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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: July 16, 2020

Effective March 13, 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.

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

Fall 2020 update

June 12, 2020

To all new and returning graduate students,

I am writing to inform you about how the upcoming academic year will look in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. As of now, we anticipate that public access to campus for course-related activities will be limited in fall 2020. A return to campus will occur gradually once Toronto Public Health advises that it is safe to proceed and Ryerson has protocols in place to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our university community. 

In the meantime, programs will be offering a mix of synchronous and asynchronous virtual courses. Synchronous learning allows you to learn at the same time with your classmates and in the same ways. Asynchronous learning allows you to learn the same material at different times, for those in different time zones and locations. Please visit our eLearning website to learn more about how Ryerson University approaches teaching with technology (i.e., online learning, blended learning, technology-enhanced learning).

Information on the fall 2020 term will be communicated by the individual Faculties and/or respective graduate programs. The specifics of how each course will run will be communicated by course instructors once they have worked out all the details. Courses will still be scheduled by our central scheduling office in order to ensure there are no course conflicts in your schedule.

We understand that remote learning can be a challenge for some of you. Many of our professors are experienced in teaching in a virtual environment and have signed up for additional training. They will also be holding virtual office hours in the fall. Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor if you have any questions or concerns about your ability to join remotely. All new students are encouraged to stay in touch through their Graduate Program Administrator and Graduate Program Director. 

You are encouraged to check the Yeates School of Graduate Studies website regularly for information about online events and activities available during the summer months. Upcoming fall 2020 events, activities and resources available for you will be posted as the term draws closer. Information on graduate student research can also be found on the YSGS website. 

We recognize that international students may have questions pertaining to their specific situations. We ask that you please refer to the International Student Support website for important information and resources.

We realize this is a challenging time but look forward to embracing new ways of teaching, learning and connecting with each other, in line with Ryerson’s tradition of being at the forefront of innovation and societal change.

Wishing you all the best and look forward to welcoming you in September.

Best,

Dr. Cory Searcy
Vice-Provost and Dean
Yeates School of Graduate Studies

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

Tri-Agency extension information

The Tri-Agency has released information regarding extensions to its scholarships. Note, for eligible students and postdoctoral researchers whose research scholarship or fellowship ends between March and August 2020, support will be extended for an additional four (4) months and fully funded.

Award holders will be contacted by their respective agency and the funding will be provided before September 30, 2020. 

See link below for more information:

Extension of Tri-agency scholarships and fellowships (CGS M, CGS D, agency-specific doctoral awards, PDF, Vanier CGS and Banting PDF), external link

Student financial assistance

The Student Financial Assistance office has created a high-level summary of the recently-announced student financial aid supports being offered through the provincial and federal governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclaimer: The information listed below is unofficial and subject to change. Please review the COVID-19 Supports page from Student Financial Assistance for the original sources of information.

Have questions about eligibility or the application process? Please reach out to Student Financial Assistance via the following links:

  • Visit Ask Ryerson, external link for instant answers. This tool is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • Can't find what you are looking for? Contact the ServiceHub for additional support.

Federal government support

What is it?
EI provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, and are available for and able to work, but cannot find a job.

Eligible to receive 55% of earnings, to a maximum of $573 per week.

Am I eligible?
Open to workers who:

  • Have been paying into EI benefits;
  • Lost their job through no fault of their own (e.g. shortage of work, seasonal or mass layoffs);
  • Are available for and able to work; and
  • Cannot find a job.

How do I claim it?

Online or by phone via Service Canada account (My Service Canada), external link
Applicants must reapply for EI biweekly.

Reference

What is it?
EI Sickness Benefits can provide up to 15 weeks of financial assistance to those who cannot work due to medical reasons.

Eligible to receive 55% of earnings, up to a maximum of $573 per week.

While receiving sickness benefits, you must remain available for work if it weren’t for your medical condition.

If you are not sick but have lost your job through no fault of your own, apply for regular EI benefits.

Am I eligible?
Open to workers who:

  • Are unable to work for medical reasons;
    Regular weekly earnings from work have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week; and
  • Accumulated 600 insured hours of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your claim or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter.

How do I claim it?
Online or by phone via Service Canada account (My Service Canada), external link

Reference

What is it?
Temporary income support from the federal government for those who have stopped working due to COVID-19.

$500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Am I Eligible?
Open to workers:

  • Residing in Canada, and at least 15 years old;
  • Who have stopped working due to COVID-19 related reasons, or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their EI between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020;
  • Who had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019, or in the 12 months prior to the date of application;
  • Who have not quit their job voluntarily; and
  • Whose income has fallen to $1,000 per month or less, including self-employed and gig-economy workers

How do I claim it?

