This page serves to supplement the notices posted by the University of Toronto, Office of the Vice-Provost, Students and the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
To answer many of the questions you may have regarding the 2020–2021 academic year, we have compiled a detailed FAQ section that answers a series of questions U of T Engineering undergraduates might have about the upcoming year.
The Faculty will update the FAQs regularly as new information is confirmed. We encourage you to visit this page often for new updates.
If after reviewing the FAQs, you still have a question that is not addressed here, please email us at registrar@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Special Note
Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Changes will likely occur as the province and its municipalities adjust to new data about the virus. In these circumstances, please be advised that the manner of delivery of courses, co-curricular opportunities, programs and services is subject to change, in accordance with University policies. The University thanks its students, faculty, and staff for their flexibility during these challenging times as we work together to maintain the standards of excellence that are the hallmark of the University.
Quick Links to Additional Resources
- Information about the 2020-2021 academic year at U of T
- FAQs for International Students
- Admission Updates and FAQs Regarding COVID-19
- First Year Office FAQs
- For students applying to residence for the 2020 Fall Term
- U of T Engineering Guide to First Year
- Recommended technology requirements for remote/online learning
- Accessibility remote/online learning updates for students
- COVID-19 Health & Wellness updates for patients and visitors
- OSAP FAQs
- Arts & Science COVID-19 FAQS
Please find frequently asked questions (FAQs) that are specific to undergraduate students taking courses with U of T Engineering below. This page will be continually updated as more information is available.
Student Services / St. George Campus
To limit occupancy and help slow the spread of COVID-19, access to University buildings is restricted to members of the U of T community, with various measures in place to protect the health and safety of community members.
Provincial regulation and public health guidance require that post-secondary institutions implement COVID-19 health screening for anyone coming to campus. This means that all members of our community, including faculty members, librarians, staff, and students, must complete a self-assessment each day they visit any one of the three U of T campuses or any other property owned or operated by U of T. There are two ways to complete the required self-assessment and generate a risk status each time you come to U of T: by using UCheck, or by completing a paper-based or offline self-assessment log. Please visit this COVID-19 self-assessments page for more information.
Libraries:
U of T students continue to have access to all electronic resources available through the library’s catalogue, including e-books, online journal article databases, primary source databases and streaming videos. Students at U of T also have remote access to 2.5 million books and other references through the online repository, HathiTrust.
Students will also be able to log into a library computer remotely to use specialized software, including data analysis and design tools.
Please visit the University of Toronto Libraries information page for the most up-to-date information on library services.
Athletics and recreation
For information about virtual programming and in-person programming (as available) on U of T’s three campuses, please consult the websites below:
- Facilities located on the St. George campus: Sports and Rec programs and Hart House fitness facilities
- Recreation, Athletics and Wellness at the University of Toronto Mississauga
- Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough
The status of these facilities may change as public health guidance is revised.
Under current provincial health guidelines, Toronto remains in the "Grey — Lockdown" zone. Provincial and City of Toronto guidelines outline what kinds of activities are permitted outside your home. U of T Engineering’s remote access guarantee remains in effect, and the vast majority of student services and supports are accessible remotely.
The ECF computer labs are currently closed to the general public, including U of T students. The closure will remain in place for the duration of the 2021 Summer Session. Remote access remains available.
The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering has entered into a partnership to allow you to apply your ECF print quota to printing via the Staples portal, which may be picked up at any Staples store location in Canada. For further information, including instructions on how to use this service, please visit the Staples Printing page on the ECF Student Services website.
Residence is an important part of the university experience and we’re excited to welcome students to campus. If you applied to live in residence, your experience will be a little different than what you imagined, but U of T’s goal is to make your residence life as fulfilling as possible and to support you every step of the way.
Please visit the University’s FAQs on residence for more information.
Cross-posted from COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto Students.
Courses (Delivery, registration, enrolment, remote access)
U of T Engineering undergraduate courses will be delivered remotely in the 2021 Summer Session. The remote access guarantee remains in place for all students. This includes summer programming, such as undergraduate research placements, and the University of Toronto Engineering Academy for students entering their first year in the 2021 Fall Term.
This information is specific to courses offered by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and does not apply to courses offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science.
Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Changes will likely occur as the province and its municipalities adjust to new data about the virus. In these circumstances, please be advised that the manner of delivery of courses, co-curricular opportunities, programs and services is subject to change, in accordance with University policies. The University thanks its students, faculty, and staff for their flexibility during these challenging times as we work together to maintain the standards of excellence that are the hallmark of the University.
