This a follow up to the messages you received last week from the Office of the President of the University of Toronto as well as further important information.
General information:
Academic Courses
Classes are no longer meeting in person as of Monday, March 16. By Monday at 9am, you should hear from your KPE/EXS/MPK course instructors through Quercus with information as to the change in delivery for your courses. Quercus announcements are delayed and taking 24 hours to get to students via email notification, so it is recommended that you log in and check your courses for announcements directly on Quercus. Please be understanding as the professors are working to get this information to you.
Final Examinations
We understand that many of our students are faced with difficult decisions regarding whether to return home, given the increasing challenges with international travel. We have decided that KPE students will not be required to return to the U of T campuses for the Winter 2020 session. More information will follow regarding completion of term work and exams. Students registered with AccessAbility should continue to contact AccessAbility to receive accommodations and supports. As of now the U of T St. George campus remains open. We are still working on final exam delivery but there will be no “in-person” exams.
Events
The University has recommended cancellation or postponement of all discretionary events that are not required as part of courses and academic requirements. You will receive cancellation notices specific to events/information session that you have registered for over the coming weeks.
Travelling Home
As a result of the changes you are able to return home and there is no expectation or requirement for you to remain on campus for the rest of the term.
International Travel
As of March 12, 2020, the University of Toronto has cancelled future university activity to international locations for all students until June 1, 2020. The University advises all members of the community to consider carefully any non-essential business and personal travel that is planned in the coming weeks. The situation is evolving rapidly in many parts of the world and travel restrictions may be imposed on short notice. Furthermore, returning travellers could face a period of self-isolation or quarantine. Additionally, travel insurance coverage may be limited (or not provided) to those travelling to affected areas. Please refer to these FAQs for further information.
Accessibility Services
While Accessibility Services remains open and operational, events, workshops and peer programs are cancelled for the rest of the term. Please contact Accessibility Services for further information at: http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/as/contact-us. Students registered with Accessibility Services should continue to contact Accessibility Services to receive accommodations and supports.
Learning Strategist
One-on-one appointments will not be available until further notice. For those who currently have appointments booked, you will still be able to keep your appointment by phone call or Skype. Please contact undergrad.kpe@utoronto.ca or exs.kpe@utoronto.ca for assistance with facilitating this change.
Career Educator
One-on-one appointments will not be available until further notice. There are resources (some of which are available on-line) which may be of help with general career exploration questions. These can be found here: https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cc
Students With Limited or No Access to Internet Remotely
For students with limited or no access to remote internet, computers are available at some student study spaces as well as the computer and teaching labs at KPE and the University during regular operating hours. Selected libraries remain open, with limited hours, social distancing measures, and restricted to only U of T users. More information will be available Monday, March 16 about upcoming library closures and reductions in hours.
Student Support and Advising
We understand that this is a difficult time. Supports will continue to be available to you as needed. Should you wish to make an appointment for student advising, please email undergrad.kpe@utoronto.ca or exs.kpe@utoronto.ca. Appointments will be available by phone and/or online platforms. As a reminder, as a student you have access to U of T Telus Health Student Support (formerly My SSP) and other resources.
-----
Information specific to BKin students:
Research Courses
Research activities can continue if both the student is able and wants to do so and the supervisor also approves. If you need to make alternate arrangements for your research project, please contact your supervisor for assistance.
Placements
All KPE Student Placements are cancelled for the period of Monday, March 16th, 2020 through April 3rd, 2020. Leniency will be provided regarding placement hour requirements. Communications have gone out to all placement organizations and mentors/coordinators.
Summer Term Courses
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer session classes may be delivered via a method other than in-person instruction (including online platforms) for part or all of the term. A final determination of delivery mode will be made by April 20 for F and Y summer courses, and by June 13 for S courses. Decisions regarding courses that cannot be accommodated online or that are to be cancelled will be communicated to students who have registered in those courses. The KPE Summer Schedule and Registration Guide is available here.
-----
Information specific to MSc and PhD students:
EXS EL Awards and SGS Research Travel & Conference Grants
Graduate students who have received a 2019-2020 travel and/or conference award from either EXS (EL Award) or SGS (SGS Research Travel & Conference Grants), and have yet to travel, may alter or delay their originally proposed travel dates or destinations. Students can opt to change or defer their proposed travel or decline the grant and reapply to a future application cycle, should the travel not be expected in the near future. Visit the SGS website to learn more.
Final Oral Examinations
The Final Oral Examination (FOE) is an important culminating experience and celebratory milestone for doctoral students. As the Faculty engages in the process of academic continuity planning, we remain committed to providing the best possible experience for the candidate while ensuring that the candidate and members of the examining committee remain safe and healthy. In recognition that the student and/or members of the examination committee may not be able to participate in the FOE in-person, we offer various options. Depending upon individual circumstances, the FOE may be postponed. If it is not possible to postpone the FOE or the student wishes to proceed, we will be flexible in allowing members of the examination committee to participate remotely. Finally, and as a last resort, the student may participate in the FOE remotely.
Defences & Committee Meetings
In the event that a scheduled graduate defence or committee meeting cannot be held in person, an online format will be made available. Please contact exs.grad@kpe.utoronto.ca for assistance with facilitating this option.
Research
Research activities can continue if both the student is able and wants to do so and if the supervisor also approves. Also, as communicated by the Human Resources and Equity Office: "The University’s research operations continue. Faculty members have a responsibility to maintain the operations of laboratory and research environments. If you would like assistance in conducting a health and safety assessment, please contact Environmental Health and Safety.” Please contact your supervisor for assistance with regard to research activities.
-----
Information specific to MPK students:
Placements
All MPK Student Placements are cancelled for the period of Monday, March 16th, 2020 through April 3rd, 2020. Leniency will be provided regarding placement hour requirements. Communications have gone out to all placement organizations and mentors/coordinators. With the start of the external MPK student placement terms quickly approaching (MPK 8002 and MPK 8003), we are preparing specific contingency plans. We have also been communicating regularly with your placement mentors in regards to the developments with COVID-19 and will update you as the situation evolves.
We are doing our share to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19 and are appreciative of your understanding as we work together to maintain our academic continuity and student service supports.
If you have any questions, please contact:
KPE Registrar’s Office
320 Huron Street, Clara Benson Building, Room 110
Office hours: Mon - Thurs 8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:30pm and Fri 8:30am-12:00pm
Undergraduate Program
Email: undergrad.kpe@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-978-8255
Graduate Program
Email: exs.kpe@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-978-6087