UTM Walks launches new ‘Passport’ initiative for CCR recognition
Students can now add participation in UTM Walks to their Co-Curricular Record
UTM Walks, part of the UTM Moves program offered by Department of Recreation, Athletics & Wellness, continues this fall semester with a new CCR certified UTM Walks Passport campaign.
With the UTM Walks Passport, students can participate in a minimum of four UTM Walks throughout the 2025-2026 academic year and complete a short reflection survey to add to their CCR record.
Students can pick up a physical UTM Walks Passport at the RAWC Welcome Desk. A sticker is added to the Passport for each walk joined. Once students complete four walks and the online survey, they can return their Passport to the RAWC Welcome Desk. The CCR will be verified and processed by early summer 2026.
According to the Supervisor of Leadership Education at UTM’s Centre for Student Engagement, Laura Walkling, “The Co-Curricular Record is designed to help students find opportunities at U of T beyond the classroom and to have their skills and experiences captured on an official document.”
A student’s CCR record shows their involvement in U of T Co-Curricular opportunities through participation in volunteer roles, workshop series, and conferences. CCR opportunities provide skill-building exercises which can be added to a student’s resume and on-campus job applications.
This semester, UTM Walks joins the list of CCR approved programs.
Supervisor of UTM Wellness Programs, Ravi Gabble, said in an interview that these new UTM Walks Passports “have been flying off the shelves,” and he hopes that this new initiative will lead to an increase in participation and engagement in this wellness program.
UTM Walks utilizes all the pathways and nature trails around campus including the Culham Trail, Sawmill Valley Trail and UTM Nature Trail. These beginner-friendly walks are open to all students and routes are adapted accordingly for participants with accessibility needs, said Gabble.
He also highlighted the physical benefits of walking such as stress reduction and lowering the risk of chronic disease, as well as mental benefits like boosting mood and enhancing focus.
Most notably for Gabble, the average turnout for the weekly UTM Walks is around five people which creates an intimate experience and opportunity to make new friends.
“In addition to those [physical] benefits, it’s the social connection, the community building and the sense of belonging that’s really important for us. With all of our UTM Moves initiatives we’re trying to bring people together around physical activity.”
Aside from the regular weekly walks on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., students can also attend Special Edition Walks to add to their Passport. Partnering with different campus departments, clubs, and community organizations, Gabble says UTM Walks puts in an effort to “have an intentional, educational component integrated within those walking experiences.”
On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., students can join the Guided Fall Photography Walk. Co-presented with the RAWC Communications team, students can learn photography tips while experiencing the changing fall landscape around campus.
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., UTM biology professor and passionate birdwatcher, Sanja Hinic-Frlog, will lead the Campus Birdwatching Walk. Students can connect with each other while observing birdlife and exploring campus trails.
All UTM Walks are free for students. Drop-ins are welcome, but online registration is encouraged. Participants meet in the RAWC lobby, check in with a UTM Moves Crew Member in orange uniform and depart as a group 10 minutes past the scheduled hour.
For registration and more information, access the UTM Walks webpage at https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/athletics/utm-moves/utm-walks.
To find out more about the CCR, access UTM’s Centre for Student Engagement or read the webpage at https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/ccr/what-ccr.
