COVID-19 – Undergraduate Student FAQs

The University’s mask requirements were lifted as of July 1, 2022, however, individuals in specific circumstances are still required to wear masks in all settings, such as those who have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or those with symptoms. Learn more about the University’s policy on masks on the UTogether page. 

The University has paused the requirement to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person classes. While vaccines are not required to be on campus, they are required to live in a U of T residence. 

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is strongly encouraged, and UCheck continues to be available for uploading proof of vaccination. Those seeking vaccination appointments can refer to the provincial vaccination portal or visit the UTogether page.  

Please note, vaccine requirements may change on short notice should public health conditions or guidance change. 

Yes, as part of our commitment to health and safety, the University and its federated colleges require students living in residence during the 2022-23 academic year to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Please see the For Students Living in Residence in Fall 2022 section on the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students website for details on the approved vaccinations and expected timelines. 

Fall 2022 classes will take place in the delivery method listed in Timetable Builder.  

The University continues to monitor the Toronto and provincial public health guidelines. Pease note, changes in public health guidelines could require the Faculty to revisit the delivery methods for some course components. We will continue to inform our community if there are any chances to delivery methods. 

Use the Sync Search app to find space on campus to attend an online synchronous class. Available spaces are uploaded weekly and the app includes information on hours, directions, capacity limits and accessibility. These spaces are shared with students attending different online synchronous classes and are not intended for quiet or group study space. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be reserved in advanced. The app is available for iPad, iPhone and Android devices.  

There are a wide variety of course formats and teaching styles, and recording is not suitable for all of them. Whether a lecture is recorded and available online asynchronously is the individual instructor’s decision. That decision will be informed by a range of factors including the pedagogical priorities of the course and the technology and related supports available. The University and Faculty are providing guidance and technical supports to instructors. Information specific to each course will be provided in the course syllabus and/or on Quercus. Asynchronous course sections will be indicated as such in Timetable Builder.  

You can use the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN to record any absence from academic work, whether for medical or non-medical reasons (e.g., COVID, cold, flu and other illnesses, injuries or family situations). You should complete the Absence Declaration anytime you are absent from academic work, not just when you have missed a specific course deadline.

You should complete the Absence Declaration on ACORN. Please review the ACORN how-to for a step-by-step guide on how to submit an Absence Declaration. If for any reason you are unable to submit your declaration, reach out to your College Registrar’s Office to ask for their advice and help.

You can formally declare your absence for one or multiple consecutive days using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN. If your absence is for a single day, select the same Start date and End date. Please note, you can only declare absences 2 days in the past and up to 7 days in the future, for a maximum of 10 consecutive days. If you need to declare an absence more than 2 days in the past, please contact your College Registrar’s Office.

Using this tool, you will have the opportunity to add a new declaration, which will include selecting the relevant dates and courses. There will also be a section to include any additional notes you may find relevant to include, however, please do not include any specific personal or medical information.  

If your absence is related in any way to COVID-19, you will then be offered the opportunity to consent to the University accessing information around self-isolation.  

Finally, you will be asked to review certain declarations – confirming the information is true, and your responsibility to work with your instructor to finish your needed course work – before submitting the declaration. You will then be taken back to the page confirming the declaration was successful.   

The information is recorded by the University, and it may be accessed by academic units (departments, program offices) as well as by College and Faculty of Arts & Science staff. It is also monitored by the University to track absences overall.   

Your instructor will not be automatically alerted when you declare an absence. Therefore, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration so that you can discuss any needed consideration, where appropriate. Some instructors may ask their department to confirm absences reported by students to ensure that they have been entered into the system on the dates indicated by a student.

No, you do not need to submit a VOI form. The Absence Declaration is all that is required to indicate and support an absence from academic work caused by an acute or short-lasting situation. The declaration may be used when requesting consideration from your instructor during a course, and it is considered valid documentation in some petitions to the Faculty.    

If you have additional documentation, you can elect to submit it for consideration, but the Absence Declaration is considered enough should you be absent and where the circumstances are not particularly complex. You are encouraged to speak to your College Registrar’s Office if you are submitting a petition and want to better understand how to make the strongest case possible.   

The Absence Declaration is considered sufficient documentation to indicate a student's absence from academic work. No further information or documentation about the absence is required when seeking consideration from your instructor. If you encounter a situation where you are not sure how to respond to an instructor request in relation to this, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice.

You can check your application status on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. 

If you are in Canada, you can contact IRCC by calling 1-888-242-2100 or complete their online Contact Us form. If you are outside Canada, you can contact IRCC by completing their online Contact Us form.   

You can also consult with one of the University’s International Student Immigration Advisors at the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to get advice on the study permit application process, timelines, and any immigration-related questions that you may have. To contact an International Student Immigration Advisor, please visit the CIE website. 

All students taking courses with in-person components should plan to be on campus for their first scheduled day of classes. If you are unable to arrive on campus for the first day of classes, you should plan to attend in-person classes no later than September 21, 2022. Students are encouraged to review the course syllabus for details on expectations and available materials. 

If you have accepted a residence offer, please contact your residence office to discuss your situation and arrival delays, if applicable.

The deadline to make your minimum payment to register for the 2022-23 Fall/Winter academic year and remain enrolled in your courses is August 31, 2022. 

If you are continuing to experience study permit delays and suspect you will be unable to arrive to campus before September 21, 2022, the following options may be available: 

• Deferring your offer of admission by September 21, 2022. See question below about how to defer. 
• Taking online courses* 
• Reducing your course load 

If you do not plan to defer your offer of admission, contact your College Registrar’s Office as soon as possible to discuss your alternate options. 

*Please note, most Arts & Science courses for the 2022-23 academic year are in-person courses, and online courses may not be suitable for every student’s academic goals. 

Deferrals will be granted to all A&S first-year students who are unable to arrive on campus due to study permit delays provided they have submitted their request for deferral by September 21, 2022. All deferrals are granted for one year, until Fall 2023; there is no Winter 2023 deferral option. If you received any admission scholarships, these will also be deferred along with your first-year residence guarantee, if applicable.

If you would like to defer your offer of admission, the deferral application form is available through your JOIN U of T portal until September 15, 2022. After this date, please contact your College Registrar’s Office. 

If your deferral request is approved, you will be reimbursed for any fees paid towards tuition. If you were planning to live in a U of T residence, please review your occupancy agreement and contact your residence office directly to inquire about your residence fees. 

Yes, all A&S undergraduate students can withdraw by September 21, 2022. For more information, please visit the current Fall-Winter Fee & Refund Schedules page. 

What are the vaccine and mask requirements for the Summer 2022 term?

The University has announced that it will be continuing its requirement to wear masks in certain settings until June 30, 2022. Masks will continue to be required in classrooms and in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including exams. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.

In addition, individuals in specific circumstances may continue to be required to wear masks in all settings, subject to changes in provincial or federal requirements, such as those who have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or to someone with symptoms.

Exceptions to this mask requirement can be found in the University’s Mask Guideline.

Please note that as of May 1, 2022, health screening and contact tracing will become unavailable in UCheck. You can still use UCheck to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination. While health screening through UCheck is unavailable, individuals can monitor their health using the provincial health screening tool. Completing a health screening before coming to campus is highly recommended, and you are asked to remain at home if you are ill. 

 

What’s happening with Summer 2022 courses?

For Summer 2022, classes will take place in the delivery method listed in the A&S Course Timetable. The University continues to monitor the public health situation. Adjustments to course delivery will be made according to public health guidelines if required at that time. 

 

What if public health guidelines don’t permit in-person activities?

The University continues to monitor the public health situation. If at any time new restrictions come into effect, then it is possible we may have to move some in-person course components online. Adjustments to course delivery will be made according to public health guidelines as required.

 

Will classes that start completely online switch to in person if restrictions change?

No, classes that are completely online will not change to in person partway through the academic year, even if public health guidelines change.  

 

In the Timetable, how can I search for “online-only” courses?

On the Timetable homepage, under the “Advanced search” tab, click on the “Delivery Method(s) - Lectures Only” box and select Online Synchronous or Asynchronous to find lecture sections that can be completed online, including tests and final assessments/exams. Be sure to check the course delivery instructions as well as the delivery methods for all course components – lectures, tutorials and practicals. Visit the Course Planning page for more details.

 

I am taking both in-person and online synchronous classes. Where can I go on campus to attend my online class?

Use the Sync Search app to find space on campus to attend an online synchronous class. Available spaces are uploaded weekly and include information on hours, directions, capacity limits and accessibility. These spaces are shared with students attending different online synchronous classes and are not intended for quiet or group study space. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be reserved in advanced. The app is available for iPad, iPhone and Android devices. 

 

Will lectures be recorded?

There are a wide variety of course formats and teaching styles, and recording is not suitable for all of them. Whether a lecture is recorded and available online asynchronously is the individual instructor’s decision. That decision will be informed by a range of factors including the pedagogical priorities of the course and the technology and related supports available. The University and Faculty are providing guidance and technical supports to instructors. Information specific to each course will be provided in the course syllabus and/or on Quercus. Asynchronous course sections will be indicated as such in the A&S Timetable. 

 

What should I do if I start missing class time due to illness?

Please record your absence using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN, and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation and to ensure you stay caught up with material. Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration. It may be helpful to email them a PDF copy of your completed form.  

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information for students seeking academic consideration for missed work and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday or will be longer than 14 consecutive days, please contact your College Registrar’s Office.

When should an Absence Declaration be used?

You can use the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN to record any absence from academic work, whether for medical or non-medical reasons (e.g., COVID, cold, flu and other illnesses, injuries or family situations). You should complete the Absence Declaration anytime you are absent from academic work, not just when you have missed a specific course deadline.

 

How do I complete an Absence Declaration?

You should complete the Absence Declaration using the tool on ACORN. Please review the ACORN how-to for a step-by-step guide on how to submit an Absence Declaration. If for any reason you are unable to submit your declaration, reach out to your College Registrar’s Office to ask for their advice and help.

 

What information should be provided on the Absence Declaration tool? How does the tool work?

You can formally declare your absence for one or multiple consecutive days up to 14 days using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN. This tool is used to record any absences for courses you are taking during the current academic session.  

Using this tool, you will have the opportunity to add a new declaration, which will include selecting the relevant dates and courses. There will also be a section to include any additional notes you may find relevant to include, however, please do not include any specific personal or medical information.  

If your absence is related in any way to COVID-19, you will then be offered the opportunity to consent to the University accessing information around self-isolation.  

Finally, you will be asked to review certain declarations – confirming the information is true, and your responsibility to work with your instructor to finish your needed course work – before submitting the declaration. You will then be taken back to the page confirming the declaration was successful.   

 

What happens after an Absence Declaration is submitted?

The information is recorded by the University, and it may be accessed by academic units (departments, program offices) as well as by College and Faculty of Arts & Science staff. It is also monitored by the University to track absences overall.   

Your instructor will not be automatically alerted when you declare an absence. Therefore, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration so that you can discuss any needed consideration, where appropriate. Some instructors may ask their department to confirm absences reported by students to ensure that they have been entered into the system on the dates indicated by a student.

 

Do I still need to submit a Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form?

No, you do not need to submit a VOI form. The Absence Declaration is all that is required to indicate and support an absence from academic work caused by an acute or short-lasting situation. The declaration may be used when requesting consideration from your instructor during a course, and it is considered valid documentation in some petitions to the Faculty.    

If you have additional documentation, you can elect to submit it for consideration, but the Absence Declaration is considered enough should you be absent and where the circumstances are not particularly complex. You are encouraged to speak to your College Registrar’s Office if you are submitting a petition and want to better understand how to make the strongest case possible.   

 

Can an instructor ask me why I was absent when I completed an Absence Declaration?

The Absence Declaration is considered sufficient documentation to indicate a student's absence from academic work. No further information or documentation about the absence is required when seeking consideration from your instructor. If you encounter a situation where you are not sure how to respond to an instructor request in relation to this, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice.

The COVID-19 situation has made it more difficult for me to afford my university education. What can I do?

We recognize that many students are facing exceptional financial pressures because of COVID-19. We encourage undergraduate students who are facing financial hardship to contact their College Registrar’s Office to inquire about the possibility of need-based bursary support.

What if public health guidelines don’t permit in-person activities?

The University continues to monitor the public health situation. If at any time new restrictions come into effect, then it is possible we may have to move some in-person course components online. Adjustments to course delivery will be made according to public health guidelines as required.

 

What's happening with Fall 2021 classes?

Students in Arts & Science will be permitted to attend their classes online from September 9-23, 2021. The start date for the Fall Term remains unchanged and classes will begin on Thursday, September 9 as planned. Students will be contacted directly by their instructors, near the start of term, about their options for accessing their classes during this period. After September 23, all classes that are identified as taking place in-person will proceed as in-person, unless otherwise specified by the course instructor.

 

Will the start of classes be delayed past September 9, 2021?

No, classes will begin on the date they’re scheduled. We will not delay the start of classes for the Fall 2021 term.

Students in Arts & Science will be permitted to attend their classes online from September 9-23, 2021. The start date for the Fall Term remains unchanged and classes will begin on Thursday, September 9 as planned. Students will be contacted directly by their instructors, near the start of term, about their options for accessing their classes during this period. After September 23, all classes that are identified as taking place in-person will proceed as in-person, unless otherwise specified by the course instructor.

