups may meet additionally to develop and present the activities they’d like to host. The large KINections group will also meet at least once each term.
How to Apply
Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering with KINections, please complete the online application form.
The deadline for this recruitment period has been extended to May 5, 2023 with interviews scheduled to take place May 8 – 26, 2023. Volunteer positions will start September 2023.
Work Study Roles
We are recruiting now for the Fall 2023 / Winter 2024 terms. If you’re interested in a work study position with KINections, please visit the KPE job listings page for detailed position descriptions and instructions on how to apply
The deadline for the following KINections work study opportunity has been extended to May 5, 2023. Please complete the online application form. You will also need to submit a resume and cover letter before your interview.
Work study positions can not be officially offerred until approved this summer, but early application / interview will fast track hiring in the fall.
Positions available:
· KINections Career Development Program Assistant
· KINections Executive Program Assistant (specifically looking for Master, PHD and MPK students)
· KINections Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Program Assistant
· KINections Global Citizenship Program Assistant
· KINections Health & Wellness Program Assistant
· KINections Mentorship Program Assistant
KINections Volunteer & Work Study Opportunities
KINections is hiring!
If you want to develop and deliver events that enrich the #uoftkpe student experience, join the KINections team in a work study role.
The KINections team curates, plans and hosts events and activities for undergraduate and graduate KPE students to connect with each other beyond the classroom.
How it Works
KINections activities are organized around themes, with an intentional focus on equity and inclusion woven into each of the themes: mentorship, health and wellness, community engagement, global citizenship, career development, research exploration and equity, diversity & inclusion.
For each theme, there is a dedicated group of staff and students developing events and activities called a pillar group. The pillar group typically meets as a group 5 - 6 times per year, and sub-groups may meet additionally to develop and present the activities they’d like to host. The large KINections group will also meet at least once each term.
How to Apply
Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering with KINections, please complete the online application form.
The deadline for this recruitment period is April 30, 2023 with interviews scheduled to take place May 8 – 26, 2023. Volunteer positions will start September 2023.
Work Study Roles
We are recruiting now for the Fall 2023 / Winter 2024 terms. If you’re interested in a work study position with KINections, please visit the KPE job listings page for detailed position descriptions and instructions on how to apply
The deadline for the following KINections work study opportunity is April 30, 2023. Please complete the online application form. You will also need to submit a resume and cover letter before your interview.
Work study positions can not be officially offerred until approved this summer, but early application / interview will fast track hiring in the fall.
Positions available:
· KINections Career Development Program Assistant
· KINections Executive Program Assistant (specifically looking for Master, PHD and MPK students)
· KINections Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Program Assistant
· KINections Global Citizenship Program Assistant
· KINections Health & Wellness Program Assistant
· KINections Mentorship Program Assistant
KINections x KPEGS Grad Game Night
Join KINections X KPEGS at Snakes and Lattes on March 23rd for some fun! We’ll be sipping away while playing board games with fellow KIN Grad students, starting at 7:00pm.
How to participate
Register now for KPE Grad Games Night
KINections Hart House Farm Maple Sugar Retreat
Escape the city and embrace a change of pace at the Hart House Farm Retreat on March 17!
Join us for a day trip filled with games and hands-on activities, including a maple sugaring experience (where sap is collected from maple trees to make maple syrup).
Hart House Farm is located in Caledon Hills, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Toronto. Transportation, meals and snacks will be provided. The retreat will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Participants will meet in the Athletic Centre lobby at 10 a.m. sharp.
Registration is required to attend this event and a $25 deposit will be collected as part of the registration process. If you are a KPE student, you register and attend the event, you will be eligible for a full refund after March 20, 2023. To initiate your refund request, please call the Athletic Centre’s Customer and Membership Services team at 416-978-3436 (extension 0) or visit the Main Office in the Athletic Centre.
Register at uoft.me/kpefarmtrip (type KINections into the search bar if it doesn’t go directly to the KINections page).
Equity Talks: Food and Health
How can we create a better relationship with food, particularly in relationship to health?
This interactive workshop, offered by the Office of the Registrar and Student Services and facilitated by KPE's Equity Engagement & Student Advisor, is tailored to students in the Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) program and will explore ideas around food and wellbeing. Students of all backgrounds are welcome!
Topics of discussion will include:
How do we understand what is “healthy food”?
What impact does racism, xenophobia and other forms of oppression impact what is seen as healthy food?
How can we create a better relationship with food, particularly in relation to health?
Date: March 13, 2023
Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Clara Benson Building
How to Participate
Short Films Screening: Sport and Disability
Drop by Room 221 in the Golding Centre for High Performance Sport to watch two short films on disability and inclusion in sports, followed by reflection and discussion. Films include:
Sensei
2021, documentary, Canada, 22 min, dir: Jill Roberts
Natalie Olson, World Silver Medalist and the first Canadian with Down syndrome to earn a black belt in karate, trains for her next big challenge with her coach of over 20 years, Sensei Heather Fidyk.
How to Participate
No advance registration required. Space is limited so you are encouraged to arrive early!
KINect with Us: Shuffle Dance
Learn to shuffle like a pro in a beginner-friendly dance workshop led by Julianne Lindeblom (she/they) at the Athletic Centre Dance Studio. Learn a fun, upbeat routine and add some new moves to your repertoire!
