2021/22 viewbook
Ready for anything.
Table of contents
2 Why Rotman Commerce? 4 We help you build your path to the future 6 Map out your journey 8 We support you every step of the way 10 Feel right at home 12 We connect you to a world of opportunity 14 Prepare for success 16 Plan your finances 18 Take the next step 20 Connect with us
This viewbook is for all potential applicants of Rotman Commerce, the undergraduate business program at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, offered jointly by the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Rotman School of Management. We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the HuronWendat, the Seneca, and, most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today it is still home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. Everyone who appears in this publication is a student or alum from the Rotman Commerce 2 Rotman community. Commerce 2021/22
Rotman Commerce gives you the knowledge, skills, experience and connections you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead and achieve your full potential. With a respected business degree from a globally ranked university, you’ll be ready for anything.
Why Rotman Commerce?
We help you build your path to the future.
We support you every step of the way.
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We connect you to a world of opportunity.
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We help you build your path to the future. You’ve already shown that you’re an exceptional student. Now it’s time to develop your strengths and become a well-rounded problem solver who’s ready to help move any business forward — or launch one of your own.
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Our focus on academic excellence is clear from the moment you walk in — or log in — to a Rotman Commerce class. At the same time, we know the value of learning in the workplace, offering you plenty of opportunities to gain firsthand business experience. You get a solid grounding in all aspects of business, from strategy and finance to marketing and organizational behaviour, as you concentrate on one of three specializations: Management, Finance & Economics, or Accounting.
We connect you to two renowned centres of learning at the University of Toronto: the Rotman School of Management and the Faculty of Arts & Science. You can complement your study of business fundamentals with a wide array of courses designed to sharpen your analytical thinking, provide cultural and historical perspectives — and add depth to your resumé. Our award-winning faculty — highly regarded teachers, researchers and thought leaders from the Rotman School and U of T — connect what you’re learning to real business scenarios in a global context. They encourage you to be an innovative thinker, reinventing old models and reimagining what comes next. We provide rigorous professional development to complement your knowledge and technical skills, focusing on areas like written communications, presentation techniques and workplace relations — so you’re even better prepared for the future.
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As an integral part of the University of Toronto, we draw energy from the academic and research power of one of the world’s most respected universities — amplifying the impact of your Rotman Commerce degree. Top students from more than 65 countries and regions bring their diverse points of view to Rotman Commerce. Your class discussions and team collaborations prepare you for the dynamic shifts in outlook and strategy that define life in the global economy.
Rotman Commerce delivers everything you expect from a business degree. We help you get all of your priorities in balance and working together.
Chelsea Cheung, Management
Map out your journey.
First year
Second year
Learn the fundamentals of business and build a foundation for your upper years of study through your required and recommended introductory courses. In your First-Year Learning Community, you meet regularly with a small group of other firstyear RC students who attend many of the same classes as you.
Expand your knowledge as you choose a specialist stream — Management, Finance & Economics, or Accounting — and enrol in both required and recommended elective courses. Consider choosing electives that comprise an Arts & Science minor to complement your business studies. Second year is particularly important for developing your personalized career strategy; Rotman Commerce Career Services offers a variety of workshops, seminars and events designed to help you do just that.
Required courses •R SM100H: Introduction to Management CO101H: Principles of •E Microeconomics •E CO102H: Principles of Macroeconomics AT133Y: Calculus & Linear •M Algebra for Commerce Recommended courses •R SM219H: Introduction to Financial Accounting SM230H: Financial Markets •R •R SM250H: Principles of Marketing Once admitted into Rotman Commerce, you’re guaranteed a place in our program beginning in second year, provided you meet a few requirements. You’ll find more details on this guaranteed admission process on our website.
90
%+
Typically, more than 90% of firstyear Rotman Commerce students advance into second year. If students take a different path, academic advisors help them navigate program transfers.
