Shad York
2022 INFORMATION GUIDE
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design, and diverse experiential education opportunities. York’s commitment to innovation is shown by the fact that 1,400 researchers, 33 Canada Research Chairs, 21 York Research Chairs, and 25 research centres are based out of the university and that it ranks #3 in the world in terms of Vision Research. York University also has outstanding faculties such as the Schulich School of Business (ranked #1 in Canada) and the Osgoode Hall Law School (ranked #2 in Canada). Glendon College is unique in Canada as it requires students to study in both English and French. The Lassonde School of Engineering creates “renaissance engineers” with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, social conscienceness, and global citizenship.
York University has a proud commitment to be giving a diverse demographic of students access to a high quality, research-intensive learning environment committed to the public good.
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design, and diverse experiential education opportunities. York’s commitment to innovation is shown by the fact that 1,400 researchers, 33 Canada Research Chairs, 21 York Research Chairs, and 25 research centres are based out of the university and that it ranks #3 in the world in terms of Vision Research. York University also has outstanding faculties such as the Schulich School of Business (ranked #1 in Canada) and the Osgoode Hall Law School (ranked #2 in Canada). Glendon College is unique in Canada as it requires students to study in both English and French. The Lassonde School of Engineering creates “renaissance engineers” with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, social conscienceness, and global citizenship.
York University has a proud commitment to be giving a diverse demographic of students access to a high quality, research-intensive learning environment committed to the public good.
- Arriving at Shad
- Your New Home
- Arriving at Shad
- Your Shad Campus
Arriving at Shad
Shad2022 runs from July 3 to July 29. We kindly request that you arrive after 12 p.m. and no later than 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the campus, the program team, and the other participants.
It also is very important that you let us know your travel plans as soon as you finalize them. Note that you are responsible for your own travel arrangements and cost to and from campus.
For those arriving by air, a Shad York team member will be at Pearson Airport to guide you towards the taxi stands. Pick up your luggage, and then head to the domestic arrivals area. Shad York team members will be at Terminal 1 and 3, and will identify themselves with a Shad sign. The cost for a taxi or Uber ride will be approximately $50-60.
For those being dropped off, please do so at the Vanier Residence. There will be Shad signs posted around the area.
Your Shad Campus
Vanier Residence will be your new home. Each room will have a bed, desk and chair, closet, dresser with drawers, mirror and a window that opens. Bedding will be supplied by the residence (pillow, pillowcase, blanket and two sheets). Residence will try to keep an extra blanket and extra pillow in each closet; regardless, second blankets and pillows can be obtained at the front desk by request.
Residence will supply 1 towel for each person, which is exchanged weekly with the other linens. It is recommended that students bring their own towels (in a different colour than white) as the towels provided by the residence are not very large. Students must bring their own soap/shampoo and other toiletries.
There will be weekly disposal of garbage and recycling; replacement of towels, soap, and tumblers; linen change; vacuum; and dusting and wiping of surfaces. The washrooms in a traditional dorm like Vanier Residence are cleaned daily Monday to Friday.
Rooms are not equipped with telephones. Shads are encouraged to bring their own cell phone if they require phone service while in their room. Courtesy phones with local calling service will be available in some common areas of the residence.
- FOOD
- RESIDENCE KEY
- BANKING
- COMPUTERS
- LAUNDRY
- food
- residence key
- banking
- computers
- laundry
Food
Most of our meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a university, so the food may not be like your home-cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes.
Please ensure you let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies if you have not done so already.
Residence Key
You will be given residence keys for which you will be responsible. More information will be shared by your program director.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, laundry, and purchasing souvenirs. There are no additional mandatory expenses.
There are bank ATMs available on campus should you need to withdraw additional funds.
Computers
You have an option to bring a laptop, tablet, or another personal computing device for research, word processing, and other tasks related to the program. Wi-Fi access is available in residence and elsewhere on campus. Shad team members will assist you with Wi-Fi setup upon arrival. The University and Shad Canada do not take any responsibility for lost/damaged/stolen valuables or property.
