I hope you are keeping healthy and safe this summer.

I know this is not how you expected this year to go. This is a very different situation than we have faced before. Although it is not the same experience as being together in person, we are committed to making your online experience a meaningful and enriching one. One that makes you feel part of the York community no matter where you are in the world.

Before the new academic year begins, there are some important things for you to do and know about:

University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)
UHIP is a mandatory health insurance plan that provides coverage for international students while they study in Ontario. International students are usually automatically enrolled in UHIP at the beginning of each academic year. This year, we recognize that many international students will be around the world and may not require coverage. To ensure you get the appropriate coverage and are charged appropriate fees, please fill out the International Student Info Form by August 1, 2020. In the survey we ask which country, region or province you will be living in during the Fall semester. This information will help us tailor services, supports and programs for international students throughout the semester.

International students who do not fill out this form by August 1, 2020 will NOT be enrolled in UHIP for the Fall 2020 semester. If you need to be enrolled in UHIP after this date, please email uhip@yorku.ca.

New Financial Awards for International Students
All international students enrolled in courses for Fall/Winter 2020 will receive a financial award of $2,000. Learn more on the International Student FAQs page under “Academic & Financial Support”.

Student Counselling Services for students outside of Ontario
Continuing to provide support to York University students who are residing in areas outside of Ontario due to COVID-19 is important to Student Counselling & Development. However, in many parts of the world the practice of psychotherapy is restricted to delivery by counsellors registered and residing within a particular area (i.e. province, state, etc.). Learn more on the International Student FAQs under “Health”.

Plans and work on our Fall semester are already under way. We are working with instructors to make online learning experiential and engaging. Whether you need to speak with Student Financial Services, an immigration specialist, an academic advisor or any of our services, we’ll be available to you through virtual appointments and online. Your experience at York, no matter how and where you start it, is a priority and we are working hard to show our commitment to you.

As we move into a semester of online courses, we know that many of you will be missing the sense of community on campus. We are planning events, programs and opportunities so you can connect with other students, celebrate milestones together and find support.  As we do each year, we’ll also be welcoming thousands of new students to York. We hope that you’ll join us in welcoming these students to our community, whether it’s through volunteering for Virtual International Student Orientation, York Orientation Day or College Orientations, joining virtual events or engaging on social media. You may find that in helping welcome new students, you’ll find a renewed sense of community in our new online world as well.

We are so glad you will be joining us again this year. Don’t forget to enroll in your courses online, join our virtual events for students, connect with us on social media. If you have questions, join our Student Town Halls, reach out to York International, your Faculty or any of the resources on campus.

York has a vibrant, kind and caring community and International students are a vital part of that. We value the strengths and all that you bring. We’re looking forward to seeing you all again, both online and eventually back in-person.

Sincerely,

Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost, Students