2020 Fall Term & 2021 Winter Term
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 about U of T Engineering’s 2020 Fall Term, 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 Fall 2020 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.
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. If an item isn’t available through Hathi, students, staff or faculty can make a request for curbside pick-up at Robarts Library, the U of T Mississauga library or U of T Scarborough library. (U of T Libraries expects to expand curbside service to other libraries on campus, too. Please check individual library websites for updated information.)
Libraries across the three campuses will also quarantine books that are physically loaned out for at least three days after they are returned.
On the St. George campus, the Robarts and Gerstein libraries will reopen their doors, although the stacks will remain off limits. At Robarts, floors one to five will be open to students looking for a quiet place to study, as will Gerstein’s main floor. Furniture in study spaces will be spaced out or taped off to facilitate physical distancing. Those who need research support can reach out via the Ask Chat with a librarian service, request a virtual consultation with a librarian or take a workshop.
Students will continue to have access to library equipment such as computers, scanners and printers. They 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.
Study space on campus
On-campus, physically-distanced study space is available at some U of T libraries. This space is available to U of T students, faculty, and staff.
Athletics and recreation
Effective midnight October 10, 2020, and for a minimum of 28 days, the province has closed all indoor gyms and fitness centres in the City of Toronto, Region of Peel and City of Ottawa. In consideration of these new provincial measures, and in an effort to support public health efforts, the University has made the decision to suspend all indoor sport and physical activity programs for the 28-day period. For more information:
- Facilities located on the St. George campus: Sports and Rec programs and Hart House fitness facilities
- University of Toronto Mississauga
- University of Toronto Scarborough
The status of these facilities may change as public health guidance is revised.
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.
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 2020 Fall Term. Remote access remains available.
As a result of the closure, students cannot print documents using their ECF print quotas. ECF is investigating alternative solutions to accommodate students' printing needs.
2020 Fall Term & 2021 Winter Term Courses (Delivery, registration, enrolment, remote access)
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.
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 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.
We are planning to augment remote learning with limited, optional in-person experiences*, including, perhaps, physically-distanced office hours, in-person lecture, tutorial or practical sections, access to common rooms, 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 in a format that contributes in a meaningful way to our students’ learning. If we are able to safely offer in-person experiences in the 2021 Winter Term, we will likely not be able to confirm those details until later in the 2020 Fall Term.
Special note: Students will not be able to enrol into in-person sections of Engineering courses through ACORN. Students will have opportunities to opt into limited, optional, in-person sections of Engineering courses for which they are already registered (not waitlisted) starting mid-October, provided they can confirm they will be available and in Toronto to attend all in-person sections. Details will be communicated to students in October. Students should note that there may be more requests for in-person sections than can be accommodated. Students will be informed of their enrolment on November 1, 2020, and waitlists will be opened after that time.
For the 2021 Winter Term, we anticipate that all final assessments for engineering courses will be completed remotely — whether a student is enrolled in an in-person* offering of the course, or a remote offering — to ensure fairness to all U of T Engineering students.
A reminder: all timetable information related to the 2021 Winter Term is subject to change due to the evolving nature of COVID-19.
This information is specific to Engineering courses, and does not apply to courses offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science.
The University is planning to welcome students in residence this Fall and is making preparations to ensure your home for the school year is safe and comfortable. We know that for some students, residence is an important part of the university experience. The most up-to-date information about residence can be found on the Provost’s site.
*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.
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 Assessments / Exams
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 late withdrawal (LWD) policy.
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.
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.
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.
Source: Accessibility Services COVID-19 FAQs
Travel
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.
As of October 20, 2020, international students meeting the conditions listed below will be able to come to Canada regardless of the date of issue of their study permit, approval letter, or the country from which they are travelling.
All of the following requirements must be met:
- Have a study permit or study permit approval letter (“port of entry letter of introduction”) issued by Immigration Canada. An “approval in principle” is not enough. Students who have received approval in principle/stage 1 pre-approval, must still wait for a final decision regarding their study permit application.
- Have either an eTA or TRV (“entry visa”) if applicable, along with their passport. USA citizens are exempt from the eTA/TRV requirement.
- Show evidence of registration at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (such as U of T) which has a formally approved COVID-19 readiness plan. The University of Toronto including all campuses and colleges is an approved DLI. It is strongly recommended that you bring an updated confirmation of enrolment letter to support your entry to Canada. Arts & Science students can download this directly from ACORN, while others can request this from their registrar’s office.
- Must register for a U of T quarantine program which can be completed at a U of T designated space, or in their own appropriate non-U of T space. All travellers must show evidence of their quarantine plan to CBSA upon arrival. To do so download the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) or use their accessible web app to submit the mandatory information required for entry into Canada. The app allows you to easily and securely submit the necessary information within 48 hours before arriving in Canada, speeding up the arrival process. If you cannot use any of these options, you can still provide the information upon arrival. Your U of T Quarantine confirmation message includes the necessary information. If you will be quarantining at your own location, you’ll need to provide your own location details.
Students meeting these requirements are considered to have a non-discretionary reason to enter Canada.
Dependents who are coming to live with the international student in Canada are also considered to have a non-discretionary reason for travel; however, short-term visitors to Canada are still not permitted to enter for the foreseeable future.
For more details visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html#exemptions.
If you have further questions about your right to enter Canada after reviewing the information above, each campus has a team of advisors that can answer your questions.
Mississauga international.utm@utoronto.ca
Scarborough isc@utsc.utoronto.ca
St. George isa.cie@utoronto.ca
Cross-posted from COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto Students.
The University has developed Principles for 14-day mandatory quarantine for students entering Canada as part of the broader UTogether2020: Roadmap for U of T.
U of T’s Mandatory Quarantine Accommodation program started August 15, 2020. For details on the program, please visit the Vice-Provost’s website for regular updates.
Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel & Tourism site for updates related to travel within and outside Canada.
The Faculty is currently planning to deliver Engineering courses both online and with a limited number of optional in-person opportunities for the 2021 Winter Term.
Details regarding the 2021 Winter Term will be dependent on the advice of public health officials and the government. Meanwhile, students should select courses for the Winter Term based on the currently published timetable. Updates will be provided in the fall as details are confirmed.
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.