Laundry
There will be pay-per-use washers and dryers available. Laundry detergent is available on campus. If you have any allergies to certain types of detergent, please bring your own.
While there are no irons in the rooms, if needed, an iron can be borrowed for use.
- Ginu Chacko
- Robert Tsushima
- Ginu Chacko
- Robert Tsushima
Ginu Chacko
Program Co-Director
Ginu completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Toronto, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Oxford. Unsurprisingly, as a Shad Alumni, Ginu attended Shad’s first ever international program at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland back in July 2000. Her primary career interest is in how the government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors can collaborate to accelerate innovation, inclusion, and social progress.
Ginu is also an avid learner who loves picking up diverse (random) hobbies and skills. These range from 12 years of singing opera as a classically trained soprano, to learning hip hop dance, to most recently learning to code as well as training for a half marathon.
Robert Tsushima
Program Co-Director
He was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto before coming to York University. At York, Robert held the position of Associate Dean Research and Partnerships (2012-2015) and has been the Chair of the Department of Biology since 2017. His research explores the fundamental electrical and mechanical properties of the heart and how the heart responds to ischemic stress. He has been actively involved in science outreach and student science engagement.
Robert loves to travel, learn about different cultures and their history, as well as experience new foods. He will eat almost anything served up on a plate.
Ginu Chacko
Robert Tsushima
CLOTHING - ACCESSORIES
- Jacket/Raincoat with hood
- Baseball-type hat (sun/rain)
- Shad2022 hoodie
- Long pants and shorts (long pants may be required in labs)
- Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Comfortable clothing for daily fitness activities
- 1 business formal outfit and shoes
FOOTWEAR
- 2 pairs of athletic shoes (for indoor and outdoor use; closed toe shoes required in athletic facilities and labs)
- Sandals or flip / flops (for shower use)
- Water safe shoes / water shoes
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Towel, face cloth
- Beach towel for water activities
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- A supply of face masks (just in case)
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, etc.)
Documents and Medication
- Health card
- Medical insurance card (if available)
- Bank card (if you choose to bring one)
- Medication (if needed)
- Extra pair of glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- Prescription refill note (if taking medication)
Outdoor Gear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking hat or baseball cap
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Umbrella
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mug, bowl, plate and utensils (optional)
- Air mattress / foam (for under your sleeping bag – optional)
- Hiking shoes / boots
Other
(Highly recommended, but not mandatory)
- Personal notebook or paper
- Writing tools
- Laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Memory stick
- Alarm clock
- Watch
- Calculator
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Reading material
- Basic sports equipment (baseball glove and ball, football, etc.)
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music)
- Music
- Pocket Money (a small amount for things like laundry, taxi to / from airport, and souvenirs)
- Extra pillow (for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Extra hangers
- Small fan
DO NOT BRING
- Game system / TV
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your program director for accommodations)
- Any dangerous goods or weapons
- Perfumes, colognes, or other strong scents
- Expensive jewelry or other valuables
- AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
- SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
- THE SCHEDULE
- TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
- RECREATION AT SHAD
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT
- DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
- SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
- THE SCHEDULE
- TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
- RECREATION AT SHAD
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT
DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will meet students from across Canada, with different lived experiences and backgrounds. Some of you have experience with complex, high responsibility activities such as traveling or being away from home, while for others, this may be your first time being apart from family. Respect for all individuals is a requirement for a successful community.
Community must be preserved and protected in the Shad program. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program. The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a community of other exceptional students. We hope that this tight-knit community that forms at Shad will continue for many years after the program.
SUPERVISED COMMUNITY
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection. We take this responsibility seriously! This means that we will need to know approximately where you are and what you are doing at all times. This level of awareness ensures that in case of an emergency, we can account for your whereabouts quickly.
You are also a partner in ensuring your own safety and the safety of the Shad community. You are expected to ensure that your behaviour is always aligned with the Shad values.
