COVID-19 U of T Engineering Graduate Students FAQs

June 24, 2021 - Updated question, "Do I need a vaccine to come to campus?" under Health section
June 9, 2021 - Added question, "What library services are available?" to Student Services / St. George Campus
June 3, 2021 - Added question, "Under Toronto's current restrictions, can I study on campus?" to Student Services / St George Campus section
May 18, 2021 - Updated various parts of Grad FAQ
May 14, 2021 - Added question, "Can I study or do research abroad?" to Travel section
April 30, 2021 - 2 Questions under Graduate Research Students section, I am feeling anxious that I may be stopped by authorities when traveling to and from my research site, is there documentation I can provide to authorities in case this happens? and I wish to conduct Face-to Face or Off-Campus (F2FOC) Research, where can I get more information on this?
April 30, 2021 - The Gerstein Science Information Centre building is closed, in compliance with Ontario's recent lockdown regulations. As of May 3, the Gerstein Science Information Centre will partially reopen to provide computers and wifi through their Technology Access Service. They are still online to support you: Research Help & Teaching Support
April 21, 2021 - SGS Dean Joshua Barker's message on the most recent provincial government stay-at-home order. Please view it here.
April 21, 2021 - Added question, How does the recent provincial government stay-at-home order on April 16, 2021, impact on-site research activities? under Graduate Research Students section
March 11, 2021 - Updated - Under Toronto's current restrictions, can I study on campus? [New: March 11, 2021] under Student Services / St George Campus section

2021 Summer & Fall

To answer the questions you may have regarding the 2021 Summer Term and 2021 Fall Term, we have compiled a detailed frequently asked questions (FAQs) section. We will update the FAQs regularly as new information is confirmed. We encourage you to visit this page often for new updates.

If after reviewing the FAQs, you still have a question that is not addressed here, please email us at gradstudies@engineering.utoronto.ca.

Special Note

Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Changes will likely occur as the province and its municipalities adjust to new data about the virus. In these circumstances, please be advised that the manner of delivery of courses, co-curricular opportunities, programs and services is subject to change, in accordance with University policies. The University thanks its students, faculty, and staff for their flexibility during these challenging times as we work together to maintain the standards of excellence that are the hallmark of the University.

Quick Links to Additional Resources

The Faculty’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Professionalism is dedicated to making U of T Engineering a place where all students, faculty and staff feel they belong and can thrive — but we recognize much work remains to be done. If you witness or experience an incident of discrimination, harassment or harmful unprofessionalism in the Faculty, you can now make a confidential disclosure through the new incident disclosure form. Next steps and supports will be pursued according to the wishes of the person making the disclosure. More information and answers to FAQs on the disclosure form page.

Jump to:

General

I have a question that’s not addressed by current University or Faculty updates. Who can I ask?

How is UofT preparing for a safe return for Fall 2021?

Student Services / St. George Campus

[June 9, 2021] What library services are available?

Message from Julie Hannaford, Deputy Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries:

Given the significantly reduced case counts of COVID-19, there will be re-opening of some Central Library in-person services that closed in April when Provincial measures were introduced to reduce the transmission of COVID in our community.

While continuing to adhere to all health and safety protocols, we will:

- Increase the number of spaces available for essential access to wifi and technology at the Gerstein Science Information Centre from 25 to 160 beginning June 7th. The spaces will no longer require booking for access. They will be available only to current students, staff and faculty. Users will need to scan their TCard and show a “green uCheck screen” or paper assessment form to enter.
- Re-open the online curbside pick-up requests system on Friday, June 11th; the first day for pick-up at Robarts Library will be Tuesday, June 15th.
- Re-start Inter-Campus Delivery, delivery from Downsview, and Scan & Deliver on June 15th.

Please note: Going forward, curbside pick-up, scan & deliver and intercampus delivery requests will be processed in our new library services platform, meaning that you will need to sign in to LibrarySearch to place requests.

Is the St George Campus open?

To limit occupancy and help slow the spread of COVID-19, access to University buildings is restricted to members of the U of T community, with various measures in place to protect the health and safety of community members.

Provincial regulation and public health guidance require that post-secondary institutions implement COVID-19 health screening for anyone coming to campus. This means that all members of our community, including faculty members, librarians, staff, and students, must complete a self-assessment each day they visit any one of the three U of T campuses or any other property owned or operated by U of T. There are two ways to complete the required self-assessment and generate a risk status each time you come to U of T: by using UCheck, or by completing a paper-based or offline self-assessment log. Please visit this COVID-19 self-assessments page for more information.

