- June 16, 2022 - updates in Health section regarding mask, and vaccines
- April 26, 2022 - added Provost message on mask policy, and updates in Health section
- March 29, 2022 - Added Summary of recent updates to COVID measures for research space, added new Provost message on summer term changes
- January 24, 2022 - Various updates made in Health, Course and Student Services/ St George Campus section, see questions that indicate updated Jan 24.
- January 19, 2022 - Update on Dean's message regarding return to in-person classes for Feb 7, 2022.
- January 06, 2022 - Update on Omicron variant and research operations added to "Can I still conduct graduate research on campus?" in Graduate Research Students section
- December 16, 2021 - SGS Dean Joshua Barker's message on Omicron Variant to Graduate Community
- December 16, 2021 - Effective December 16, 2021, in-person final examinations will not be proceeding. Exams scheduled to be delivered remotely will continue as planned. Learn More »
- October 28, 2021 - Added "How will U of T Engineering graduate courses be delivered in Winter Term 2022?" in Courses section
- October 26, 2021 - Added Message from the Dean School of Graduate Studies
- August 26, 2021 - Updated Health section
- August 12, 2021 - Updated Health section for FAQ on mask and vaccination
- 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
The 2021-2022 Academic Year
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
- Provost message on Continuation of mask requirement and updates to UCheck
- Provost message on Summer Term update for Health Measures - March 29, 2022
- Summary of recent updates to COVID measures for research space - March 29, 2022
- Message from Dean Yip regarding returning of in-person classes for Winter 2022, for February 7, 2022.
- Message from Dean Yip regarding cancellation of in-person final exams
- Message from the Dean School of Graduate Studies (October 26, 2021)
- Dean's message on COVID-19
- Your guide to summer and fall 2021 at U of T
- School of Graduate Studies - Your graduate student guide to the 2021-22 academic year
- FAQs for International Students
- COVID-19 FAQ from Office of the Vice-Provost, Students
- Recommended technology requirements for remote/online learning
- Accessibility remote/online learning updates for students
- UCheck: COVID-19 self-assessments
- COVID-19 Health & Wellness updates for patients and visitors
- Information Commons Help Desk
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.
Health
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. Even mild symptoms may be significant. Please be sure to accurately note any and all symptoms when you complete the UCheck health screen questionnaire, in order to keep our community safe.
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.
A Verification of Illness (also known as a “doctor’s note”) is temporarily not required.
Students who are absent from academic participation for any reason (e.g., COVID-19, cold, flu and other illness or injury, family situation) and require consideration for missed academic work should report their absence through the online absence declaration. The declaration is available in ACORN under the Profile and Settings menu.
Additionally, if term work, including participation grades, are affected by your illness/absence, please connect with your home graduate administrator.
There are a number of resources you can access to find current information regarding the pandemic, what to do if you’re not feeling well, COVID-19 testing, and best practices to stay healthy.
Visit these resources regularly for updates:
In light of the recent provincial trends, the University will continue its requirement to wear masks in certain settings until June 30, 2022, in accordance with the Joint Provostial and Human Resources Guideline on Face Masks.
Masks will continue to be required in classrooms and in indoor spaces when two metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained. In other words, if you are in an indoor space other than a classroom, you do not need to wear a mask when you are at least two metres from another person, but should cover your face with a mask if you move within a two-metre radius of another person. If you are within two metres of someone, however, you may still remove your mask to eat or drink. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.
In addition, individuals in specific circumstances may continue to be required to wear masks in all settings, subject to changes in provincial or federal requirements, such as those who have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or to someone with symptoms.
Even in settings where masks may not be required because physical distancing can be maintained, we ask everyone to always respect the decisions of others, their comfort levels and health needs. It is vitally important that, even with the easing of provincial measures, we remain vigilant, conscientious and show kindness to one another.
More info can be found here: https://www.utoronto.ca/utogether/faqs#health
The University has paused the requirement to be fully vaccinated. Please note this requirement may be reinstated on short notice should public health conditions or guidance change.
While students and employees who are unvaccinated may enrol in classes with in-person components or attend University premises for work activities as of May 1, vaccination requirements may be reinstated with little notice, which could result in de-enrolment or ineligibility to work.
Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is strongly encouraged, and UCheck continues to be available for uploading proof of vaccination. Those seeking vaccination appointments can refer to the provincial vaccination portal or visit the UTogether vaccine site.
The University has paused the requirement to be fully vaccinated. Please note this requirement may be reinstated on short notice should public health conditions or guidance change.