Important Information for OSAP Recipients

  • If you are receiving OSAP for the spring/summer semester, you are required to declare CERB earnings as government income on your OSAP application
  • If you are receiving CERB and are receive spring/summer OSAP, please scan and upload, external link the following documentation to your OSAP account, external link:
  1. A letter declaring how much CERB you are receiving during your spring/summer study period, and
  2. Reference Documentation confirming how much CERB you are receiving during your study period (e.g. a statement of your CERB disbursements/deposits)

Reference

What is it?
Temporary income support for post-secondary students and new post-secondary graduates who are not eligible for CERB or EI.

$1,250 per month; or 

$2,000 per month for students with dependents or those with a disability

Am I eligible?
Open to domestic students who have:

  • Been enrolled in post-secondary studies that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate between December 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020;
  • Graduated from secondary school in 2020 and applied for & will be joining a post-secondary program beginning before February 1, 2021; and are
  • For COVID-related reasons, are unemployed and unable to find work, or are currently employed but earning under $1,000 a month (before taxes)

Domestic Student: Domestic students are those who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. International students are not eligible for this program.

How do I claim it?
Available from May to August 2020 via Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), external link.

Important information for OSAP recipients

  • If you are receiving OSAP for the spring/summer semester, you are required to declare CESB earnings as government income on your OSAP application
  • If you are receiving CESB and are receive spring/summer OSAP, please scan and upload the following documentation to your OSAP account:
  1. A letter declaring how much CESB you are receiving during your spring/summer study period, and
  2. ReferenceDocumentation confirming how much CESB you are receiving during your study period (e.g. a statement of your CESB disbursements/deposits)

Reference

What is it?
Helps students gain valuable work experience and skills while helping their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $5,000 will be contributed towards student’s education costs in the fall via “I Want to Help” platform.

Am I eligible?
Open to domestic students and youth.

Domestic Student: Domestic students are those who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. International students are not eligible for this program. 

More details to be released in coming weeks.

How do I claim it?
Available from May to August 2020 via Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), external link.

Reference

Provincial government support

What is it?
Emergency financial assistance for Ontarians in a crisis or emergency situation.

Provides $733 for a month (more if you have children) for those requiring assistance with food or shelter costs.

Support can last up to 48 days depending on the situation.

Am I eligible?
Applicants must be in a crisis or emergency situation. This includes:

  • Being affected by COVID-19;
  • Facing eviction;
  • In or leaving an abusive relationship; or
  • Worried about your safety

Ontarians getting assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program do not qualify.

How do I claim it?
Apply online via the Ontario Government website, external link.

Reference

What is it?
Additional financial assistance for those currently receiving social assistance and are facing additional costs related to COVID-19.

Additional $100 for single individuals, $200 for families.

Am I eligible?
Must be a current recipient of OW or ODSP.

How do I claim it?
Apply by calling your local Ontario Works office, external link Caseworker.

Visit the Ministry of Community Services website, external link for more details.

Reference

Student loans

What is changing?

  • Increasing the weekly amount to $350 from $210 for 2020-21 academic year.
  • Removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.

What is changing?

  • Double the CSG for all eligible full-time students up to $6,000, and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21.
  • CSG-PD (permanent disability) and CSG for students with dependents would also be doubled to $4,000, up from $2,000.

Additional supports

  • Federal government suspended all interest accrual and payments from March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020.
  • Students with provincial loans from Ontario, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, or British Columbia also have suspended interest accrual and payments from March 30 to September 30, 2020.
  • Students with provincial or territorial loans from Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Manitoba, Yukon, North West Territories, or Nunavut need to check with their loan providers directly.
  • The Government of Canada will remove the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.
  • International students and their employers should consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada
  • This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.
  • $75 million available to Indigenous post-secondary students.
  • $290 million available to granting councils to help fund expiring federal graduate student research scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships, and federal research grants.
  • $7.5 million to support student and post-doctoral research placements within the National Research Council.
  • $80 million for the Student Work Placement program to support post-secondary students to obtain paid work experience related to their field.
  • $15 million for Supports for Student Learning Program to support youth to complete high school and transition to post-secondary.

Ryerson Relief Funds and career opportunities

Specific Relief Funds across various faculties are being distributed through the Student Awards and Scholarships Office. If you have not done so already, please create an AwardSpring, external link profile to explore the different funding opportunities available through Ryerson.

Career Boost Graduate Opportunities

A new pilot program for Summer 2020, Career Boost Graduate provides up to 40 on campus paid work experience programs for Ryerson graduate students. Positions range from researched focus through to roles supporting administrative functions.