Libraries:

U of T students continue to have access to all electronic resources available through the library’s catalogue, including e-books, online journal article databases, primary source databases and streaming videos. Students at U of T also have remote access to 2.5 million books and other references through the online repository, HathiTrust.

Students will also be able to log into a library computer remotely to use specialized software, including data analysis and design tools.

Please visit the University of Toronto Libraries information page for the most up-to-date information on library services.

Athletics and recreation

For information about virtual programming and in-person programming (as available) on U of T’s three campuses, please consult the websites below:

The status of these facilities may change as public health guidance is revised.

Cross-posted from UTogether FAQs.

Research

For on-campus lab research: all researchers may continue with their approved on-campus research plans as long as they continue to follow the public health measures already in place and the processes currently in effect, such as scheduling of time and people in the lab.
As before, if researchers can work remotely they should continue to do so, only coming to the campus as necessary. Anyone coming to campus must complete a COVID-19 Self-Assessment via the University’s UCheck tool.

[June, 3, 2021] Under Toronto's current restrictions, can I study on campus?

What services and supports are available to me at this time?

How do I obtain my first TCard / UTORid?

Information below is found at: https://tcard.utoronto.ca/how-to-get-your-first-tcard/

T-Card Office information: https://tcard.utoronto.ca/how-to-get-your-first-tcard/

To access online services starting Day 1 of classes, you must convert your JOINid to a UTORid before classes begin. Watch our video on steps to converting your JOINid to a UTORid, or follow the instructions below.

Your UTORid and password provide access to online services like email UTmail+, course content on Quercus, webinars, library resources, Microsoft365 applications, network services for international students, on-campus WiFi and more.

TCards are not required if you are studying remotely.

In order to activate your UTORid, you are required to submit your photo online and set up a remote appointment to have your identity and legal status verified.

Step 1: Submit a photo via MyPhoto. Once you receive an approval email, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Book a remote UTORid appointment via CLNx.

Step 3: Attend the appointment and provide the required identity and legal status documentation.

Appointments will take place via CLNx Built-in Video (download not required)
All documentation presented must be unexpired and original (digital or photocopies are not accepted)
You will need your JOINid to login to CLNx.

At the appointment, we will:

Verify your identity (you are required to show your face via webcam).
Verify your legal status in Canada.
Verify your photo submission via MyPhoto.
Provide you with instructions to activate your UTORid and UTmail+ once all the above have been verified.

Step 4: Wait for physical TCard pick-up instructions.

- In late July the TCard website will be updated with instructions on how to book an appointment to pick up your TCard.
- An email will also be sent to your UTMail+ account by mid-August.
- If you have an on-campus requirement to have a physical TCard in July or August, you may discuss this at the time of your remote appointment.
- Read more information on our re-opening plans.

Travel

Can I study or do research abroad?

Response below from: https://www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca/covid-19/#FAQSafetyAbroad

As of May 12, 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic conditions around the world, the University of Toronto has made the difficult decision to extend the suspension of University activity to international locations by students from September 1 2021 to December 31, 2021. We will review the situation regularly over this period and provide updated communication should pandemic circumstances, public health guidelines, global travel restrictions, and Global Affairs Canada travel advisories change.

We encourage PhD students to postpone or shift travel to a later date or undertake research remotely if able to do so. While Canada’s borders are open to U of T international students, significant travel restrictions remain elsewhere in the world, and it will be difficult to make travel arrangements. As the situation changes in specific regions, we are hopeful that there will be more opportunities later in the 2021-22 year to travel for PhD research. If you are a PhD student planning to travel abroad for COVID-19-related, dissertation research during this time, please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca to discuss your specific circumstances. Safety Abroad will work with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) on each case.

For all other students, if you’re able to postpone or shift your travel to a later date or undertake your activity remotely and without travelling internationally, please work with your academic unit to arrange to do so. If you’re unable to change your plans, please note that, regrettably, your activity is cancelled. We are making this decision early so that you can make alternate plans for your fall. We know that your academic pursuits are important to you and the University is committed to maintaining academic continuity. Your academic unit will work with you to help you build an alternate plan for the summer. We want to highlight for you that U of T Safety Abroad is also working with academic programs to support development of placements that can begin as remote and shift where possible to in person as travel resumes.

We’ll continue to update this page with the most current information we have.

Do I have to be in Toronto for the 2021 Summer Session?

U of T Engineering has made a remote access guarantee for the 2021 Summer Session, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final assessments/exams.

The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2021 Summer Session.

If I’m an international student, should I plan to be in Toronto for the 2021 Fall Term?