 

If classes will be available online from September 9-23, 2021, will I still be able to attend in-person classes for that period?

Yes, but only if your instructor provides an in-person option to choose. Your instructors will contact you through Quercus or by email, near the start of term, about your options for accessing classes between September 9-23, 2021. How your courses will be delivered between September 9-23, 2021 will be at the discretion of each course’s instructor. 

The course components identified in the Timetable as taking place in person will be available online until September 23. After September 23, course components identified as taking place in person will proceed in person, unless otherwise specified by the course instructor.

 

If my instructor is offering an in-person option for classes occurring between September 9-23, 2021, do I have to attend in person if I’m in Toronto or can I choose the online option?

For classes occurring between September 9-23, you can decide whether to attend in-person classes (if the instructor makes that option available) or attend online.

 

For classes occurring between September 9-23, 2021, will the online classes be held asynchronously or synchronously?

There will be a variety of ways instructors will provide online access to classes and/or course materials from September 9-23, 2021. Your instructors will contact you through Quercus or by email, near the start of term about your options for accessing classes during this period. 

 

What's happening with Winter 2022 classes?

On January 19, the University announced that all Winter 2022 classes with in-person activities (labs, lectures, seminars, studios, exams, etc.) will begin transitioning to in-person learning on Monday, February 7, 2022.  

Beginning February 7, students will have the option to access their undergraduate classes remotely until Friday, February 18. Before February 7, instructors will let students know if their courses will take place in person with remote access to course components, or if their courses will be entirely online from February 7 to 18. 

Reading Week takes place from February 21 to 25. After Reading Week, classes that are identified as taking place in person will proceed in person beginning on Monday, February 28. 

The University continues to monitor the public health situation and will do so throughout the Winter term. Adjustments to course delivery will be made according to public health guidelines if required at that time.

We will continue to inform our community as much as possible. Please monitor these FAQs as information is regularly amended.

 

Will I have to come to campus to attend my classes?

Students enrolled in classes with in-person components will be expected to come to campus as of Monday, February 28, 2022. Information on course delivery is available in the Fall/Winter 2021-22 Timetable.

 

How do I know if I need to be on campus for February 7?

Before February 7, instructors will let students know if their courses will take place in person with remote access to course components, or if their courses will be entirely online during the transition period. This instruction will also confirm the delivery mode of any assessments held between February 7 and 18.

 

I have courses that will return to in-person instruction on Monday, February 28. What are my options if I am not able to return to Toronto?

On January 19, the Faculty confirmed that students enrolled in classes with in-person components will be expected to come to campus as of Monday, February 28, 2022.  

If you are going to be delayed returning to Toronto by a few days and will be missing course work during this time, you can contact your course instructor(s) to discuss whether any considerations can be given for missed course work. You will also need to record your absence using the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN. 

You should book an appointment as soon as possible with your College Registrar’s Office to discuss your options if: 

• You will be delayed for more than a week 
• Your course instructor is not able to accommodate your missed course work 
• You are not able to return to Toronto this term to attend your in-person course components 

Deadlines for course changes, including Credit/No-Credit, Late Withdrawals (LWDs), and course drop deadlines, will still apply. 

Please note, after Friday, February 18, instructors are not obligated to provide remote access for course components that are identified as taking place in person.

 

Why aren't all A&S courses being offered both online and in person?

Courses are offered according to the delivery methods that are appropriate to the subject matter, discipline or field, and the specific learning objectives of the course. These pedagogical considerations guide departments, programs, and individual instructors to determine the optimal delivery methods for their courses.

 

Will in-person midterms that are scheduled between February 7-18, 2022 be held in-person or will I be able to access them remotely?

Before February 7, instructors will let students know if their courses will take place in person with remote access to course components, or if their courses will be entirely online during the transition period. This instruction will also confirm the delivery mode of any assessments held between February 7 and 18.

 

Will classes that start completely online switch to in person if restrictions change?

No, classes that are completely online (those with lecture sections identified with a “99” code) will not change to in person partway through the academic year, even if public health guidelines change. 

Please make sure to thoroughly read the course delivery instructions in the Timetable as only courses with lecture sections identified with a “99” code are completely online (e.g., LEC9901), otherwise there could be an in-person course component or assessment that will require you to be on campus. 

 

Will any of my courses be available online?

Our goal for Fall/Winter 2021-22 is to resume in-person learning as much as possible. Some courses (those with lecture sections identified with a “99” code) will be offered online, meaning you don’t need to be physically present to complete the course. Other courses will have some in-person and some online components; for example, you may be required to do your tutorials and/or practicals in person for a particular course while your lecture is online (or vice versa). Information on course delivery is available in the Arts & Science Timetable.

 

Will the courses that are offered in person also be available in an online format for students not in Toronto?

On January 19, the University announced that all Winter 2022 classes with in-person activities (labs, lectures, seminars, studios, exams, etc.) will begin transitioning to in-person learning on Monday, February 7, 2022.  

Beginning February 7, students will have the option to access their undergraduate classes remotely until Friday, February 18. Before February 7, instructors will let students know if their courses will take place in person with remote access to course components, or if their courses will be entirely online from February 7 to 18. 

Reading Week takes place from February 21 to 25. After Reading Week, classes that are identified as taking place in person will proceed in person beginning on Monday, February 28. 

If you are unable to come to campus and have concerns regarding your Fall/Winter enrolment, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.

 

Can the delivery method change after courses begin?

The delivery methods indicated in the Timetable are representative of how we expect Fall/Winter 2021-22 courses to be delivered. It is important to remember that even though we started the academic year with in-person learning opportunities, changes in public health guidelines could require the Faculty to revisit the delivery methods for some course components. 

We will continue to inform our community as much and as frequently as possible. Please monitor these FAQs as information is regularly amended. 

 

I’m not ready to come back to Toronto. Can I take time off from my studies?

Contact your College Registrar’s Office to review your options and make informed decisions about your academic path. If you do not register for more than 12 months, you will have to re-register through your College Registrar’s Office. Note that if you have not completed at least one course in the Faculty of Arts & Science before taking time off, you will need to either defer your offer of admission to the following year or re-apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). For more information, see the Academic Calendar.

 

I'm still unable to come to campus before the start of in-person classes. What should I do?

We recognize that some students will still be unable to arrive and complete their quarantine (if required) by the time their in-person classes begin. Students in this circumstance should contact their College Registrar’s Office to discuss the following options: 

• Switching into entirely online A&S courses (coded as "LEC99") for the Fall/Winter session. Students can filter for a list of entirely online courses using the 2021-22 Fall/Winter Session Timetable under Advanced Search: "Courses Offered Entirely Online". If you need help with enrolment in a LEC99 course that is full in ACORN, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss whether you can request special permission to enrol. Course availability may vary and is not guaranteed. Any changes to your Fall 2021 schedule must be completed by September 22, 2021, and any changes to your Winter 2022 schedule must be completed by January 23, 2022, as per our Academic Dates & Deadlines.
• Taking a leave of absence from your studies. International students who wish to take a formal leave of absence should email the International Student Immigration Advising team at the Centre for International Experience. 

Students can also speak with their instructors about the possibility of continuing to take in-person courses online. Please note, instructors are not obligated to provide online accommodation for course components identified as in person.

 

If I do not comply with the university’s vaccination requirements, will I be de-enrolled from courses with in-person components?

Yes, students will be de-enrolled from all courses with in-person activities on Friday, January 21, 2022 if they:

• Do not meet the vaccine requirement, OR
• Have not been granted a medical exemption by the University, OR 
• Have not been granted a time-limited exemption by the University  

Please upload your proof of vaccination through the UCheck website as soon as possible to avoid being de-enrolled from courses that require you to be on campus, including online-only courses with in-person final exams.

If you are removed from a course, you will not be allowed to re-enrol for this term, even if you subsequently meet the vaccine requirement. The tuition refund schedule will apply. Being de-enrolled from your courses can impact:

• Progression through your program Future course selection
• Student loan eligibility
• Renewable scholarship eligibility
• Study permits (international students)

You will be de-enrolled from all courses with in-person components, as indicated in the Arts & Science Timetable, regardless of any arrangements you may have made with your instructor. Only students who have already received an approved accommodation through Accessibility Services can participate in an in-person course online.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of the Faculty Registrar.

 

Will I be de-enrolled from my courses that include in-person activities (labs, lectures, seminars, studios, exams, etc.) if I am only partially vaccinated?

Yes, unless you have received an approved time-limited extension (TLE) from the Office of the Vice Provost, Students.

The deadline to request a time-limited exemption is Thursday, January 20, 2022. To make a request, please email ovps@utoronto.ca and include:

• Your full name and student ID number
• Copies of all COVID-19 vaccination records to date
• The date of your next dose
• If you are outside of Canada, please indicate if you need to obtain an mRNA dose in Canada and provide your arrival date in Canada. More information can be found on the Office Vice-Provost, Students website under Vaccines.

Requests will take time to process; please only submit once.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Office of the Faculty Registrar.

 

I choose not to get vaccinated. Will the Faculty of Arts & Science provide me with online accommodations?

There are no online accommodations available for students who do not meet the University's vaccination requirement and have not been granted an exemption by the University for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. For more information about U of T's vaccine requirement, please see the Vice-Provost's COVID-19 page. 

It may be possible for students who are currently registered for in-person classes and who do not meet the University’s vaccination requirement to switch into entirely online A&S courses (coded as "LEC99") for the Fall/Winter session. Students can filter for a list of entirely online courses using the 2021-22 Fall/Winter Session Timetable under Advanced Search: "Courses Offered Entirely Online". Any changes to your Winter 2022 schedule must be completed by January 23, 2022, as per our Academic Dates & Deadlines. Space in these online sections is limited and availability is not guaranteed. Students can also connect with their College Registrar’s Office for further academic advising.

 

In the Timetable, how can I search for “online-only” courses?

There are two ways to search for courses offered entirely online: 

• Timetable Search — Under the “Advanced search” tab on the Timetable homepage, click on the box “Courses Offered Entirely Online” to search for courses that can be attended/completed entirely online, including tests and final assessments/exams. 
• Look for the new “99” codes — Any lecture section with a “99” code indicates that all components of a course (i.e., lectures, tutorials, practicals, assessments) will be held entirely online, and you will not be required to be in person for any course activities. For example, if your course has a lecture LEC9901 and a tutorial TUT0102, this indicates the lecture, tutorial and any assessments or final exams will be entirely online.

Note, if your lecture section does not begin with “99” code (e.g., LEC0101) then there could be an in-person component of this course (e.g., an in-person lecture, tutorial, assessment or final exam) that will require you to be on campus. Visit the Course Planning page for more details. 

 

What if I only want to study online?

In-person learning is important to the student experience. We anticipate that we will continue to have some online courses or course sections in the future; however, we are an in-person university and the experiences and engagement that students gain in our community and our classrooms are an essential component of an Arts & Science education. 

For the 2021-22 Fall/Winter session, we understand there may be students who are not able to be in Toronto or able to attend classes in person for a variety of reasons. Students should contact their College Registrar's Office to discuss their options.

 

Will lectures be recorded?

There are a wide variety of course formats and teaching styles, and recording is not suitable for all of them. Whether a lecture is recorded and available online asynchronously is the individual instructor’s decision. That decision will be informed by a range of factors including the pedagogical priorities of the course and the technology and related supports available. The University and Faculty are providing guidance and technical supports to instructors. Information specific to each course will be provided in the course syllabus and/or on Quercus. Asynchronous course sections will be indicated as such in the A&S Timetable.

 

 

My in-person exam was cancelled, what will happen to my final course mark? 

For Arts & Science students enrolled in at least one Fall 2021 Arts & Science course that had an in-person final exam cancelled as of December 16, 2021, the final course mark will be calculated from existing term work.  

If you are an Arts & Science student affected by an exam cancellation, the following four options are available to you: 

1. Add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation 
2. Request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for the course 
3. Request an optional rescheduled final exam (to April 2022 at the earliest) 
4. Keep your final mark.

Please review the following FAQs for more information and instructions.  

 

When will I know my final course marks for F courses?

We are striving to have your final course marks for your F courses available in ACORN by Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  

We appreciate your patience should we find ourselves delayed in meeting this target date due to challenges that may emerge related to COVID-19.  

 

Will the Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) and Late Withdrawal (LWD) deadline be extended for F term Faculty of Arts & Science courses?

The deadline has been extended to January 18, 2022, to give students time to see their final course marks before making decisions with respect to CR/NCR or LWD. Please note, your eligibility to add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation or request Late Withdrawal (LWD) from the course may vary depending on the following: 

• Courses with an online final assessment, or courses that had an in-person final exam before December 16, 2021 
  • If you have not already reached the 2.0 credit CR/NCR limit, you will be able to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation in ACORN until the extended deadline, as long as the course is eligible for CR/NCR.  
  • If you have not reached the 3.0 credit LWD limit you can request LWD from the course at your College Registrar’s Office until the extended deadline. 
  • Please note, any course declared CR/NCR will not contribute to program requirements and all additional standard CR/NCR and LWD policies apply. 
• Courses in which an in-person final exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021 
  • You can add or reverse a CR/NCR designation or request LWD until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022 using the online form that was emailed to students with eligible courses on January 11, 2022. Please do not add or reverse a CR/NCR designation on ACORN or request LWD at your College Registrar’s Office.  
  • Any CR/NCR designations for courses in which the final exam was cancelled will not contribute to the 2.0 CR/NCR limit. 
  • If you achieve a final standing of CR in a course in which a final exam was cancelled, the course will automatically contribute to program requirements where applicable.  

