Live Actor Simulation Grant
An exciting funding opportunity designed to bring dynamic, real-world learning to learners through collaboration with 果酱视频鈥檚 Live Actor Simulation (LAS) team.
Submit an before the deadline of Monday, October 19, 2026.
For over 30 years, LAS has been a leader in delivering high-impact experiential learning through the use of skilled actors, helping learners build the essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in their future careers.
With a catalogue of more than 140 existing simulations, LAS is also equipped to develop new, customized simulations based on specific instructional needs. However, the cost associated with simulation development can often be a barrier for some units wishing to move from idea to action.
To help overcome this obstacle, we are pleased to offer targeted funding to support the development of new simulations for courses or professional programming in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is intended for units where development costs pose a barrier, and where there is identified potential for ongoing, repeated use of the new simulation following development.
Applications are encouraged whether you're teaching a class of 25 or 250, or facilitating professional development for staff or faculty. LAS brings the expertise and adaptability to co-create immersive educational experiences tailored to your specific curriculum or program objectives.
You might find LAS particularly relevant if you are:
- Teaching a new or existing course where student learning could be enhanced by building in authentic, interactive experiences.
- Your role at 果酱视频 involves preparing students for future career success.
- Traditional assessment methods are falling short, prompting you to seek innovative and impactful alternatives.
- The students you work with could benefit from strengthening the core interpersonal skills essential for today鈥檚 professional landscape.
To cover the costs associated with the writing and development of a new live actor simulation during the 2026-27 academic year
| Grant Value | Grant Duration | Number of Grants Available |
| Funding to cover the cost of LAS to author a custom simulation (typically ranging from $500-$1,000) | Creation of a new simulation during the 2026/27 academic year (with an expectation that the simulation will be offered to learners by end of the 2027 calendar year and associated costs covered by home department) | 5 to 10, depending upon the scope of work outlined in the submissions |
Important Dates
| Action | Timeline |
| Applications open | August 2026 |
| Submission deadline | October 19, 2026 |
| Successful applicants notified | October 30, 2026 |
| Scenario development | Initial kick off meeting with LAS team member to be scheduled at awardees鈥� convenience. May take place as early as mid-November. |
| Simulation implemented in classroom | By December 2027 |
Eligibility Requirements
- Academic Integration: Applicants must have an approved 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 course, training program, or professional development initiative ready for simulation integration, with preference given to experiential learning activities that align with Senate Policy 169.
- Active Partnership: The requesting instructor, faculty member, or staff must commit to ongoing collaboration with the LAS development team, providing essential subject matter knowledge and expertise throughout the project. (estimated commitment of 5-10 hours)
- Sustainability Potential: The proposed simulation must demonstrate clear potential for repeated educational application beyond its initial use.
- Financial Approval: Unit leadership must provide written confirmation of their commitment to cover the cost of implementing the simulation at least once in the 2027 calendar year (estimated at $200-450 per session, varying by simulator requirements).
If you are unable to secure funding to run the new simulation, please contact the (CELT). While CELT cannot provide financial support, they may be able to identify other potential sources of funding.
Application Instructions
Step 1: Review requirements and eligibility
Before starting your application, ensure you've familiarized yourself with the eligibility requirements, guidelines, and the adjudication process.
Step 2: Submit your proposal
Submit the by October 19, 2026.
Step 3: Selected proposals will be contacted
The LAS team will contact successful applicants following the adjudication process to discuss next steps in the development of your new simulation.
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Contact
For questions about eligibility or more information, please email las@torontomu.ca
Past Recipients
SWP 341 Transformative Social Work Practice
School of Social Work
This project designs a simulation-based learning experience for the Transformative Social Work Practice (SWP 341) course, centered on applying EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) principles through an intersectional framework informed by a Love Ethic. The scenario features a young Muslim high school student navigating Islamophobia, sexism, and racial microaggressions within educational and social systems.
Through empathetic engagement, active listening, and critical reflection, students practice responding to experiences of racism and systemic inequity with care, validation, and accountability. This simulation advances equity-informed, compassionate professional practice.
NC8104A: Dietetic Practice Seminar
School of Nutrition
This project will design a simulation-based learning activity for students in the Dietetic Practice Seminar course, focused on developing clinical competence and confidence in diabetes management and patient counselling. Each student will engage in a one-on-one simulated follow-up session with a standardized patient actor, practicing assessment, communication, and evidence-based nutrition interventions in a realistic clinical context.
Through structured debriefing and feedback, students will refine their clinical decision-making and patient-centred communication skills prior to practicum placements.
Co-op Career Ready Program
Career, Co-op & Student Success Centre
This project develops a mock portfolio interview simulation for students in Architectural Science and Interior Design programs, supporting their preparation for co-op placements and professional practice. In this activity, trained actors portray firm principals, HR professionals, and clients, engaging students in realistic portfolio presentations and interview dialogues that mirror authentic industry contexts.
Through feedback and guided reflection, students strengthen their professional communication, adaptability, and confidence in articulating their creative process and design thinking. This scalable simulation advances the Co-op Career Ready Program鈥檚 mission to foster purpose, professional identity, and readiness for future career opportunities.
Professional Development: Challenging and Sensitive Conversations on the Research Help Desk
果酱视频 Library & Archives
This project creates a simulation-based professional development workshop for library staff to practice responding to complex or sensitive interactions at the research help desk. Through a series of short, actor-led scenarios such as assisting a distressed student, addressing misinformation, or navigating communication boundaries, participants will strengthen their ability to provide respectful, equity-informed, and effective support.
Grounded in empathy and inclusive service principles, the simulation emphasizes maintaining professionalism, offering appropriate referrals, and engaging with diverse user needs. This initiative supports skill development for over 100 staff members, fostering confidence and consistency in handling challenging patron interactions.
CYPG651 Labour Relations
G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education - Continuing Education Unit
This project introduces a collective bargaining simulation for the Labour Relations course offered through the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. In this immersive activity, students will take part in a multi-actor negotiation scenario where union representatives seek greater job security, higher pay, and additional paid time off amid an economic downturn.
By applying negotiation strategies, communication techniques, and ethical decision-making, learners will gain hands-on experience in collaborative bargaining and real-time problem-solving. This simulation will strengthen students鈥� practical understanding of labour relations and can be adapted for use across other Chang School programs.
PS8312 - Culturally Informed Clinical Practice
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
This project enhances the Culturally Informed Clinical Practice (PS8312) course for first-year MA Clinical Psychology trainees through a simulation-based learning experience focused on cultural humility and foundational clinical skills. Using the Cross-Cultural Counselling 鈥� Kwame Nwosu scenario, students practice conducting intake interviews, applying active listening, reviewing consent, and responding thoughtfully to client dynamics such as resistance, rupture, and repair.
The simulation provides a structured environment for trainees to engage in self-reflection on biases, communication, and cross-cultural understanding. This strengthens students鈥� readiness for practicum placements and supports the sustainable integration of experiential learning in clinical psychology training.