This fall,��the��Department of Sociology��will continue��its��new��lecture series,��Celebrating the Book,��showcasing��the work of its��faculty members and their recent publications.��Each author will��discuss��the��key themes,��questions��and contributions of their latest book,��showcasing��a variety of��research happening in the department.��The book series is open to the 91��ɫ community with events running throughout the fall and winter.������

Upcoming lectures include: 

September 9: The Reality of Knowledge: Towards a Critical Realist Sociology of Knowledge  

Speaker: Philip D. Walsh (91��ɫ) 

October 20: Anti-Asian Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada  

Speakers: Guida C. Man (91��ɫ), Chandrima Chakraborty (McMaster University), Sibo Chen (Toronto Metropolitan University), Muyang Li (91��ɫ), X. Alvin Yang (Max Planck Institute) and Henry Yu (University of British Columbia) 

October 27: Work & Labour in Canada: Critical Issues, Fourth Edition 

Speakers: Mark P. Thomas (91��ɫ) and Adam D.K. King (University of Manitoba) 

November 4: Pandemic Urbanism: Infectious Disease on a Planet of Cities 

Speakers: S. Harris Ali (91��ɫ) and Roger Keil (91��ɫ) 

November 11: On Being Human: The Voice of Scholar, Poet and Activist Emma LaRocque 

Speaker: Elaine Coburn (91��ɫ) 

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the thought-provoking and timely work happening in the Department of Sociology.  

Register to attend on the��Celebrating the Book��website.��

Faculty members of the Department of Economics extend a heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2026, wishing every success to their students as they proceed in their academic and professional journeys. Recognizing the achievement of students who have completed their degree, faculty in the department are proud to see many of them continuing their studies in graduate programs at 91��ɫ, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McMaster University.  

"My studies in economics at 91��ɫ provided me with valuable insights into real-world economic challenges and the quantitative tools necessary to comprehend them. With this knowledge, I will be pursuing my Master of Arts in Economics at the University of Toronto this fall," says Ava Beck-Leone, who earned a B.A., Honours, Double Major Economics & Information Technology. 

Students commented on how the sense of community in the department enhanced their experience. Ritvik Jain, who earned an Honours BA says, "In spite of being a transfer student, I didn't have any difficulty connecting with both faculty and peers during my undergraduate studies in Economics at 91��ɫ. It led me to find a passion for economics and inspired me to further my studies and pursue a master's degree at UBC." 

Efe David Onowigho-Onowotu,��who��earned��a��B.A.��in��the program��says,��"Studying Business Economics at 91��ɫ gave me a strong foundation in economic analysis and allowed me to explore my interests in macroeconomics, public policy and cryptocurrency, while also providing opportunities to grow through leadership, networking and extracurricular involvement. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned as I begin my career and continue building a future in financial services."��

Congratulations once more to the��class of 2026.��

Financial advice is often viewed as objective and numbers-driven, but a new study co-authored by Associate Professor��Daniel Richards��suggests conversations between financial advisers and clients can be shaped by deeply rooted gender assumptions.

Duygu Biricik Gulseren, associate professor in the School of Human Resource Management, was recently featured on the global podcast Business Talk, which brings together leading scholars and practitioners from around the world to discuss research with practical implications for organizations and society.  

In the episode, Gulseren discussed her latest research on workplace substance policies and organizational inclusion, exploring how companies can rethink substance-related policies by moving beyond a narrow focus on impairment and prevention. Drawing on her integrative review, Keeping In or Pushing Out? An Integrative Framework of Substances and Substance-Related Control in Organizations, she explains how substances influence workplaces not only through individual use, but also through organizational norms, informal cultures and formal policies. She discusses “substance surfacing” a new framework describing how substances become organizationally relevant even when no substance use is physically present, highlighting how assumptions, stigma, workplace cultures and institutional policies shape hiring, inclusion, employee well-being and organizational decision-making.  

Gulseren also discusses the intersection of substance-related policies with chronic pain, invisible disabilities and psychological safety. Since organizations can unintentionally exclude employees who rely on prescription medications or who manage chronic health conditions, she encourages leaders and HR professionals to adopt a broader perspective on substance-related issues—one that recognizes both the intended and unintended consequences of organizational policies and balances safety with inclusion. 

Gulseren holds a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Saint Mary’s University. Her research focuses on work disability, leadership and healthy, sustainable work.  

Listen to the episode on  or wherever you stream podcasts.  

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) at 91��ɫ has recognized two outstanding students as its inaugural LA&PS Co‑op and Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) Students of the Year, marking the introduction of the Faculty’s first experiential education award dedicated to recognizing student excellence in work-integrated learning.

and were named this year’s recipients, with each receiving a $250 cash prize in recognition of their exceptional contributions, impact and professional growth through work‑integrated learning experiences.

“This Faculty‑level award reflects our commitment to recognizing the vital role experiential learning plays in student success,” said Neil Buckley, associate dean, Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. “By celebrating Mia and Aminah as our first Co‑op and WIL Students of the Year, we are not only honouring their individual achievements but also reinforcing the value of experiential education as a cornerstone of an LA&PS education.”

Both students were also recognized as runners‑up in . Soccio received an Honourable Mention for the 2025 Work‑Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award, while Anjum received an Honourable Mention for the 2025 Co‑op Student of the Year Award.

These awards recognize students who participate in high‑impact experiential learning opportunities, such as co‑operative education and placement‑based learning, as defined by Co‑operative Education and Work‑Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). Recipients are assessed based on faculty endorsement, demonstrated impact within host organizations, reflective learning and statements of support provided by faculty members and supervisors.

LA&PS extends its congratulations to Soccio and Anjum on this recognition. Their achievements underscore the value of work‑integrated learning and the significant contributions our students make to organizations and communities.