Second-Year Learning Communities: Statistical Sciences

By joining the Statistical Sciences Second-Year Learning Community (SLC) you will be surrounded by a small community of second-year students who are learning to navigate their academic and co-curricular pathways to make the most of their experiences as a Statistical Sciences student. The SLC program is designed to help you make the most out of your degree by engaging in various social, academic and professional development opportunities.

For more information about Statistical Sciences, visit the Statistical Sciences website

Apply to a Statistical Sciences SLC

SLC applications are currently closed for the 2023-24 academic year, and they will reopen in Summer 2024. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Statistical Sciences SLC you must be a second-year student enrolled in any of the following statistical sciences programs:

  • Data Science Specialist (Science Program)
  • Specialist in Statistical Science: Methods and Practice (Science Program)
  • Specialist in Statistical Science: Theory and Methods (Science Program)
  • Statistics Major (Science Program)

SLC Course Overview

Students in the Statistical Sciences SLC will meet at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then every other week starting September 18, 2023.

Time: Every other week on Fridays from 1 pm to 2:30 pm

Location: TBD

Your SLC Team

Photo of Katherine Daignault, Statistical Sciences SLC Faculty Advisor

Department: Statistical sciences

Title: Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream

Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: Four

Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Mathematics and Classics from McGill University

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

Why you decided to serve as a faculty advisor: I want to help students be part of a community within their program and to develop skills that will open doors for them throughout their academics and beyond

One piece of advice for a second-year student: Prioritize your mental health — take breaks, don’t overload yourself with too many courses, make time for things you enjoy outside of class

Hobby or interest: Cooking and baking

Headshot of Ivan Nguyen, Statistical Science SLC staff advisor

Title: Mentorship Programs Coordinator

Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: Two

Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Biology and Sociology at University of Calgary

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta

Why you decided to serve as a staff advisor: I have decided to serve as a staff advisor for the Statistical Sciences SLC because I am passionate about helping students succeed in their academic and personal pursuits. SLCs provide a unique opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, build connections with their peers and faculty and enhance their academic experience. Serving as an advisor allows me to guide students in their leadership journey, provide support and mentorship and help them navigate any challenges they may encounter. I also believe that SLCs play a vital role in promoting inclusivity, diversity and equity on campus and as an advisor, I am committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students. Overall, serving as an advisor for an SLC allows me to make a positive impact on students' lives and contribute to the larger mission of higher education.

One piece of advice for a second-year student: My advice to you would be to focus on building a strong foundation for your academic and personal goals. Use this time to explore your interests, develop good study habits and seek out opportunities for growth and development. Don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance from your professors, academic advisors or peers. It's also important to engage in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and passions, as they can provide valuable experiences and connections that can enhance your academic and personal journey. Remember to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental and physical well-being, as a healthy and balanced lifestyle is key to achieving success in all areas of life. Finally, keep an open mind and embrace new experiences, challenges and opportunities that come your way. Your second year is a time of growth and exploration, and by being proactive and intentional about your journey, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling and rewarding academic experience.

Hobby or interest: Baking, hiking and watching RuPaul's Drag Race

Close-up image of Song Xinyi

Title: Peer Mentor

Program: Statistics, Economics Major, Mathematics Minor

Year: Third Year

College: Innis College

Hometown: Nanjing, China

An interesting fact: I am super interested in trying new things like mountain skiing or skydiving, despite being afraid of facing such challenges.

Studies: Learning new things is always super exciting for me! Life is about discovering things you didn’t know, and you can easily achieve that when studying. Learning is like gradually unlocking new maps in our world. 

Hobby or interest: Skiing for sure, and maybe discovering new restaurants, or traveling. My favorite thing to do is to find (or rescue) animals.