The program runs from May 26 to August 31, 2020. Career Boost Graduate will subsidize employers $15 per hour of the total hourly cost up to a maximum of 490 hours (14 weeks) for Summer 2020. The hourly rate of pay for students is $17.88 plus 8.75% benefits, in line with HR guidelines.

To facilitate hiring, Career Boost is committed to turning around employer applications within two business days and where possible, flexibility will be provided with hiring timelines.

For an overview of student eligibility requirements, please see google dochere, external link. Due to funding barometers, the program is not open to international students.

Student jobs will be posted on www.ryerson.ca/careerboost as they become available.

Questions? Contact careerboost@ryerson.ca

Graduate supervision continuity

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. As indicated in the PDF fileYSGS guidelines on online meetings these must be moved online.

Online research-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings

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 in the next couple of weeks? Contact Carl Kumaradas at ckumarad@ryerson.ca to discuss PDF filehow to set it up appropriately using Zoom.

Graduate student access to labs

Information and support on access to research laboratories is available through the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI)’s COVID-19 webpage. Faculty, research personnel and students are urged to check the OVPRI webpage regularly for information regarding access to research laboratories on- and off-campus. 

Please note that Ryerson is suspending all non-critical research activity that requires access to the Ryerson campus (or in Ryerson off-site buildings and facilities) after March 26, 2020, and until further notice.  Further information on what constitutes critical research activity is available on the OVPRI website. 

Graduate students require explicit permission from their faculty supervisors to access research labs. Faculty supervisors must consult the OVPRI website for information on obtaining continued access to their research labs for their graduate students and other research personnel. Note that if permission is obtained to access the labs, Ryerson Security will also need to be informed.

All graduate students should be in touch with their faculty supervisors to discuss a research continuity plan. Work-from-home arrangements for graduate students should be made wherever possible. Students should not be on campus unless absolutely necessary.

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 on video conferencing. Go to https://canadianwomen.org/signal-for-help/, external link.

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 the support and resources referenced above can be found here.

Graduate student counselling services are closed until further notice. Alternative counselling resources are available at ryerson.ca/counselling.

New counselling resource available for students

Ryerson has finalized a partnership with keep.meSAFE, external link, an external provider of virtual counselling, mental health and crisis management services for all students.

The temporary addition to Ryerson’s existing Student Wellbeing offerings is due to service delivery changes as a result of COVID-19, and does not replace support offered by the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) or the Medical Centre.

Existing clients of the CSDC can continue working with their current counsellor. The CSDC will be contacting students on the waitlist over the next 1-2 weeks to discuss next steps and to initiate counselling where indicated.

How to Access keep.meSAFE

All students, particularly those who are not already existing clients of the CSDC, can access the keep.meSAFE program to seek support from a certified clinical counsellor by downloading the My SSP app from the Apple Store, external link or Google , external linkPlay, external link. The easy-to-use platform offers:

  • Confidential support at no cost to students
  • 24/7 access to a counsellor who understands the student's culture in their preferred language
  • The option to connect through the app’s phone or chat features
    • For those who are unable to download the app, keep.meSAFE is also accessible with a direct phone call to 1-844-451-9700
  • Access to relevant articles, tools and resources that may also be of help

About Ryerson’s Student Wellbeing Support System

The keep.meSAFE program is temporarily part of Ryerson’s existing Student Wellbeing support system.

The university’s Medical Centre remains open for virtual appointments and referrals. Students can contact 416-979-5070 or medicalct@ryerson.ca for assistance.

The CSDC has moved to a virtual support system for current clients. Students can contact 416-979-5195 or csdc@ryerson.ca for assistance.

We also recommend the following resources to students in need:

For additional information about keep.meSAFE or the full spectrum of support that is available to students at this time, please visit the Student Health & Wellness webpage.

Learning support

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

Various departments across campus have moved programs and events online allowing students to join virtually. Check out the complete list of programs on ConnectRU.

Sign-up for learning support using the SLC's booking tool, external link or see appointment, tutoring and workshop options below.

Book a 1-1 virtual appointment using the SLC's online booking tool.

Math Online Tutoring, supported by Zoom, is available:

  • Monday to Thursday, 12 p.m  to 9 p.m;
  • Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and 
  • Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Computer Science Online Tutoring is available:

  •  Tuesday 12 p.m  to 6 p.m. 

Book an online appointment via Zoom. Each appointment is either 15-minutes or 30-minutes in length. Please check email for the Zoom link. 

QMS 110 Online Tutoring

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m, external link.

Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, external link.

QMS 130 Online Tutoring

Tuesday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m, external link.