Note: Students should consider carefully before selecting CR/NCR for any course(s) required for professional designations. CR/NCR may not be accepted by the professional body responsible for such designations, e.g., CPA Canada. As well, declaring CR/NCR or LWD can impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course that has an online final assessment?

If the course is eligible for CR/NCR and you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts & Science, you can request to reverse a CR/NCR designation in ACORN until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022. 

• If you select the CR/NCR option for an F-term course, the course will not count toward your program requirements, as per the Academic Calendar. 
• The 2.0 credit limit for CR/NCR applies. 
• The following courses are not eligible to be taken as CR/NCR: Courses where an individual student works on independent study or individual research supervised by a professor; Research Opportunities Program (299s/399s)/Research Excursions (398s); First-Year Foundations Seminars; First-Year Foundations Ones Program courses; Rotman Commerce (RSM) courses; field courses; courses evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Other approved exceptions will be noted in the course description in the Calendar. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks. 

Please note: Students should consider carefully before selecting CR/NCR for any course(s) required for professional designations. CR/NCR may not be accepted by the professional body responsible for such designations, e.g., CPA Canada. As well, declaring CR/NCR can impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course that has no final assessment or final exam?

If the course is eligible for CR/NCR and you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts & Science, you can request to reverse a CR/NCR designation in ACORN until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022. 

• If you select the CR/NCR option for an F-term course, the course will not count toward your program requirements, as per the Academic Calendar. 
• The 2.0 credit limit for CR/NCR applies. 
• The following courses are not eligible to be taken as CR/NCR: Courses where an individual student works on independent study or individual research supervised by a professor; Research Opportunities Program (299s/399s)/Research Excursions (398s); First-Year Foundations Seminars; First-Year Foundations Ones Program courses; Rotman Commerce (RSM) courses; field courses; courses evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Other approved exceptions will be noted in the course description in the Calendar. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks. 

Please note: Students should consider carefully before selecting CR/NCR for any course(s) required for professional designations. CR/NCR may not be accepted by the professional body responsible for such designations, e.g., CPA Canada. As well, declaring CR/NCR can impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course in which there was an in-person exam prior to December 16, 2021?

If the course is eligible for CR/NCR and you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts & Science, you can request to reverse a CR/NCR designation in ACORN until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022. 

• If you select the CR/NCR option for an F-term course, the course will not count toward your program requirements, as per the Academic Calendar. 
• The 2.0 credit limit for CR/NCR applies. 
• The following courses are not eligible to be taken as CR/NCR: Courses where an individual student works on independent study or individual research supervised by a professor; Research Opportunities Program (299s/399s)/Research Excursions (398s); First-Year Foundations Seminars; First-Year Foundations Ones Program courses; Rotman Commerce (RSM) courses; field courses; courses evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis. Other approved exceptions will be noted in the course description in the Calendar. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks. 

Please note: Students should consider carefully before selecting CR/NCR for any course(s) required for professional designations. CR/NCR may not be accepted by the professional body responsible for such designations, e.g., CPA Canada. As well, declaring CR/NCR can impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course in which the in-person exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021?

All Faculty of Arts & Science students, including non-degree students, enrolled in any Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course in which the final in-person final exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021, can add or reverse a CR/NCR designation until January 18, 2022, using the online form that was emailed to students with eligible courses on January 11, 2022. Please note that these changes should not be made in ACORN.

These courses will not contribute toward the 2.0 credit CR/NCR limit and courses with a final standing of CR will contribute to your program requirements.  

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks. 

Please note: Students should consider carefully before selecting CR/NCR for any course(s) required for professional designations. CR/NCR may not be accepted by the professional body responsible for such designations, e.g., CPA Canada. As well, declaring CR/NCR can impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course that has an online final assessment?

All Faculty of Arts & Science students can request LWD until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022 by contacting their College Registrar’s Office. The 3.0 credit limit for LWD applies. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to request LWD at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks. 

Please note: An LWD may impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course that has no final assessment or final exam?

All Faculty of Arts & Science students can request LWD until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022 by contacting their College Registrar’s Office. The 3.0 credit limit for LWD applies. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to request LWD at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks.

Please note: An LWD may impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course in which there was an in-person exam prior to December 16, 2021?

All Faculty of Arts & Science students can request LWD until the extended deadline of January 18, 2022 by contacting their College Registrar’s Office. The 3.0 credit limit for LWD applies. 

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to request LWD at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks.

Please note: An LWD may impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

Can I request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course in which the in-person exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021?

If you would like to request Late Withdrawal (LWD) from the course, you can do so until January 18, 2022, using the online form that was emailed to students with eligible courses on January 11, 2022. Please note that you should not contact your College Registrar’s Office to request LWD. The 3.0 credit limit for LWD applies.

If any of your marks are not available by the January 18 deadline, you will have three business days to request LWD at your College Registrar's Office after seeing your marks.

Please note: An LWD may impact later consideration for graduate and professional programs. Students should consult with their program-specific academic advisors or college registrars if they have questions. 

 

I have already requested and been granted Late Withdrawal (LWD) from a Faculty of Arts & Science F-term course. Now that the deadline to add or reverse a CR/NCR designation has been extended to January 18, 2022, can I be reinstated into the course?

No, you are not eligible to be reinstated. Please contact your College Registrar’s Office if you have any questions about planning your future courses.

 

My in-person final exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021. Can I still write the exam?

If you are an Arts & Science student enrolled in at least one Fall 2021 term Arts & Science course that had an in-person final exam cancelled as of December 16, 2021, you can request to write an optional rescheduled final exam in April 2022 at the earliest. You can submit your request until January 18, 2022 using the online form that was emailed to students with eligible courses on January 11, 2022.  
 
Once you submit a request to reschedule your final in-person exam, you cannot later (including after your revised final mark is posted) request to add or reverse CR/NCR, or request LWD for that course. In addition, you cannot revert to the final grade you received without writing the final in-person exam in December 2021. Your final mark for a course with a rescheduled exam will reflect the marks you received for coursework and your final exam mark, according to the marking scheme that was established for that course before the December final exam was cancelled.
 
Please note, eligible students who choose to reschedule their final exam cannot later revert to the final mark they received without writing the final in-person exam in December 2021. 

 

If a mark in one of my courses changes after January 18, can I add or reverse a Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) designation or request a Late Withdrawal (LWD) for the course?

You can add or reverse a CR/NCR designation or request an LWD if your mark changed after January 18, 2022 in the following situations: 

• A late mark was posted by a course instructor 
• You received a mark amendment as a result of a deferral of an in-person exam that took place prior to December 16, 2021 
• You received a mark amendment as a result of a term work extension for an online final assessment or other term work provided by an instructor or by petition 

In these situations, you have up to three (3) business days after the posting of your final or amended mark on ACORN to contact your College Registrar’s Office and request to either add or reverse a CR/NCR designation or request an LWD for the course. 

Please note, if you were enrolled in a course with an in-person final exam that was cancelled as of December 16, 2021 and you request a rescheduled final exam for this course, these CR/NCR and LWD options are not available to you. For more information, refer to the question "My in-person final exam was cancelled as of December 16, 2021. Can I still write the exam?"

 

What should I do if I miss an online assessment or an in-person exam due to illness or because I need to self-isolate?

Please record your absence using the Absence Declaration tool found in ACORN as soon as possible. 

If you miss an in-person final exam due to illness or other reasons, contact your College Registrar's Office to submit a petition to defer your exam. 

If you miss an online final assessment due to illness or other reasons, contact your instructor to reschedule the assessment for a different date in April or early May. If that cannot be arranged, submit a term work extension petition to complete the assessment after May 6, 2022. 

You can contact the academic advisors at your college for help. They can provide advice on when a petition is an appropriate option, or for online assessments, they can help make arrangements with instructors. Check the Exams & Assessments section of this website for more details and see the Petitions & Appeals page for more information on how to submit a petition and to access the petitions system.

 

I fell sick/was interrupted when I was writing an online assessment or an in-person exam. What do I do?  

For an online assessment, contact your instructor to explain what happened as soon as you can. The instructor can work with you to determine what make-up options might be possible. If the situation is not resolved with your instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.  

For an in-person exam, let your exam facilitator know before leaving the exam room. For more details, see the deferred exams petitions page.

 

I have a conflict between final assessments or exams in some of my courses. What do I do?

A conflict occurs if one of the following is true: 

• Direct conflict: You have two assessments or exams at the same time. This can include in-person exams and scheduled online assessments. 
• Three-in-a-row: You have three consecutive assessments or exams (e.g., afternoon, evening and next morning). 

If you believe you have a conflict between your final assessments (In-person exams or online assessments), report the conflict by April 4, 2022. See the exam conflicts page for more information.

 

I have a religious conflict during final assessments/exams in some of my courses. What should I do?

If you have a religious conflict during one or more final assessments or exams, report the conflict by April 4, 2022 to have the conflict resolved. See the exam conflicts page for more information.

 

I know that the Faculty of Arts & Science normally offers a service to view my exam or request a re-read. Will those services be available for Fall/Winter 2021-22 final assessments?

Final exam viewing appointments, copy requests and rechecks for in-person exams held during the December 2021 and April 2022 final exam & assessment periods will be available through the Office of the Faculty Registrar. See the following exam pages for more information: 

• Exam Viewing 
• Exam Copy Request 
• Exam Recheck or Reread 

If you wish to view an online assessment, contact your instructor or the academic department offering the course. 

 

I will be coming to campus for the first time to write an in-person final exam. What do I need to bring with me?

For your in-person exam, you will need to bring any writing materials and your TCard. See the Exam Toolkit to learn what to expect during exams. 

The University of Toronto requires that all students coming to campus must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and complete UCheck, U of T’s COVID-19 self-assessment portal before coming to campus. Learn more about the University's safe return to campus plan.

 

Are there any religious accommodations for students observing Ramadan?

There are some accommodations in place for students who are writing online assessments and in-person exams while observing Ramadan.
 
Accommodations for in-person exams:

For in-person exams running over the hours of sunset, students will be permitted to bring water in a reusable or disposable bottle with labels removed and quiet, nut-free food in a transparent container or bag (wrappers on pre-packaged food products must be removed) into the exam room. This allows students to break their fast after sunset.
Students will be permitted to leave the exam room to observe prayer. This accommodation will not necessitate extra exam time and the student will be accompanied by an invigilator. Where possible, students should use a space near the exam room for prayer or meditation. The following prayer spaces are available:

• Exam Centre, Room 240
• Benson Building, Room 304
• Bahen Building, Room 1255
• Multi-Faith Centre:
  • Main Activity Hall, Room KP208
  • Multi-Purpose Room, Room KP207
  • Meditation Room, Room KP215
  • Quiet Room, Room KP307

 
Accommodations for online assessments:

Online synchronous assessments that involve eProctoring or other forms of video invigilation/monitoring will follow the above in-person accommodations when requested by students.

For more information about religious accommodations, visit the Vice-Provost, Students website.

I am an international student, should I plan to be in Toronto?

Yes. International students should be planning to be in Toronto. Students who haven’t already applied for a study permit should apply as soon as possible because it takes time to process. Information about resources and guidance for international students is available through the Centre for International Experience. Our International Student Immigration Advisors are also offering webinars for newly-admitted students on applying for a study permit for the first time. 

The Government of Canada has updated information on its website for international students, indicating that study permit applications completed by May 15, 2021 will be processed by August 6, 2021. 

Students living in China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal or Vietnam may be eligible for faster processing of their study permit (usually 20 calendar days) through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Current information on eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found on the Government of Canada website.

Students in Arts & Science will be permitted to attend their classes online from September 9-23, 2021. The start date for the Fall Term remains unchanged and classes will begin on Thursday, September 9 as planned. Students will be contacted directly by their instructors, near the start of term, about their options for accessing their classes during this period. After September 23, all classes that are identified as taking place in-person will proceed as in-person.

 

My country is not allowing international travel right now. Will I be able to start my classes online this September?

Since the majority of our classes will require in-person participation, you should plan to come to campus when you are able. If travel continues to be delayed, please contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.

Students in Arts & Science will be permitted to attend their classes online from September 9-23, 2021. The start date for the Fall Term remains unchanged and classes will begin on Thursday, September 9 as planned. Students will be contacted directly by their instructors, near the start of term, about their options for accessing their classes during this period. After September 23, all classes that are identified as taking place in-person will proceed as in-person.

 

I’m an international student; where can I get information on study permits and entering Canada?

Information about resources and guidance for international students is available through the Centre for International Experience. For detailed information and frequently asked questions on entering or returning to Canada, visit the Provost website.