Please keep checking these FAQs and the University’s UTogether FAQs, for the latest information.
The Faculty’s primary motivation as we plan for January is to protect the health and wellness of our community — this includes undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, researchers, industry partners, alumni and friends. That’s why we are focused on ensuring that we deliver an excellent semester through remote learning.
With all classes, lectures, and course events offered online, we are able to make a remote access guarantee, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements, including final summative assessments, without delaying their graduation. The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2021 Winter Term.
To give everyone a bit more of a rest before we begin classes again, the University is extending its planned Winter Break this year. For U of T Engineering students, this means:
- The University will re-open on Monday, January 4, 2021, as planned. Essential services and supports will be available.
- The first day of classes for undergraduate students will be Monday, January 11, 2021.
- Reading Week will still be five days as planned, from February 15-19, 2021, inclusive.
- The last day of undergraduate classes will now be Friday, April 16, 2021.
- Monday, April 19, 2021, will be the Winter Study Day.
- Our final summative assessment period will begin on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, and will include the weekend if needed. The last day of the final summative assessment period will be April 30, 2021.
- Other key administrative deadlines and sessional dates will be extended in accordance with the shift. The Academic Calendar will be updated to reflect these changes. For fees related dates and deadlines, including the refund schedule, please visit the Student Accounts website.
- The registration period for PEY Co-op and ESIP will also be extended, running from January 6-20, 2021.
We’ve managed to make this adjustment without reducing any instructional days — so students will still be able to move through the course material as originally planned.
For the 2021 Winter Term, we anticipate that all final summative assessments for engineering courses will be completed remotely to ensure fairness to all U of T Engineering students.
This information is specific to Engineering courses. For updates on other U of T faculties, please visit their websites.
*Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve. Changes will likely occur as the province and its municipalities adjust to new data about the virus. In these circumstances, please be advised that the manner of delivery of courses, co-curricular opportunities, programs and services is subject to change, in accordance with University policies. The University thanks its students, faculty, and staff for their flexibility during these challenging times as we work together to maintain the standards of excellence that are the hallmark of the University.
To give everyone a bit more of a rest before we begin classes again, the University is delaying the start of Winter Term classes by one week.
For U of T Engineering students, this means:
- The University will open on Monday, January 4, 2021, as planned. Essential services and supports will be available.
- The first day of classes for undergraduate students will be Monday, January 11, 2021.
As such, a number of sessional dates for the 2021 Winter Term have been shifted forward. The Academic Calendar will be updated with the revised dates and deadlines. For information on fees and the refund schedule, please visit the Student Accounts website.
The Faculty’s primary motivation as we plan for September is to protect the health and wellness of our community — this includes undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, researchers, industry partners, alumni and friends. That’s why we are focused on ensuring that we deliver an excellent semester through remote learning. All classes, lectures, and course events will be offered online.
We are also making a remote access guarantee, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final exams. The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the Fall 2020 Term.
We hope to be able to augment our remote learning with limited, optional in-person experiences, including perhaps socially distant office hours, group projects, or extra- or co-curricular opportunities. However, we continue to take guidance from public health authorities and governments, and cannot forecast when it may be safe to do so. If we are able to safely offer in-person experiences, we will likely not be able to confirm those details until much later in the summer or even early Fall.
Visit U of T Engineering’s 2020-2021 Fall-Winter Registration & Enrolment Guide for detailed information on how to register for the upcoming academic session.
Have a question that’s not addressed by the Guide? Email registrar@engineering.utoronto.ca.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, the student timetable will include additional information about how the course content will be delivered. The course instructor will provide the specific expectations of the course. For other Faculties, please review their timetables and course delivery plans.
The possible course delivery methods include:
- Online, synchronous: An online course with scheduled meeting times (posted in ACORN) when a student may be expected to participate in activities. Lectures classified as synchronous will be recorded for 2020 Fall Term for students who are not available at the scheduled time. The course may have optional in-person meetings.
- Online, asynchronous: A course delivered online that does not have scheduled meeting times in ACORN. Students are expected to keep up with course work throughout the term.
- In-person: A course that will be delivered in-person and has scheduled meeting times posted in ACORN. Students are expected to attend all meeting sections for in-person courses.