QMS 230 Online Tutoring

Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m, external link.

Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, external link.

Looking for a specific tutor or course support? google docView the Tutor schedule., external link

Upcoming Workshops:

Obstacles to Writing - March 24, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/723103690, external link

Introduction to Managing Tasks and Time - March 24, 6 p.m - 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/684674846, external link

Effective Revision and Editing - March 31, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/195164764, external link

Introduction to Test and Exam Preparation - April 2, 12 p.m.- 1 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/430378283, external link

Common Grammar Errors - April 7, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/220627494, external link

Ethical Scholarship in Student Writing - April 14, 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/728261076, external link

Basics of Referencing and Citations - April 21, 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Zoom link: https://ryerson.zoom.us/j/490706824, external link

Supported Learning Groups

Supported Learning Group (SLG) sessions are online. To get the most out of study sessions, prepare by: 

  • doing the readings
  • checking out the lecture slides 
  • understanding the course/unit objectives
  • trying the practice problems 
  • coming up with specific questions to address

Links to (Zoom) sessions are posted on the google docSLG Schedule, external link. SLGs continue to support:

  • First Year Engineering courses: MTH240 and PCS125
  • First Year Common Science courses: CHY113, MTH310, MTH231, PCS130
  • Arts and Business Technology Management: SSH105 (A. Hunter, D. Hunter, and T. Land)

Library services

The Ryerson Library building is closed until further notice. Core academic and SRC support services are in the process of being moved online.

Reference and research help is available through virtual reference, email and through online appointments. Access to all online resources including ebooks, ejournals, databases, streaming services and more, remains available 24/7.

The Library has laptops and wifi hotspots available for loan, and can assist Ryerson students in need of one or both.

Additionally, Ryerson students with current Rogers or Fido phone plans can receive temporary unlimited data for the remainder of the term, allowing phones to be used as a hotspot. Registration for temporary unlimited data will be facilitated through the Library. Many thanks to Rogers for their generosity in supporting student academic success! 

To borrow a laptop, hotspot, or register for the unlimited data plan, students must have their student card ready for verification. Students can make requests by emailing the Library at access@ryerson.ca.

For the latest information about Library online services and resources at this time visit here.

COVID-19 – Ryerson University Community Experience Archives

The Ryerson Library invites community members to contribute to our own local COVID-19 Digital Archive. Community members are encouraged to contribute original digital content from a wide variety of possible formats including photographs, videos, diaries, journals and other written content related to COVID-19. Contributed content will eventually be made publicly available.

See submission guidelines and submit content here.

Library Online Workshops

See Library Online Workshops for June 2020.

SRC-related updates

OVPRI provides updates and links to information on SRC-related topics. Information relevant to graduate studies and graduate students includes:

  • Access to research labs: Up-to-date information is available regarding access to on- and off-campus research labs.
  • Travel: Information related to travel disruptions caused by COVID-19, including expense reimbursement, travel insurance, and statements from the Tri-Agency are available.
  • Research ethics: Guidance on the implications of the COVID-19 situation is available with respect to study protocol amendments, use of equipment, and researcher safety.

International graduate students

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.

Statement on admissions

All admissions processes within the Yeates School of Graduate Studies are continuing to operate. Further information on admissions requirements is available here. Any questions applicants have should be directed to grdadmit@ryerson.ca.

We will accept electronic transcripts issued directly from the institution. Applicants with a conditional offer can request their institution to send electronic transcripts, if that service is available, directly from their institution to grdadmit@ryerson.ca.

Applicants who have confirmed their offer of admission are only required to submit 50% of the deposit amount listed on the offer of admission.  Further information can be found here.

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 Continuity of 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. Virtual Q&A sessions are also being offered by the Centre for Excellence in Teaching & Learning and Student Wellbeing to address questions from faculty and instructors.

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, Metis, Canadian Indigenous students (or those who identify by nation or community) via email or voicemail.

Information on academic support, writing support, admissions-related concerns, access to financial and food assistance and general support for Indigenous students can be found here.

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. Please visit Campus Status for community updates.

  1. Fall 2020 update
  2. Minimum technology requirements for remote learning
  3. Tri-Agency extension information
  4. Student financial assistance
  5. Ryerson Relief Funds and career opportunities
  6. Graduate supervision continuity 
  7. Online research-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings
  8. Graduate student access to labs
  9. Taking care of yourself
  10. New couselling resource available for students
  11. Learning support
  12. Library services
  13. SRC-related updates
  14. International graduate students
  15. Statement of admissions
  16. Continuity of teaching and learning
  17. Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services
  18. YSGS events

Other Ryerson resources

External resources