 

Will I need to quarantine when I arrive in Canada and will the University provide me with assistance?

Currently anyone arriving in Canada needs to follow the quarantine procedures outlined by the Government of Canada. The University will continue to update information about our quarantine program on the Provost’s website. Support will be available for students upon arrival in Toronto.

 

Canada is not allowing people from my country to cross the border. Will I be able to start my classes online this January?

The University of Toronto is considered a Designated Learning Institution by the Government of Canada therefore, students with a study permit may enter Canada to study. Students coming into Canada will also be required to register for a U of T quarantine program. 

Since the majority of our classes will require in-person participation, you should plan to come to campus when you are able. If your travel into Canada continues to be impacted, please contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.

 

What do I need to know about the quarantine process and what supports are available?

For information about planning your quarantine upon arrival to Canada, please refer to the University of Toronto COVID-19 Quarantine Guide for Students and the FAQs on quarantine accommodations.

 

I’m not vaccinated in my home country, can I still come to Canada? How do I get a vaccine when I come to Canada?

You are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. After January 15, 2022, international students over the age of 18 years must be vaccinated according to the fully vaccinated traveller requirements before entering Canada.

NOTE: The vaccine requirement for entry into Canada is different than what is considered fully vaccinated by the province and under the University’s vaccine guideline for those staying in Canada to live, work or study. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario. International students can book an mRNA vaccine at the University of Toronto’s Discovery Pharmacy. 

For detailed information and frequently asked questions about vaccines, visit the Provost website. 

Will the University be open for in-person learning if there are border closures and travel restrictions?

Yes. The University of Toronto is planning for the safe return of students, staff, faculty and librarians in Fall 2021 and is taking a wide range of precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. As the situation continues to evolve, U of T will monitor public health guidance to ensure that its measures are up to date and informed by evidence. 

 

The Province of Ontario has dropped its mask mandate. Will I still need to wear a mask to campus?

The University is continuing its requirement to wear masks in certain settings until June 30, 2022. Masks will continue to be required in classrooms and in indoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including exams. The University continues to recommend the use of medical-grade masks where possible.

In addition, individuals in specific circumstances may continue to be required to wear masks in all settings, subject to changes in provincial or federal requirements, such as those who have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or to someone with symptoms.

Exceptions to this mask requirement can be found in the University’s Mask Guideline.

Please note that as of May 1, 2022, health screening and contact tracing will become unavailable in UCheck. You can still use UCheck to voluntarily provide proof of vaccination. While health screening through UCheck is unavailable, individuals can monitor their health using the provincial health screening tool. Completing a health screening before coming to campus is highly recommended, and you are asked to remain at home if you are ill. 

 

I am taking both in-person and online synchronous classes. Where can I go on campus to attend my online class?

Use the new Sync Search app to find space on campus to attend an online synchronous class. Available spaces are uploaded weekly and include information on hours, directions, capacity limits and accessibility. These spaces are shared with students attending different online synchronous classes and are not intended for quiet or group study space. Spaces are available on a first come, first served basis, and cannot be reserved in advanced. The app is available for iPad, iPhone and Android devices.

 

Can I take courses at another university or college this year closer to where I live? Can these courses count towards my U of T degree?

Current A&S students require a Letter of Permission to take courses at another university. 

New students who choose to take courses at another university in 2021-22 will have to re-apply to the Faculty of Arts & Science for Fall 2022. Such applications will be re-evaluated for admission and transfer credit based on updated post-secondary transcripts.

 

I’m a returning student. Can I take a leave of absence?

Yes. How you take your leave of absence depends on whether you are a domestic or international student.  

Domestic students who wish to take a leave of absence can choose not to enrol in courses for the year and cancel their registration for the session.  

International students who wish to take a leave of absence might encounter issues with their study permit and/or post-graduation work permit eligibility. The Arts & Science Leave of Absence Policy for International Students does not apply to absences related to COVID-19 unless the student also presents serious health, personal, family, or financial issues that require a leave of absence. We recommend that international students consult with the University’s immigration advising team for more information about how a leave of absence may affect them.

 

What should I do if I start missing class time due to illness?

Please record your absence using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN, and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation and to ensure you stay caught up with material. Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration. It may be helpful to email them a PDF copy of your completed form. 

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information for students seeking academic consideration for missed work and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday or will be longer than 14 consecutive days, please contact your College Registrar’s Office. 

 

I am personally affected by the war in Ukraine. What help is available for me?

In President Gertler’s recent statement, he emphasized that the University of Toronto condemns recent attacks on Ukraine.  

Students affected by the war in Ukraine can access the following U of T services: 

Mental Health Services 

• Health and Wellness Centre (St. George Campus)  
• My SSP (support available 24/7/365) 
• War & Conflict Drop-In Grief Support Circles (St. George Multi-Faith Centre) 

Immigration and Travel Services 

• Centre for International Experience

Financial Assistance 

• Emergency undergraduate grants are available to students in need. Contact your College Registrar’s Office for help applying. 

Academic Support 

• Contact your College Registrar’s Office to ask for an individualized “College Registrar’s Letter” that you can submit to your instructors if you need to make an exceptional request in any of your classes.  

Will I be able to live in residence?

The University is planning to have residences available for students this Fall. The health and safety of those staying in our residences is a top priority; some services may be adjusted based on public health guidelines. For more information about residence visit the Provost’s website.

 

What if I am worried about the safety of returning to campus?

The University is committed to following all public health guidelines for a safe return to campus in Fall 2021. The University is closely monitoring the Government of Ontario’s plans for safely re-opening our province. U of T is preparing for the arrival of new and returning students, including preparation of residences and programs to assist students arriving from outside of Canada. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety of everyone at U of T, including assessing and upgrading ventilation systems.

Below are some key links with updates on the University’s preparations for the Fall:

• Campus Preparations and Safety Measures
• International Student Arrival
• Quarantine Information for Students Entering Canada
• Residences and Off-Campus Housing 

Can I get my TCard/UTORid and U of T email address before arriving on campus?

Yes. Starting May 1, incoming Fall 2021 students can make an appointment with TCard Services to authenticate their TCard/UTORid and get their U of T email address before arriving. Having these tools will make it easier to connect with U of T and access resources like email (UTmail+), course content on Quercus, webinars, library resources, Microsoft365 applications, network services for international students, WiFi once on campus, and more. For more information, visit TCard Services.

All incoming students, and returning students without physical TCards, can pick up their TCard upon their arrival on campus.

 

Is the Research Opportunities Program still going to happen during the 2021-22 academic year?

For the latest information on the status of the Research Opportunities Program (ROP) please visit the ROP page. 

 

What is happening with Research Excursions Program (REP)?

The University is planning for increased undergraduate student travel for University-sanctioned international activities beginning May 1, 2022, subject to the rules of partner institutions and host countries, and pending further changes to Global Affairs and public health guidelines. Please check the REP page and the Vice-Provost website for more information. 

 

I was planning on going on exchange during the 2021-22 academic year. What’s happening to exchange programs?

The University is planning for increased undergraduate student travel for University-sanctioned international activities beginning May 1, 2022, subject to the rules of partner institutions and host countries, and pending further changes to Global Affairs and public health guidelines. Please check the ICM page and the Vice-Provost website for more information.

When should an Absence Declaration be used?

You can use the Absence Declaration tool on ACORN to record any absence from academic work, whether for medical or non-medical reasons (e.g., COVID, cold, flu and other illnesses, injuries or family situations). You should complete the Absence Declaration anytime you are absent from academic work, not just when you have missed a specific course deadline.  

 

How do I complete an Absence Declaration?

You should complete the Absence Declaration using the tool on ACORN. Please review the ACORN how-to for a step-by-step guide on how to submit an Absence Declaration. If for any reason you are unable to submit your declaration, reach out to your College Registrar’s Office to ask for their advice and help.  

 

What information should be provided on the Absence Declaration tool? How does the tool work?

You can formally declare your absence for one or multiple consecutive days up to 14 days using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN. This tool is used to record any absences for courses you are taking during the current academic session. 

Using this tool, you will have the opportunity to add a new declaration, which will include selecting the relevant dates and courses. There will also be a section to include any additional notes you may find relevant to include, however, please do not include any specific personal or medical information. 

If your absence is related in any way to COVID-19, you will then be offered the opportunity to consent to the University accessing information around self-isolation. 

Finally, you will be asked to review certain declarations – confirming the information is true, and your responsibility to work with your instructor to finish your needed course work – before submitting the declaration. You will then be taken back to the page confirming the declaration was successful.  

 

What happens after an Absence Declaration is submitted?

The information is recorded by the University, and it may be accessed by academic units (departments, program offices) as well as by College and Faculty of Arts & Science staff. It is also monitored by the University to track absences overall.  

Your instructor will not be automatically alerted when you declare an absence. Therefore, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration so that you can discuss any needed consideration, where appropriate. Some instructors may ask their department to confirm absences reported by students to ensure that they have been entered into the system on the dates indicated by a student.  

 

Do I still need to submit a Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form?

No, you do not need to submit a VOI form. The Absence Declaration is all that is required to indicate and support an absence from academic work caused by an acute or short-lasting situation. The declaration may be used when requesting consideration from your instructor during a course, and it is considered valid documentation in some petitions to the Faculty.   

If you have additional documentation, you can elect to submit it for consideration, but the Absence Declaration is considered enough should you be absent and where the circumstances are not particularly complex. You are encouraged to speak to your College Registrar’s Office if you are submitting a petition and want to better understand how to make the strongest case possible.  

 

Can an instructor ask me why I was absent when I completed an Absence Declaration?

The Absence Declaration is considered sufficient documentation to indicate a student's absence from academic work. No further information or documentation about the absence is required when seeking consideration from your instructor. If you encounter a situation where you are not sure how to respond to an instructor request in relation to this, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice.

 

Can I use the Absence Declaration to receive consideration from my instructor in courses outside Arts & Science, like University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) or University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) courses?

The Absence Declaration is used by all divisions to track absences, but the instructors of courses in other divisions may require more documentation than just the Absence Declaration. If you are not sure, and if the course syllabus does not clarify this point, ask your instructor as early as possible about what documentation they may require.

What’s happening with Summer 2021 courses?

Due to the current public health restrictions limiting non-essential travel outside the home, all A&S courses and their components will be offered remotely in the Summer 2021 session, with the exception of courses approved by the Dean’s Office for in-person delivery. The limited number of A&S courses approved for in-person during the summer session are only those courses where the learning objectives cannot be achieved virtually and that meet the limitations outlined by Public Health and the Government of Ontario. These courses will be carefully managed according to public health guidelines for essential instruction to prioritize and maximize student and faculty safety. These too are subject to change according to Public Health guidelines. 

 

Will classes that start online switch to in-person if restrictions change?

No. Summer 2021 courses that start out as online will be held completely online and will have online final assessments. These courses will not switch to meeting in person partway through the term, even if Public Health guidelines change. 

 

Will I have to attend online lectures/tests/final assessments at a specific time? If I do, what if I’m in a different time zone and the lectures/tests/final assessments are in the middle of night for me? Will there be accommodations?

For Summer 2021, some courses or parts of courses (lab, tutorial, seminar, etc.) are held in real-time (synchronous), which means you need to be available with internet access during the posted course section times to be virtually present for lectures, discussions, or other class activities. Some course sections are also asynchronous, meaning that you’ll be able to learn the material (e.g., watch recorded lectures, participate in class discussion groups) for the course at times that fit your personal schedule. Note that in some cases, asynchronous courses may have timed assessments. Information about which course sections are synchronous and asynchronous is available in the 2021 Summer Timetable and in your course syllabus. Please check “Delivery Instructions” in the 2021 Summer Timetable for specific details. 

Instructors and their academic units have carefully decided whether to offer their courses/course sections synchronously or asynchronously, with the goal of ensuring that the required course learning objectives are met. Because some course learning objectives may require certain activities to be synchronous, students in other time zones should consider the schedule of synchronous classes carefully when planning their course enrolment and should not expect alternative scheduling options. Students who have registered for accommodations through Accessibility Services should consult with their Accessibility Advisor for guidance. 

 

What if I don’t have reliable access to internet?

All students should begin by consulting the minimum technical requirements for participation in online learning. If you are facing financial barriers to obtaining the required technology, please contact your College Registrar’s Office to obtain information regarding your potential eligibility for a need-based bursary. If you anticipate having difficulty connecting to University websites (e.g., Quercus), please submit your question here. 

 

Can I take courses at another university or college this year closer to where I live? Can these courses count towards my U of T degree?

The answer to this question depends on whether you are a new or returning student.    

If Fall 2020 was your first time studying at U of T and you chose to take courses at another university or college in the 2020-21 academic year, you will have to re-apply for admission to begin your studies at U of T in September 2021. Once you take post-secondary courses, we will evaluate whether you meet the admission criteria as a transfer applicant. Even if you were admitted as a transfer applicant for September 2020, if you take additional university/college courses in 2020-21, you will need to re-apply for admission.    

