Updates related to your graduate studies

On Thursday, April 16,  the following email was sent to the graduate student community:

To: Graduate students

Cc: Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies, Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies, Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators, Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs, The Centre staff, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff

From: Jeffrey Casello, Associate-Vice President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)

Subject: Updates related to your graduate studies

Note: This email is for information and action (as appropriate)

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks; I am very grateful for your ongoing resiliency as we continue in this unchartered territory together. I’m pleased to share a series of updates that have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each update includes appropriate links for more details – please take some time to review as there are significant changes that continue to evolve.

1.      GSPA has created a web page with COVID-19 updates for graduate students where you can find timely and regular updates; check back often.

2.      For winter 2020 courses, you have an option to request credit (CR) or no credit (NCR) instead of a numeric grade.  Review the process to request the change, and the implications thereof.

3.      GSPA and the faculties have revised (and extended) time restriction limits to accomplish specific academic milestones and outcomes.

4.      The University is working to provide certainty around student funding in spring 2020. Review the updates, including the new Student Emergency Support Fund.

5.      The Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the University have worked collaboratively to lower your incidental fees for spring 2020.

6.      GSPA and the faculties have developed a set of revised and expanded research and supervisory expectations to promote student wellness and academic progression.  

7.      The University has extended the program completion deadline for spring 2020 convocation; you have until April 30, 2020 to apply to graduate and complete all your degree requirements by May 15.  See the graduation checklist for additional details.

8.      GSPA has launched an online process for you to Petition for Exception to Academic Regulations - Graduate Students (Form 70A).

9.      GSPA has developed a helpful work from home and remote resources tips web page, specifically for graduate students.

10.  GSPA and the faculties have created new processes for remote defences (and other milestones).

11.  The University library is working with specific faculties to provide access to necessary research materials.  The scope of this work is expanding, as possible, with input from GSPA. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Thank you to those of you who joined GSA president, Naima Samuel and me for the live question and answer Zoom meeting on March 31.  Join us for upcoming faculty-specific graduate studies virtual symposia to have your questions answered – these are taking place starting next week – see details on the events page and check your inbox for additional details.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to contact your graduate program co-ordinator, your supervisor or contact me directly.