While students and employees who are unvaccinated may enrol in classes with in-person components or attend University premises for work activities as of May 1, vaccination requirements may be reinstated with little notice, which could result in de-enrolment or ineligibility to work.
Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is strongly encouraged, and UCheck continues to be available for uploading proof of vaccination. Those seeking vaccination appointments can refer to the provincial vaccination portal or visit the UTogether vaccine site.
Students, faculty, staff and librarians who are not yet vaccinated due to an approved exemption (i.e. medical, religious) or are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated must register in the University’s rapid screening program.
You will be provided with an at-home, rapid screening kit, along with a video that explains how the kit works. These kits are provided by the provincial Ministry of Health at no cost to those participating in the rapid screening program. You will be expected to screen yourself at home at least twice a week and will be required to take of photo of your test result and upload it to the UCheck app. A negative test result must be uploaded before you come to campus.
If you screen positive, you must notify the occupational health nurses at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca.
You will no longer have to use the rapid screening kit once you become fully vaccinated, unless you experience COVID-like symptoms.
For the latest information on the University’s rapid screening program and who can participate, visit the UTogether rapid screening page.
The University’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) staff will have access to proof of vaccination documentation for verification, which will be disclosed through a secure database that is approved to hold the most confidential data assets at the University, including health information. It requires the highest level of confidentiality and has rigorous security requirements to safeguard data protection. This process complies with all provincial privacy standards for health information.
Cross-posted from Your Guide to Fall 2021 at U of T.
Yes! The University has supported the province’s vaccination efforts by supplying space and volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine clinics on its three campuses, in partnership with local hospitals. So far, more than 400,000 doses have been administered at the U of T-hosted vaccination sites and pop-ups.
More information on how to book a vaccination on campus is available on the UTogether vaccine page.
This is certainly a stressful and uncertain time. Start by contacting your graduate administrator for advice on academic matters, including course enrolment. If you are feeling distressed, please use the resources available to you, including 24/7 counselling services, on the U of T directory of health and community contacts. In an emergency, call 911.
We know that this year has been difficult for many. The Faculty is committed to fostering a culture of care and support. The Faculty’s new Mental Health Programs Officer put together a web page of the mental health resources and supports that are available to all U of T Engineering students.
For the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on mental health, you might find the following helpful:
My Student Support Program (MY SSP)
U of T’s My SSP provides students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour counselling support in 146 languages.
Navi: Your Mental Health Wayfinder
U of T students now have a more streamlined way to discover mental health resources and supports. Navi, short for navigator, is a chat-based service that acts as a virtual assistant for students who want to learn more about the mental health supports available to them at the University of Toronto.
U of T Engineering’s Talk to Someone Right Now Page
The Talk to Someone Right Now page lists support services that are available 24/7 for U of T Engineering students. Resources for ongoing support are also provided.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada was recently funded by the Government of Canada in response to the spike in incidences of mental distress since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The site provides online support for mental health and addiction by providing customized wellness programs and provides self-guided courses and apps, an online community of coaching and support, and one-to-one counselling.
CAMH Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
It is normal to feel anxious and afraid while we deal with the effects of this pandemic. We know this situation is stressful for everyone; people living with mental illness and addictions may be finding it especially difficult to cope. If you or someone you know is struggling, the resources on the CAMH Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic site are there to support you. Remember: no matter where you are or what you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone.
New, incoming international students who arrive before September 1, 2021, are eligible for free UHIP coverage starting August 10, 2021. Students are required to register with the U of T Quarantine Program and will be enrolled in UHIP automatically. If for exceptional circumstances you are not registered with the U of T Quarantine Program, you must email uhip.information@utoronto.ca to enrol.
UHIP coverage for returning, current international students runs until August 31, 2021, and is automatically renewed from September 1, 2021, to August 31, 2022.
Current students who dis-enrolled from UHIP for the 2021 Winter and Summer terms will be automatically enrolled for UHIP for the 2021-2022 academic year, starting September 1, 2021. If students arrive before September 1, they must email a request to uhip.information@utoronto.ca to have UHIP reactivated and will need to pay the fee for the month of August.
General
If you have a question regarding the upcoming academic year that you cannot find an answer for, you can contact the University through an online form.
If the question is related to Graduate Studies at U of T Engineering, please email gradstudies@engineering.utoronto.ca and we'll do our best to find an answer for you.