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Your three specialist options Management Develop a strong understanding of the key business subdisciplines while gaining expertise in your area of interest. You also have the flexibility to further specialize by choosing a focus in one or more of the following fields: Finance, Financial Statement Analysis, International Business, Leadership in Organizations, Marketing, or Strategy and Innovation. Finance & Economics This specialist option provides rigorous training for careers in finance and capital markets — as an investment manager, for example, or a financial analyst. Leveraging the partnership between Rotman Commerce and the CFA Institute, our curriculum covers the internationally accepted body of knowledge required to prepare for the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams. Accounting Prepare for a career as a professional accountant, developing your expertise in accounting and a deeper understanding of different businesses and business environments. Graduates often go on to complete their CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation and build successful careers in firms of all sizes.
Third and fourth year In your final two years you pursue both in-depth specialist studies and a wide range of elective courses — while integrating the knowledge and skills you gain outside of class as well. You also take part in networking and recruitment activities with support from the RC Career Services team. And you can explore many other potential avenues, such as:
photo: Amarpreet Kaur
As soon as you’re accepted into Rotman Commerce, you’re on your way. Over the next four years, you build a program of foundational, specialized and elective courses tailored to your unique interests and future goals.
The Arts & Science advantage As a Rotman Commerce student, you’re also part of U of T’s Faculty of Arts & Science, one of the most comprehensive and diverse faculties among universities worldwide. Choose from hundreds of courses that enrich your BCom, either by sampling a broad selection of subjects or focusing on one area of study to earn a minor or a concentration.
• Applying what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios through our Consult for Impact program or Portfolio Management Group. • Launching a startup through one of U of T’s many entrepreneurship programs. • Joining the Alumni Mentorship Program to benefit from the insights and experience of Rotman Commerce alumni. • Participating in an international exchange at more than 130 partner institutions worldwide or taking a summer course abroad.
Most RC students can graduate with a minor in economics based on the required courses in our program.
Ayesha Assad, Management
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We support you every step of the way. If you’re considering Rotman Commerce, you’re used to being academically challenged. But you can also count on us to provide the support systems and services you need to get where you want to be.
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Centre for Professional Skills As one of Canada’s most rigorous undergraduate business programs, Rotman Commerce prepares you to meet the strategic, analytic and quantitative challenges of business. Throughout your academic and professional journey, you’ll also be expected to demonstrate a broader range of skills, including writing and presenting, fluency with digital tools and platforms, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, whether in person or working remotely. That’s where the Centre for Professional Skills (CPS) comes in. During the four years of your BCom, the CPS team works with our faculty and staff to ensure you develop these essential skills in and out of the classroom so that you graduate with the right balance of knowledge and professionalism — the key to thriving in any career you choose.
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Your personal academic advisor is with you from day one, helping you choose the right educational path and guiding you through any concerns or changes in plan as you earn your Rotman Commerce degree. You’ll be part of a First-Year Learning Community that blends academic support with social activities, helping you make connections with other new students in the program. Many RC grads met this way and remain lifelong friends. Rotman Commerce Career Services is also on board from your first semester, helping you set employment goals and choose the best route to achieve them. From career coaching and workshops, to employer visits and networking events, to advice on resumé writing and interviewing — our experts are here for you.
Our dedicated support teams, unlike those in many undergraduate business programs, focus exclusively on Rotman Commerce students and know our program inside out. They answer all your questions and keep you pointed in the right direction. The U of T Health and Wellness Centre offers a full range of services, whether you’re looking for a nutrition and workout plan, tips on how to manage stress or more in-depth, confidential help with your physical or mental health. Your success at Rotman Commerce — and through the years ahead — starts with ensuring your personal well-being. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion underpins all our support systems. On the welcoming U of T campus, at the heart of one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, Rotman Commerce students, faculty and staff are free to express their unique identities in a spirit of mutual respect. Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you’re welcome here.
Discipline. Drive. Passion. That’s what got you here. And we help you keep on growing and advancing, while encouraging you to take time to enjoy the whole experience.
Humza Ali, Accounting
Feel right at home.