Yes. International students should plan to be in Toronto for the 2021 Fall Term. Academic and administrative leaders across our three campuses are now preparing for a gradual and safe return to in-person activities for the 2021 Fall Term.

We will continue to follow public health guidance closely in order to protect the health and safety of all members of the University community. Our planning will also accommodate the local circumstances and particular needs of each of our campuses, divisions and programs.

The Government of Canada has announced that they will process study permit applications in time for the 2021 Fall Term if the applications are submitted by May 15, 2021. Details are posted online.

If you have not already done so, please begin the process of applying for your study permit before May 15, 2021. After that date, there is no guarantee that your visa will be processed in time for the start of the 2021–2022 academic year.

The University has posted pre-recorded webinars on how to apply for a study permit from outside of Canada. On the Immigration Workshops & Info Sessions web page, click on “Program Registration” for a link to the recorded sessions.

For the most current information regarding entry to Canada and pre-arrival information, please review the Vice-Provost's FAQs.

Students living in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam may be eligible for faster processing of their study permit (usually 20 calendar days) through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Current information on eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found on the Government of Canada website.

I'm currently outside of Canada. Can I return and what do I need to know about my immigration documents?

For the most current information regarding entry to Canada, pre-arrival information and quarantine information, please review the Vice-Provost's FAQs.

I’m an international student who is planning to return to Toronto. Is the University providing quarantine accommodations for incoming international students?

Is it safe to travel right now? Does Canada have travel restrictions in place?

Technology

Since U of T Engineering is offering a remote access guarantee for all Summer Session courses, what kind of computers does the University recommend students have?

I live in mainland China and I’m experiencing internet connectivity issues. Can the University of Toronto do anything to assist?

The University of Toronto is pleased to announce the availability of a new network service – Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network (CEN). It is a free service available to all students.

Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network is located in the People’s Republic of China and will allow for a fast, reliable and consistent connection to U of T’s network and in turn its online learning resources such as Quercus, Piazza and more.

To learn more, and for installation instructions, please visit here. If you are a new student, please note you will need to activate your UTORid, and can do so by following instructions for receiving a Tcard.

Do I need to use caution when choosing the “dial-in” option on Blackboard (BB) Collaborate?

Exams

If I'm registered with Accessibility Services, how will my accessibility-related academic accommodations be accommodated for final assessments?

Courses

[Added Feb 2, 2021] How will U of T Engineering graduate courses be delivered for the Summer 2021 term?

U of T Engineering graduate courses will be delivered remotely in the Summer 2021 term, except for a very small number of optional courses for which it is essential to be in-person to meet the learning objectives of the course. Please consult with department websites for summer course offerings, when available. For the majority of courses that will be delivered online, the remote access guarantee remains in place, as Dean Yip shared in several previous Dean’s messages.

This information is specific to courses offered by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and does not apply to courses offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Please keep checking these FAQs, and the University’s UTogether FAQs, for the latest information.

How will courses be delivered for the 2021 Fall Term?

The University is optimistic that, starting in September 2021, most courses, student services and co-curricular activities will be able to proceed with in-person components, with the possible exception of large in-person lectures. We will continue to follow public health guidance closely in order to protect the health and safety of all members of the University community. Faculties and divisions are now planning for a safe return to in-person learning, and more information will be available in the coming weeks and months.

Cross-posted from Your Guide to Summer and Fall 2021 at U of T.

How can I enroll in courses outside of University of Toronto and obtain credit for them?

What are some tips to navigate some of the challenges of remote learning?

MEng Guide to Working from Home

I’m struggling to shift to learning at home — what changes can I make?

Graduate Research Students

[April 30, 2021] I am feeling anxious that I may be stopped by authorities when traveling to and from my research site, is there documentation I can provide to authorities in case this happens?

On April 16, 2021, the provincial government announced additional measures related to the Stay-at-Home order that has been in place since the declaration of the provincial State of Emergency on April 8. Although this is not required by authorities, students who have been approved through the research re-start process and whose research continues to require them to be on campus during the stay-at-home order may request a letter from their department that they can present to authorities if stopped.

Please contact your department chair on how you can obtain this letter.

[April 30, 2021] I wish to conduct Face-to Face or Off-Campus (F2FOC) Research, where can I get more information on this?

[April 21, 2021] How does the recent provincial government stay-at-home order on April 16, 2021, impact on-site research activities

[May 2021] Are there guidelines for students returning to research laboratories during COVID-19?