How to Participate
No advance registration required. Drop by the Athletic Centre Dance Studio at 3 p.m. and move your body!
KINdhearted Letters
Stop by the second floor of the Clara Benson building and write brief notes to motivate struggling community members to keep going via moreloveletters.com. In coming together to support others in the community, students promote their own wellness.
How to participate
Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson building from 12 - 2 p.m. to write some encouraging words. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
KINections March Mental Health Week
KINections presents the March Mental Health Week!
With midterm season in full swing and exam season on the horizon, the KINections team has organized an entire week of free events to promote mental health and wellbeing for KPE students!
The KINections March Mental Health Week will run from Monday March 6th to Friday March 10th, with a different activity offered each day. No need to sign up for the events in advance, but onsite registration will be required. The more events you participate in, the more chances you have to be entered into a draw to win a prize pack filled with U of T goodies and more! The random draw for prize packs will occur following the last event.
Come out from March 6 – 10 to reconnect, recharge and enjoy a full week of events, snacks and good times!
Monday March 6 ● 12 – 2 p.m.
Spill the Tea: Spill your exam tips and tricks with KINections! Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson building on Monday, March 6th to “spill the tea” from 12 – 2 p.m. Share how you prepare for exam season and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, on us!
Tuesday March 7 ● 4 – 5 p.m.
Panel & Pizza: In this panel, held in room 221 at Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with peer mentors who will share their experiences and techniques around effectively managing time and stress. Complimentary pizza from Panago Pizza will be provided. This event has limited capacity so first-come, first-served!
Wednesday March 8 ● 12 – 2 p.m.
KINdhearted Letters
Stop by the second floor of the Clara Benson building and write brief notes to motivate struggling community members to keep going via moreloveletters.com. In coming together to support others in the community, students promote their own wellness.
Thursday March 9 ● 3 – 4 p.m.
Shuffle Dance: Learn to shuffle like a pro in a beginner-friendly dance workshop led by Julianne Lindeblom (she/they) at the Athletic Centre Dance Studio. Learn a fun, upbeat routine and add some new moves to your repertoire!
Friday March 10 ● 12 – 2 p.m.
Sport and Disability Film Screening and Discussion
Drop by Room 221 in the Golding Centre for High Performance Sport to watch two short films on disability and inclusion in sports, followed by reflection and discussion.
Sensei
2021, documentary, Canada, 22 min, dir: Jill Roberts
Natalie Olson, World Silver Medalist and the first Canadian with Down syndrome to earn a black belt in karate, trains for her next big challenge with her coach of over 20 years, Sensei Heather Fidyk.
McKayla
2017, documentary, US, 13 min, dir: Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich
McKayla survived a rare form of cancer, losing one of her legs. Told she would neither run nor cycle again, McKayla is competing in triathlons. (Update: since the film’s completion, McKayla has lost her battle with cancer.)
How to participate
No need to sign up for the events in advance, but onsite registration will be required. Drop in at one or several events throughout the week.
Spill the Tea!
Spill your exam tips and tricks with KINections! Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson building on Monday, March 6th to “spill the tea” from 12 – 2 p.m. Share how you prepare for exam season and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, on us!
How to participate
Drop by the second floor lobby of the Clara Benson Building. No advance registration required!
KINect with Us: Traditional Chinese Dance Workshop
Come Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an introduction to traditional Chinese Dance in this workshop led by one or our very own: Chloe is a graduate student from the MPK program at U of T. She is also a national-level Chinese dancer.
No prior experience necessary and all undergraduate and graduate KIN students are welcome.
How to participate:
Register for Traditional Chinese Dance
Lucky Envelopes: Sharing Lunar New Year Traditions
As part of Lunar New Year celebrations, it is customary to give a lucky envelope to friends and family. The envelopes are traditionally filled with money and symbolize good wishes and luck for the year ahead. They can also be filled with positive affirmations, origami, lucky symbols and more.
Drop by the Lobby outside the Benson Student Lounge on January 19 between 12 and 2 p.m. to collect a lucky envelope and learn more about the envelope tradition and the joyous occasion of Lunar New Year!
How to Participate
Drop by the tables set up outside of the Benson Student Lounge - no registration required!
Equity Talks: Unpacking Ableism and Fatphobia
In what ways do ableism and fatphobia show up in a health context? How do fatphobia and ableism connect/relate with other forms of oppression? And how can disability justice and body neutrality concepts help create inclusive practices in a health context?
In this workshop offered by the Office of the Registrar and Student Services and facilitated by KPE's Equity Engagement & Student Advisor, graduate students at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education are invited to join a discussion that explores how discourses surrounding ableism and fatphobia present in various sports and physical activity.
How to participate
Sign up for Equity Talks: Unpacking Ableism and Fatphobia now
KPE Winter Wonder Skate
Celebrate the new year by joining us for a free skate on Friday, January 13! All KPE and Cross Border Network students are invited to skate at Varsity Arena on Friday January 13, 2023, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Bring your skates or borrow a pair from us and start the New Year off by getting active with friends. Whether you're a seasoned pro or are new to the cold, come out and have some fun!
How to Participate