RC Houses Every Rotman Commerce student is affiliated with one of five RC Houses: Bedford, Devonshire, Galbraith, Harbord and Madison — named for the streets that lead to our campus. Each house has a student committee that plans fun, inclusive, communitybuilding events and activities for all RC students. Attending house events is a great way to get involved and meet new people. Plus, you help earn your house points in the annual competition for the RC House Cup.
Toronto: a vibrant multicultural city Rotman Commerce is located on the University of Toronto’s downtown St. George campus, which spans tree-lined residential neighbourhoods and the bustling streets of Canada’s largest city. Renowned for its cultural diversity, Toronto is a stimulating, plugged-in global hub that’s also remarkably safe and accessible. As an RC student, you can explore current and emerging trends — and extend your professional network — in ways that just aren’t possible at a smalltown university. Whether you decide to live on campus or off, you’ll love being steps away from all the nightlife, entertainment, sports, culture, fashion and fun that make Toronto one of the world’s most livable cities.
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U of T colleges As a Rotman Commerce student, you’re also a member of one of U of T’s seven colleges: Innis, New, St. Michael’s, Trinity, University, Victoria and Woodsworth. While each college is its own unique community, all provide similar services and opportunities, including academic counselling and support; scholarships and bursaries; writing centres; study spaces and reading rooms; orientation and social events; accommodation services; student government; and more. Your college is a small, supportive home within U of T. It’s where you’ll spend time between classes, discover groups and activities to join, and meet some of your closest friends. Student clubs and organizations Whether you’re looking to expand your network or simply get a fun break from your studies, Rotman Commerce offers many ways to connect with your classmates. In addition to our intramural sports teams, there are 27 RC student groups focused on everything from fashion to trading. They host conferences, case competitions, training sessions and networking events where you can meet students with similar interests while learning about different industries and potential career paths. And across U of T, there are more than 1,500 student organizations, athletic teams and academic associations. Whatever your interests or hobbies, there’s a group for you — or you can start your own!
There’s far more to Rotman Commerce than going to class and studying in the library. You forge bonds with classmates, meet other U of T students who share your interests and experience a dynamic, accessible city you’ll be happy to call home.
Michelle Li, Finance & Economics
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We connect you to a world of opportunity. Our focus is not just on what you’ll achieve in the next four years, but on what you aim to do after that. Everything you learn at Rotman Commerce becomes even more valuable as we connect you to people, organizations and experiences that will help you launch your career.
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You’ll learn from the best: respected scholars and thinkers known for their deep expertise and cross-disciplinary approaches; and seasoned practitioners who tap into their wealth of business experience to bring class discussions to life.
If your goal is to build your own business, you’ll find a growing focus on innovation and entrepreneurship across Rotman Commerce — driven by faculty experts who are ready to support you with valuable advice and networking opportunities.
You can collaborate with talented U of T peers across a wide range of fields, from computer science or physics to psychology or urban studies. Through elective courses, student organizations and events like case competitions and hackathons, you’ll discover creative ways to combine your expanding business knowledge with other areas of expertise.
The Rotman School is a hub for important conversations about the challenges facing business and society. At public events, conferences and other forums, you’ll have chances to interact with influential thinkers, innovators, policymakers, and corporate and political leaders from around the globe. You’re in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s commercial and financial core, where we build vital business partnerships and help open doors for Rotman Commerce graduates. There’s a special energy that comes with studying in one of the world’s most dynamic and connected cities. And you can extend your horizons even further through exchange programs with other universities, study tours abroad, international conferences and career treks to economic centres like New York and Silicon Valley.
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Here’s where it changes. The Rotman School of Management is a place where change happens. As a centre of teaching, learning and inquiry, the school connects the right minds with the right resources to rethink assumptions, reinvent models and reimagine how organizations are structured and run. You find that same spirit of transformation at Rotman Commerce — the chance to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections and grow your future potential. We sum up the Rotman experience in a simple phrase: Here’s where it changes.
David Amoi, Management
Well-known company. Innovative startup. Not-for-profit. The public sector. Wherever you’re heading, we provide a bridge to get you there.
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Prepare for success.