If Fall 2020 was not your first time studying at U of T, and you are a returning student, you may be eligible for transfer credit for courses completed at another university or college. Please remember that there are limits to the number of transfer credits each student can apply towards graduating and that not all courses are transferable. If you’re thinking of taking courses at an institution outside of North America, we are not able to pre-assess whether the courses will be eligible to transfer. Students who intend to graduate in June 2021 should exercise extra caution and consult with their College Registrar’s Office about the potential impact of completing their final year with transfer credits. 

 

What should I do if I start missing class time due to illness?

Please note your absence using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation and to ensure you stay caught up with material. Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration. It may be helpful to email them a PDF copy or screen capture of your completed form. For the 2021 Summer session, the Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration as documentation surrounding any absence from your academic work for medical and non-medical reasons. 

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday or will be longer than 14 consecutive days, please contact your College Registrar’s Office. 

 

What should I do if I miss an online test or a deadline due to illness?

For the 2021 Summer session, the Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration in ACORN as documentation to indicate any absence from your academic work, for medical and non-medical reasons.  

Please note your absence using the Absence Declaration tool found in ACORN. You will also need to contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss what options may be possible within the course (make-up tests, assignment/essay extensions). Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration and provide a PDF or screenshot. If the situation is not resolved with your instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.  

Depending on the circumstances, if you need to ask for consideration regarding term work (a make-up test option, or an extension on an assignment) past 5 business days after the end of the final assessment period, a petition for a Term Work Extension will be required. The advisors at your College Registrar’s Office are available to help you. Your Absence Declaration will be a key part of your petition for a Term Work Extension. 

See the Petitions Process page for more information on how to submit a petition for the Summer 2021 term. 

 

I fell sick/was interrupted when I was writing an online test. What do I do?

Contact your instructor to explain what happened as soon as you can. The instructor can work with you to determine what make-up options might be possible. If the situation is not resolved with your instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.  

Depending on the circumstances, if you need to ask for consideration past 5 business days after the end of the final assessment period, a petition for a Term Work Extension will be required. The advisors at your College Registrar’s Office are available to help you. Your Absence Declaration will be a key part of your petition for a Term Work Extension; see the Petitions Process page for information including special information for the Summer 2021 term. 

 

I have a conflict between the Summer 2021 final assessments in some of my courses (two online assessments at the same time or three online assessments in a row). What do I do?

If your conflict involves assessments scheduled with a completion window of 48 hours or less, contact the instructors of the courses in which you have a conflict for your final assessments to explain the circumstances and discuss what options might be available to you to resolve the conflict. If this discussion does not resolve the conflict, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps. 

 

If my courses are affected by my disability, can I use the Absence Declaration tool?

If you require accommodation in your course work because of your disability you should proceed as you normally would by informing your instructor about your accommodation needs by providing a copy of your Letter of Accommodation. Be sure that you continue to work with your Accessibility Advisor throughout the term so that they can help you seek accommodation best suited to your disability-related circumstances.  

If you encounter an acute illness or acute circumstances unrelated to your disability that is preventing you from doing academic work for a day or more, use the Absence Declaration tool and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation. It is also recommended that you inform your Accessibility Advisor if you use the Absence Declaration, as it will help your Advisor to know the full context of challenges you are facing.

When should an Absence Declaration be used?

In response to the effects of the pandemic, the University introduced the Absence Declaration tool to record any absence from academic work, whether for medical or non-medical reasons. You should complete the Absence Declaration anytime you are absent from academic work, not just when you have missed a specific course deadline.  

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. 

 

How do I complete an Absence Declaration?

You should complete the Absence Declaration using the tool on ACORN. If for any reason you are unable to, reach out your College Registrar’s Office to ask for their advice and help. 

 

What information should be provided on the Absence Declaration tool? How does the tool work?

The Absence Declaration allows you to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. 

You will then be offered the opportunity to consent to the University accessing information around self-isolation, if your absence is related in any way to COVID-19.  

Finally, you will be asked to review certain declarations – confirming the information is true, and your responsibility to work with your instructor to finish your needed course work – before submitting the declaration. You will then be taken back to the page confirming the declaration was successful. 

 

What happens after an Absence Declaration is submitted?

The information is recorded by the University and it may be accessed by academic units (departments, program offices) as well as by College and Faculty of Arts & Science staff. It is also monitored by the University to track absences overall. 

Your instructor will not be automatically alerted when you declare an absence. Therefore, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration so that you can discuss any needed consideration, where appropriate. Some instructors may ask their department to confirm absences reported by students to ensure that they have been entered into the system on the dates indicated by a student. 

 

Do I still need to submit a Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form?

No, you do not need to submit a VOI form. The Absence Declaration is all that is required to indicate and support an absence from academic work caused by an acute or short-lasting situation. The declaration may be used when requesting consideration from your instructor during a course, and it is considered valid documentation in some petitions to the Faculty.  

If a student has a VOI or other documentation, they can elect to submit it for consideration, but the Absence Declaration is considered enough for any instance where a student has been absent for up to 14 continuous days and where the circumstances are not particularly complex.  You are encouraged to speak to your College Registrar’s office if you are submitting a petition and want to better understand how to make the strongest case possible. 

 

Can an instructor ask me why I was absent when I complete an Absence Declaration?

The Absence Declaration is considered sufficient documentation to indicate a student absence from academic work during the defined period of up to 14 days. No further information or documentation about the absence is required when seeking consideration from your instructor. If you encounter a situation where you’re not sure how to respond to an instructor request in relation to this, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice. 

 

Can I use the Absence Declaration to receive consideration from my instructor in courses outside Arts & Science, like UTM or UTSC courses?

The Absence Declaration is used by all divisions to track absences especially due to COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms, but the instructors of courses in other divisions may require more documentation than just the Absence Declaration. If you are not sure, and if the course syllabus does not clarify this point, ask your instructor as early as possible about what documentation they may require. 

How do I submit a petition in the 2021 Summer session?

The steps to submit a petition online  are available on the Petitions Process page.

 

Is an Absence Declaration all I need to be granted a petition?

The Absence Declaration is all you need to indicate you were absent from academic work for up to 14 continuous days, and for many petitions, for example, initial Term Work Extensions. 

If a petition is being submitted because of circumstances longer than 14 days or more complex than can be indicated by an Absence Declaration, other documentation may be needed to make the petition strong. In addition, the personal statement, which is part of every petition, will play an important role to help describe what happened and when. If you have a Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VIO) form or other documentation, you can elect to submit it for consideration. You are encouraged to speak to your College Registrar’s office if you are submitting a petition and want to better understand how to make the strongest case possible.

See the Petitions Process page for more information.

 

I don’t know if I can get documentation for my petition. What do I do?

If your petition is based on an absence from academic work for up to 14 continuous days, you should use the Absence Declaration. The Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration as documentation to indicate any absence from your academic work, for medical and non-medical reasons.

Since petitions often involve complex situations and/or involve longer periods of time, the Absence Declaration may be part of a petition but may not necessarily be sufficient as the only documentation to put forward a strong petition. Refer to the Petitions Process page to see how the Absence Declaration can be used for different petition types, and what other documentation may be needed to ensure a strong petition.  

If you need to discuss further what documentation could support a petition and considerations around acquiring it, please speak to an advisor at your College Registrar’s office.

How do I register with Accessibility Services?

If you are experiencing difficulties that affect your learning and suspect you may have a disability, you may want to register with Accessibility Services.

What’s happening with Winter 2021 classes? 

Due to ongoing public health restrictions that limit non-essential travel outside the home, the Faculty of Arts & Science has moved all remaining dual-delivery A&S undergraduate courses to online delivery for the Winter 2021 term. The limited number of A&S courses that remain in-person are those that have been offered only in-person since the start of the Academic Year. These courses will continue to be carefully managed according to public health guidelines to prioritize and maximize student and faculty safety.

 

What's happening with Fall 2020 classes?

Fall term Arts & Science courses are available in-person and online and will follow public health guidelines. Students can choose to enrol in the course format that’s best for them. There are a limited number of spaces available in sections that have an in-person component.

Some programs require applied, practical, or other placement-based activities that must be delivered in person. These programs will be communicating directly with their students about how to fulfill those requirements.

Students can find delivery methods in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter Timetable.

 

When can I expect to know if my course is changing from in-person to online (synchronous or asynchronous) delivery?

Changes to the delivery method and Timetable delivery instructions will start to be updated in the Timetable as early as Wednesday, September 23, 2020 with most updates completed by Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Please note, there is a delay of 1-2 days between when a delivery method is changed in the Timetable and when ACORN will be updated.

 

I have an underlying medical condition and I don’t feel comfortable with in-person meetings. Can I be accommodated?

Yes. All but a small minority of courses in Fall 2020 have an online option for students who are unable or prefer not to attend in person. No in-person attendance or meetings will be required to successfully complete these courses with online options. The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our guiding priority, and will continue to be as we plan for the Winter 2021 term.

 

How will my in-person course assessments be delivered?

If your course has both an online and in-person section, the instructor will determine the method and type of final assessment for both sections. Your syllabus will provide more information about final assessments. Students in an in-person section may have either an in-person or online assessment. Students in an online section will only have online assessments. The Faculty is encouraging instructors and faculty members to design assessments in ways that are equitable to all students and meet the educational objectives of the course.

 

What’s happening with November 2020 convocation?

Considering ongoing public health concerns, the University of Toronto has made the difficult decision not to hold in-person November 2020 convocation ceremonies and instead will host a virtual ceremony to celebrate our graduates. For the most up to date information, please consult the Office of Convocation website.

 

Will I have to live in Toronto to complete my courses?

No. Nearly all Fall 2020 courses have an online option.

 

When will I be able to enrol in my courses for Fall 2020?

Fall 2020 course enrolment takes place in a series of enrolment periods through ACORN starting in July. Please visit the Course Enrolment page for details and updates. New Arts & Science students can find more information in our New Student Guide.

 

I'm enrolled in an in-person section of a course and the online sections are full and have waitlists. If the delivery method of my section is changed from in-person delivery to online delivery, do I keep my place in the course?

Yes. If you are enrolled in an in-person section and the delivery method changes to online, you will keep your space in the course and will not have to join any waitlists.

 

I am currently on a waitlist. Will additional spaces be added to the course to accommodate more students?

Most class sizes have been confirmed for Fall 2020, however, we are continuing to work with departments to identify opportunities to add capacity where possible. We highly recommend that you connect with your college registrar's office to get course enrolment support and to review your academic plan in the event your preferred course cannot accommodate additional students.

 

How large are in-person classes for Fall 2020-2021?

In-person class capacities have been limited to 50, including instructors and TAs, in accordance with Ontario’s Phase 3 restrictions on indoor gatherings for staffed businesses and facilities with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place.

 

What if I start out enrolled in an online course and then I decide I want to come to Toronto partway through the Fall 2020 term? Will I be able to switch to the in-person version of the course?

No, students will stay enrolled in the same section of the course. If you start in an online section, you’ll stay in an online section.

 

Other universities are offering everything online. Why isn’t U of T doing the same?

We know that many students won’t be able to travel to Toronto or can’t attend classes in person due to health and safety concerns. We also know that many students are keen to resume learning in person, provided it can be done safely for the entire community. Following public health guidelines is our top priority. More information on course delivery is available in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter Timetable.

 

Other universities are offering all of their small courses in person. Why isn’t U of T doing the same?

Our primary concern is the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Courses will be offered both online and in person and will follow public health guidelines. More information on course delivery is available in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter Timetable.

What about Y courses that started in September 2020 and end in April 2021? Will these be available completely online?

Courses will be taught in the same format throughout the 2020-21 academic year. So, if your Y course started online in the Fall 2020 term, you will complete it online in the Winter 2021 term.

 

Will any classes be taught only in person during the 2020-21 academic year?

Some programs require applied, practical, or other placement-based courses that can only be delivered in person. These programs will be communicating directly with their students about how to fulfill those requirements. If you are not going be on campus during the 2021 Winter term, and you require an in-person only course for your program, Arts & Science is committed to ensuring that you have an alternative course to progress in your program. Talk to your College Registrar’s Office about your options. 

 

Can class sizes be increased if they’re offered online?

Instructors and their academic units decide which capacities work best for their courses. Although an online learning environment doesn’t have the same physical restrictions as a classroom, many other instructional factors may constrain the course capacity. The goal of all instructors and academic units is to ensure that students experience a learning environment that supports their success in achieving the course learning objectives.

 

How are online courses delivered?

Quercus is U of T’s official learning management system, and most online course activities and assessments are delivered through this platform. Students access Quercus using their UTORid and password. Specific courses may use other platforms to deliver activities and assessments. More information is provided to students enrolled in the course through the course syllabus. The University has provided recommended minimum technical requirements for accessing online learning, which we encourage students to review.

 

Will I still get to participate in class discussions and ask questions if my course is offered remotely/online?

Interactive and collaborative learning is an important aspect of many Arts & Science courses. Faculty members and instructors will be available for questions and office hours. Opportunities to engage in discussions and projects with your classmates will also be part of many online courses, based on the course learning objectives. Quercus (U of T’s online learning management system) offers many features that allow for discussion and interaction in an online course.

 

Does the delay in the start of 2021 Winter term classes mean that I have one week less of class time?

