YSGS COVID-19 Continuity Information

Winter 2021 update

Sept. 25, 2020

Dear graduate students,

As you are aware, the university has decided to offer the 2021 winter term largely remotely due to the ongoing global pandemic.

Programs will continue to offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous virtual courses. 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).

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. Updates on developments related to the pandemic can be found on the YSGS COVID-19 Continuity webpage.

Please take note of the following in-person and virtual resources available:

• Ongoing campus services
• Graduate study space at the Student Learning Centre, 7th floor
• Library study space and in-person research appointments
• Mattamy Athletic Centre workout slots by reservation
• Counselling services
• International Student Support

If you need to come to campus, please ensure to adhere to physical distancing and health and safety protocols, including the university’s mask policy.

We understand that remote learning can be a challenge for some of you. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and embracing this unprecedented situation with perseverance and positivity.

To support your studies, if you have experienced a significant impact on your ability to progress in your graduate program due to COVID-19 and you subsequently require one or more additional terms to complete your studies, you may be eligible for a one-time and one-term Graduate Student Tuition & Ancillary Fee Voucher for your final term of enrolment.

Wishing you all the best for a safe and productive year as we continue this journey together.

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

Collections Block/Fee Hold and COVID-19

Collections Block?
If you have a Collections Block/Fee Hold (COL, SF1 or SF2) on your account, contact Credit and Collections at 416-979-5071 or collections@ryerson.ca.

A Collections Block (COL) service indicator  may be placed on your account by the Credit and Collections unit of the Financial Services Department if your outstanding account balance has become past due. As a result, further enrolment activity and issuance of official University documentation may be denied until payment of your account has been received or other suitable arrangements have been made.

Is the Collections Block/Fee Hold on your account related to COVID-19?
If there is a Collections Block/Fee Hold on your account that is attributable to COVID-19 (e.g. summer job impacted), and it is blocking your ability to enrol in courses, you may request to have the hold temporarily lifted. You will need to submit your request using the google formFee Hold Release Request Form, external link.

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. 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.

Ryerson University has begun phasing in a limited return to on-campus SRC activity with human participants.

Complete details on the criteria and how to apply for on-campus SRC access are available on the Limited Return to SRC Activity website.

Scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity is a priority for the University. Ryerson University building systems, facilities and services will be maintained to support essential SRC activities. All research-related updates will continue to be added to this page as needed and/or as they become available.

Ryerson University will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of public health agencies.  

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) is hosting 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 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.

Mattamy Athletic Centre workout slots are available by online reservation to help students maintain physical activity in a safe manner.

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 linkor 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 - Friday from 9AM - 4PM. 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

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.

• Graduate Student Support
• Academic-skills workshops
• google docSupported Learning Group (SLG) Schedule - Fall 2020, external link

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

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.

For Ryerson campus information, visit: Ryerson COVID-19 Information and Updates

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

Study Space Booking

Computer stations are available for booking in the Library’s Ronald D. Besse Information & Learning Commons, located on the main floor. The number of available stations has been reduced to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and to limit floor capacity in order to maintain as safe an environment as possible for students and Library staff. To book a study space, visit: Study Space Booking

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.

In-person research appointments are available for users of the Archives and Special Collections and the Collaboratory.

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.

Statement on admissions

All admissions processes within the Yeates School of Graduate Studies are continuing to operate. Further information on admissions requirements is available. 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. How to Make a Deposit Payment.

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. 

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. Winter 2021 update
2. Minimum technology requirements for remote learning
   
3. Collections Block/Fee Hold and COVID-19
4. Online research-related examinations and supervisory committee meetings
5. Financial Assistance, Awards and Student Fees
6. SRC-related updates
7. Taking care of yourself
8. Student Wellbeing Services
9. Learning support
10. Library services
11. International graduate students
12. Statement of admissions
13. Continuity of teaching and learning
14. Ryerson Aboriginal Students Services
15. YSGS events