IMPORTANT READ: what you need to know before coming to campus to attend your in-person course

IMPORTANT READ: what you need to know before coming to campus to attend your in-person course

Welcome to the Fall 2020 term. I am excited to get started despite how different the campus will look and feel from any other year. You are receiving this email as our records indicate that you are enrolled in at least one in-person course for the Fall 2020 term. I want to ensure you are aware of the safety guidelines in place and the resources and services available to you. For a review of online resources in place to support your remote learning, please refer to the email sent earlier today.

How York U plans to keep you safe on campus this fall

York has instituted a number of measures on campus to ensure your safety. These include:

  • Shared spaces which have been configured to allow for physical distancing, restricting the maximum number of people in rooms, dedicated entrances, exits and encouraging one-way traffic flow;
  • More frequent cleaning and disinfecting of shared spaces; and
  • Increased number of sanitizing stations and signage to remind you of required protocols.

In addition, we are enforcing public health guidelines to help us all remain safe, and you will be required to wear a mouth and nose covering in shared spaces within buildings and wherever physical distancing is not possible or predictable. If you need a mouth and nose covering you may obtain one from York at the YU-card Office, using the Virtual Line tool before coming. Select “YU-card Office” in the virtual line.

Please review complete details of how York is planning to keep you safe on the Current Students Updates web page.

Preparing to be on campus
Before you arrive on campus, please make sure that you:

  • 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. To obtain your YU-card, use the Virtual Line tool before coming to the YU-card Office. Select “YU-card Pickup Services.”

Services & resources on campus

We have adapted almost all student services and resources for online and remote delivery, and have initiated some limited in-person services on campus.

Welcome Ambassadors: Need a little help or a friendly face? Beginning September 9, students approved to be on campus will be safely welcomed in person by a team of Welcome Ambassadors located outdoors in front of Vari Hall. They will be able to answer your questions and help guide you to appropriate services and resources.

York Libraries curbside pickup: 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: The York U bookstore has opened an in-person delivery location in York Lanes in front of the Keele Campus Bookstore. If you select in-person pickup through you online bookstore checkout, you will receive an email with pickup instructions when your order is ready. Please visit the York University Bookstore website for details about shipping and pickup options.

Study Spaces: The University is putting the final arrangements in place to provide a limited number of study spaces on campus. More details, including locations, booking arrangements and safety protocols to follow next week.

Transportation & Parking: 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.

York Lanes: While you are on campus, a limited number of York Lanes retailers will be open, with safety protocols in place. You can visit the York Lanes web page for a list of open retailers and their hours of operation.

Having difficulty?

  • If you have any safety or security concerns, or problems entering a building you have been approved access to, contact York Security Services at 416-736-5333 or through your York Safety App. For life-threatening situations where people or property are at immediate risk, always call 911 first.
  • 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.

I look forward to welcoming you on campus and wish you a successful year!

Lucy Fromowitz
Vice Provost Students