Student Services / St. George Campus
Effective Monday, Feb. 7, U of T will increase in-person teaching and activities across all our campuses and faculties.
For details regarding on-campus student services, including sports and recreation, please visit the websites of U of T Sport & Recreation, Hart House, St. George Student Life, UTM Student Services and UTSC Student Services.
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 can also log into a library computer remotely to use specialized software, including data analysis and design tools.
For details on operating hours, please visit the University of Toronto Libraries website.
Please see updates on COVID-19 library services & operations
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:
- Facilities located on the St. George campus: Sports and Rec programs and Hart House fitness facilities
- Recreation, Athletics and Wellness at the University of Toronto Mississauga
- Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough
The status of these facilities may change as public health guidance is revised.
Cross-posted from UTogether FAQs.
Research
- Below is message from SGS Dean Joshua Barker on Graduate Research on Campus:
- Our on-campus laboratories continue to operate but those who can work remotely should do so until January 31, 2022. For graduate students, the decision to conduct research activities in-person or remotely is ideally a joint decision with your supervisor, but ultimately the decision to be in-person rests with the student. It is imperative that we continue to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all public health guidance.
All in-person research with participants who are from vulnerable populations must stop now until January 31, 2022. Vulnerable populations include for example, the unvaccinated, undervaccinated (e.g. have not had two COVID-19 vaccines), immune compromised, long term care residents and Indigenous
communities. Questions about whether your population is vulnerable should be directed to:
f2f.research@utoronto.ca. All virtual research may continue. Any research that can be moved virtually, should be moved now to those alternative methods. - For all other in-person research that is not with vulnerable populations and which cannot be moved virtually or paused, emergency stop and contact tracing plans must be reviewed and researchers should continue to monitor local public health guidance and travel advisories.
- All researchers should monitor the OVPRI website for updates as the situation evolves.
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.
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- 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
We understand that some students who travelled for the winter closure may now face challenges in returning to Toronto — for example, some students in China may be subject to city or regional lockdowns. If you expect you will be unable to return to campus in-person due to restrictions, graduate students should contact their home Graduate Administrator.
Given that Global Affairs Canada has changed the world-wide travel advisory to “avoid non-essential” travel outside of Canada, as of December 15, 2021, all university sanctioned activities outside of Canada are cancelled for U of T students, until further notice.
All students are encouraged, if possible, to avoid international travel right now because it may be difficult to re-enter Canada, as pandemic circumstances change frequently.
If you have an essential reason to leave Canada, please review your study permit and other immigration documents for the expiry date before you leave the country.
Should you have to travel, for your return to Canada OR if you have to cancel your travel and now remain in Canada, please see the related FAQ for entry to Canada and the Canadian Government Site for latest information.
Cross-posted from COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto students.
Given that Global Affairs Canada has changed the world-wide travel advisory to “avoid non-essential,” as of Dec. 15, 2021, all University-sanctioned activities outside of Canada are cancelled for U of T students, until further notice.
If you are a PhD student looking to conduct thesis related research outside of Canada – if you can defer your travel, please do so at this time; otherwise please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca to discuss your options.
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.
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, pre-arrival information and quarantine information, please review the Vice-Provost's FAQs.
For the most current information regarding quarantine requirements and accommodations, please review the Vice-Provost, Students, FAQs.
Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel & Tourism site for updates related to travel within and outside Canada.
Technology
The University recommends that you acquire a personal computer to support your learning needs. While a suitable system may be Windows- or macOS-based, a laptop can offer you additional flexibility. Please visit www.uoft.me/techspecs for full recommendations. You will also be able to access any software required for class.
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.
Exams
Accessibility Services (AS) has created a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for students registered with them to answer questions you may have regarding your accommodations. AS is committed to providing students with the most up-to-date information, as it becomes available. They will continue to update students registered with Accessibility Services regarding next steps for your final exams.
Courses
The Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Agreement (OVGS) permits a registered student in good academic standing to take a limited number of degree program course requirements at an Ontario university without completing further admission formalities. Please contact your grad unit for details on how to initiate this process.
Here are some tips from UofT to navigate some of the challenges of remote learning. Please see this useful article here.
MEng Guide to Working from Home
With all courses being moved online, working from home may be unfamiliar or difficult for some. Here is a helpful guide on coping with working from home and resources developed by a faculty member, research associate and PhD student. This document is always updated so please check back for new resources.
Graduate Research Students
Summary of recent updates to COVID measures for research space:
The rapid changes in the COVID-19 legislation allow universities to remove a lot of old measures and improve researchers’ access to their spaces.