Synchronous online engineering lectures will be recorded. The recordings will available to students signed up in the synchronous lecture section that was recorded. Students will be able to review recorded lectures at a time that works best for them during the day.
In synchronous online engineering courses, the synchronous element of the course may not be the lecture, depending on how the Instructor decides to deliver their course. Instead, the synchronous aspect could be office hours or a tutorial, etc. This information will be communicated to students via the Instructor at the beginning of the course.
If you dropped a course after November 2, 2020, and would like to be re-instated in that course, you must contact your Academic Advisor by November 13, 2020.
Orientation
The 2T0 Orientation Committee is working hard to bring you the best possible virtual F!rosh Week experience to welcome you into your first year at the University of Toronto. Traditionally, F!rosh Week is held in person on U of T's St. George campus. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve dedicated our resources to creating an outstanding virtual orientation experience for every 2T4.
Orientation registration opened June 25, 2020.
F!rosh Week’s Instagram and Facebook pages are populated with fun facts about U of T Engineering and F!rosh Week. They will be updated frequently with new content throughout the summer. Their blog has helpful tips and advice from upper-year students about how to navigate university.
F!rosh Week social media:
- Instagram: @froshweek
- Facebook: @froshweekuofteng
- Official 2T0 Orientation blog
- YouTube
If you have any questions, comments or concerns about F!rosh Week, email the 2T0 Orientation Committee at froshweek@orientation.skule.ca.
Technology
The University recommends that you acquire a personal computer to support your learning needs. While a suitable system may be Windows- or macOS-based, a laptop can offer you additional flexibility. Please visit www.uoft.me/techspecs for full recommendations. You will also be able to access any software required for class.
The University of Toronto is pleased to announce the availability of a new network service – Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network (CEN). It is a free service available to all students.
Alibaba Cloud Enterprise Network is located in the People’s Republic of China and will allow for a fast, reliable and consistent connection to U of T’s network and in turn its online learning resources such as Quercus, Piazza, and more.
To learn more, and for installation instructions, please visit here. If you are a new student, please note you will need to activate your UTORid, and can do so by following instructions for receiving a Tcard.
Grades & Final Summative Assessments
The Faculty’s Examinations Committee understands that remote learning due to COVID-19 has presented a challenging learning environment for many students. As such, in consultation with the Engineering Society and U of T Engineering undergraduates, the Examinations Committee has made some changes to the Faculty’s late withdrawal (LWD) without supporting documentation policy (Academic Regulations, section VIII, subsection 8) for the current term.
LWD Policy Updates
The Faculty’s existing policy on late withdrawal (LWD) from a course without documentation applies to students who wish to withdraw from courses after the withdrawal deadline, but prior to the last day of classes. Traditionally, upper-year U of T Engineering students are only permitted to use the LWD option for electives and there are specific rules regarding the use of the LWD option for first-year students.
For the 2021 Winter Term, the Examinations Committee is permitting U of T Engineering undergraduates (years 1 through 4) to use the late withdrawal option (LWD)* for electives and core courses (to a maximum of 1.0 credits). The deadline to select the LWD option has been extended to May 14, 2021. The deadline will be extended by the Committee on Examinations for courses where final grades are not released by at least one week prior to the LWD deadline.
*The last date to cancel or withdraw from a course with no academic penalty may not always coincide with the last date a student is eligible to receive a refund. The refund schedule and deadlines are posted at studentaccount.utoronto.ca. If you have questions or concerns about how selecting the LWD option will affect your academic status, academic progression, full- or part-time status, or financial obligations (i.e. OSAP, grants, etc.), please consult your Academic Advisor.
LWD Notation on Transcript
If a student chooses the late withdrawal (LWD) option for a course, a notation of “LWD” will appear on the student’s transcript in place of the earned grade and no credit will be retained for the course.
LWD & Scholarships & Dean’s Honours List
Students considering selecting the LWD option should be aware of existing policies around late withdrawal (Academic Regulations section V) as they still apply.
For example, if a student reduces their academic load to less than a full load as defined by the student’s year and program of study, the change may make the student ineligible for certain scholarships and the Dean’s Honours List. Full-time students must retain at least 2.0 credits (four half-courses) to be eligible for the Dean’s Honours list.
LWD & Academic Progression & Course Prerequisites
If a student is considering selecting the LWD option for a core course or elective, they should consult their Academic Advisor to ensure they are aware of the potential impact on their academic progression.
