This Week @ York for Week of March 17, 2020

Announcement

  • York University is committed to providing a proactive approach in communicating to the York community all information concerning the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). To stay updated:

    • Visit the Coronavirus Information and Update website as a central source for York community information.
    • Follow links to expert health agencies, organizations and resources for additional information.
    • Check the website frequently; we will communicate with all York community members by email, social media or yFile when the University has posted a community update.

Academics

  • As of this past Monday, March 16, all face-to-face class activity was suspended and moved to online formats. We are committed to completing the term and will deploy all of our resources to support faculty and students through this transition. Please see the March 15, 2020 email for details about staying engaged in your courses and completing your term.

    Students choosing to self-isolate are not required to submit medical notes or an Attending Physician's Statement in support of academic related requests. To facilitate this process, please contact your course instructors.

  • Are you new to online learning? York’s Student Guide to eLearning has information and tips on how to get started, what to expect, and how to be a successful online learner.

  • Exams Update: York is cancelling all in-person exams during the formal winter exam period of April 7 to 25, 2020.. More information will be forthcoming from the Provost and Deans regarding alternatives to in-person exams. There are exceptions for Osgoode Hall Law School and those students will receive information from their course directors.

Campus Facilities

  • Library Hours Update: To ensure the health and safety of our campus communities and to prevent the risk and spread of COVID-19 all York University Libraries are closed with immediate effect. All research and instruction questions and consultations are virtual.

  • Residence Update: As a result of the in-person exam cancellation, there may no longer be a need for you to remain on campus. Residence Life is strongly advising students living in residence to return to your permanent or family home. If you can leave residence this week, please do so as soon as possible. If you cannot return home and have extenuating circumstances, find more options and details at the link above. Please notify Residence Life of your plans no later than Wednesday, March 18 by completing the Changes To Your Housing Status Form.

  • Here’s a list of what’s open and what’s closed on campus:

    • All non-essential-campus events that are not part of an academic program were cancelled or postponed as of March 13 and on March 14, all on-campus events with over 50 attendees were CANCELLED.
    • The Tait Mackenzie Centre and the Glendon Athletic Club will be CLOSED until April 30.
    • Student Counselling and Development (SCD) walk-in counselling is CLOSED and telephone counselling for single session, crisis and emergency support will be available effective Tuesday, March 17 by calling 416-736-5297. Details and additional support resources are available at the link above.
    • All Writing Centre seminars, workshops, drop-ins & Multilingual Writing Studio sessions are SUSPENDED until further notice.
    • Administrative offices are OPEN.
  • Parking. Contact parking@yorku.ca to discuss your account. Refunds can be processed electronically once permits are returned wither in person or by mail.

Health & Wellness

  • If you are looking for some professional support, our partners at Good2Talk have advised us that they are remaining remain open at this time, and in addition to telephone support have introduced a new texting feature.

International Connections

  • On March 14, the Government of Canada issued an important update to an official Global Travel Advisory urging Canadians abroad to return home while commercial flights are still available into Canada. Details are available in the Travel FAQs on the Coronavirus Information & Update website.

  • York International and other services across campus are still available to support international students. This includes International Student Advisors, Immigration Specialists, UHIP staff and more.

  • Study Permit Information. York International is working to get information from Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada about anything that may be important regarding study permits. They will update you as information becomes available. Please make sure to check the link above regularly for these updates as well. For questions regarding immigration and general international student well-being, please email iadvisor@yorku.ca.

Out & About On Campus

  • York understands that social isolation can occur with no in-person classes and social distancing measures. In addition to the resources above. you can stay connected through online communities. Stay informed and in touch with @yorkustudents and @studentlifeyu to get the latest information.

  • FAQ: I am a work/study student with a job on campus. Can I continue working? If you are a work/study student with a job on campus, you should speak with your direct supervisor for information about your particular position and expectations for continued on-site work. For more FAQ’s, visit the Coronavirus Information and Update FAQ page.

  • York’s Keele campus Spring Open House (originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28) has been postponed until late May. We thank you for your amazing support and interest with this event. Please stay tuned to the newsletter for an announcement on our future open house date. If you are registered to volunteer at the event, you have received an email with additional information.