June 2023 Edited by: Devin Andrade

Dear Colleagues,

I have been listening to a fascinating podcast called Hidden Brain. Hosted by Shankar Vedantam, it delves into the mysteries of human behaviour and explores various ways our unconscious mind influence our actions, often in ways that are not beneficial.

A recent episode focused on the concept that when we want people to engage in certain behaviours, we tend to focus on the benefits of that behaviour, instead of considering “hidden” factors that might be preventing someone from making a necessary change.

Dr. Loran Nordgren, a professor with the Kellogg School of Management described these different approaches as fuel vs friction.

Fuel is adding more incentives, so the individual is motivated to change. Friction is removing obstacles, making it easier for the individual to change. Dr. Nordgren emphasized that if we don’t study what is holding people back, we miss why they aren’t engaging in beneficial behaviours.

Dr. Nordgren cited an intriguing example from the 1940s. The General Mills company was puzzled as to why their Betty Crocker cake mixes (which required the baker to only add water) were not selling, even though surveys showed bakers appreciated the convenience.

Researchers studied the problem and realized that it was psychological. People weren’t buying the mixes because it felt too convenient. Part of the perceived value of a homemade cake was the time attached to finding ingredients. So General Mills changed the mix so that you had to add “fresh” eggs, which made it more like a homemade cake. Sales took off.

I was struck by the ways in which this example could be applied to student retention. Often, we are not aware of the “hidden” obstacles that are preventing students from completing their credential, passing a test, or handing in an assignment. But armed with more insight into these obstacles, we can devise ways to remove them, and make it easier for students to achieve their goals.

Seneca’s Retention Sub-Committee has been working on gathering this data. In the coming months, your FCAD leadership team will be reaching out to get your input on a retention plan that leverages insights gleaned from this data, which includes student surveys, course delivery modality analyses, summaries of high-failure and DNC rates, results of specific initiatives, and more.

I look forward to working on this crucial initiative with all of you.

This will be the last newsletter for the summer. The next issue will be in September. If you are about to start your summer break, I wish you a refreshing and relaxing holiday.

Stay well and stay safe.

Kurt

School of Media Chair Tina Cortese received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio and Television News Directors Association (RTDNA).

RTDNA Canada's Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding service and continued excellence during the course of their careers in broadcast and digital journalism. The RTDNA shared an overview of the valuable ways Tina has contributed to pushing the industry forward over the years.

Tina Cortese is an accomplished and versatile award-winning broadcast executive, producer, and cross-platform journalist. She was instrumental in building and growing news programming as the General Manager and Vice President of Citytv Toronto for Rogers Media. Tina was a valuable member of the launch team for one of the most widely recognized news channels in the country, CP24. A two-time Gemini award-winning producer for breaking news coverage and special event programming, Tina also served as executive producer for Breakfast Television, CityLine and multiple national New Year’s Eve broadcast specials at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.

Tina shared what this award means to her in a thank you message.

Solwhi Park, a student in the Graphic Design program, shared his experiences at Seneca and in Canada on the Mountain Collective podcast. He emphasizes how the program at Seneca has helped him learn the foundational principles and advance his skills. His unique style has garnered him over 37,000 followers on Instagram where he features his work. At a time when social media can act as a portfolio for artists, Solwhi gives advice and lessons he’s learned about how to use the platform well and how to pay attention to what’s working.

Solwhi work has garnered recognition from reputable organizations such as Monthly Design Magazine Korea, DNMD Magazine Korea, Neocha Shanghai, Sabukaru Magazine Tokyo, Dreck Magazine UK and among others. He has also collaborated with renowned clients including SM Entertainment Inc, Miller Draft, NCT WayV, and Coloso Korea.

Seneca’s student-run Evolutions Spa was featured by BlogTO. The video, posted to their Instagram, highlights the quality and affordability of the treatments. It also features students sharing how helpful it is for providing them with a real world experience.

Full-time students in the Esthetician and Esthetics & Medical Spa Therapies diploma programs operate the spa, which offers the following services:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Facials
• Microdermabrasion
• Light therapy treatments
• Hair removal
• Body treatments

Here’s a sample of what colleagues had to say about Stefan.

"Stefan was the lead coach and professor for the Ontario Colleges' Marketing Competition (OCMC) and led the team to a first place win in the provincial marketing competition. He has cancer and required surgery, but he postponed it in order to see the whole event through and be there for the students. Stefan is hardworking and dedicated, which is evident in the new standard he set for OCMC, by using a new platform for one of the events in the competition, and ensuring that it worked.

He then led the Seneca team to a third place win (in Montreal) in the Vanier College National Marketing Case Competition. The first day of the event as well as the day after the event ended, he had medical appointments, yet he travelled to Montreal to be with and to support the team.

He is committed to his students and such an inspiration to others, but always in a very quiet and modest way. He is easy going, easy to work with, and very professional."

If you would like to recognize someone who makes outstanding contributions to FCAD, please nominate them for a Spotlight Award.

Four entries from Seneca Illustration students were selected for the prestigious Society of Illustrators student competition this year. Seneca was the only Ontario school with more than one entry selected as a winner, including OCADU and Sheridan- each of which are four year illustration degrees. The competition featured participation from 2,308 students, representing 55 schools.

Every year since 1981 the Society has held the Student Scholarship Competition. Over three hundred works are chosen from more than 8,700 entries submitted by professors of college-level students nationwide. In a competition which can kick start a career, students bring their most sophisticated, well-crafted and original work to be tested. A jury of professional peers, including illustrators and art directors, selects the most outstanding works created throughout the year. Pieces are accepted based on the quality of technique, concept and skill of medium used.

Meeting Planners International (MPI) Toronto chapter included Seneca Foundations of Sustainability in Event Management microcredential in their newsletter in the "Industry Education" section.

The feature highlights the valuable environmental skills and knowledge that the course offers. It mentions the work of Romina Kwong of Eco-Friendly Events and Scott McAllister, Seneca professor, in creating and developing the curriculum for the microcredential.

The Dean’s Desk podcast episode for June features Professor Alan Elliot, Coordinator of the Broadcasting Television program. Alan talks about his background as an audio engineer, working as a sound person on cruise ships, and incorporating augmented reality into the classroom. He even shares the story of when he had a chance to work with Ed Sheeran!

The Dean's Desk is a series produced by our fantastic faculty and students in the Radio – Broadcasting program. Each month will feature a conversation with an FCAD employee or employees. This is an opportunity for all faculty and support staff to share their stories on an informal platform, and for all of us to get to know folks in other schools and programs in FCAD.

If you are interested in joining as a guest, please send Kurt an email to arrange a day and time at your convenience.