As we previously notified you on March 13, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, York has suspended all face-to-face instruction and is moving courses to online or alternate formats. Your course instructor will be in contact as soon as possible with details about your courses.

We understand that this might cause you some anxiety as you try to understand what this means for you and completing the term. Please find below important information related to completion of the term and the move to alternate formats of course completion.

Stay engaged in your courses
It’s important to keep in mind that you have the same responsibility for learning your course material as with in-person course delivery. We recommend that you:

• Check your course information in Moodle, course websites and your email regularly for updates.
• Review class materials, participate in activities, and complete all assessments as laid out by your course instructor.
• Notify your instructors if you anticipate any challenges in participating in your courses, including changes to accommodation requirements or equipment issues.

Completion of the term

• Senate Policy allows Course Directors to implement adjustments to the number of assignments, make changes to the kind and weight of assignments (including tests and examinations) provided the changes do not disadvantage students, and preserve academic integrity and, where relevant, accreditation requirements.
• Also according to Senate Policy, where a course has an in-person final test or examination, instructors can consider wherever possible alternate formats. You have the choice to continue with the original evaluation scheme if you prefer, subject to necessary adjustments to the format or timing of evaluation. More information about exams will be coming soon.

For the full communication from Senate Executive, click here.

Medical Notes
In order to maintain your health and ability to self-isolate, you will not be required to submit a medical note or an Attending Physician’s Statement in support of requests for deferred standing or petitions for missed course work, including assignments and final exams, until further notice.

You will be able to fill out a form to facilitate this process. The form will become available on Wednesday, March 18; we’ll provide details as soon as possible. The purpose of the form is to notify your instructor about your request for academic consideration.

You are also encouraged to connect directly with your instructors.

Care & Support
These are particularly challenging times in the world and if you need mental health & wellness (non-medical) support, consider contacting the following support services:

• Student Counselling and Development office offers personal counselling services to all York students. They can be reached by calling 416-736-5297. Visit http://counselling.students.yorku.ca/ for more information.
• Good 2 Talk is a 24/7 free, bilingual, professional and anonymous counselling and support line for postsecondary students in Ontario. Call them at 1-866-925-5454 or visit their website at https://good2talk.ca/.

Visit the Coronavirus Information & Update website for up-to-date and accurate information as well as links to expert health agencies, organizations and resources.

As the situation changes, I will continue to keep you informed.

Sincerely,
Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost Students