LWD & Graduation with Honours & High Honour Status
Selecting the LWD option will not negatively affect a student’s ability to pass a term with honours or graduate with honours, if otherwise applicable.
LWD Deadlines
The 2021 Winter Term deadline to select LWD for core courses and electives is now May 14, 2021.
LWD & Final Summative Assessments
Students who select the LWD option before the deadline are not required to write the final summative assessments for those courses.
2021 Winter Term Course Drop Deadlines
February 22, 2021, is the deadline to cancel Y (full-year) courses without academic penalty.
March 15, 2021, is the last day a U of T Engineering undergraduate can drop 2021 Winter Term Engineering or Arts & Science courses, or withdraw from the term without academic penalty.
The Difference in Transcript Notations for Dropped Courses Versus LWD Courses
If you dropped a course or the term in advance of or on the March 15, 2021, deadline, the affected course or term was completely removed from your transcript. If a student does not drop a course and later selects the LWD option, the course will have an “LWD” notation on a student’s transcript instead of the earned grade.
How Late Withdrawal (LWD) or Dropping a Course Affects OSAP Funding or Re-Assessment
If a student received OSAP funding for full-time studies for the full academic year (Fall and Winter terms combined), provided the student remains enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 1.5 credits per term or 1.0 if a student is registered with a permanent disability) and there is no adjustment to the student’s fees, there will be no impact to the student’s OSAP funding if they select the LWD option.
A student must pass a minimum of 3.0 credits or 2.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions. If a student has received OSAP funding for full-time studies for one term only, they must pass a minimum of 1.5 credits or 1.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions.
Have questions related to OSAP? Email awards@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Have a question? Let Us Help!
Please review all the information above carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to the Office of the Registrar or your Academic Advisor.
LWD Form
If you plan to use the late withdrawal option, the form is located on the LWD page on the undergraduate site and must be submitted to your academic advisor by May 14, 2021.
If you drop a 2021 Winter Term course or the term in advance of or on the March 15, 2021, deadline, the affected course or term will be completely removed from your transcript.
If a student does not drop a course and later selects the LWD option, the course will have an “LWD” notation on a student’s transcript instead of the earned grade.
The last date to cancel or withdraw from a course with no academic penalty may not always coincide with the last date a student is eligible to receive a refund. The refund schedule and deadlines are posted at studentaccount.utoronto.ca.
If a student received OSAP funding for full-time studies for the full academic year (Fall and Winter terms combined), provided the student remains enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 1.5 credits per term or 1.0 if a student is registered with a permanent disability) and there is no adjustment to the student’s fees, there will be no impact to the student’s OSAP funding if they select the LWD option.
A student must pass a minimum of 3.0 credits or 2.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions. If a student has received OSAP funding for full-time studies for one term only, they must pass a minimum of 1.5 credits or 1.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions.
Have questions related to OSAP? Email awards@engineering.utoronto.ca.
The Faculty’s remote access guarantee for the 2020 Fall Term and 2021 Winter Term will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final assessments or exams.
The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2020 Fall Term or 2021 Winter Term.
The preliminary 2021 Winter Term final summative assessment schedule is available on the undergraduate site; your instructor will communicate any changes or updates to your final summative assessment details to you by March 15, 2021.
Students are responsible for knowing the details of their final summative assessments, as provided by their instructors. If, by March 15, 2021, you have not received your summative final assessment details from an instructor (i.e. format, date and time, permitted aids, required hardware/software), please contact them directly.
As always, you are expected to adhere to the Faculty’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Your instructors may ask you to sign mandatory pledges to that effect and have you submit them along with your final summative assessments.
Additionally, unless otherwise stated by your instructor, all internet forums and other forums of communication are prohibited during the writing of your final summative assessments.
Please review the information below regarding time zone conflicts, schedule conflicts and religious observance conflicts.
Time Zone Conflict
A student may submit a final summative assessment time zone conflict if a time-based final summative assessment is scheduled between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) – 6 a.m. local time for the student. An example of a time zone conflict is when the final summative assessment is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. (EST), but this coincides with 2:00 a.m. local time for the student.
Final summative assessment time zone conflicts must be submitted to the Faculty through the term-work petition system, which is located in the Engineering Portal; do not complete a final exam petition for time zone conflicts. Time zone conflict petitions must be submitted between March 8, 2021, and March 22, 2021 (new extended deadline). Time zone conflict petitions submitted after the extended March 22, 2021, deadline may not be accepted.