Just because the community is supervised does not mean that you won’t have freedom to engage in a range of activities across the university campus. We take advantage of many of the various programs, departments, recreational facilities and spaces on campus to ensure that you enjoy an exciting university experience.
SCHEDULE
You can expect life at Shad to be busy, but don’t worry, we have downtime and recreational activities built into the program as well. Each day, you can expect a different combination of lectures, workshops, recreational and cultural activities, as well as unscheduled time that you can use to connect with your peers, work on your design project, and reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
TECH-ETIQUETTE: APPROPRIATE USAGE
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool. That said, the appropriate use of technology is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment. There is etiquette for the use of technology. Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad.
All use of technology — including cell phones, notebooks, tablets, translators and the like — must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!
RECREATION AT SHAD
We have time set aside for recreational activities. These include cultural events, field trips and many opportunities to take in the beautiful scenery of the area.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Shad is most enriching when we have sufficient energy to be fully engaged in all program activities. After a long and busy day, everyone needs adequate rest. We also need to respect others and allow them to re-energize themselves by getting the rest they need. Please manage your energy levels appropriately and allow others to do the same by going to bed at the appropriate time.
- Living with Respect
- Creativity
- EXCELLENCE
- COMMUNITY
- DIVERSITY
- RESPONSIBILITY
- Living with Respect
- Creativity
- EXCELLENCE
- COMMUNITY
- DIVERSITY
- RESPONSIBILITY
LIVING WITH RESPECT
Our values are what make Shad the incredible program that it is. At our Shad campus these values are vigorously embraced – just like they are at each of the other campuses across Canada. Being a Shad means accepting these values fully into everything you do! Adherence to these values determines how successful your Shad experience will be. They are sacred trusts.
EXCELLENCE
We aspire to excellence in all we do.
DIVERSITY
We value diversity and open discussion.
CREATIVITY
We cherish the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.
COMMUNITY
We are committed to the respect, cooperation, and shared fun that builds a powerful, supportive community, while remaining mindful of the safety and well-being of that community.
RESPONSIBILITY
Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology and entrepreneurship? Shad Open Day is a day to put your campus and your accomplishments on display for the community.
On Thursday, July 28th, family, friends and community members are invited to join us for a day of demonstrations and exhibits. You will get the chance to showcase your team’s innovation and your own special talents for the extended community.
We understand that some of you will be traveling far from home to attend Shad and therefore it will be more difficult for your family members to make it for Open Day. Do not worry – there will be many of your fellow Shads in the same position and you will still enjoy the magic of Open Day!
The program ends on the morning of Friday, July 29, and some may need to leave very early to catch a flight or bus. Rooms are required to be vacated by 11:00 a.m. that day.
If you have a bus/train/plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents/guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this before
11:00 a.m.
Please note that the Shad program concludes at 11:00 a.m. on July 29 and Shad will no longer be responsible for you after this time.
- SHAD SPEAKS
- SHAD SPEAKS
SHAD SPEAKS
Shad York wants to get to know you – to hear about your passions and what lights you up.
So get ready, each of you will be asked to submit a 3-minute video presentation – which we call a ShadSpeak – on a topic of your choice. Select something you are passionate about and that you will be comfortable sharing with others. You should also consider a topic that you are confident will be of interest to others. Don’t worry, ShadSpeak videos will be shared with the Shad York community only. Be authentic, be genuine, be creative, and have fun making it.
The Shad York team will forward you details on how to submit your ShadSpeak video so check back for updates, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@ShadYork2022)
- SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
- VISITORS
- CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
- SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
- VISITORS
- CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
Q: I have a special accommodation request. How do I submit my request and will you be able to help me?
A: You will need to inform us of the special accommodations that you require ahead of time. We will let you know what we can do to support you as best as possible. We want to help make sure your experience here is exceptional.
VISITORS
Q: Can I have visitors during Shad? Can my parents take me off campus for a non-emergency reason?
A: No. Visitors are only welcome to come to Shad on Open Day on Thursday, July 28.
CONTACT DURING THE PROGRAM
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents can contact you on your cell phone (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities).