FAQs
Logistics:
How do I get from the airport to the university?
Who do we contact in case of emergency?
Course:
What makes this program different from others? Why should I attend?
Is there a university credit for this course?
What is the admission process?
What is the registration process?
Where can I get the required reading materials for the course ahead of time?
How accessible will the teaching staff be?
What will the evaluation process be?
What will the homework requirements be?
Can I attend only part of the course?
Will I have to pay for textbooks?
What is the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (IIGHRS)?
Financial Issues:
Can I pay by credit card?
What is the cancellation policy?
How much does the whole program cost?
Where will the profits from this program go?
Are there scholarships available?
Facilities:
What are the accommodations like?
Can I arrange for my own accommodations?
Is parking available?
Can I check-in at the dormitory when I like, or what if I arrive early or wish to stay a few days longer?
Are there any time restrictions in the university's dormitories?
Is there a study room in the dormitory?
Will there be facilities for computer and internet access?
About Toronto:
What is Toronto like?
What is there to do for entertainment?
Social Activities:
Are there any activities planned?
Where will the students be coming from?
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Logistics
How do I get from the airport to the university?
New College, Wilson Hall Residence
40 Willcocks Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1C6
Option 1
Public transportation (TTC) for $3.00 Can (exact change is needed); it can take up to 1.5 hours.
- You can access the TTC only from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 arrivals (there are Shuttle buses between terminals)
- Take Airport Rocket #192
- Ask for a transfer when you get on the bus from Airport Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 Arrivals
- The bus takes you to Kipling subway station
- Take the eastbound subway to Spadina station
- Take the #510 Spadina Streetcar south to Willcocks Street (approximately 3 stops).
- The New College Dorms are on the north-east corner of Willcocks and Spadina.
Check out this link for more details on route and schedules: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/schedules/index.htm
(select Route 192 from scroll down list to see the map)
Option 2
You can take the Airport Express Hotel shuttle Bus service that will bring you to a downtown hotel (e.g., Delta Chelsea). From there you would take a taxi to the New College dorms (Wilson Hall). Total cost will be around $25 Cdn.
Option 3
You can take a taxi from the airport straight to the New College dorms. It will cost approx. $50 Cdn (not including gratuity). It will take approx. 35 minutes by taxi.
Who do we contact in case of emergency?
There will be a Zoryan staff member assigned as a coordinator, who will be available for all situations. The name and number will be given to you after registration.
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Course
What makes this program different from others? Why should I attend?
This course is unique in that it offers instruction by a number of top scholars in the field, each with his own specialties. It takes a comparative approach to the study of genocide using a number of case studies, but with a particular focus on the Armenian Genocide. After taking this course, you will leave with an understanding of human rights and a new perspective on genocide. You will learn how your personal identity is influenced by issues of genocide and human rights. You will be able to express yourself more effectively on issues of genocide and human rights. You will meet like-minded youth from all over the world.
Is there a university credit for this course?
Between 2004 and 2007, the GHRUP was accredited by the University of Minnesota as a graduate level distance learning Global Studies course. Since 2008, the course is accredited by the University of Toronto as a 3 credit graduate level reading course. In both cases many students have chosen to have their own institution recognize the GHRUP as an independent study. In this case, students have approached a professor at their institution with the syllabus and faculty biographies for approval.
What is the admission process?
All complete applications are reviewed in June by the Admissions Committee, consisting of university professors and IIGHRS Academic Board members. Because of the seminar nature of the course, only a limited number of applicants are admitted to the program. Selection will be based on a combination of strength of interest, scholastic aptitude, and relevance of the course to the candidate's future. Applications for international students may be expedited to avoid complications with obtaining a visa.
What is the registration process?
Once admitted, students are required to pay the full cost of tuition and accommodations within one week in order to register.
Where can I get the required reading materials for the course ahead of time?
Required readings can be found on the syllabus section of the website once they are finalized. Every admitted student will be sent electronically the readings at least one month before the course begins. Copies of recommended books can be purchased from the Zoryan Institute or your favourite bookseller.
How accessible will the teaching staff be?
Each instructor will come for one or more days. The program director, Roger Smith, will be present for the duration of the course. Some instructors will remain with the program after their section is completed, in order to provide as much continuity and accessibility as possible.
What will the evaluation process be?
To earn their credits, participants in the program who are teachers, or a graduate student in education, can submit a curriculum with strategies. Otherwise, students will submit a research paper, 15-20 pages in length. These can be handed in up to 2 months after the end of the course. This would be worth 50% of the final mark. Class participation would be worth 25% of the final mark. An oral presentation at the end of the course would be worth 25% of the final mark.
