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: Sept. 15, 2021

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.

A message from President Lachemi about fall convocation — Sept. 13, 2021

Ryerson to require attestation of vaccination status for those coming to campus this fall — Aug. 13, 2021

Update on the fall term as province issues new guidelines for universities — July 21, 2021

A message from President Lachemi on planning for fall 2021 — June 8, 2021

Graduate-related Campus Updates

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

Please visit Ryerson COVID-19 Information and Updates for up-to-date information on fall term planning.

YSGS interdisciplinary in-person courses for Fall 2021

See list of in-person courses being offered by the YSGS interdisciplinary programs in fall 2021. Please check back for future updates.

google sheetFall 2021 in-person classes, external link

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

Updated: June 30, 2021

The Ontario provincial government has moved to Step 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen effective June 30, 2021, external link.

All current SRC Safe Activity guidelines and protocols remain in place until further notice.

We remind individuals involved in SRC activity to stay up to date on the latest information and guidance from OVPRI and the government. This includes Principal Investigators (PIs) reviewing Safe SRC Plans and safety protocols with their research personnel on an ongoing basis. Please refer to current guidance for SRC activities.

Ryerson community members attending campus for in-person SRC activities are asked to adhere to governmental and public health directives regarding out-of-province travel, external link.
All Ryerson community members attending campus for in-person activities must complete the required self-screening tool, external link prior to coming on campus.

A message from Steven N. Liss, Vice-President, Research and Innovation - June 30, 2021

In-person human participant SRC activities conducted on campus and in regions of the province that are moving to Stage 2 can resume on June 30, 2021, external link.

Researchers who have previously approved Safe Human Participant / Field SRC Plan Forms may resume these activities on June 30, 2021 in line with the safety precautions and risk mitigation measures previously developed. New guidance regarding the appropriate use of PPE is as follows:

For any human participant work where physical distancing of 2 metres cannot be consistently maintained, it is recommended that the use of PPE with surgical/medical mask and eye protection (goggles, face shield or safety glasses) be worn at all times during the interaction. Eye protection must be cleaned and disinfected after each participant visit.

Researchers who wish to commence in-person human participant SRC activities in Stage 2 regions (or comparable standards outside Ontario) should follow the instructions on the OVPRI COVID-19 Safe SRC website.

For any questions or consultations regarding COVID-19 safety measures while developing in-person human participant Safe SRC plans, please reach out to your local Environmental Health and Safety representative.

If you have any questions about this message or the Safe SRC Planning process, please reach out to Richard McCulloch at richard.mcculloch@ryerson.ca.

Limited Return of On-Campus SRC Activities

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.

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.

Step 1: Determine if SRC activities can or cannot be continued remotely

Step 2: A Safe SRC Plan

Step 3: Process for SRC facility access

Complete details available on the Limited Return of On-Campus SRC Activities website.

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

Minimum technology requirements for remote learning

As the fall term will be a transition semester, Ryerson University will be significantly expanding the number of on-campus courses; however many courses will continue to be offered remotely. It is recommended that students check with their respective departments to confirm their mode of delivery. Students in programs that are not able to offer in-person learning, and/or students who are not able to come to campus can expect to be provided with remote learning options for the fall semester.

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

Tuition and Fees for Fall 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryerson University will be using a hybrid approach for the delivery of courses for Fall 2021. We will be expanding the number of on-campus courses; while many courses will continue to be offered remotely. On-campus learning will continue to be prioritized for courses that require in-person instruction or access to on-campus physical resources for students to meet their academic requirements, for example, clinical instruction.

We recognize that students may be wondering how virtual program and academic delivery will impact their tuition and fees this coming semester. Ryerson is focused on supporting students through this difficult time. This means that current tuition and fees will be maintained for Fall 2021, while we invest in providing exceptional education and resources for all of our students, and in providing additional financial assistance for our students who need it most.

We have reviewed all mandatory and course-based fees where services have been reduced or eliminated due to the current COVID-19 situation. Full details on course-based fees are available on the website of the Registrar.

Visit Financial Assistance, Awards & Student Fees for FAQs and more information.

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.

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 the 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

Learning Support continues to offer 1:1 appointments and workshops to support your academic learning, over the phone and online. Student Learning Support reception on the SLC 4th floor is closed.

Visit Graduate Student Support to book an individual appointment or join a graduate writing group, meet with a dissertation coach, or attend our Dissertation Retreats to develop academic skills specific to graduate education.

COVID-19 updates for Learning Support

Library services

The University Library will continue to provide both safe onsite services and robust virtual services to ensure that academic support is available to students, instructors and researchers regardless of their location or program delivery mode.

The Library will be expanding onsite access to learning and study spaces throughout the fall, including computer and interdisciplinary research labs, and specialized experiential learning programs. The Library will continue to add services, programming and learning resources to meet all teaching, learning and scholarly, research and creative needs. Library renovations are also underway to update and renew spaces that will improve access as well as learning and research experiences for all.

More information on increased in-person supports and services and on-campus activities will be confirmed as we approach September.

Individual and group study spaces

Increased access to individual and small group study spaces will be available on campus this fall. This includes individual study carrels, small group study rooms and touchdown space at The Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre. Study spaces in various faculty buildings will also be available, students are encouraged to connect directly with their faculties to learn more about available spaces.

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.

Ryerson University International Student Support

Remote Teaching Hub

Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching provides resources to support transitions between in-person and online classes.

Resource: See a full list of definitions for different modes of course delivery

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.

Contact a member of the RASS team by email or phone.

YSGS events

YSGS is planning for a mix of in-person and virtual events in fall 2021. Please check the YSGS website regularly and subscribe to GRADNews for information and updates.