Dear A&S undergraduate students,
I hope this latest message finds you well in the midst of this difficult situation. I also hope that you’re finding ways and opportunities to adapt to the situation, as best you can, in your daily lives. I’ll keep my remarks relatively brief, as I know you have a lot to contend with at the moment.
I have been heartened to hear from many of you that your transition to online course delivery has been relatively smooth. I’ve also heard from many of you, however, that you are experiencing stress related to deadlines — many of you are moving out of residence, travelling home, have limited Internet access, and have less than ideal workspaces.
Please know that I have reminded all instructors about the many challenges that you are experiencing. I have urged them to be flexible whenever possible and to act with understanding and compassion. I know many already are, and will. I will continue to convey these encouragements and sentiments to them and to department chairs, academic directors, and college principals.
If you are unable to meet a deadline due to personal challenges related to COVID-19, your first and best course of action is contact your instructor directly. Following that, if you still require assistance, please contact your college registrar or program administrator.
I’d also like to take the opportunity to remind you of the following:
- A&S COVID19 – Student FAQs are updated throughout the day in response to the questions we receive from you.
- Instructors are aware of the need to provide accommodations for students registered with Accessibility Services. Students registered with Accessibility Services should continue to contact Accessibility Services to receive accommodations and supports (Accommodated Testing Services).
- If you or a fellow student you know is feeling distressed, please use and recommend the resources available to you, including 24/7 counselling services, on the U of T directory of health and community contacts. In an emergency, call 911.
I wish you the best of luck with your continued studies.
As always, take care of yourselves and those around you.
Best Regards,
Melanie A. Woodin
Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science
Professor, Department of Cell & Systems Biology
University of Toronto