Instructors will provide accommodations for approved petitions. Those accommodations may include, but are not limited to, rescheduling the final summative assessment for a student, offering the final summative assessment in a different but comparable format, or asking the Committee on Examinations to grant a student a deferred final summative assessment (June 2021). Decisions will be communicated to students by March 30, 2021.
The Faculty reserves the right to request supporting documentation to support time zone conflicts.
Schedule Conflict
Two final summative assessments scheduled to start and finish during any six-hour window or three final summative assessments scheduled to start and finish during any 24-hour period will be considered a schedule conflict. If you have a final summative assessment schedule conflict that you wish to petition, you must contact your Academic Advisor by March 30, 2021. Petitions submitted after this deadline may not be accepted.
Religious Accommodation
The Faculty remains committed to accommodating students who have direct religious conflicts with planned final summative assessments. If a direct conflict exists between the time that a final summative assessment must be completed and a student’s religious commitment, the student must contact the Registrar’s Office (exams@engineering.utoronto.ca) by March 30, 2021. In cases where there is a reasonable, conflict-free time frame to complete the requirements of the final summative assessment (e.g., approximately three hours), special accommodations will not be required. Requests for accommodations submitted after the deadline of March 30, 2021, may not be accepted.
Accommodations for Final Summative Assessment Conflicts
Instructors are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with affected students, but ultimately the instructor has the discretion to choose the accommodation. Accommodations may include but are not limited to:
- Offering a different time slot for the timed assessment.
- Creating an equivalent substitute assessment (e.g., oral exam, take-home exam).
- Requesting that the Examinations Committee assign a deferred exam for the student (typically offered during the following term).
You still need to register with Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) for each assessment or exam. You will find details for all assessments or exams in the syllabus for each course. We recommend registering for all of your term tests as soon as possible so that you don’t miss registration deadlines throughout the term. The deadline to register is 14 days before each assessment or exam.
For each of your bookings, ATS will contact your instructor or department administrator to get the details of the assessment.
Please note that in order to implement your accommodations online, they will be shared on a need-to-know basis. They may be shared with your instructor and/or department administrator, depending on your department’s processes and the platform being used. If you have questions or concerns about who your accommodations will be shared with, please contact ATS.
Once your accommodations have been implemented, you will receive a confirmation email from ATS. ATS will aim to notify you a minimum of two business days prior to your assessment, however there may be delays depending on when they hear back from your instructor/faculty.
Visit Accessibility Service’s website for more information and regular updates. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you need to re-register with Accessibility Services for the upcoming academic year, or if you're already auto-registered, we encourage you to contact them directly to confirm.
For the 2020 Fall Term and 2021 Winter Term, U of T Engineering students who are absent from class (including final summative assessments) for any reason (e.g., COVID-19, other illness or injury) and require consideration for missed academic work must report their absences through the University’s online absence declaration tool. The declaration tool is available in ACORN under the Profile and Settings menu. Engineering students must also complete a term-work petition for missed term work or a final exam petition for missed final summative assessments.
U of T has temporarily suspended the need for doctor’s notes or medical certificates for any medical-related absence from academic participation at the University. Documentation, however, is required for absences related to other (non-medical) reasons; strong documentation typically results in a stronger petition.
Students are not encouraged to write a final summative assessment if they feel their performance will be severely affected by illness. The Examinations Committee is less likely to grant a petition after the student has attempted the final summative assessment.
If you experience internet or computer issues, please collect as much documentation as possible regarding the issue and submit this documentation with your petition. Some examples of possible documentation include:
- Taking a picture with a cellphone or camera or taking a screenshot of the issue on your computer. The photo should be time-stamped if possible.
- Report from an outage website, the government, electric utility, your internet service provider, or other sources to confirm internet disruption or power failure.
- Obtaining a letter confirming the outage (e.g., from your internet provider, building manager, etc.).
If a petition is approved, the Examinations Committee will assign an accommodation after consulting with the course instructor. Due to the Faculty’s remote access guarantee for the current academic year, most courses do not have closely supervised work, and, as a result, assessed grades will not always be possible. Deferred final summative assessments will be employed when necessary.
The Faculty’s Examinations Committee understands that remote learning due to COVID-19 has presented a challenging learning environment for many students. As such, in consultation with the Engineering Society and U of T Engineering undergraduates, the Examinations Committee has made some changes to the Faculty’s late withdrawal (LWD) without supporting documentation policy (Academic Regulations, section VIII, subsection 8) for the current term.
LWD Policy Updates
The Faculty’s existing policy on late withdrawal (LWD) from a course without documentation applies to students who wish to withdraw from courses after the withdrawal deadline (November 9, 2020), but prior to the last day of classes. Traditionally, upper-year U of T Engineering students are only permitted to use the LWD option for electives and there are specific rules regarding the use of the LWD option for first-year students.
For the 2020 Fall Term, the Examinations Committee is permitting U of T Engineering undergraduates (years 1 through 4) to use the late withdrawal option (LWD)* for electives and core courses (to a maximum of 1.0 credits). The deadline to select the LWD option has been extended to January 15, 2021. The deadline will be extended by the Committee on Examinations for courses where final grades are not released by at least one week prior to the LWD deadline.
*The last date to cancel or withdraw from a course with no academic penalty may not always coincide with the last date a student is eligible to receive a refund. The refund schedule and deadlines are posted at studentaccount.utoronto.ca. If you have questions or concerns about how selecting the LWD option will affect your academic status, academic progression, full- or part-time status, or financial obligations (i.e. OSAP, grants, etc.), please consult your Academic Advisor.
LWD Notation on Transcript
If a student chooses the late withdrawal (LWD) option for a course, a notation of “LWD” will appear on the student’s transcript in place of the earned grade and no credit will be retained for the course.
LWD & Scholarships & Dean’s Honours List
Students considering selecting the LWD option should be aware of existing policies around late withdrawal (Academic Regulations section V) as they still apply.
For example, if a student reduces their academic load to less than a full load as defined by the student’s year and program of study, the change may make the student ineligible for certain scholarships and the Dean’s Honours List. Full-time students must retain at least 2.0 credits (four half-courses) to be eligible for the Dean’s Honours list.
LWD & Academic Progression & Course Prerequisites
If a student is considering selecting the LWD option for a core course or elective, they should consult their Academic Advisor to ensure they are aware of the potential impact on their academic progression.
LWD & Graduation with Honours & High Honour Status
Selecting the LWD option will not negatively affect a student’s ability to pass a term with honours or graduate with honours, if otherwise applicable.
LWD Deadlines
The 2020 Fall Term deadline to select LWD for core courses and electives is now January 15, 2021.
LWD & Final Summative Assessments
Students who select the LWD option before the deadline are not required to write the final summative assessments for those courses.
2020 Fall Term Course Drop Deadlines
November 9, 2020, was the last day a U of T Engineering undergraduate could drop 2020 Fall Term Engineering or Arts & Science courses, or withdraw from the term without academic penalty.
The Difference in Transcript Notations for Dropped Courses Versus LWD Courses
If you dropped a course or the term in advance of or on the November 9, 2020, deadline, the affected course or term was completely removed from your transcript. If a student does not drop a course and later selects the LWD option, the course will have an “LWD” notation on a student’s transcript instead of the earned grade.
How Late Withdrawal (LWD) or Dropping a Course Affects OSAP Funding or Re-Assessment
If a student received OSAP funding for full-time studies for the full academic year (Fall and Winter terms combined), provided the student remains enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 1.5 credits per term or 1.0 if a student is registered with a permanent disability) and there is no adjustment to the student’s fees, there will be no impact to the student’s OSAP funding if they select the LWD option.
A student must pass a minimum of 3.0 credits or 2.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions. If a student has received OSAP funding for full-time studies for one term only, they must pass a minimum of 1.5 credits or 1.0 if registered with a permanent disability to avoid OSAP academic probation or restrictions.
Have questions related to OSAP? Email awards@engineering.utoronto.ca.
Have a question? Let Us Help!
Please review all the information above carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to the Office of the Registrar or your Academic Advisor.
LWD Form
If you plan to use the late withdrawal option, the form is located on the LWD page on the undergraduate site and must be submitted to your academic advisor by January 15, 2021.
The preliminary 2020 Fall Term final summative assessment schedule is available on the undergraduate site; your instructor will communicate any changes or updates to your final summative assessment details to you by November 2, 2020.