What will the homework requirements be?
Homework will consist of the readings assigned, as well as preparing the oral presentation.
Can I attend only part of the course?
The curriculum was conceived as a comprehensive program addressing the issues of genocide and human rights with a comparative approach. The teaching modules are not intended to be taken independently. Due to the seminar nature of the course, enrollment is limited to 30 students. Therefore, there will not be space for those who wish to take only part of the course or only audit.
Will I have to pay for textbooks?
Students are required to purchase a few texts for the course. The titles of the books will be posted shortly.
What is the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (IIGHRS)?
The IIGHRS is a division of the Zoryan Institute which deals with all matters relating to the Genocide and Human Rights University Program.
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Financial Issues
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, we accept VISA and AMEX. In addition, payment may be made by bank or postal money order.
What is the cancellation policy?
Students who withdraw after registration will be refunded 50% of tuition fees. Program fees are non-refundable if withdrawal is made after program commencement, for any reason.
There is a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 Cdn for dormitory reservations.
How much does the whole program cost?
The cost for tuition is $875.00 Cdn. Room and board for out of town visitors for 12 nights is extra. See the sections on Registration and on Accommodations.
Where will the profits from this program go?
The tuition fees do not cover the program's costs, consequently there will be no profit. This is due to the seminar nature of the course and the limited enrollment, which is most beneficial for the participants, the extensive planning and organizing required in its preparation, and the bringing in of world-class instructors from afar. The deficit will be subsidized by a number of donors, who are deeply committed to making this program accessible to you. The Zoryan Institute is a registered non-profit institution in the United States and Canada.
What opportunities for scholarships may be available?
A very limited number of tuition scholarships are available to eligible applicants. You may inquire about scholarships as part of your application, and include a statement regarding your need for assistance. Please note that meeting the criteria does not guarantee a scholarship.
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Facilities
What are the accommodations like?
Accommodations are available in the dormitories of New College at the University of Toronto. Both shared accommodations, two people to a room, and single rooms are available. A special, low rate has been arranged for, as described in the section on Accommodations. Individuals are free to arrange their own accommodation elsewhere.
Is parking available?
Parking on campus is difficult to find and expensive ($13.00 per day), and there is overnight parking available. Since the university is located in the heart of the downtown commercial area, parking off campus is even more expensive.
Can I check-in at the dormitory when I like, or what if I arrive early or wish to stay a few days longer?
You are allowed to check in anytime before the course starts and check out anytime after the course ends, by prior arrangement, if space is available. You will be charged accordingly. We are advised that fall term students begin checking in the Monday after the course ends.
Are there any time restrictions related to returning and leaving the university's dormitories?
There are no time restrictions for your coming and going to and from your room. However, each room is assigned one passkey, which has to be shared by the roommates.
Is there a study room in the dormitory?
Each room is set up as a study bedroom, including a desk and chair. There is a common room on each floor of the dorm, but it is more of a lounge than a study area. Study space is available at the Robarts Research Library, which is walking distance from the dorm and the classroom.
Will there be facilities for computer and internet access?
Access to the Internet and for word processing is available at cafés and bookstores within easy walking distance of the dormitories.
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About Toronto
What is Toronto like?
In August, Toronto may be hot and humid, but sunny, with occasional rain and temperatures in the high 20's Celsius or in the 80's Fahrenheit. It is a pleasant, clean city with many amenities and lots of entertainment facilities. While it is a relatively safe city, visitors should take the normal precautions one would take in any large, urban centre. The university campus is downtown and is surrounded by both luxurious and less affluent areas. See the section on About Toronto. More detail on recommended areas to visit will be provided during the first day's orientation, and staff will be available to advise you on a daily basis.
What is there to do for entertainment?
Toronto is filled with parks, gyms, swimming pools, museums, art galleries, restaurants, coffee houses, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, musical venues and shops, for every taste and budget. Owing to the university's location, most of these venues are easily accessible by foot or public transportation. See the section on About Toronto.
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Social Activities
Are there any activities planned?
Social activities are being planned for after class, evenings and weekends. These include such things as a walking tour of sections of downtown Toronto, dinners, and a bus excursion to Niagara Falls. Other activities are still being considered.
Where will the students be coming from?
The course is being promoted across North America, Europe and the Middle East. We expect students from all over the world, of all nationalities.
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