Welcome to the Fall 2020-2021 Academic Session. I am excited to get started despite how different this year is from any other. I want to help you have a smooth and successful transition to this academic year and let you know about some services and resources available to you.

How to access your online classes
Your primary platform for online courses is eClass (formerly called Moodle for Keele students.) Canvas is the primary course platform for Schulich School of Business students. There is no need for you to come to campus unless you live on campus or have one of the designated in-person courses. Most services and supports are offered online/remotely and many buildings will not be open for access.

eClass has all the same features as Moodle, with some enhancements including improved graphics, functionality, reliability, and an improved interface. Updates also include the ability to change your preferred name on eClass. Continuing students do not have to learn a new system.

Your class instructors will post your classes on eClass. Some may have already done so, and some may wait to make it available until just before the first class. To access your classes, simply login to eClass with Passport York. On your dashboard you should see a list of all the courses you have access to. If you do not see a course you are expecting to see by the first day of that class, contact the course instructor as listed on the York Courses website.

More information about accessing your eClass courses is available on the eClass help web page.

Online resources
We have adapted almost all student services and resources for online/remote delivery. Online resources and supports include:

• Navigate Fall 2020 web page. Use this page as your guide to get settled and access all the services and resources you will need for a successful start to a new academic session!
• #York101 – Own Your First Day. This video series will show you tips, tricks and best practices to prepare you for the start of term, especially if you are a new student.
• Student Community & Leadership Development Wellbeing Resources. These resources for supporting students in the transition to online learning and social/physical distancing include academic, physical and mental wellbeing resources.
• My Online Services. Visit the My Online Services web page to access many of the academic and wellbeing services you need at the start of term and find the new online and remote ways of connecting with us.
• Online Learning Protocol for York University Students. We have developed best practices and protocols to support you in your online learning success and help you get the most out of your online learning platforms.

Limited services & resources on campus 

York Libraries curbside pickup: We understand that access to academic resources is important to you. Effective September 21, students can access circulating print material from any of these four York libraries [Bronfman, Frost (Glendon), Scott and Steacie] through curbside pick-up. Visit the Library Services Curbside Pickup web page for instructions on how to request this service.

York University Bookstore in-person pickup of online orders: Though the York U bookstore is open online and is shipping across Canada at no charge, we recognize that some of you may need to pick-up your orders in-person. The York U bookstore has opened an in-person delivery location in York Lanes in front of the Keele Campus Bookstore. Please visit the York University Bookstore website for details about shipping and pickup options.

If there is a reason for you to come to campus, before you arrive you must:

• Complete the COVID-19 Screening Checklist each time you come to campus; and
• Obtain your YU-card. Your YU-card is not only your official York U photo identification, but this Fall you will be required to use your YU-card to enter any campus buildings you have been approved to access. For information about applying for and obtaining your YU-card, please visit the YU-card website.
• Ensure you have a mouth and nose covering and wear it at all times while on campus.

If you are travelling to campus, the York and Pioneer Village TTC Subway Stations and other public transit is still operating. Please check online for any route or service updates. If you are driving, parking on campus is temporarily free.

Need Help?

• If you have questions about your courses, please contact your Faculty or course instructor. Your Faculty can also support you in many other ways, including Academic Advising.
• If you still have questions about your student record, financial assistance or your student account, you can contact a student services representative by email, phone or live chat.
• The Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR) is here to provide critical incident support, referrals, training and alternate dispute resolution. Visit the OSCR website for contact details.
• Student Counselling & Development is available for same-day support and/or short-term therapy by calling 416-736-5297.

Welcome to your new academic year. I wish you great success

Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost Students