No. In Arts & Science, we were able to shorten the amount of time allocated to timed final assessments in April 2021 due to the online delivery of most of our classes. The number of instructional days therefore remains the same.

Classes will now take place from January 11, 2021 to April 9, 2021. As well, Monday, April 12, 2021 will act as a “make-up day” for anyone who would have had a class on the statutory holiday on Friday, April 2, 2021. Most Winter 2021 final assessments for S and Y courses will be scheduled from April 13 - 23, 2021 inclusive (except for Sunday, April 18, 2021). Some final assessments may have a due date up to and including April 30. The last day of the Winter 2021 term remains the same, April 30, 2021.

 

Will any important academic dates and deadlines be changed as well?

Yes. Most deadlines and sessional dates, including deadlines for adding and dropping 2021 Winter term courses, will be extended by five business days in accordance with this shift. 

• The first day of classes was Monday, January 11, 2021. 
• Reading Week was from February 15-19, 2021 inclusive. 
• The last day of undergraduate classes will now be Friday, April 9, 2021. 
• Monday, April 12, 2021 is a make-up day for Good Friday (April 2, 2021).  
• Most Winter 2021 final assessments for S and Y courses will be scheduled from April 13 - 23, 2021 inclusive (except for Sunday, April 18, 2021). Some final assessments may have a due date up to and including April 30. This same period may be used by some instructors for missed assessments from the Winter Term. 

See the Academic Dates & Deadlines page for more information.

 

Will classes that start online switch to in-person if restrictions change?

No. Winter 2021 courses that start out as online will be held completely online and will have online final assessments. These courses will not switch to meeting in person partway through the term, even if public health guidelines change. Likewise, Y courses that started online in September 2020 will remain online throughout the academic year (i.e. through April 2020).

 

Will classes that start in-person switch to online if restrictions change?

Effective October 10, 2020, all undergraduate courses that were being offered both online and in-person switched to online-only delivery for the remainder of the 2020-21 academic year. This means that only courses that started exclusively in-person will continue to be offered in-person and will continue to follow all relevant health and safety procedures already in place. If you are in a course section that has switched from in-person to online delivery, please log on to Quercus to access your course materials, and contact your instructors if you have any questions.

 

How will you make sure I get a quality education taking courses online? Will you be training professors on how to teach courses online?

Our faculty members and instructors are working incredibly hard to offer courses using innovative teaching methods that continue to meet the exceptional educational experience that U of T is known for across Canada and around the world. We have established an Online Learning Academy for faculty members and instructors to share best practices and expertise on online teaching and are collaborating with faculty and instructors across U of T’s three campuses. We have groups of professors, staff, and related experts working together, with programs, and with instructors to support the transition of courses normally taught in person to an online environment (including some of our lab, field, and studio courses). Our experiences from the shift to online courses this past year have already helped to make a lot of progress in figuring out what does and doesn’t work well online. Rest assured that faculty members and instructors are working hard to ensure that their courses are just as engaging and enriching as they are in an in-person environment.

 

My class normally has hands-on activities but during the 2020-21 academic year, it is being adapted for online learning. Will I have an opportunity to go into a lab after the university fully reopens to gain the hands-on experience I am missing?

Faculty members and instructors are focused on transitioning as many of our hands-on learning experiences as possible to an online environment. Limits on classroom space and scheduling prevent us from offering supplementary lab or studio activities in a subsequent term, or to allow students who pass courses to retake them later so that they can participate in the in-person activities.

 

Will I have to attend online lectures/tests/final assessments at a specific time? If I do, what if I’m in a different time zone and the lectures/tests/final assessments are in the middle of night for me. Will there be accommodations?

For the 2020-21 academic year, some courses or parts of courses (lab, tutorial, seminar, etc.) are held in real-time (synchronous), which means you need to be available with internet access during the posted course times to be virtually present for lectures, discussions, or other class activities. Some courses are also asynchronous, meaning that you’ll be able to learn the material (e.g., watch recorded lectures, participate in class discussion groups) and complete the assessments for the course at times that fit your personal schedule. Information about which courses are synchronous and asynchronous is available in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter Timetable and on your course syllabus.  

Instructors and their academic units have carefully decided whether to offer their courses synchronously or asynchronously, with the goal of ensuring that the required course learning objectives are met. Because some course learning objectives may require certain activities to be synchronous, students in other time zones should consider the schedule of synchronous classes carefully when planning their course enrolment and should not expect alternative scheduling options. Students who have registered for accommodations through Accessibility Services should consult with their Accessibility Advisor for guidance. 

 

How will I be evaluated and graded in online courses?

All evaluations and assessments for Winter 2021 term courses that are offered online will also take place online. Evaluations and assessments will include assignments, tests, presentations, and final assessments. No in-person evaluation or assessment will take place for online courses. Grading is based on the Faculty of Arts & Science’s alphanumeric grading scale and U of T's Grading Practices Policy will apply.

Your syllabus will provide more information about final assessments. The Faculty is encouraging instructors and faculty members to design assessments in ways that are equitable to all students and meet the educational objectives of the course.

 

What if I don’t have reliable access to internet?

All students should begin by consulting the minimum technical requirements for participation in online learning. If you are facing financial barriers to obtaining the required technology, please contact your College Registrar’s Office to obtain information regarding your potential eligibility for a need-based bursary. If you anticipate having difficulty connecting to University websites (e.g., Quercus), please submit your question here.

 

Can I take courses at another university or college this year closer to where I live? Can these courses count towards my U of T degree?

The answer to this question depends on whether you are a new or returning student.   

If Fall 2020 was your first time studying at U of T and you chose to take courses at another university or college in the 2020-21 academic year, you will have to re-apply for admission to begin your studies at U of T in September 2021. Once you take post-secondary courses, we will evaluate whether you meet the admission criteria as a transfer applicant. Even if you were admitted as a transfer applicant for September 2020, if you take additional university/college courses in 2020-21, you will need to re-apply for admission.   

If Fall 2020 was not your first time studying at U of T, and you are a returning student, you may be eligible for transfer credit for courses completed at another university or college. Please remember that there are limits to the number of transfer credits each student can apply towards graduating and that not all courses are transferable. If you’re thinking of taking courses at an institution outside of North America, we are not able to pre-assess whether the courses will be eligible to transfer. Students who intend to graduate in June 2021 should exercise extra caution and consult with their College Registrar’s Office about the potential impact of completing their final year with transfer credits.

 

What should I do if I start missing class time due to illness?

Please note your absence using the Absence Declaration tool in ACORN and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation and to ensure you stay caught up with material. Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration. It may be helpful to email them a PDF copy of your completed form. For the 2020-21 academic year, the Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration as documentation surrounding any absence from your academic work for medical and non-medical reasons.

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday or will be longer than 14 consecutive days, please contact your College Registrar’s Office.

 

What should I do if I miss an online test or a deadline due to illness?

For the 2020-21 academic year, the Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration in ACORN as documentation to indicate any absence from your academic work, for medical and non-medical reasons. 

Please note your absence using the Absence Declaration tool found in ACORN and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation. It may be helpful to email them a PDF copy of your completed form. This way your instructor and you can consider what options may be possible within the course (make-up tests, assignment/essay extensions). Let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration. If the situation is not resolved with your instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps. 

Depending on the circumstances, if you need to ask for consideration regarding term work (a make-up test option, or an extension on an assignment) past 5 business days after the end of the final assessment period, a petition for a Term Work Extension will be required. The advisors at your College Registrar’s Office are available to help you. Your Absence Declaration will be a key part of your petition for a Term Work Extension.

See the Petitions Process page for more information on how to submit a petition for the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 session.

 

I fell sick/was interrupted when I was writing an online test. What do I do?

Contact your instructor to explain what happened as soon as you can. The instructor can work with you to determine what make-up options might be possible. If the situation is not resolved with your instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps. 

Depending on the circumstances, if you need to ask for consideration past 5 business days after the end of the final assessment period, a petition for a Term Work Extension will be required. The advisors at your College Registrar’s Office are available to help you. Your Absence Declaration will be a key part of your petition for a Term Work Extension; see the Petitions Process for information including special information for the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session.

 

I have a conflict between the April 2021 final assessments in some of my courses (two online assessments at the same time or three online assessments in a row). What do I do?

If your conflict involves assessments scheduled with a completion window of 48 hours or less, contact the instructors of the courses in which you have a conflict for your final assessments to explain the circumstances and discuss what options might be available to you to resolve the conflict. If this discussion does not resolve the conflict, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.

 

If my courses are affected by my disability, can I use the Absence Declaration tool?

If you require accommodation in your course work because of your disability you should proceed as you normally would by informing your instructor about your accommodation needs by providing a copy of your Letter of Accommodation. Be sure that you continue to work with your Accessibility Advisor throughout the term so that they can help you seek accommodation best suited to your disability-related circumstances. 

If you encounter an acute illness or acute circumstances unrelated to your disability that is preventing you from doing academic work for a day or more, use the Absence Declaration tool and contact your instructor as early as possible to discuss your situation. It is also recommended that you inform your Accessibility Advisor if you use the Absence Declaration, as it will help your Advisor to know the full context of challenges you are facing.

 

I have a conflict between the April 2021 timed final assessments (e.g., “test-like” events) in some of my courses. What should I do?

A “test-like” event is a timed final assessment that is scheduled to start and finish at a set time (e.g., 9am –11am) between April 13-23, 2021. A conflict exists when two “test-like” events, occur at the same/overlapping times or if a student has three consecutive “test-like” events in a row.

If you have a conflict as described above, contact the instructors of the courses in which you have a conflict to explain the circumstances and discuss what options might be available to you to resolve the conflict. If the conflict is not resolved with your instructors, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.

 

I have a religious conflict during the April 2021 final assessments in some of my courses. What should I do?

If you have a religious observance that conflicts with a final assessment, the Faculty of Arts & Science will allow reasonable accommodations. Contact the instructor of the course in which you have a conflict and explain the circumstances. Since students would normally be aware of upcoming religious observances as well as final assessment dates in advance, a minimum of three weeks advance notice would typically be considered sufficient. Your instructor will discuss your options and possibly reschedule your final assessment. If the conflict is not resolved through your discussion with the instructor, contact your College Registrar’s Office to discuss next steps.

 

Will I have to write an exam for my Winter 2021 courses in person?

All assessments for online Winter 2021 courses will be delivered in an online format. For these courses, you will not have to write an in-person exam to complete the course and obtain credit. The same arrangements apply to online Y (September-April) courses.

Your syllabus will provide more information about final assessments. The Faculty is encouraging instructors and faculty members to design assessments in ways that are equitable to all students and meet the educational objectives of the course.

 

I know that the Faculty of Arts & Science normally offers a service to view my exam or request a re-read. Will those services be available for Fall/Winter 2020-21 exams?

Final assessments and tests for Fall/Winter 2020-21 courses will be regulated directly by faculty members, instructors and academic units. Students who would like to view a final assessment/test and request re-grading should contact their professor/instructor.

 

I am having technical issues on Quercus during a final assessment. What should I do?

If you are having technical issues on Quercus during your final assessment, you have two options:

1. If your instructor has set up a process to help students in the course with technical issues during the final assessments, follow that process.
2. If your course does not have a process for dealing with technical issues, you should contact Information Commons directly. Call (416) 978-4357 for urgent support and email help.desk@utoronto.ca for less urgent questions. Information Commons staff will be able to review your issue and redirect you to staff who are familiar with Quercus assessments. Let your instructor know that you are in contact with Information Commons.

If one of my Fall 2020 marks is not updated by January 15,2021, can I still request CR/NCR or LWD for the course?

If a mark in any of your Fall 2020 courses is not updated by January 15, 2021, including if a mark in any of your Fall 2020 courses is amended after January 15, you have 3 business days after you receive your final mark to submit a request to your College Registrar’s Office for CR/NCR or LWD for the course.

 

What are the CR/NCR and Late Withdrawal (LWD) deadlines for Fall/Winter 2020-21 courses?

The Faculty of Arts & Science has extended the deadlines for the Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) and Late Withdrawal (LWD) options for the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. This extension will allow students an opportunity to view their final term marks before deciding if the CR/NCR or LWD option is right for them. This applies to courses offered in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session (F, S and Y courses) only.

The extended deadlines are as follows:

• Fall 2020 (F): January 15, 2021
• Winter 2021 (S and Y): May 7, 2021

These deadlines apply only to A&S undergraduate students whether they are taking courses from A&S or another U of T division. Students from other U of T divisions will follow their home division’s rules, regulations and deadlines for all courses they are taking, including courses at A&S.

 

Will I be able to see my final marks in my 2020-21 Fall/Winter F, S and Y courses before the deadline to select the Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) option?

Yes. The deadline to select Credit/No Credit option will be after course marks are available to students in ACORN. Please note all existing rules for CR/NCR still apply.

Should your course mark be delayed and you are considering a CR/NCR option, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice.

 

If one of my Winter 2021 marks is not updated by May 7, 2021, can I still request CR/NCR or LWD for the course?

If a mark in any of your Winter 2021 S or Y courses is not updated by May 7, 2021, including if a mark in any of your Winter 2021 S or Y courses is amended after May 7, 2021, you have 3 business days after you receive your final mark to submit a request to your College Registrar’s Office for CR/NCR or LWD for the course.

 

How do I add or remove a Credit/No Credit option?

Students may add or remove a CR/NCR option directly on ACORN. You are also able to view your past and present CR/NCR selections on ACORN.

Before you add or remove a CR/NCR option, make sure you understand the CR/NCR rules and when you should or shouldn't consider this option. If you have questions or need further advice, contact your College Registrar's Office.

 

Are we going to have unlimited CR/NCR in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter session?

No. Students can select CR/NCR for a maximum of 2.0 credits throughout their Arts & Science studies. Winter 2020 S and Y courses are excluded from this maximum. Any Fall/Winter 2020-21 F, Y, and S courses designated as CR/NCR will count towards the 2.0 credit maximum. You can see the total number of credits you have designated as CR/NCR in the Courses section of the Enrol & Manage area in ACORN.

 

Can F, S and Y courses from the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session that I have selected as Credit/No Credit contribute toward program requirements?

No. Any courses (F, S or Y) completed in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session with a final status of Credit (“CR”) cannot be used to satisfy program completion requirements.

 

If I already selected CR/NCR for an F or Y course, will I be able to remove this designation and then re-apply it after I see my final mark?

Yes. You can remove a CR/NCR designation that you previously selected, to allow you to see your final mark and then decide whether to re-select CR/NCR.

 

I’m a student registered in another division who is taking a Faculty of Arts & Science course in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. Do the Faculty of Arts & Science’s deadlines to remove or select CR/NCR or LWD for a course apply to me?

No, they do not. If you are not registered as an Arts & Science student, you will follow the rules, regulations, policies, and deadlines of your home division. Please consult your division’s Academic Calendar for information about CR/NCR and LWD.  

 

I am a non-degree student. Can I select CR/NCR for a course in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session?

No. The CR/NCR option is not available to non-degree students. For more information, see the Academic Calendar.

 

I’m a Faculty of Arts & Science student who is taking a course offered by UTM, UTSC or Daniels in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. Will I still be able to remove or select CR/NCR for the course according to the extended Faculty of Arts & Science deadlines?

Yes. Because you are a Faculty of Arts & Science student, for UTM, UTSC, and Daniels undergraduate courses that are eligible for CR/NCR you will follow the Faculty of Arts & Science’s deadlines to remove or select Credit/No Credit (CR/NCR) for the course. The CR/NCR option is not available for undergraduate courses from other divisions outside of those listed above, including the faculties of Applied Science & Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Education and Music.

If you are not able to remove or select CR/NCR for the course on ACORN, please contact your College Registrar's Office.

 

I am applying to a program in which marks in certain courses determine my eligibility. Will selecting the CR/NCR option for a course required for program admission have an impact on my eligibility for the program?

If you choose the CR/NCR option for a course, it will be noted on your transcript as either “CR” or “NCR”. If you need to use this course for admission to a program, please note that the final percentage mark you achieve will be available to the admitting academic unit. 

If you have a mark of CR in a course and are admitted to a program for which this course is required, the CR designation will need to be reversed for the course to count towards your program completion requirements. The final percentage mark will appear on your transcript. To request a reversal of a CR designation in order to allow a course to contribute to program requirements, please contact your College Registrar's Office. 

 

Will my application to graduate school or other subsequent studies be affected if I select CR/NCR in courses during the 2020-21 Fall/Winter session?

Students are advised to consult with faculty advisors and the prospective graduate program(s) to ensure they understand the impact of this decision on their graduate school application(s). If the graduate school to which you are applying requires confirmation of the underlying final numeric mark for a Fall/Winter 2020-21 F, S or Y course, you can request a Registrar’s Letter that will release this mark directly to the institution. To request a Registrar’s Letter, please send an email to ask.artsci@utoronto.ca. 

 

Will I be able to see my final marks in my 2020-21 Fall/Winter F, S and Y courses before the deadline to request Late Withdrawal (LWD)?

Yes. The extended deadlines for requesting LWD are as follows: 

• Fall 2020 (F): January 15, 2021 
• Winter 2021 (S and Y): May 7, 2021 

For the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session (F, S, and Y courses), you will be able to complete all of your coursework and see your final marks before determining whether you wish to select the LWD option. Should your course mark be delayed, and you are considering a CR/NCR or LWD option, please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice.  

As per our regular LWD regulations, if you have already been granted LWD from 3.0 credits, you are not eligible to request LWD from additional courses. 

 

How do I request Late Withdrawal (LWD)?

Please contact your College Registrar’s Office to request LWD. Please note that if you have already been granted LWD from 3.0 credits, you are not eligible to request LWD from additional courses.

 

Are we going to have unlimited Late Withdrawal (LWD) for the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session?

No. Students can be granted LWD from a maximum of 3.0 credits throughout their Arts & Science studies and any F, S or Y courses from the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session are included in this maximum. If you are a transfer student from UTM, UTSC, or the Daniels Faculty, any LWDs from your previous division will be included in this 3.0 credit total. 

If you have already been granted LWD from 3.0 credits, you are not eligible to request LWD from F, S or Y courses in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. 

 

I have already been granted Late Withdrawal (LWD) from 3.0 credits. Can I request LWD for F, S or Y courses in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session?

No. Please contact your College Registrar’s Office for advice on other options.

 

I am a non-degree student. Can I request Late Withdrawal (LWD)?

Yes, as long as you have not already been granted LWD for 3.0 credits across your degree and non-degree studies.

 

I’m a Faculty of Arts & Science student who is taking a course offered by another division (e.g., Daniels/Engineering/UTM/UTSC) in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. Will I still be able to request Late Withdrawal (LWD) for the course according to the extended Faculty of Arts & Science deadlines?

Yes. Because you are a Faculty of Arts & Science student, you follow the Faculty of Arts & Science’s deadlines to request LWD for a course, no matter in which division you are taking the course. 

To request LWD, please contact your College Registrar's Office. Please note that if you have already been granted LWD from 3.0 credits, you are not eligible to request LWD from additional courses.

 

How is Late Withdrawal (LWD) different than dropping a course without academic penalty?

When you drop a course before the deadline to cancel without academic penalty, the course is removed from your transcript, and no grade is recorded. When you request LWD, the course stays on your transcript with a notation of “LWD”. The LWD notation has no grade value and is not included in your grade point average calculation. Whether you request LWD or cancel without academic penalty, you do not get credit for the course. 

If you have already been granted LWD from 3.0 credits, you are not eligible to request LWD from additional courses. There is no limit to the number of courses you can cancel without academic penalty. 

 

Will my application to graduate school or other subsequent studies be affected if I am granted Late Withdrawal (LWD) in courses during the 2020-21 Fall/Winter session?

Students are advised to consult with faculty advisors and the prospective graduate/professional program(s) to ensure they understand the impact of an LWD on potential graduate school or professional school application(s). Please note: Once an LWD notation is added for a course, there is no way for the University of Toronto to provide official documentation of your original numeric grade in the course.

 

I am a Rotman Commerce student. Can I take advantage of the extended deadlines for CR/NCR and/or LWD for my program requirements (RSM/ECO courses)?

You cannot select the CR/NCR option for RSM courses except under very specific and limited conditions as outlined in each course syllabus. Please contact Rotman Commerce at rotmancommerce.info@utoronto.ca for more information. Any RSM/ECO course designated as CR/NCR cannot be used to fulfill your program requirements. You may select the CR/NCR option for non-RSM/ECO electives required for your program, up to the limit of 2.0 credits. If you decide to use an LWD for a required RSM/ECO course, you will need to re-take the course to fulfill your program requirements. 

 

I’m an Arts & Science student taking a graduate course. Can I request CR/NCR for that course?

No. The CR/NCR option is only available for A&S undergraduate students taking undergraduate courses at the Faculty of Arts & Science, UTM, UTSC, or Daniels, as long as the course is eligible for CR/NCR.

The CR/NCR option is not available for undergraduate courses from other divisions outside of those listed above, including the faculties of Applied Science & Engineering, Kinesiology & Physical Education and Music. If you have questions or need further advice, contact your College Registrar's Office.

I’m a new student beginning my studies at U of T for the first time in September 2020. Am I eligible to enter Canada?

Please visit the FAQs for newly-admitted international students for more information.

 

I’m a returning student who began my studies at U of T before September 2020. Am I eligible to enter Canada?

Please visit the FAQs for international students for more information.

 

I’m an international student currently outside of Canada. Do I need to return to campus this Fall, or can I complete all my courses online?

Students are not required to be on campus for in-person learning this Fall and can complete most courses online. There are a small number of specialized courses that have in-person learning options only. However, the Dean’s Promise has been extended to ensure that all students (domestic and international) planning to graduate in June 2021 can complete their program requirements online.

 

Is the University planning to assist students returning to Canada with quarantine requirements?

The University has developed a comprehensive plan to support students returning from abroad. The University’s Mandatory Quarantine Accommodation program started on August 15th.  

More information on this program can be found on the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students page. Additional student supports can be found here: FAQ for international students and information for newly admitted international students.

 

I’m an international student, where can I get information on returning to Canada?

Please visit the FAQ for international students page for information. Additional information for newly admitted international students is also available.

The University has developed a comprehensive plan to support students returning from abroad. The University’s Mandatory Quarantine Accommodation program started on August 15, 2020. More information on this program can be found on the FAQ for international students page.

When should an Absence Declaration be used?

In response to the effects of the pandemic, the University introduced the Absence Declaration tool to record any absence from academic work, whether for medical or non-medical reasons. You should complete the Absence Declaration anytime you are absent from academic work, not just when you have missed a specific course deadline. 

You will be able to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday, please contact your College Registrar’s Office.

 

How do I complete an Absence Declaration?

You should complete the Absence Declaration using the tool on ACORN. If for any reason you are unable to, and the opportunity has passed, reach out your College Registrar’s Office to ask for their advice and help.

 

What information should be provided on the Absence Declaration tool? How does the tool work?

The Absence Declaration allows you to add up to 14 consecutive dates for when you have been absent. You should record each day of your absence as soon as it begins, up until the day before you return to classes or other academic activities. The University uses this information to consider students for academic accommodation and to monitor overall absences. If you need to declare an absence that was before yesterday, please contact your College Registrar’s Office. 

You will then be offered the opportunity to consent to the University accessing information around self-isolation, if your absence is related in any way to COVID-19. 

Finally, you will be asked to review certain declarations – confirming the information is true, and your responsibility to work with your instructor to finish your needed course work – before submitting the declaration. You will then be taken back to the page confirming the declaration was successful.

 

What happens after an Absence Declaration is submitted?

The information is recorded by the University and it may be accessed by academic units (departments, program offices) as well as by College and Faculty registrar staff. It is also monitored by the University to track absences overall. 

Your instructor will not be automatically alerted when you declare an absence. Therefore, it is your responsibility to let your instructor know that you have used the Absence Declaration so that you can discuss any needed consideration, where appropriate. Some instructors may ask their department to confirm absences reported by students to ensure that they have been entered into the system on the dates indicated by a student.

 

Do I still need to submit a Verification of Student Illness or Injury (VOI) form?

No, the Absence Declaration is all that is required to indicate and support an absence from academic work caused by an acute or short-lasting situation. The declaration may be used when requesting consideration from your instructor during a course, and it is considered valid documentation in some petitions to the Faculty. 

If a student has a VOI or other documentation, they can elect to submit it for consideration, but the Absence Declaration is considered enough for any instance where a student has been absent for up to 14 continuous days.

 

Can an instructor ask me why I was absent when I complete an Absence Declaration?

The Absence Declaration is considered sufficient documentation to indicate a student absence from academic work during the defined period of up to 14 days. No further information or documentation about the absence is required when seeking consideration from your instructor.

 

Can I use the Absence Declaration to receive consideration from my instructor in courses outside Arts & Science, like UTM or UTSC courses?

The Absence Declaration is used by all divisions to track absences especially due to COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms, but the instructors of courses in other divisions may require more documentation than just the Absence Declaration. If you are not sure, and if the course syllabus does not clarify this point, ask your instructor as early as possible about what documentation they may require.

I cancelled my request to graduate in November 2020. Can I graduate in June or November 2021 instead, so that I can attend a ceremony?

Unfortunately, it is not possible for students who planned to graduate in November 2020, and were eligible to do so, to cancel their graduation request and request graduation for June or November 2021 in order to attend a convocation ceremony.  

Please see the Office of Convocation website for information concerning the virtual convocation ceremony, as well as for Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

The 2020-21 academic year is supposed to be my last year at U of T. I'm worried that a course I need to graduate is not available online, and I am not in Toronto. What should I do?

Arts & Science has added an amendment to the Dean’s Promise for the 2020-21 academic year, as follows: 

The Faculty has a standing Dean’s Promise that ensures A&S students can enroll in a set of courses in their final year that will allow them to graduate. For the 2020-21 academic year (from September 2020 to April 2021), the Dean is extending the Dean’s Promise due to the challenges resulting from COVID-19. While most A&S courses can be taken online throughout 2020-21, some A&S courses may only be delivered in-person. If any of these courses are required for program completion, the Dean’s Promise will be applied for students needing them to graduate. This means that for students planning to graduate in June 2021, if they choose to learn online in 2020-21 and require a course that is only being offered in-person to complete their program requirements, the Dean promises an alternative online course will be made available to them. In some cases, programs may also consider other courses already completed that could fulfill courses required for program completion.