The standard final summative assessment length, unless otherwise specified by an instructor, is 2.5 hours, plus a 30-minute submission time. Instructors will offer time-based final summative assessments (i.e. 2.5 hours, plus 30-minute submission time) or an alternate format (example: submission deadline for a 2.5-hour exam in a 24-hour window of time, etc.).
Students are responsible for knowing the details of their final summative assessments, as provided by their instructors. If, by November 3, 2020, you have not received your summative final assessment details from an instructor (i.e. format, date and time, permitted aids, required hardware/software), please contact them directly.
As always, you are expected to adhere to the Faculty’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. Your instructors may ask you to sign mandatory pledges to that effect and have you submit them along with your final summative assessments.
Additionally, unless otherwise stated by your instructor, all internet forums and other forums of communication are prohibited during the writing of your final summative assessments.
For the 2020 Winter Term only, U of T Engineering undergraduates had the option of choosing how their grades were recorded on their transcripts, which included percent (%) grades (per normal) or they could opt for the Credit / No Credit (CR/NCR) option after seeing their final grades.
The temporary Credit / No Credit option for U of T Engineering students that was in place for the 2020 Winter Term is NOT available for U of T Engineering students for the 2020 Fall Term. This includes courses taken in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and other faculties.
Please ensure you review the course drop deadlines for the term and the Faculty's revised late withdrawal (LWD) policy for the 2020 Fall Term as outlined in an email sent to all U of T Engineering undergraduates on November 6, 2020, and in the 2020 Fall Term FAQs.
If you have concerns about your Fall Term courses, term work or grades, we encourage you to connect with your Academic Advisor to discuss any issues.
Travel
The Government of Canada has announced that they will process study permit applications in time for the 2021 Fall Term if the applications are submitted by May 15, 2021. Details are posted online.
If you have not already done so, please begin the process of applying for your study permit before May 15, 2021. After that date, there is no guarantee that your visa will be processed in time for the start of the 2021–2022 academic year.
The University has posted pre-recorded webinars on how to apply for a study permit from outside of Canada. On the Immigration Workshops & Info Sessions web page, click on “Program Registration” for a link to the recorded sessions.
For the most current information regarding entry to Canada and pre-arrival information, please review the Vice-Provost's FAQs.
For the most current information regarding quarantine requirements and accommodations, please review the Vice-Provost's FAQs.
Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel & Tourism site for updates related to travel within and outside Canada.
U of T Engineering has made a remote access guarantee, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final assessments/exams. The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2021 Summer Session.
U of T Engineering has made a remote access guarantee, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final assessments/exams. The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2021 Winter Term.
No. U of T Engineering has made a remote access guarantee, which will allow every one of our students to complete all academic requirements remotely, including final assessments/exams. The remote access guarantee means that for those who cannot be in Toronto, or choose to stay home, you will be able to continue your programs uninterrupted. Students will not be required to attend classes, labs or tutorials in person during the 2020 Fall Term.
We hope to be able to augment our remote learning with limited, optional, in-person experiences, including, perhaps, physically distanced office hours, group projects, and extra- or co-curricular opportunities. However, we continue to take guidance from public health authorities and the government and cannot forecast when it may be safe to do so. If we are able to safely offer in-person experiences, we will likely not be able to confirm those details until much later in the summer or even early Fall.
Financial Matters
The University has reduced non-tuition incidental fees that go to student services and recreation programs for the summer session and have made similar reductions for the Fall Term.
No changes have been made to planned tuition levels as academic programs continue to be delivered through alternative means and some will include in-person components where possible in accordance with public health and government. We encourage students who are facing financial hardship to visit the Funding Opportunity Directory.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please email Pierina Filippone (awards@engineering.utoronto.ca), Assistant Registrar, Financial Aid & Scholarships to discuss your situation.
The 2020-2021 OSAP application is available through the OSAP website.
For more information, visit the University’s Financial Aid website, which includes FAQs regarding OSAP.
The University of Toronto is working to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing emergency financial support and work-study opportunities for students. The new Funding Opportunity Directory provides resources to access those University financial aid supports as well as provincial and federal government programs. The page will be updated regularly.
Source: Funding Opportunity Directory
International students who are studying remotely outside of Ontario, Canada, for the full Fall Term are able to dis-enrol from the University Health Insurance Program (UHIP) from October 1, 2020, to November 1, 2020, by completing an online application form.
Once approved, a student’s UHIP coverage will be cancelled and the associated fees will be removed from the student’s account in ACORN; if a student has already paid their UHIP fees, the fees will be credited back to their account.