Here are a few quick points to summarize the changes over the past few week’s:
1. All research facilities (labs, offices, etc.) can be open to 100 %, with no capacity limits.
2. The two-meter requirement was removed. While eating, it is encouraged to have distancing. The masks in a food area should be removed only for eating or drinking and put back right after.
3. There are two remaining requirements: masking in all UofT spaces (labs, offices, meeting rooms, common areas, etc.) and completing UCheck before visiting campus every day.
4. The UofT COVID Ambassador program at the door of the buildings will continue until the exam period. The program will end on April 8.
5. Masking outside is not required but recommended for specific activities (public engagement, the possibility of close contact and other high-risk environments)
6. In private offices, open concept/shared offices, and other work areas, employees may remove their masks once seated and when physical distancing (2 meters) can be consistently maintained. Still, they must put masks back on when leaving their desks. Mask exclusions might also apply to research environments (non-hazardous labs, research offices, design studios, etc.) where physical distancing can be maintained, and there is no requirement for PPE due to hazards.
7. There is no need for collecting contact information anymore for COVID.
8. However, it is a standard (pre-COVID) practice that the Principal Investigator knows who/when/where is working in a hazardous environment (mechanical hazards, bio/chem/rad hazards, WHIMS hazards, etc.).
9. Because the contact tracing is no longer required, proactive disinfection associated with the case will no longer be provided.
10. Public health no longer specifies two times daily disinfection. The processes and procedures within the research labs and offices can continue proper hygiene by providing workers and students with materials to clean/disinfect their benches, workstations, commonly used equipment without specifying a mandatory frequency.
11. When someone experiences symptoms associated with respiratory illness (flu, common cold, COVID), the person should be “red” on UCheck and stay home.
12. Inform UofT Occupational Health Nurse and your supervisor if you are tested positive for COVID or if Public Health ordered you to isolate.
13. As of March 21, 2022, the Face-to-Face (F2F) COVID-19 review process has moved to an attestation model as part of the ethics submission process.
14. For studies that involve international travel, researchers should review the Safety Abroad in an Emergency
Many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will have returned to in-person research. For graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have not, ideally, a common decision on the return to in-person research is reached. Disagreements regarding return to in-person research should first be discussed with the Graduate Chair/Coordinator and then the Vice/Associate-Dean, Graduate/Academic. If further guidance is required, please contact the Vice-Dean, Students at SGS, sgs.vdeanstudents@utoronto.ca.
Many students and supervisor(s) will have made research plans to ensure timely degree completion. If not, we continue to recommend that the student and the supervisor(s) focus on developing a plan to ensure timely progress towards degree milestones. Some students are profoundly affected by the pandemic both in their professional and personal lives, which will require individualized and holistic approaches to research planning. This could include:
- More frequent check-ins with their supervisor(s)
- More frequent supervisory committee meetings
- Pivoting the student’s research plan
- Re-evaluating the scope of trainee’s research plan
SGS has updated their FAQs regarding this topic. You can visit here.
Info and guidelines can be found here: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/lookingahead/reengagement/
Addition info: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/lookingahead/
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.
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
Accessibility Services remains open to assist students. Please continue to consult your Accessibility Advisor as required. Special updates for students registered at Accessibility Services can be found at: https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/as/covid-19-updates.
Students seeking academic and practicum accommodations for the start of the 2021 Fall Term must submit a complete Student Intake Form before 5 p.m. (ET) on July 14, 2021.
Student intake packages received after the deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for exceptional circumstances.
Have questions? Contact Accessibility Services at 416-978-8060 or accessibility.services@utoronto.ca.
The Volunteer Notetaking Program continues to operate as usual. Volunteer notetakers continue to take notes online and upload it to the Notetaking Portal. For questions or concerns regarding course notes, please contact as.notetaking@utoronto.ca.
Please consult your Accessibility Advisor as soon as possible to discuss next steps.
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).
International Students
Information can be found here regarding this question: https://www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca/covid-19/#International
See https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/pgwp-eligibility-measures.html for the latest update on this item. Additionally, also check https://www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca/covid-19/#International under For Newly Admitted International Students.
Financial Aid
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.
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.
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
The Graduate Engineering Council of Students (GECoS) has created a Quercus community platform for graduate students. Use this platform to connect with students, reach out for help, share resources, and access online events curated for engineering grad students! If you are not added yet, please contact d.duong@utoronto.ca and provide your student number in the email.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