Guiding you on your career journey When you’re just starting university, it can be a bit overwhelming to think about graduating and launching your career. Our Career Services team is here to support you throughout your time at Rotman Commerce. We help you craft a job search strategy built around learning objectives and practical experiences that you’ll lean on throughout your professional career.
At Rotman Commerce, we divide our Career Journey model into three phases: • Your first year is the Discover phase. As you map out your academic path and become part of the RC community, you’ll want to complete our career leader assessment to determine your skills, strengths and values. Your Career Services coach will help you interpret the results and consider what sectors and roles might be right for you.
• In your final RC years, you shift to the Action phase, refining your job search strategy as you interact with employers at recruitment and networking events. And even after you graduate and start your first job, your career journey continues. The process you learn to navigate at Rotman Commerce is one you’ll turn to many more times as your career advances and evolves.
• Next is the Develop phase, in which you build a toolkit for promoting your strengths and experiences. We offer workshops on writing an effective resumé, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, as well as programs reinforcing the value of networking and mentorship, and exploring potential career paths in specific industries.
Support for aspiring entrepreneurs If you see Rotman Commerce as a springboard for launching your own business venture, our entrepreneurship programs can help you advance your goals. Whether you already have an idea for a startup or are still brainstorming, U of T’s Centre for Entrepreneurship offers workshops to help you develop and refine your strategy before you jump into building an actual company. You can take part in
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Alumni mentorship and networking Rotman Commerce’s Launch Your Big Idea program and gain the necessary training and resources to prepare your startup for success — plus a chance to pitch your idea and win seed funding. You can also connect with like-minded student entrepreneurs through events hosted by the RC Entrepreneurship Organization, as well as ONRamp, U of T’s entrepreneurship hub.
Through our mentorship program, you’re paired with an appropriate Rotman Commerce alum based on your strengths, interests and long-term aims. Your mentor guides you in exploring various industries and roles, offering insights grounded in experience. And as you gain new perspectives on the dynamics of business and your potential career options, you build a valuable relationship for the future.
In year one, we’re already talking about your future career, and that dialogue continues well beyond graduation and your first job. We help you show the world what a Rotman Commerce grad is: smart, versatile, used to taking on challenges — and ready to drive change.
Alexandra Roseborough, Finance & Economics
92
%
of Rotman Commerce graduates are employed within nine months of graduating.
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employers work with our Career Services team to recruit and network with students, host company site visits and participate in our career education programs. rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca 15
Plan your finances.
Scholarships and awards
Financial aid
All high school applicants to Rotman Commerce are automatically considered for most admission scholarships based on their academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and other eligibility criteria. Some scholarships and awards require a separate application.
University of Toronto Advance Planning for Students The University of Toronto is committed to ensuring that no domestic student who gains admission to the university is unable to enrol in or complete their studies due to lack of financial means. This commitment led to the creation of a unique financial aid program: University of Toronto Advanced Planning for Students (UTAPS). Through a nonrepayable grant, UTAPS covers unmet financial need after a student has received a maximum amount of support through government assistance (e.g., OSAP for Ontario students).
RC applicants are also eligible for several University of Toronto scholarships. Those that require nominations include the National Scholarship for Canadian high school students and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship for international students.
Tuition and incidental fees 2020/21
Canadian citizen or permanent resident First Year Upper Years in Rotman Commerce
$6,100 $15,900
International student First Year Upper Years in Rotman Commerce
$57,740 $65,530
Notes 1. Fees shown are in Canadian dollars and apply to the 2020/21 academic year. All fees are subject to change. 2. Totals shown include program fees and the University Health Insurance Plan ($720). The totals shown do not include incidental and ancillary fees; these vary by college. 3. Tuition fees increase in the second year of the RC program. The totals shown for upper years include the program fee based on 2019/20 values. You’ll find a complete fee schedule on the U of T website. 4. Please note that international students are not eligible for need-based financial aid.
