YSGS COVID-19 Continuity Information

YSGS has shifted its services online. The YSGS offices at 1 Dundas St. West are currently closed. All YSGS staff continue to perform their regular duties remotely and can be reached via email if you have questions or concerns. Please visit the YSGS Contact page for relevant email addresses.

Latest updates and FAQs on COVID-19 from Ryerson

Last updated: Feb. 26, 2020

As of March 13, 2020, the Yeates School of Graduate Studies (YSGS) has shifted in-person classes to virtual and alternative forms of delivery due to COVID-19. Please refer to the guidelines and resources below.

Community update on provincial Stay-at-Home Order — Jan. 13, 2021

Community update on lockdown restrictions in Toronto — Nov. 23, 2020

Update on new public health guidelines regarding out of province travel - Dec. 23, 2020

An update on our upcoming winter term — Sept. 18, 2020

Planning for a safe, engaging fall 2020 term continues — May 15, 2020

President Mohamed Lachemi outlines how the university is responding to the crisis — March 23, 2020

President Mohamed Lachemi announces that Ryerson University will be shifting to essential services on campus — March 17, 2020, 5:00 PM

Graduate-related Campus Updates

We encourage you to continue to check the Yeates School of Graduate Studies website regularly for information about online events and activities available during the academic year.

Minimum technology requirements for remote learning

The following are the minimum technical requirements for students to access Ryerson University’s online learning resources.

Individual programs or courses may have additional requirements. Please refer to your faculty, program, or course requirements for additional guidance.

Computer

A Windows 10 or MacOS X computer with a minimum of:
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8 GB RAM
- 20 GB of available storage space after all applications are installed
- Webcam (built in or external)
- Ability to connect external devices as needed including where necessary: webcam, headset, and external storage devices

Computer peripherals

Webcam - if one is not already integrated into your computer
Headset with microphone for improved audio quality and to reduce echo while speaking during webinars - if the computer has a good microphone, earbuds may be used instead.

Internet access

A minimum download speed of 5Mbps
Google Chrome browser
Where possible, a wired connection to a router is preferred over connecting to a router via wireless access. If wireless must be used, work as close as possible to the wireless router to maintain excellent signal strength.

Software

Unlimited storage in Google Drive is available to all Ryerson students along with Google docs, spreadsheets, calendar and slides. More information about these services are available at:
ryerson.ca/google

Microsoft Office is also available free from Microsoft to all Ryerson students. For more information, please visit:
ryerson.ca/ccs/services/software/microsoft

Financial Assistance, Awards and Student Fees

The Ryerson COVID-19 Information and Updates site provides answers to frequently asked questions from the community regarding:

Financial assistance opportunities
Changes to OSAP
Student financial aid supports
Applying for awards
Tuition and fees

Online research-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings

Graduate student research continues to the extent possible. Students should discuss any questions, concerns or potential alternative arrangements with their faculty supervisors. Meetings with supervisors, supervisory committees and research-related examinations (e.g., defences, candidacy examinations, etc.) are expected to continue wherever possible.

YSGS recommends that PDF fileresearch-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings be moved online. This recommendation has been developed to respond to Ryerson University's shift to an essential services model on campus.

Planning to hold a defence/MRPs exam virtually? Contact Carl Kumaradas at ckumarad@ryerson.ca to discuss PDF filehow to set it up appropriately using Zoom.

SRC-related updates

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) shares information relating to COVID-19 that may impact the Ryerson scholarly, research and creative community.

Please refer to current guidance for SRC activities as announced by OVPRI on November 30, 2020.

The reopening of Ryerson University’s on-campus scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activities is following a coordinated, phased-in process that is first and foremost guided by a commitment to the safety and security of our faculty, students, staff, and research infrastructure and facilities. Complete details on SRC access available on the Limited Return to SRC Activity website.

Ryerson abides by public health directives and takes into advisement provincial reopening guidelines.

Ryerson continues to operate on an essential services model on our campus until further notice. Building systems, facilities and services will be maintained to support essential SRC activities.

OVPRI support is available. Visit their Contact Us page to find a member of the team.

REB Open Office Hours

The Ryerson Research Ethics Board (REB) hosts virtual office hours or all student and faculty researchers via Zoom.

Drop-in visits from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. No appointment is necessary for these time slots. Virtual consultations by appointment are also available.

Visit the REB website for access to the sign-in link.

Taking care of yourself

The ThriveRU program helps develop or support existing skills associated with resilience, well-being and thriving in both an academic and personal context. Principles of positive psychology underpin all of the programs associated with ThriveRU. The Five-Factor Model of Resilience is focused on Mindfulness, Gratitude, Optimism, Self-Compassion, and Grit. Resources through ThriveRU are designed to increase resilience, such as:

Thriving in Action Online is also available for a comprehensive experience of resilience.

See COVID-19 updates and resources such as counselling supports, medical centre information and tips for staying in and staying well from Student Wellbeing Services.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has posted some strategies on psychological coping, external link with COVID-19. Ryerson Psychology Professor Martin Antony also offers strategies for coping with fear and anxiety during COVID-19.

Important message from canadianwomen.org, external link regarding signaling for help, external link on video conferencing.

Guided mindfulness exercises developed and recorded by Drs. Josephine Wong and Mandana Vahabi from the Daphne Cockwelll School of Nursing have been found to be effective in reducing stress and promoting resilience.

Further information about health and wellness support and resources.

Due to Ryerson's response to COVID-19, counselling services at the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) are currently being offered remotely via telephone or video. To book an appointment, contact 416-979-5195 or csdc@ryerson.ca.

Ryerson Athletics and Recreation’s MOVE Everywhere connects the Ryerson community from remote physical activity options to online and on-demand group fitness classes.

Student Wellbeing Services

Counselling services

The Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) is physically CLOSED. Counselling services are currently being offered remotely via telephone or video to new and returning clients. CSDC services are available to all Ryerson full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students who are eligible to proceed in their program and not on academic leave. It should be noted that Continuing Education and Special Students have limited access to counselling.

To book an appointment, contact the CSDC front desk at 416-979-5195 or csdc@ryerson.ca. Students on the waitlist will be contacted to discuss next steps and initiate counselling where indicated.

Keep.meSAFE

Ryerson has partnered with Keep.meSAFE to provide all students with 24/7 mobile access to licensed counsellors via the My SSP app. Download the My SSP app on their phone’s app store: Apple Store, external link or Google Play., external link

Keep.meSAFE can also be accessed with a phone call by dialing 1-844-451-9700.

Medical Centre

The Ryerson Medical Centre (RMC) offers a limited number of in-person appointments. Due to the COVID 19 outbreak and response to prioritize physical distancing and student and employee wellbeing, the Ryerson Medical Centre will continue to offer virtual care and appointments are provided by telephone or video-conferencing. Please call 416-979-5070 or medicalct@ryerson.ca to schedule an appointment.

Ryerson Medical Center is operating virtually Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you require emergency medical attention, please visit your local hospital emergency room or call 911. For health information or options related to COVID 19, please contact Ontario Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000

COVID-19 Updates and Resources from Student Wellbeing Services

Staying Well During COVID-19

Learning support

Student Learning Support offers learning support through virtual appointments and workshops. SLS can be reached by email or google hangouts at sls@ryerson.ca for assistance with booking and workshops.

Sign-up for learning support and 1-1 appointments using the SLC's booking tool, external link.

COVID-19 updates for Learning Support

Library services

The Ryerson Library has moved academic services and supports online.

Many services and most resources remain available to students, faculty, instructors and staff, as well, core academic and SRC support services are available virtually.

Reference and research help is available through virtual reference, email, and through online appointments. See specific hours of operation under Student Academic Resources and Services.

Access to all online resources including ebooks, ejournals, data, streaming video/media and more, remains available 24/7.

To connect with a Librarian or other key staff regarding a research or reference query, please email: refdesk@ryerson.ca. For specific subject related queries, connect with a Subject Librarian.

Research Help Appointments

To request a one-on-one with a Librarian, please submit a research appointment request. Note: requests may be directed to Ask-a-Librarian depending on the complexity of the topic.

International graduate students

Learn more about travel exemptions and restrictions for international students, external link. Please refer to Ryerson's Before You Arrive webpage for questions and pre-arrival checklist.

For information regarding the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program and eligibility, please refer to updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, external link.

Measures to support international students during the COVID-19 pandemic — July 14, 2020, external link

Study permit: COVID-19 program delivery, external link
Guidance for issuing study permits during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Continuity of teaching and learning

Resources to support faculty to develop and/or adapt teaching and learning activities for alternative formats can be found on the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching’s Remote Teaching website.

Faculty may find the suggestions on google docRethinking Your Final Course Assessments, external link to be particularly useful.
Faculty are also encouraged to consider the guidelines on google docAssisting Students with Limited Access to Technology, external link.
google docTop Resources for Remote Teaching Basics, external link

Graduate students are encouraged to review the resources on Continuity of Learning.

Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services

Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services (RASS) is available to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Canadian Indigenous students (or those who identify by nation or community) for academic support, writing support, admissions-related concerns and general support.

Due to COVID-19, Ryerson University is closed with the exception of essential services. As such, the Aboriginal Student Centre and office is not open for in-person visits. Please contact a member of our team by email or phone.

YSGS events

All in-person YSGS events are postponed until further notice as part of the university’s effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Check the YSGS website regularly for information about online events and activities available during the academic year.