YSGS COVID-19 Continuity Information

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. 

• Graduate Student Guide
• Grad Event Calendar
• Campus Status

Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation update on Safe SRC activity

On Friday, April 17, 2021, the provincial government extended the stay-at-home order for Ontario until at least May 20, 2021.

The current stay-at-home order and restrictions do not directly change the university’s guidelines for Safe SRC activities, but they do warrant principal investigators and supervisors carefully assessing their SRC activities and timelines to determine whether they can be modified to reduce the need for students or other researchers to leave their homes.

Due to the rise in case counts in Toronto and recent changes in how we are assessing high-risk exposures, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is recommending that researchers review their control measures for indoor SRC activities to ensure that they are applicable and effective. In instances where 2 metres of physical distancing between research personnel cannot be achieved at all times, PPE should be reviewed and upgraded to also include the use of eye protection (goggles/face shields).

We also want to take this opportunity to remind all researchers and their staff that Safe SRC Plans and their guiding practices must be strictly followed and enforced. Constant vigilance by all researchers undertaking in-person SRC activities is critical.

Only through strict adherence to our PDF fileSafe SRC guidelines, opens in new window can we ensure the continuity of our in-person SRC activities. Failure to comply with these set guidelines could result in individual researchers being removed from the Safe SRC list, or entire research groups being shut down, as appropriate to the non-compliance.

Safe SRC Activity

• Individuals should stay at home and only travel for essential work.
• Only research personnel who cannot accomplish their required SRC activities remotely should be accessing SRC facilities on or off campus.
• Principal investigators (PIs) should carefully assess their approved Safe SRC activities and determine if they are absolutely necessary, or if more effective scheduling can be implemented to reduce travel and personnel density in our SRC spaces.
• PIs and supervisors should revisit timelines and prioritize accordingly to reduce the number of individuals leaving home and working in shared spaces.
• If a researcher must consume food and/or beverages on campus, it should be done in isolation in a safe, secluded area, or preferentially, outdoors, if possible. Researchers and their teams must refrain from eating together or in groups while indoors.
• PIs and supervisors are also reminded that no student or staff should be forced to come to campus and that all in-person SRC activities should be voluntary.
• All in-person SRC activity involving human research participants remains suspended.

On-Campus SRC Activity

• Individuals coming to campus to undertake SRC activities must diligently follow their approved Safe SRC Plans and public health guidance at all times. This includes wearing PPE such as face masks and eye protection and maintaining a physical distance of at least 2 metres.
• If physical distancing cannot be achieved at all times, the additional requirements/actions outlined in the Safe SRC Plan, such as supplementary PPE, must be strictly followed. Failure to comply with the approved SRC Plan will be considered non-compliance.
• PIs should review their Safe SRC Plans, schedules, logging/tracking systems and safety protocols with their research personnel on an ongoing basis, and stay up to date on the latest information and guidance from OVPRI, as found here on the OVPRI COVID-19 website.

Off-Campus SRC Activity

• It is the responsibility of all researchers and their personnel who are undertaking research off campus in buildings where access is not controlled by Ryerson to follow not only Ryerson’s guidance for Safe SRC activities, but also all COVID-19 policies, protocols and procedures connected to the facility or location where the research is being undertaken. This includes requirements and responsibilities of research personnel accessing and conducting research on the premises.
• Please continue to check for updates from the institution involved.

If you have any questions or require clarification regarding your ongoing SRC activity with respect to these new government guidelines, please contact Richard McCulloch, Executive Director, Research Services at richard.mcculloch@ryerson.ca.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of our Ryerson community.

For more information please visit OVPRI’s COVID-19: SRC-related updates page.

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 April 23, 2021.

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:

• PDF fileCultivate your Happiness Workbook
• Mindfulness meditation recordings, external link

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 Cockwell 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.

• Graduate Student Support
• google docMath and Computer Science Schedule, external link
• google docSupported Learning Group (SLG) Schedule, external link

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.

• Library resources and services for students 
• Library resources and services for teaching
• Library resources and services for researchers

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.

1. Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation update on Safe SRC activity
2. Minimum technology requirements for remote learning
3. Financial Assistance, Awards and Student Fees
4. Online research-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings
5. SRC-related updates
6. Taking care of yourself
7. Student Wellbeing Services
8. Learning support
9. Library services
10. International graduate students
11. Continuity of teaching and learning
12. Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services
13. YSGS events