The law school offers many great resources, services, events, and activities relating broadly to health and wellness. Check out the following pages for more information!
Yoga
Practicing yoga can provide both physiological and psychological benefits, including improved memory, concentration, mood, and learning efficiency. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
There are yoga classes held at the law school in the mornings and during lunch break in the Faculty Lounge (located in Flavelle). These classes are offered at a subsidized rate, and are only open to the students, faculty, and staff at the Faculty of Law. Please contact Claire Hepburn at claire.hepburn@utoronto.ca for information on scheduling and registration.
Meditation
Meditation has many mental and physical benefits , including reduced stress and tension, and increased concentration.
The law school makes space available to students interested in practicing meditation. Please email Assistant Dean Students Alexis Archbold (alexis.archbold@utoronto.ca) for more information.
Nutrition Workshops
Many students find that life at the law school, and all the associated activities, makes for a very busy schedule. For some, this makes it hard to eat healthy and nutritious food. The law school hosts nutrition workshops in order to provide students with the tools to nurture their bodies and boost their brains while keeping their stress levels under control. These mini lectures provide insight into the best foods to eat, how to prepare them, and some instructions on basic cooking skills to set and keep you on your way to excellent health.
Check the calendar of events for the workshop schedule.
Running
Running is an excellent form of exercise, and can have psychological benefits as well! Our student-run Running Club will be hosting runs during the 2012-2014 school year (weather-dependent!) All members of the law school community, regardless of speed or running level, are encouraged to come and run/jog/walk briskly. Email Alexis Glazer-Beale at alexis.glazerbeale@mail.utoronto.ca for more information.
Intramural Sports
As members of the U of T community, all law students are eligible to participate in a wide variety of intramural sports at various competitive levels in gender-specific or co-ed divisions (if available). Law students typically compete for the Faculty of Law against others within U of T.
Examples of intramural sport teams include cricket, hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, flag football, innertube water polo, ultimate Frisbee, rugby, lacrosse, and field hockey. There are also intramural tournaments in badminton, broomball, dodgeball, European handball, innertube water polo, softball, squash, table tennis, and tennis. Some intramural sport teams operate through the summer months.
Intramural sports are a great way to keep fit, meet other students in law and at U of T, and to have fun! Most team sports are free to play, with some individual tournaments carrying a small entry fee.
Please see the U of T intramurals website for more information on scheduling and registration, or see Headnotes listings in the fall for law-specific team information!
Faith and Spiritual Life
There is a prayer space open to students in the basement of Falconer Hall. Please contact Assistant Dean Students Alexis Archbold for more information (alexis.archbold@utoronto.ca).
See also the law school’s policies on religious holidays.
Personal Counselling
A professional counsellor from CAPS (Counselling and Psychological Services at U of T) is available at the law school once a week. Please contact Assistant Dean Students Alexis Archbold (alexis.archbold@utoronto.ca) for more information.
Dog Days
Spending time with animals has been associated with a reduction in stress levels. Dogs come to Flavelle House one Thursday each month to spend time with members of the law school community. Check out the calendar for specific dates!
Muffin Madness
Many people believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Dean Mayo Moran hosts a free breakfast buffet (with healthy and nutritious choices) at the law school once a month. This tasty law school tradition is also a great opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to socialize. Check the calendar for specific dates.
Exam Time Extras
The exam period can be stressful for many law students! The law school offers a variety of exam-time extras to help reduce stress and promote community, including free massages and free smoothies. Check the calendar for specific activities.
Peer Mentorship Program (PMP)
Each year the Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) matches incoming students with upper-year student mentors – confidential peer resources and, hopefully, new friends! The overwhelming majority of the first year class participates in and benefits from this student-founded and student-run program.
Upper-year mentors can provide guidance and advice on academics, extra-curricular activities, school-life balance, and the law school social scene. Mentors and mentees meet at least twice per semester to speak candidly about their law school experiences. As well, mentors are available throughout the year for further meetings, telephone chats, and e-mail correspondence.
Please send an email to utlawmentors@gmail.com if you have any questions about this program.
Stress and Anxiety
Students who are suffering from excessive stress may find the following document useful:
See also the information above about yoga, meditation and healthy eating programs.
Students’ Law Society (SLS)
The Students’ Law Society (SLS) is the representative organization of JD students at U of T. The SLS oversees the funding of student clubs at the Faculty of Law, many of which are related to health and wellness in some way, including In Vino Veritas, Out In Law, and Law Games. The SLS also plans ski weekends, weekly pub nights, coffee houses, skate nights, and the annual Law Ball. The SLS President for the 2012-2013 school year is Albert Lin.
Please feel free to email sls.law@utoronto.ca, visit the SLS website (http://www.studentslawsociety.ca/), or check out the SLS Facebook page (insert link) for information!