Students’ UHIP coverage and associated fees will be activated again automatically for January through August 2021. If border restrictions continue, we will provide more information regarding how to dis-enrol for the 2021 Winter Term in January.
Important notes:
- Students are required to contact the UHIP Office to re-activate their coverage as soon as possible if they arrive in Canada before the end of the semester.
- Students studying from another province or territory in Canada for the Fall Term should follow instructions for UHIP exemptions on their website (section Considerations and Exceptions).
- Have a question regarding your eligibility to dis-enroll from UHIP for the 2020 Fall Term? Email: uhip.information@utoronto.ca.
Additional information can be found on the UHIP website.
Health
There are a number of resources you can access to find current information regarding the pandemic, what to do if you’re not feeling well, COVID-19 testing, and best practices to stay healthy.
Visit these resources regularly for updates:
We know that this year has been difficult for many. The Faculty is committed to fostering a culture of care and support. The Faculty’s new Mental Health Programs Officer put together a web page of the mental health resources and supports that are available to all U of T Engineering students.
For the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on mental health, you might find the following helpful:
My Student Support Program (MY SSP)
U of T’s My SSP provides students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour counselling support in 146 languages.
Navi: Your Mental Health Wayfinder
U of T students now have a more streamlined way to discover mental health resources and supports. Navi, short for navigator, is a chat-based service that acts as a virtual assistant for students who want to learn more about the mental health supports available to them at the University of Toronto.
Wellness Together Canada
Wellness Together Canada was recently funded by the Government of Canada in response to the spike in incidences of mental distress since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The site provides online support for mental health and addiction by providing customized wellness programs and provides self-guided courses and apps, an online community of coaching and support, and one-to-one counselling.
CAMH Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
It is normal to feel anxious and afraid while we deal with the effects of this pandemic. We know this situation is stressful for everyone; people living with mental illness and addictions may be finding it especially difficult to cope. If you or someone you know is struggling, the resources on the CAMH Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic site are there to support you. Remember: no matter where you are or what you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Accessibility
If you are registered with Accessibility Services, you can continue to contact your Accessibility Advisor.
The Accessibility Services Office remains open virtually. Connect with them by telephone (416-978-8060) or email (accessibility.services@utoronto.ca). Updates on Accessibility Services offerings, deadlines and updates can be found on their website.
You still need to register with Accommodated Testing Services (ATS) for each assessment or exam. You will find details for all assessments or exams in the syllabus for each course. We recommend registering for all of your term tests as soon as possible so that you don’t miss registration deadlines throughout the term. The deadline to register is 14 days before each assessment or exam.
For each of your bookings, ATS will contact your instructor or department administrator to get the details of the assessment.
Please note that in order to implement your accommodations online, they will be shared on a need-to-know basis. They may be shared with your instructor and/or department administrator, depending on your department’s processes and the platform being used. If you have questions or concerns about who your accommodations will be shared with, please contact ATS.
Once your accommodations have been implemented, you will receive a confirmation email from ATS. ATS will aim to notify you a minimum of two business days prior to your assessment, however there may be delays depending on when they hear back from your instructor/faculty.
Visit Accessibility Service’s website for more information and regular updates. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you need to re-register with Accessibility Services for the upcoming academic year, or if you're already auto-registered, we encourage you to contact them directly to confirm.
Petitions
Engineering students who are absent from class for any reason (e.g., COVID-19, other illness or injury) and require consideration for missed academic work should report their absence through the online absence declaration. The declaration is available in ACORN under the Profile and Settings menu. Students will also need to complete a term-work or final exam petition depending on the type of petition.
U of T has temporarily suspended the need for doctor’s notes or medical certificates for any medical-related absence from academic participation at the University. Documentation, however, is required for absences related to other (non-medical) reasons; strong documentation typically results in a stronger petition.
Please review the individual petition pages for complete details:
General
Students can remove their face coverings to eat or drink in common-use areas of U of T Engineering buildings with fixed seating that is not signed as restricted. They can also eat in approved areas within each Department, Institute or Division, as well as in on-campus food locations provided by U of T Food Services.
If you have a question regarding the upcoming academic year that you cannot find an answer for, you can contact the University through an online form.
If the question is related to U of T Engineering, please email registrar@engineering.utoronto.ca and we'll do our best to find an answer for you.
