Moving forward in uncertain times, with resilience and resolve

As our winter term comes to an end, our current reality and day to day life look much different from those first few weeks of January. The entire Ryerson community has been tested in many ways but students, faculty and staff all have risen to the challenge with creativity, collaboration and resilience. While the impact of COVID-19 continues to shift the way we live, learn and work, I wanted to share with you a few updates and resources available to help guide us through these challenging times.

Exams and spring/summer semester

Exams begin next week - the Continuity of Learning Guide, available through the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching provides a number of resources, including tips on how to set up for and complete a virtual exam. Student Learning Support’s Test Centre and Academic Accommodation Support teams continue to provide assistance to our students via email and phone. The university wishes all of our students the best of luck with their final exams, tests and projects.

Last week, the university announced that where possible 2020 spring and summer session courses will be offered online. In addition to their existing course offerings, The Chang School is working with many faculties to increase offerings by including supplementary sections of current courses and introducing additional online courses. While all faculties are focusing on converting their spring and summer courses to a virtual format, the university does recognize that it is not possible to hold all courses virtually. For those that require in-class work that cannot be moved online, such as laboratory or studio components, faculty members are evaluating alternative teaching options to avoid cancellations.

Student Relief Fund

The university has established the Ryerson Student Relief Fund to help students who are facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the university has been able to support 4,000 students through the fund; each applicant is eligible for $750, subject to availability. To continue to support our students through the fund, the university has launched a fundraising campaign. Alumni, donors, friends, staff and faculty have been invited to contribute to support the urgent needs of students experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

Essential services model continues

Our provincial government and public health agencies continue to advise that all Ontarians should practice social distancing whenever possible. As such, the university continues to operate on an essential services model. This model allows the university to ensure the continued health and safety of our students, faculty and staff; to preserve critical infrastructure, minimize serious environmental damage, and continue the delivery of administrative functions required to support core organizational priorities.

Thank you to our faculty and staff

We know that many faculty and staff have worked quickly and diligently so that our students can complete their term and that the work of the university can continue. To our essential workers coming to campus and to those continuing their work from home - thank you for your continued commitment to the university and your dedication at this unfamiliar and challenging time.

We are here for you

I know that these are difficult times for all of us - the university is here to support you. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that counselling and health services are available to all community members – students, faculty and staff, should they be needed. Students can access support at the Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling. Employees can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program for resources and counselling.

Thank you for your continued patience, resilience and strength. Our priority remains the health and well-being of our entire community and we are committed to keeping you up to date on available resources and the new approaches necessary as we continue in this new reality.

Mohamed Lachemi
President and Vice-Chancellor