 

I’m in the Class of 2021. What will happen with graduation ceremonies?

The University of Toronto will host a virtual convocation ceremony to celebrate graduates on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Please see the Office of Convocation website for more information, as well as for Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Can I cancel my request to graduate in June 2021 and graduate in November 2021 or next June instead, so that I can attend a ceremony?

Unfortunately, it is not possible for students who planned to graduate in June, and are eligible to do so, to cancel their graduation request and request graduation for November 2021 or next June in order to attend a convocation ceremony.  
 
Please see the Office of Convocation website for information concerning the virtual convocation ceremony, as well as for Frequently Asked Questions.

 

I need to provide an eligibility to graduate letter as part of my application for a post-graduate work permit or my application for graduate school. When will eligibility to graduate letters be produced?

For students completing their degree requirements in the Winter 2021 term, eligibility to graduate letters can be produced after the extended deadline of May 7, 2021 to request CR/NCR or LWD for Winter 2021 courses. We anticipate that we will be able to begin producing eligibility to graduate letters the week of May 17, 2021.   
 
If a letter is required before an eligibility to graduate letter can be produced, students can order an intent to graduate letter instead, which can be produced as long as all degree requirements are pending successful completion of current courses. We recommend that students confirm that an intent to graduate letter will be sufficient for their purposes before ordering this letter.

How do I submit a petition in the 2020-2021 Fall/Winter Session?

The steps to submit a petition online, and in relation to the use of the Absence Declaration, are available on the Petitions Process page.

 

Is an Absence Declaration all I need to be granted a petition?

The Absence Declaration is all you need to indicate you were absent from academic work for up to 14 continuous days, and for many petitions, for example, Term Work Extensions. 

If a petition is being submitted because of circumstances longer than 14 days or more complex than can be indicated by an Absence Declaration, other documentation may be needed to make the petition strong. In addition, the personal statement, which is part of every petition, will play an important role to help describe what happened and when.

See the Petitions Process page for more information.

 

I don’t know if I can get documentation for my petition. What do I do?

If your petition is based on an absence from academic work for up to 14 continuous days, you should use the Absence Declaration. The Faculty of Arts & Science is continuing to accept the Absence Declaration as documentation to indicate any absence from your academic work, for medical and non-medical reasons. 

Since petitions often involve complex situations and/or involve longer periods of time, the Absence Declaration may be part of a petitions but may not be necessarily be sufficient as the only documentation to develop a strong petition. Refer to the Petitions Process page to see how the Absence Declaration can be used for different petition types, and what other documentation may be needed to ensure a strong petition. 

If you need to discuss further what documentation could help a petition, especially if some documentation you might want to obtain but cannot, please speak to an advisor at your College Registrar’s Office.

 

Can I use the Absence Declaration if I petition for Term Work Extensions in courses outside Arts & Science, like UTM or UTSC courses?

Yes. If you are submitting a petition, even for a non-A&S course, you follow the Faculty of Arts & Science rules and can use the Absence Declaration in lieu of other medical or non-medical documentation to indicate your absence, as indicated on the Petitions Process page.

There seem to be more challenges with academic integrity in online courses. How is the University going to prevent and deal with cheating?

Academic integrity is one of the University’s core values and a key part of the teaching and learning relationship. Whether the learning environment is in person or online, faculty members and instructors will plan their course assessments with academic integrity guidelines as a top priority and communicate these to all students enrolled in the course. Any and all allegations of academic misconduct will be addressed through the University’s established policies and procedures. For more information, visit the Academic Integrity website.

I am registered with Accessibility Services. Can I still access accommodations for my class?

Please continue to consult your Accessibility Advisor as required. Accessibility Services can be reached through their main office line at 416-978-8060 and by email at accessibility.services@utoronto.ca.

Accessibility staff are available to answer your questions and help you to arrange telephone or Skype appointments with Accessibility Advisors, learning strategists and their adaptive technologist. In addition, the volunteer note-taking program continues to run. Volunteer note-takers continue to take notes online and to upload to the note-taking portal.

Special updates for students registered at Accessibility Services can be found on the Accessibility Services FAQ Page.

 

I am a student registered with Accessibility Services and I’m concerned about doing well in online formats. Can I request accessibility related accommodations?

We recommend you start by contacting your instructor to see what individual accommodations can be considered for your course. If this is not a realistic option, or if you still have questions or concerns, please consult your Accessibility Advisor to discuss next steps. Special updates for students registered at Accessibility Services can be found on the Accessibility Services FAQ Page.

 

I am a student who usually writes tests and exams with accessibility related accommodations. What are my next steps?

It is very important you continue to register to receive accommodations for test/exams using the Clockwork Student Portal, even if you are intending to write an ‘online’ evaluation with your class. Accommodated Testing Services will contact your instructor to make arrangements for extra time accommodations on your behalf, but it is critical that you continue to officially register with that office.   

If you wish to write at the Test Centre at 255 McCaul Street you still can do so, but it is important to reach out to Accommodated Testing Services as soon as possible to ensure staff are aware of your intention to write at the Centre and not ‘online’ with your class. If requested in advance, staff remain available at the Centre to provide you with accommodated testing. ats.info@utoronto.ca  / 416-946-8584  

The deadline for undergraduate students to register with Accommodated Testing Services, should you wish to utilize accommodations (including online examinations) for the April exam period, is March 29, 2021, as originally scheduled. 

Will there be any reductions of tuition fees and/or changes to payment deadlines during the 2020-21 academic year?

We are committed to delivering engaging and interactive courses, as well as other learning and co-curricular activities that continue to live up to the high standards and reputation of a University of Toronto education.

For the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session, there are no changes to planned tuition fees. We have reduced non-academic incidental fees for student services and athletics and recreation programs for the fall. Most programming and services continue online through video calls, phone calls, and other means. In-person services are also being offered wherever possible in accordance with public health, government, and University guidelines.  

The services offered at each campus and the incidental fees charged vary by campus. For the St. George campus:

• Hart House fees have been reduced by 20%
• Athletics (KPE Sport & Rec) fees have been reduced by 30%
• Student space fees for the St. George campus are not being charged

The fees charged reflect the costs at the various campuses and any special programs within them. In addition to the University’s fee adjustments, some student societies have reduced their fees. Please check your invoice and with the society directly for additional information. 

If you have an outstanding balance on your invoice, monthly service charges have been suspended until February 15, 2021. Check the Student Accounts website to find out how the monthly service charges will affect your invoice after February 15, 2021. 

For more information and frequently asked questions, including details about reductions to non-tuition fees, please visit the Student COVID-19 page.

 

The COVID-19 situation has made it more difficult for me to afford my university education. What can I do?

We recognize that many students are facing exceptional financial pressures because of COVID-19. We encourage undergraduate students who are facing financial hardship to contact their college registrar’s office to inquire about the possibility of need-based bursary support.

 

If I start my Fall/Winter 2020-21 term courses and am not doing well because of the online format, can I get a refund?

Students enrolled in 4.0 to 6.0 credits in the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 session pay a program fee, which is a flat fee that does not change as courses are added or dropped. These students can obtain refunds only if they drop down to 3.5 credits or fewer prior to specific dates. 

Students who are enrolled in 3.5 credits or fewer in the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session pay course fees, which are assessed based on the number of courses in which they are enrolled. These students can obtain refunds if they drop one or more courses by specific dates. 

Visit the Fees & Refunds page for more information. Students can also consult with their College Registrar’s Office for more advice about refunds and dropping courses. 

 

Why isn’t tuition being reduced?

Delivering and supporting quality online instruction requires major investments. We have committed substantial resources and effort into innovations in teaching and technology to prepare for the fall term as many academic programs continue to be delivered through online means. Some courses do include in-person components, where possible, in accordance with public health and government guidance. 

We encourage undergraduate students who are facing financial hardship to contact their College Registrar’s Office to apply for financial support.

 

Why am I paying for services and facilities I can’t access?

The University has reduced non-academic incidental fees for student services and athletics and recreation programs for the Fall/Winter 2020-21 session. Most programming and services continue online through video calls, phone calls, and other means. In-person services will also be offered wherever possible in accordance with public health, government, and University guidelines.

The services offered at each campus and the incidental fees charged vary by campus. For the St. George campus:

• Hart House fees have been reduced by 20%
• Athletics (KPE Sport & Rec) fees have been reduced by 30%
• Student space fees for the St. George campus are not being charged

The fees charged reflect the costs at the various campuses and any special programs within them. In addition to the University’s fee adjustments, some student societies have reduced their fees. Please check your invoice and with the society directly for additional information. For more information and frequently asked questions, including details about reductions to non-tuition fees, please visit the Student COVID-19 page.

I was planning on going on exchange during the 2020-21 academic year. What’s happening to exchange programs?

Fall 2020 outbound exchange programs were cancelled. Winter 2021 exchange programs are currently scheduled to continue. Please check Learning Abroad for more information. 

 

Are Research Opportunities Programs (ROPs) and Research Excursion Programs (REPs) still going to happen during the 2020-21 academic year?

The ability to offer ROPs and REPs depends on public health guidelines and travel restrictions. The University has cancelled all student activities outside of Canada until August 31, 2021. REPs will not be offered in the Fall and Winter 2020-21 terms. Visit the Research Opportunities Program page for Fall 2020 courses. 

I’m a returning student. Can I take a leave of absence?

Yes. How you take your leave of absence depends on whether you are a domestic or international student.

Domestic students who wish to take a leave of absence can choose not to enrol in courses for the year and cancel their registration for the session.

International students who wish to take a leave of absence might encounter issues with their study permit and/or post-graduation work permit eligibility. The Arts & Science Leave of Absence Policy for International Students does not apply to absences related to COVID-19 unless the student also presents serious health, personal, family, or financial issues that require a leave of absence. We recommend that international students consult with the University’s immigration advising team for more information about how a leave of absence may affect them.

 

I’m a newly-admitted Arts & Science student. Can I defer my offer of admission?

If you are unable to begin your degree studies this Fall, you may request a one-year deferral of your offer of admission. Deferrals are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Deferral requests that are approved will include deferral of eligible entrance scholarship(s) awarded (unless your award’s terms & conditions state otherwise) and the residence guarantee, if applicable. Ensure you have satisfied the conditions of your offer and paid the admission deposit (if required). Deferral applications are available on the Join U of T applicant website for students who have met all offer conditions. Please note that offers to non-degree studies and the International Foundations Program are not eligible for deferral.

 

How will I get my TCard and access to my U of T email?

Students on the St. George campus, for whom a new/replacement TCard is a requirement (for access to buildings/labs, meal plans, etc.) will be able to book an in-person appointment via CLNx. TCards are not required if you are studying remotely. Visit the TCard website for more information and to book an appointment.

New students can access their U of T email accounts after enabling their UTORids. You do not need a U of T email or UTORid to enrol in courses or pay your fees, and you can continue to access ACORN with your JOINid and password. Visit the TCard website for more information and to book an appointment.

 

If I live in Toronto, can I meet my classmates and professors in person?

Our highest priority is the health and well-being of our students, staff, and faculty. Current public health and physical distancing guidelines do not support in-person meetings between individuals who live in different households. If these guidelines change, we encourage students to socialize with each other while respecting any updated versions of the guidelines. Meetings with professors will depend, as always, on individual availability and specific health and safety needs. 

For the Winter 2021 term, regardless of changes to public health guidelines around in-person meetings, no in-person attendance or meetings will be required to complete your courses.

 

Will student clubs and societies still operate in the 2020-21 Fall/Winter session? Will I be able to participate in extracurricular events?

Yes. Although public health and physical distancing guidelines may change the way that clubs and societies operate, the opportunity to engage in campus events and connect with other students continues to be a key feature of student life at U of T. We encourage Arts & Science students who are interested in getting involved to connect with their college. The Office of the Dean of Students at each college works very closely with both college-specific and university-wide student clubs, organizations, and societies. These are great places to find community within the larger university. You might also consult a specific Recognized Campus Group, student union or course/program union directly for more information. 

See:
ULife - List of Course/Program Unions
Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) 
Student Life - Clubs and Leadership Development

 

Can I live in residence?

Please visit the University’s Residence FAQs for information and updates.

 

Will I still have access to Health & Wellness resources, including mental health services?

Yes. All University of Toronto students have access to health & wellness services, including 24/7 mental health supports in 146 languages through the U of T MySSP program. Please visit the Health & Wellness website for more information about how you can access these services. 

 

I am an international student, and I want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit when I graduate. I heard that taking courses online can make you ineligible. What does this mean for me?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has made changes to their eligibility requirements in response to COVID-19. Please see the updated Post-Graduation Work Permit rules. If you are a current student with a valid study permit and are studying online due to COVID-19, the courses you take online in these circumstances, will not impact your eligibility for the Post Graduate Work Permit as long as you complete less than 50% of your degree online. We recommend that international students consult with the University’s immigration advising team to fully understand how the situation applies to them.