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Ryerson offers a host of resources to support students this fall

Programming champions success in a new learning environment
July 14, 2020
A group of students hanging out together

Though this term will be different than what’s expected, Ryerson has many systems in place to keep students motivated, engaged and equipped for what lies ahead. Photo credit: Unsplash.

As we gear up for the fall semester, Ryerson wants to make sure all new and returning students feel supported and set up for success. Though this term will be different than what we expected, it’s important to know that the university has many systems in place to keep you motivated, engaged and equipped for what lies ahead.

A great starting point is RU4U, a new website brought to you by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS). A hub of important information, it’s designed to help you succeed in this virtual post-secondary education environment.

Below are some of the many resources you’ll find on that page, as well as a few others that will carry you through the fall:

Get Ryerson Ready

With community and care at the core of their work, Ryerson’s Student Affairs team fosters growth, excellence and learning. Whether you’re a first-generation student, are a part of an equity-seeking group, want to learn more about your career opportunities, or are curious about support, Student Affairs aims to help you learn, grow and succeed.

That’s why they’ve created Get Ryerson Ready, enhanced summer transition programming for new university students. The curated formal and informal learning experiences focus on the development of your academic skills, and will foster community engagement and promote student well-being. It’s a one-stop-shop for:

  • Online learning modules to make sure you’re math ready, writing ready, study ready, wellness ready and community ready for the fall
  • Sample mini-lectures so you can see professors in action and get a sense of what classes will be like
  • #RoadtoRyerson Orientation Week information
  • Faculty, program and peer resources

Did we mention that you can earn prizes along the way? Take advantage of the many events, workshops and other experiences that will prepare you for your first semester of classes and Get Ryerson Ready for a rewarding year ahead.

Ryerson University Library

Committed to your academic success, the Ryerson University Library team continues to bring together information experts, to build on its existing digital infrastructure, and to provide you with access to innovative technology and scholarly resources. Now they’re expanding their personalized approach to supporting students through new programs and services that recognize the evolving skills you need to succeed.

This fall you’ll be able to connect with your subject-specific librarian for support, and will have online access to key academic library services and experiential learning opportunities. Reference and research help will continue virtually, as will digital and information literacy instruction sessions and workshops. Students will also have expanded access to ebooks, ejournals, streaming content and data sets, along with customized online course readings and new document delivery services.

The Library is also working to ensure that students who need access to academic learning spaces and services on site can do so in a safe and convenient way. In a phased approach, the team is revising study rooms and seating areas to ensure physical distancing and other health and safety protocols can be observed, and will be implementing an online booking system for available seating, including the Besse Learning Commons and Library lab spaces. Mediated research appointments for those seeking access to specialized collections and resources will be phased in as well.  

For more information, please visit the Library resources and services for students and Library workshops websites.

Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC)

The SLC plays an important role in academic success and student life, and is committed to creating a safe environment for students. In preparation for the fall semester, the SLC’s Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) team has developed a plan to provide a secure space where students who need to be on campus can study before, between and after class, as well as access a centralized hub of services.

Our top priority in reopening the SLC is ensuring we do so in a way that is safe for you and our staff who operate the facility. We want you to feel assured that all possible safety precautions have been taken to protect your health, and to know that our operating plan is built on the best health practices for these times: stringent hygiene measures, health screening, social distancing, and use of masks and PPE.

While there will be an initial reduction in capacity, we are committed to learning and adapting as the semester unfolds. Our beliefs rest on a cultural foundation where all of our community members adopt and practice a mindset of protecting one another, and with this in mind, we’re excitedly anticipating the return of students to the SLC.  

Accessibility & Academic Accommodation Support

Students with accessibility and accommodation needs can rely on Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) and the Test Centre, which will continue to operate online. For information about how to register for AAS, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, please visit their website.

Housing & Residence Life

Ryerson’s Housing & Residence Life team continues to monitor public health and governmental recommendations for providing residence spaces that follow the required social distancing and health guidelines. The safety measures they’re implementing now include: instituting enhanced cleaning practices, facilitating physical distancing, limiting guest access, making adjustments to move-in day and orientation programming, and creating a 24/7 phone line to support any students who may develop flu-like symptoms.

Housing and Residence Life will continue to offer rooms throughout the fall and winter semesters, provided spaces are available. For any questions or concerns about your housing application, please contact housing@torontomu.ca.  

Health & Wellbeing

We know that the last few months have brought about a lot of change and that you might need some extra support navigating academic life in the months ahead.

All RU health and well-being services are open, mental health and crisis management services are accessible, and the counselling centre will continue to be available to students in virtual formats. You can still contact the Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) at 416-979-5195 or csdc@torontomu.ca, as messages are being monitored regularly during business hours and a receptionist will get back to you as soon as possible.

We recommend a number of other mental health resources too, like keep.meSAFE, an external provider of virtual counselling, and the 24/7 Good2Talk (external link)  line for post-secondary students at 1-866-925-5454. Please don’t hesitate to explore Ryerson’s full list of student well-being offerings if you’re in need.

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