Faculty of Social Science and Humanities

Thinking about technology with a conscience: Gathering input from seniors on legal and ethical issues related to use of social robots for in-home support is just one of more than two dozen Ontario Tech University research projects receiving new federal funding support.

Ontario Tech University researchers on the leading edge of emerging technologies research

August 12, 2019

More than 30 researchers at Ontario Tech will share more than $1.82 million in new funding for various projects aimed at helping us understand some of the biggest challenges Canadians face

Waste watchers: Sewage and cannabis

July 09, 2019

As the cannabis market becomes more firmly entrenched across the country, an Ontario Tech University researcher says Statistics Canada (StatsCan) is going to great depths to study national cannabis consumption rates.

Dr. Shilpa Dogra, Associate Professor and Director of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences (front left) with The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport (front right) at Ontario Tech University's ACE (February 11, 2019). Onlooking are Dr. Steven Murphy, President, Ontario Tech University; Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Whitby MP (both in centre-back), and (right) The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality (also Minister of International Development as of March 1, 2019).

Ontario Tech University researchers applaud federal commitment on equity, diversity and inclusion

June 27, 2019

On May 8, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport announced Ontario Tech University as one of 15 recipients of an EDI Institutional Capacity Building Grant,

From left: Noreen Taylor, Chancellor; Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dawn Haw, Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT) medal winner (tie); Dr. Michael Bliemel, Dean, FBIT; Dr. Lori Livingston, Provost and Vice-President Academic.

Ontario Tech University salutes 2019 Convocation medal winners

June 14, 2019

As Ontario Tech University reflects on the conclusion of the 2018-2019 academic year, the Board of Governors and the Office of the Provost salute the outstanding achievements of this year’s faculty medal winners and special award winners.

Ontario Tech students help with lakefront cleanup.

Ontario Tech students help drive lakeshore cleanup initiative

June 13, 2019

Ontario Tech University students from the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH), along with the FSSH Practicum team and partner organization A Greener Future, spent three hours on May 29 collecting more than 3,000 pieces of litter from the lakefront as part of the Love Your Lake initiative.

Sustainable development advocate Peter Stoett, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, will co-chair a three-year international study that will fully assess existing knowledge about invasive alien species.

Ontario Tech University Dean to play leading role in global invasive species study

June 13, 2019

The United Nations has tapped the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services to lead a three-year global study that will fully assess existing knowledge about invasive alien species and current efforts to control their threats, the first global report of its kind. Ontario Tech University’s Peter Stoett, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, will co-chair the study.

Lyndsay Woolridge, a PhD candidate in the university’s Forensic Psychology program, is investigating the influence of linguistic factors on deception detection judgments in legal settings. The opportunity to work with ELC students has fit perfectly with her research.

Ontario Tech’s English Language Centre embraces campus integration

June 04, 2019

Ontario Tech's English Language Centre (ELC) program places students in relevant language-learning contexts and real-life situations, providing them with opportunities to develop the skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education and in a multicultural world.

Dr. Les Jacobs is Ontario Tech University's new Vice-President, Research and Innovation (effective July 1, 2019).

Dr. Les Jacobs appointed Ontario Tech University’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation

May 29, 2019

Administrative leader and data science applications expert Dr. Les Jacobs becomes Ontario Tech University's new Vice-President of Research and Innovation on July 1.

Future of human health and prosperity at risk, warns Ontario Tech researcher

May 28, 2019

The abundance and variety of life on our planet is under threat, according to a recent comprehensive study by the United Nations (UN). The sixth Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6), delivered in Nairobi, Kenya this past March, includes contributions from Ontario Tech University researcher Peter Stoett, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities.

Celebrating Convocation at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa (June 2018).

Two-thousand grads and four honorary doctorates to highlight Ontario Tech University’s 2019 Convocation

May 28, 2019

Family and friends will cheer on more than 2,000 new graduates as Ontario Tech University recognizes and celebrates the Class of 2019 during four ceremonies on Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7.

In recognition of IDAHOTB 2019, Ontario Tech University faculty, staff and students joined community partner representatives from PFLAG Canada Durham Region for a Pride flag ceremony.

Ontario Tech recognizes International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

May 17, 2019

Each year on May 17, millions around the world come together to recognize the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). Created in 2004, IDAHOTB draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

Winners of the 2019 Campus Charity Walk and Run awards included Langis Roy, PhD, Dean, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Ontario Tech University; and Sarah Kelly, Durham College marketing student.

Campus Charity Walk and Run breaks fundraising records in support of high-risk youth outreach program

May 17, 2019

Students, staff and faculty from Ontario Tech University and Durham College broke a record while breaking a sweat during the 11th-annual Campus Charity Walk and Run for the Boys and Girls Club of Durham (BGCD).

Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University, signs the Dimensions charter.

Ontario Tech President signs new equity, diversity and inclusion charter

May 09, 2019

Ontario Tech University proudly joins universities across Canada to advance institutional equity, diversity and inclusion, with the signing of the Dimensions charter. The charter was announced today by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan. The goal is to have Canadian institutions endorse the charter and commit to helping drive deeper cultural change within the research ecosystem.

Bill Buxton, Principal Researcher, Microsoft Research, speaking at Ontario Tech University's 2019 Futures Forum on the Future of Tech with a Conscience (May 2, 2019).

Ontario Tech University sharpens its focus on ‘technology with a conscience’

May 03, 2019

What does it mean to develop technology with a conscience? What are our obligations to using technology responsibly? How can we improve the designs of new technological innovations while carefully considering their societal impact? On May 2, leading experts explored these questions and more during Ontario Tech University’s 2019 Futures Forum: ‘The Future of Tech with a Conscience’.

Ontario Tech University will stage its annual Futures Forum on Thursday, May 2, focusing in 2019 on 'Tech with a Conscience'.

How do we ensure smart tech improves the human condition?

April 18, 2019

On Thursday, May 2, Ontario Tech University will explore the latest discoveries and issues at the intersection of humans and technology.

From left: Fourth-year Criminology student Tristan Williams and Dan Walters, Practicum Co-ordinator, FSSH, spoke at the faculty's first-ever Celebration of Community Partnerships event.

FSSH Practicum office celebrates community partnerships

April 12, 2019

Practicum placements would not be possible without the partnerships FSSH has forged over the years with a wide variety of organizations. To honour these collaborations, the faculty recently hosted its first-ever Celebration of Community Partnerships event.

From left: FSSH students Carly Mcdonell (Forensic Psychology), Stacey Snow (Political Science), Heidi Graf (Criminology and Justice), Lesley Parris (Communication and Digital Media Studies), Tailor Campbell (Forensic Psychology), and Azkah Waseem (Criminology and Justice) participated in the two-week educational tour of Panama and Costa Rica.

Students explore international development initiatives in Central America

April 11, 2019

Heidi Graf, along with five other students from Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH), recently spent two weeks on an educational tour of Panama and Costa Rica, to engage in international development initiatives while completing the requirements of their FSSH Practicum course.

Loredana Iazzi, Master of Education student and winner of the Hubert H. Harshman Award.

Ontario Tech celebrates graduate student recipients of donor awards

April 03, 2019

Donor funding allows students in the university’s School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to access innovative learning opportunities, alleviate the financial costs of their education and pursue their research goals.

Dawn of a new era: Say hello to Ontario Tech University

March 27, 2019

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will begin writing a new chapter in the coming months as it transitions to a distinct new brand. Between now and the start of the next academic year in September, the campus will transform into Ontario Tech University. The university will sport a new look and feel with an exciting new visual identity and market positioning.

Dr. Barbara Perry, Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (left) with Dr. Ryan Scrivens, Assistant Professor, Michigan State University (image taken during break at 2016 criminology conference in Stockholm, Sweden). Dr. Scrivens earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in Criminology at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and was mentored by Dr. Perry.

Grad spotlight: You never know where your academic journey might take you

March 21, 2019

If anyone knows about the value of college-to university ‘bridge’ degree programs, it’s Markham, Ontario-born Ryan Scrivens. The two-time University of Ontario Institute of Technology graduate (Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (2011) and Master of Arts in Criminology (2014)) has an intriguing story to tell about the trajectory of his post-secondary education.

From left: Dr. Tamari Kitossa, Associate Professor, Sociology, Brock University (at podium); Jill Thompson, Indigenous Cultural Advisor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Dr. Barrington Walker, Associate Professor, Department of History, Queen’s University; and Dr. Wesley Crichlow, Associate Dean (Equity), Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and Chair of the President’s Equity Taskforce (panel moderator).

Conversation about the past and future highlights Black History Month event

March 19, 2019

A dazzling display of traditional Caribbean and African dance at the Regent Theatre offered a powerful prelude to an informative discussion about historic cultural relationships as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology marked Black History Month.

Faculty of Education Building at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

Enhancing school retention rates in remote communities through mobile technology applications

March 13, 2019

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) recently awarded new grants to seven researchers and their project co-applicants, representing four faculties at the university.

From left: Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology; Karen McCrimmon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; Dr. Barbara Perry, Professor, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities (FSSH); Dr. Peter Stoett, Dean, FSSH (March 6, 2019).

Funding to strengthen understanding of right-wing extremism in Canada

March 06, 2019

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology will receive $366,985 over three years from the Government of Canada to examine the right-wing extremism movement through interviews with law enforcement, community anti-hate activists, and former and current extremists.