To our U of T Engineering community
There’s a lot going on right now, in our personal worlds and the wider world around us, and I know it can feel overwhelming or scary. Here in Toronto we’ve just turned the clocks back, and there are fewer daylight hours. Our students are in the midst of mid-terms, today is a heated presidential election in the U.S., and the global pandemic continues to deliver worry and uncertainty.
I wanted to drop a note to remind everyone — whether you’re a first-year undergraduate or tenured professor — that mental health and stress affects us all. Next week, November 9-13, is the first Fall Break for undergrad students, and this should be an opportunity to disconnect from work as much as you can, reconnect with friends and family, and get outside for a bit of fresh air. It’s a good time to check in with yourself and ask for help if you need it — and remember that at one time or another, we all do.
We each respond to pressure, grief, loneliness or stress in different ways. I want to remind you there is help available 24/7. Wherever you are in the world, please know that these resources and supports are available to you:
- U of T My SSP (available in multiple languages): 1-844-451-9700; or download the app: uoft.me/myssp
- Navi, an anonymous virtual agent that provides students with information to help navigate mental health resources and make decisions about seeking appropriate supports.
- Good2Talk student helpline: 1-866-925-5454, free 24/7 for those in Ontario or Nova Scotia
- For staff and faculty, Employee & Family Assistance Program: 1-800-663-1142
We are all human, and we are trying our best. Let’s support each other however we can, and continue to reach out.
Chris
Chris Yip
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
To our U of T Engineering community
I’ve been so gratified and impressed to see how everyone has tackled this Fall term with optimism, enthusiasm and support for your fellow students, staff and faculty members. As we hit the mid-point of the term, I know workloads can start to feel daunting — I wanted to check in and share some updates.
Take a bit of time for yourselves
Though it can feel counterintuitive, sometimes stepping away from your screen is the best way to help yourself. For me, I need to take that break during a whole day of online meetings and email — so going for a walk during lunch, getting some fresh air, just disconnecting for a bit is so refreshing. We’ve collected several options for mental health and wellness resources for Engineering students, staff and faculty — it’s always smart to ask for help, whether you’re feeling school stress, grief, loneliness or confusion about the future. Our Fall Break for undergraduate students is coming up in the week of November 9-13, and that can be a good chance to take a rest or resume a hobby. Although we’re remote, we’re not alone — we are in this together.
Plans for the Winter term
We’ve been closely watching the data and guidance from governments and public health officials as we continue planning for the Winter term. At this point, our remote access guarantee remains in place for the Winter term. That means that all undergraduate and graduate students will be able to complete their academic requirements remotely, regardless of where in the world they are studying from. The reality is that most courses will be delivered primarily remotely. We hope to be able to offer in-person experiences on campus, and continue to evaluate the pandemic situation before we share specifics on what’s possible. We all want to be back to normal as soon as we can — we will keep you updated.
International students travelling to Toronto
Some good news: many of our international students will now be able to enter Canada after changes to COVID-19 travel restrictions that took effect Tuesday, 20 October 2020. The change in study permit restrictions applies to all international students, regardless of where they are coming from or when their study permit was approved. Details on the requirements are on the Vice-Provost Students FAQ for international students.
Visiting and working on campus
For all students, staff and faculty who plan to work or study on campus, it is mandatory to complete a self-assessment through the UCheck tool before arriving on site. The web-based tool takes users through a short series of questions and can be completed on any device with an internet connection. A reminder that students, staff and faculty must wear non-medical masks in all common-use areas, and follow physical distancing protocols — for example, when meeting one-on-one in an office, maintain distance and keep masks on. If more than two people need to meet, find a larger space, or if weather allows, head outdoors.
As days get shorter, it’s important that we maintain our connections — so please keep in touch. We are meeting this challenge head-on and I know that we’re all doing our very best for ourselves and each other.
Chris
Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto
To our U of T Engineering community
In June, I wrote to students, staff and faculty that anti-Black racism and prejudice have no place here in U of T Engineering, in academia, or in society more broadly. The Faculty reaffirmed its commitment to Black inclusivity through a number of existing and new initiatives, including implementing more Black-specific K-12 outreach programming, expanding race and demographic data collection, streamlining pathways to disclose incidents of discrimination or harassment, and hosting conversations addressing anti-Black racism and unpacking active allyship.
We have a long way to go to truly eradicate anti-Black racism within ourselves and our institutions. In U of T Engineering we are committed to doing this work continuously. And while the pursuit of equity and empathy is an everyday mission, on Sept. 9 and 10, 2020, many academics throughout Canada may, in their own unique ways, acknowledge and protest against the unjust police brutality perpetrated against many Black people across Canada and the United States.
U of T Engineering classes on Sept. 10 will continue as scheduled, and there are many ways that our community can participate — including taking time that day to learn more about issues around anti-Blackness, Black inclusivity and ways to act in solidarity. This first day of classes offers an opportunity to come together online and engage with resources on addressing anti-Black racism, learn more about the Black Canadian experience or learning more about how the Faculty is working toward addressing Black inclusivity in our community.
As learners, teachers and researchers, as a professional school, and as citizens of this Faculty and members of society, we all have a responsibility to act against anti-Black racism and to serve as agents of change. We recognize the importance of continuing to shed light on these important issues and support our students, faculty and staff as we educate ourselves and act confront racism wherever it arises.
Chris
Christopher Yip
Dean
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
University of Toronto