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IMAGE ARTS COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

 In the Fall 2020, most courses will be delivered remotely with the exception of key production courses in Film, Photography, and Integrated Digital Option programs, as well as in F+PPCM and Documentary Media graduate programs. These will use the blended approach in delivery, meaning a combination of in-class and online teaching. For more about TMU’s approaches to teaching with technology (blended learning, technology enhanced learning, and online learning), please visit the eLearning at Ryerson site.

 Instructors will use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching in their courses. They will use D2L Brightspace to post materials for students for asynchronous delivery and will rely on Zoom for synchronous teaching. This will be explained to you in the course syllabus and in greater detail on the first day of your class.

Synchronous learning allows you to learn at the same time with your classmates and in the same ways. Live video streaming on Zoom or in Google Hangouts, as well as live chats in D2L Brightspace and Jamboard in Google Suite, may be used in synchronous teaching. Asynchronous learning allows you to learn the same material at different times from your classmates and when it is most convenient for you. Asynchronous learning also makes it possible for students in different time zones and from different locations to have the same opportunities to learn.

No, you are not required to attend in-person components of the course and you will not miss an opportunity to learn. All in-class portions of blended courses will be streamed live on Zoom for synchronous access and/or recorded for later, asynchronous access. So, you will have access to the same content of the lecture and studio instructions as your colleagues, minus the hands-on experience of learning with physical technology in your hands.

IMA programs will be offering a mix of synchronous and asynchronous virtual courses. Asynchronous learning makes it possible for students to access the same course content and learn at any time. To ensure inclusive remote learning opportunities for IMA students, synchronous and in-person parts of the course will be recorded and made available for later, asynchronous access. Students living in time zones other than Eastern Standard Time should consult with their individual instructor to check if time zone issues may pose a problem in successfully completing their course.

The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning created the Continuity of Learning page for students, which covers all aspects of remote learning at Ryerson to get you started. This page includes information and step-by-step instructions on finding your way around D2L Brightspace, how to join online meeting or lecture, collaborating with Google Suite, completing a test or an exam with Respondus, final exams and assessments, and additional resources to help you in learning (free software and virtual tools, learning support services, library support and research assistance, etc.). Please visit the Continuity of Learning page for more information: https://www.torontomu.ca/centre-for-excellence-in-learning-and-teaching/learning-guide/#online-meetings

Students enrolled in the Fall courses are expected to have access to a computer and the Internet to be able to participate in the remotely delivered courses. Information about the minimum technology requirements (computer, computer peripherals, Internet access, and software) to access Ryerson University’s online learning resources can be found on https://www.torontomu.ca/covid-19/students/minimum-technology-requirements-remote-learning/

Please note that individual programs and courses may have additional requirements. This information will be communicated to you by your instructors in your first class.

The Library has various resources and services available to help students with remote learning. It has laptops and mobile internet hotspots available (in limited supply) for remote lending for student use within Ontario. This is a service provided by the Ryerson Library to assist students who require access to technology in order to complete courses remotely during COVID-19. Users will need to complete and submit this online request form  (external link) to access this program. Students who are experiencing hardship as a result of the pandemic will receive priority.

  • Fall 2020 – a request form  (external link) for a Library laptop term loan, subject to availability. Deadline to make a request: September 4, 2020 at 12 p.m.
  • Note: Requests submitted after the Sept. 4 deadline will be considered but supplies are limited. Some laptops and mobile internet hotspots may be returned earlier in the term, so continue to check-in with the Library.
  • The Library also has other equipment (computer peripherals) available in small supply for loan to students, including microphones, cameras and tripods.
  • Software to access Ryerson online resources and participate in online learning is available to you for free: Google Suite, Microsoft Office 360 Education, and Zoom.
  • Individual instructors will discuss with you course-specific software and equipment requirements.

No, that option will not be available; however, the deadline to drop classes without academic penalty will be extended this term to December 7, 2020 for the fall term.

In some cases fees have been adjusted (i.e. Ancillary Fees). Fees are determined by the Registrar's office. The fees for Fall 2020/Winter 2021 will be available on the Registrar's Fees Detail website; students can contact the Service Hub with questions about fees. You can use the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Fees Detail chart to understand how fees are calculated, and what your fees might be depending on the number of courses you take.

All information about library services, including research help, appointments, loans, and online resources is posted on the Library website: https://library.ryerson.ca/blog/2020/05/library-resources-and-services-for-students/

Alison Skyrme and Sonny Benerjee are Subject Librarians for undergraduate and graduate programs at the School of Image Arts. Sonny works with students and faculty in the Film Program and Alison in the Photo Program, Documentary Media, and FPPCM. You can contact them to help you with your research and to access important learning resources for your capstone projects, MRPs, theses or other major assignments.

Students can refer to the significant dates on the Undergraduate Calendar website.

Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) is currently providing remote support to students. Please refer to the FAQs on their COVID-19 Updates website and or contact your Academic Accommodation Facilitator.

The Yeates School of Graduate Studies has created a COVID-19 Continuity site for graduate students. Please check this site for the most updated information relating to graduate studies.

https://www.torontomu.ca/studentaffairs/covid-19-service-updates/

Student Success Centre at FCAD

Deploying a holistic approach to support students in their university experience, Student Success Centre at FCAD provides students with assistance in several areas: academics, careers, health and wellness, and extra-curricular.

Personal counselling:

Students can contact the Centre for Student Development and Counselling

Academic counselling:

For academic support, Ryerson's Tri-mentoring program matches students up with peer mentors. The Student Learning Support Centre provides a number of services, including the Writing Centre, that promote academic success. This centre also provides academic support for graduate students, including graduate writing groups, MRP and thesis online workshops, and one-on-one consultations.

Financial Assistance and Funding:

For information on financial assistance, funding, awards, CERB and OSAP visit Student Financial Assistance Office https://www.torontomu.ca/covid-19/students/financial-assistance- and-awards/

Job Opportunities and Career Development:

For information about on campus jobs, Ryerson’s job board and career development resources, including help with resumes and interviewing, visit the Career & Co-op Centre. Job opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are also available at the Student Learning Support Centre. Other work opportunities for graduate students include Research Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Lab Monitor, and Exam Invigilator.

Other:

Consider joining IMA Course Union,  (external link) one of Ryerson student groups,  (external link) or start a new studentgroup (external link) 

Community and Social Services: Healthcare (finding a doctor, walkin clinics, medical centres), Child/Family Services, Housing, Food, Emergency and Crisis Services, Mental Health, Income Support and more:

Mental Health and Counseling Resources

  • To speak with a trained counsellor by phone at any time, please call the Good2Talk 24/7 line for post-secondary students at 1-866-925-5454. Visit good2talk.ca  (external link) for further details.
  • If you are experiencing an emotional crisis and need immediate assistance, please contact the Gerstein Centre http://gersteincentre.org/ (external link)  24/7 Distress Line at 416-929- 5200.
  • Big White Wall is an online peer-to-peer support community for mental health. (external link) 

https://www.bigwhitewall.com/?lang=en-ca (external link) 

Term Start-Up: Fall 2020