Fiona Rawle

(photo by Lucas Rawle)

Fiona Rawle recognized with Minister of College and Universities’ Award of Excellence

Fiona Rawle, associate dean, undergraduate at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has received a Minister of College and Universities' Award of Excellence for her extraordinary contributions to the COVID-19 response in Ontario.

“The University of Toronto congratulates Fiona Rawle, on this important recognition,” said Professor Christine Allen, U of T’s associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives. “In the early weeks of the pandemic, she asked faculty and students on social media how they could better help each other – and then collaborated with colleagues Ann Gagne and Simone Laughton to help faculty and librarians share their experiences and advice. She designed and led a series of virtual sessions on remote learning for faculty, staff and teaching assistants.

“Her creativity and determination to help students learn and thrive has had a real impact.”

Rawle, who is also an associate professor, teaching stream, in the department of biology at U of T Mississauga, said everyone is under more stress than usual these days and “if ever there was a time for a pedagogy of kindness, it’s now.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this recognition,” Rawle said. “But I want to point out that I’m part of a broader community of faculty and staff that are so dedicated to giving students meaningful learning experiences.

“The wonderful thing about UTM is our community – it is truly supportive and collaborative.”

Read more about Rawle and the pedagogy of kindness

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