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U.S. student aid U.S. citizens can apply for financial assistance from the U.S. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. U of T is a recognized post-secondary institution for Federal Direct Loans (PLUS/ Subsidized/Unsubsidized). Education Savings Plans and U.S. Federal Education Tax credits are also applicable. For more information, visit the U.S. loans page on the U of T website. Sponsored students As a top-ranked global institution, the University of Toronto is an approved destination for most countries’ national mobility scholarship programs.
More about scholarships: You’ll find all the details using the Award Explorer and Award Profile tools on the scholarships section of the U of T website. More about finances: For a more complete picture of how to finance your Rotman Commerce studies, visit the fees section of the U of T website.
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U of T was ranked the number one university in Canada for producing workready graduates by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
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U of T was ranked as the top university in Canada and among the top 25 universities in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2020.
Tuition, living costs, scholarship opportunities, financial aid — and just hammering out a budget that makes sense for you and your family. There’s a lot to think about, and we’re here to help.
Clara Kim, Management
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Take the next step.
How to apply
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Apply online by January 15 You can apply to Rotman Commerce online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at ouac.on.ca starting in early October. Shortly after you submit your application, we’ll email you with instructions on how to access your account on the Join U of T application portal. OUAC 101 applicants should apply by January 15, 2021.
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Submit your supplemental application The supplemental application helps us get to know you better by giving you a chance to showcase your unique experiences, abilities, strengths and interests. We’re looking for a diverse group of engaged students who share a commitment to excellence, a demonstrated capacity for leadership, strong communication skills and a passion for business.
OUAC 105 applicants should apply by November 7, 2020, for early consideration. The final deadline is January 15, 2021.
Log in to the Join U of T portal to complete your supplemental application and submit it by December 10, 2020, for early consideration. The final deadline is February 1, 2021.
Admission requirements
English Language Requirement
Admission to Rotman Commerce is based on your high school curriculum, regardless of your country of residence. You’ll find detailed requirements for your curriculum on the application section of our website.
If English isn’t your first language you may need to provide evidence of adequate facility to be considered for admission. The deadline to submit this is February 1, 2021. TOEFL Total score of 100 +22 on writing IELTS Overall band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 There are other ways to show you’ve achieved proficiency. For more details, visit the English Language Requirement page on our website.
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Apply for residence by March 31 If you’re interested in living on campus, complete the First Year StarRez application by March 31, 2021, to guarantee your space in residence.
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Track the status of your application Log in to the Join U of T portal regularly to see what documents have been received in support of your application and to track your admission status. When a decision is made, it will be posted here first.
Apply early!
Applications are reviewed in rounds, so we encourage you to submit your application, any requested supporting documents and your supplemental application well in advance of the deadlines
Key dates
October 2020 Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) portal opens for applications November 7, 2020 Early consideration application deadline for OUAC 105 applicants
December 10, 2020 Early consideration supplemental application deadline for all applicants January 15, 2021 Final application deadline for all applicants
February 1, 2021 Final deadline to submit supplemental application, English Language Requirement, and required documents March 31, 2021 Guaranteed residence application deadline
We do everything we can to keep the Rotman Commerce application process simple and straightforward. The steps outlined on these pages will get you started — and if you have any questions, we’re here to help.
Saquib Tanzeem, Finance & Economics
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Connect with us.
Questions about Rotman Commerce, applying to the program or the progress of your application? Get in touch with us for answers at: rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/inbox Chat with a current student: rc.ambassador@utoronto.ca Meet with a recruiter and tour our campus: future.utoronto.ca/visit
rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca 20 Rotman Commerce 2021/22
@rotmancommerce
Rotman Commerce 125 St. George Street Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2E8 +1 416.946.0844 rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca 21
Ready for the world. No one can predict the future. But with the right knowledge and tools, we can help shape what that future will be. As a Rotman Commerce graduate, you’ll be ready to tackle tough challenges and seize new opportunities. To make unexpected connections that create lasting impact. To lead, not follow. You’ll be ready to erase boundaries. To bridge differences. To set your career in motion and keep on learning, adapting, innovating — and inspiring others to do the same. You’ll be ready for the world.
rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca
