Given the recent announcement that courses will be delivered remotely for the initial weeks of the Winter Term and with in-person instruction planned to commence on January 24, I would like to share some helpful resources and supports. Please be assured that the University will continue to monitor the latest developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic over the break and will keep you updated on any impacts posed to university operations.
General support for remote teaching
- Access UIT’s Learning Technology Services Help Centre
- Access a suite of services through Bold – Going Remote
- See York University Libraries’ chat services, guidance for teaching online and other support, including information on protecting copyright and intellectual property.
- Get support for Zoom
- Access research and teaching aids from UIT
UIT Service Desk hours
In addition to the virtual support channels offered through the service desk, walk-in support will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, at 136 Campus Walk in the Steacie Building, beginning on January 6.
Laptop lending and hotspot devices
For faculty members and course directors who do not have a device on which to work remotely, laptops are available for loan while supplies last beginning the first week of January. To reserve a laptop, please visit the laptop lending program site.
A limited number of hotspot devices will also be available for faculty members and course directors who do not have sufficient internet access. To request a hotspot device, please send an email to: askit@yorku.ca.
eClass and Zoom support
Learning Technology Services will continue to offer virtual drop-in sessions throughout the month of January. The Teaching Commons also has virtual drop-in hours for teaching-related questions, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. with extended hours between December 17-23 and January 6-7 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Two Factor Authentication support
As we head into the holiday break, the UIT service desk will be closed. During this time, faculty members who require help with Two Factor Authentication can find instructional videos and FAQs on the Duo Two-Factor Authentication support page.
eClass improvements
With eClass moving to the cloud on December 29, 2021, students, faculty members and course directors can expect the learning management platform to be more reliable. The changes being made will have no impact on how eClass looks or is used.
Thank you as always, for your ongoing commitment to upholding a community of care while on York’s campuses this year and for continuing to use YU Screen daily to screen for COVID-19 symptoms. Please also continue to visit the Better Together site for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
Lisa Philipps
Provost & Vice-President Academic