Info and guidelines can be found here: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/lookingahead/reengagement/

Addition info: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/lookingahead/

UCHECK:

Additionally, Public health guidance now requires post-secondary institutions to implement COVID-19 health screening for anyone coming to campus. In order to comply with these directives, a self-assessment is now required for all members of our community, including faculty members, librarians, staff, and students, each day they visit any one of the three U of T campuses or any other property owned or operated by U of T.

How can I plan or maintain my academic progress?

To address the concerns of research-stream students and supervisors may have about graduate research and how it may impact a student's academic progress, SGS has shared guidelines with students and supervisors on research continuity planning. Please read the full message here.

SGS also shared Strategies for Graduate Mentoring and Supervision at a Distance.

Also recommend visiting: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/lookingahead/

Accessibility

I am registered with Accessibility Services. Can I still access accommodations for my class? 

How do I register with Accessibility Services?

Is the volunteer notetaking program still running for online classes?

I am a student registered with Accessibility Services and I’m concerned about doing well in online formats. Can I request accessibility related accommodations?

I am a student who usually writes tests and exams with accessibility related accommodations. What are my next steps?

It is important you continue to register to receive accommodations for test/exams using the Clockwork Student Portal, even if you are intending to write an online evaluation with your class. Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) will contact your instructor to make arrangements for extra time accommodations on your behalf, but it is critical that you continue to officially register for each assessment with Accommodated Testing Services. Please ensure you register with ATS for each assessment by the deadline.

Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) will continue to open the Exam Centre on an as-needed basis. However, this service is only for students who cannot write their assessments remotely due to accessibility-related reasons. If you need to write an assessment in person, you must e-mail ATS to request this at least ten days in advance of the assessment date. We strongly encourage students to stay safe and stay home as much as possible during this time. If you have any questions about this, please contact ATS or your Accessibility Advisor to discuss (ats.info@utoronto.ca or 416-946-8584).

Health

Where can I find updated information on COVID-19 and how to stay healthy?

Do I have to wear a mask on campus?

As part of its commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for its faculty, librarians, staff, students, post-doctoral fellows, volunteers, visitors and other community members, the University has implemented a temporary Policy on Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings requiring non-medical masks or face coverings to be worn indoors in all common-use spaces on University property. This Policy is consistent with provincial regulations.

Certain activities and individuals, including individuals with an underlying medical condition that inhibits their ability to wear a mask, are exempt from this policy. Please refer to the draft Guideline for the full list of exemptions.

Of more information regarding mask use on campus, please review the detailed FAQs at Your Guide to Summer and Fall 2021 at U of T.

When will I get my vaccine?

The provincial government is leading the vaccine rollout, guided by a framework that gives priority to those that are most vulnerable, such as long-term care residents, First Nations communities and frontline healthcare workers. Faculty, librarians, students and staff will be prioritized in the same way as other members of the public, as determined by the provincial framework.

Cross-posted from Your Guide to Summer and Fall at U of T.

Do I need a vaccine to come to campus? [Updated: June 24, 2021]

The University encourages all members of our community to become vaccinated. Students living in residence for 2021-2022 will be required to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before their residence move-in date. A vaccine is not currently required to come to campus or attend classes. Please note that we will comply with any changes to public health requirements.

We look forward to a return to more in-person activities on campus and we continue to follow public health guidance and government regulations to help keep people safe, such as the requirement to complete a symptom self-assessment before coming to campus, capacity limits and increased cleaning on campus.

Cross-posted from Your Guide to Summer and Fall at U of T.

I am feeling unwell, what should I do?

Everyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.) should stay home, not work, self-isolate and complete a self-assessment using the UCheck web portal. A number of dedicated assessment centres have been established across the Greater Toronto Region to facilitate assessment and testing. Information on locations is available on local public health websites, including Toronto and Peel Region. If you live in other regions you can find your local health unit here: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

If you are advised by a public health authority that you have tested positive for COVID-19, please contact ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca immediately.

Taken from: https://www.utoronto.ca/utogether/faqs

This situation has caused anxiety/stress. I do not think I can perform academically in any remaining course work/exams, but I don’t think it’s fair to have to drop the class. What do I do?

What other resources are there I can use to help cope during this period of stress and uncertainty?

My Student Support Program (MY SSP) provides University of Toronto students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost to students. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are for a range of concerns. Students who use My SSP still have access to existing campus and community mental health services; My SSP is an additional support service. More info.

Additional resources can be found on the UofT COVID-19 website.

International Students

How do I enter Canada as an international student?

[August 31, 2020] How will my Post-Graduation Work Permit be impacted if I am a new student beginning my program online?

