A new year, a new semester: Check out these January events

Happy New Year and welcome back! The new decade is being ushered in at the University of Toronto with fun and informative events, from doughnut-decorating workshops to panel discussions about climate change.

Here's a sample of what's happening on campus this month:

Jan. 6

The university officially re-opens for the winter 2020 session.

Jan. 11

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with the UTChinese Network. A charity classical music concert is taking place at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Tickets start at $30 for students and $45 for the general public. The event supports organizations such as UNICEF Canada, health-care crowdsourcing platform Watsi and Love Through Education International.

Jan 13.

The Blackwood Gallery at U of T Mississauga is welcoming its latest exhibit, Other Life-formings, which aims to capture the magic of living things and their capacities for everything from movement to empathy. The exhibit will feature sculptures, animations, video installations and more. Other Life-formings runs until March 7.

As part of their Frost Week festivities, the U of T Students' Union is holding an open house with free hot chocolate at their office. 

Jan. 14

Famine, natural disasters and forced migrations are becoming more common as a result of climate change. What can be done about the climate emergency? Danny Harvey, a professor in geography and planning, will be moderating a panel including climate activists as well as Richard Sandbrook, a professor emeritus of political science.

Jan. 15

U of T Scarborough’s Winter Market returns for 2020. Local vendors will be gathering at the Meeting Place in the S-Wing selling fresh food and artisanal crafts. 

Looking for a job after graduation? Current students and recent grads can come to the Get Hired job fair at U of T Mississauga’s Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre. Over 80 employers will be in attendance.

Is following your passion the path to success? Trinity College and St. Michael’s College are facing off at the annual alumni debate, which will tackle this question. Participants include Joy Fitzgibbon, who is the associate director of the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One program, and Randy Boyagoda, principal and vice-president of St. Michael’s College. 

Jan 16.

The U of T Students' Union is hosting a doughnut decoration workshop at the Medical Sciences Building. Free gourmet doughnuts will be provided to decorate and eat.

Jan. 17

See the Broadway hit, Legally Blonde, live at U of T. Hart House Theatre’s production of the musical is running until Feb. 1. Tickets are $15 for students, or $12 for students on Wednesday evenings. There will also be post-show chats with the cast and crew on Jan. 8 and 23.

Jan. 22

Tina Malti, a professor of psychology, is being honoured with the Desmond Morton Research Excellence Award and will deliver the annual research excellence lecture at U of T Mississauga. Her research has looked into how to help children and adolescents be kinder and less aggressive. A reception will follow the lecture.

Jan. 28

Enjoy the unique flavours of South American wines – from Bolivian dry muscat to Brazilian bubbly – at a Hart House wine tasting. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for everyone else.

Jan. 29

Start your morning right with a free breakfast at U of T Scarborough, courtesy of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union. All of the meals will be vegetarian or vegan.

Join the U of T Scarborough Women’s and Trans Centre for an evening of performances, music and art. The location for the event will be announced on Facebook at a later date.

Learn the art of DJing at Hart House’s Skool of Beatz. This five-week workshop hosted by professional DJ Craig Brooklyn will help you hone your technique on the turntable as well as introduce you to the history of DJing.

Should the United Nations be abolished? That's the question on the agenda at Hart House’s annual CIC Foreign Affairs Debate. The Hart House Debates & Dialogue Committee will face off against Ryerson University’s debate team. A catered post-reception will follow.

Jan. 30

If you have a knack for music, poetry, comedy or anything else, show off your talents at the Hart House Music Committee open mic night. The show takes place at the Hart House Music Room.