Financial Aid

[October 5, 2020] My research or program was severely impacted by the pandemic. Am I eligible for a program extension and a tuition relief?

Graduate students whose academic progress was severely impeded due to COVID-19 related disruptions may be required to register in an additional session to complete their program. In that case, they can apply for a tuition waiver for that additional academic session. Students will still be charged fees and system access fees that are associated with the registration session.

It is recommended that all students for whom this applies continue to document the impact of the pandemic on their research plans and academic progress by filling out the Fall 2020 SGS COVID-19 Mentoring Meeting Record form that can be accessed here. The deadline for submitting this form is Oct 30, 2020. Instructions on how to use the mentoring record is also provided by accessing the link. For more information on qualifying for Tuition Exemption On Basis of Progress Delays due to COVID-19 please contact your unit to obtain more information on the application process.

The COVID-19 situation has negatively affected my financial situation — what supports are available to me?

If you are experiencing immediate financial hardship, you can apply for an SGS emergency loan or emergency grant. We are usually able to pay out emergency loans within 24-hours and emergency grants within one week.

Faculty of Arts and Science has developed a comprehensive document that provides sources of government support for graduate students. You can view this document here.

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Students has also released resources regarding financial support and funding opportunities here.

CEWILL Canada may also have some resources as well.

Is the Canadian Government providing financial support to students?

May 14: More detailed information on Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is now available.

On April 22, 2020, the Government of Canada announced approximately $9 billion in new supports for students and new grads affected by COVID-19. The measures will provide financial support this summer and assist students in continuing their studies in the fall. The announcement also includes new funds to extend federal research grants and expiring scholarships and fellowships.

Initiatives Announced

Key measures include:

Creation of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which will provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit will provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities. The benefit will be available from May to August 2020.
Extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships and supplement existing federal research grants to support students and post-doctoral fellows, by providing $291.6 million to the federal granting councils. In addition, the government intends to enhance work opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through the National Research Council of Canada.

Other measures include:

Double the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020–2021. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents will also be doubled.
Broaden eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020–2021, in recognition that many students and families will struggle to save for school this year.
Enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020–2021 from $210 to $350.
Create the Canada Student Service Grant, which will help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID‑19 pandemic. For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new Canada Student Service Grant will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall.
Increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by providing an additional $75.2 million in 2020–2021.

The announcement can be found online.

Further details on implementation will be distributed as we become aware.

Getting Involved with Student Community

How can I stay involved with the student community?

The Graduate Engineering Council of Students (GECoS) is working on creating a Quercus course with help from Vice-Dean Grad Office to connect our grad student community. Use this platform to connect with students, reach out for help, share resources, and access online events curated for engineering grad students! We will provide more details once it is set up.

If you want to get involved with mental health, you can visit the GECoS Mental Wellness Commission the Facebook page for resources and events.

If you have any concerns or want to volunteer for student initiatives, you can reach out through the GECoS website or contact your departmental student association.

Resource List

Feeling Distressed?

A list of UofT and Community mental health resources and contacts.

My SSP | 1-844-451-9700. Outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578.

My Student Support Program (MySSP). Culturally-competent 24-hr mental health and counselling services in 146 languages for all U of T students. Chat about school, health, general life concerns for free.

Good2Talk Student Helpline | 1-866-925-5454
Professional counseling, information and referrals helpline for mental health, addictions and student well-being.

Student Life

Many events/Workshops and services are available online or by phone:

Events include: Mindful Moments, productivity workshops, de-stress events
The Centre for International Experience - addressing the needs for International Students
Graduate Conflict Resolution Centre - Peer-to-peer chats, big or small!
Academic Success
Accessibility Services
And more!

Accessibility Services

Moving courses to an online format can affect students with accessibility needs. The Accessibility Services team is available via phone or email and is posting updates as they become available.

Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) - Canadian government financial support for students.

SGS Emergency Grant:

Emergency assistance grants are available for domestic and international students impacted by COVID-19 and who need immediate short-term financial relief because of unexpected expenses.

GECoS Mental Wellness Commission

The Engineering Graduate Student Mental Wellness Commission Facebook Group shares resources, tips, and events (in the future) for UofT engineering grad students.

UofT Central Hub

For most up to date information and resources on COVID-19.

School of Graduate Studies website

Updated information relevant to the graduate community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information on academic activities, final oral examinations and more can be found on this site.

Faculty of Arts and Science - Sources of Government Support

A document developed by Faculty of Arts and Science. Information found on their document may be helpful for engineering graduate students as well.

Incident Disclosure Form