IMA COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions - Ryerson University

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IMA COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
 1. What will courses at IMA look like this Fall? What can I expect?
    In the Fall 2020, most courses will be delivered remotely with the exception of key production
    courses in Film, Photography, and Integrated Digital Option programs, as well as in F+PPCM
    and Documentary Media graduate programs. These will use the blended approach in
    delivery, meaning a combination of in-class and online teaching. For more about Ryerson’s
    approaches to teaching with technology (blended learning, technology enhanced learning,
    and online learning), please visit the eLearning at Ryerson site.

 2. How will I know if the course I am taking is synchronous or asynchronous?
    Instructors will use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching in their
    courses. They will use D2L Brightspace to post materials for students for asynchronous
    delivery and will rely on Zoom for synchronous teaching. This will be explained to you in the
    course syllabus and in greater detail on the first day of your class.

 3. What does synchronous and asynchronous learning mean?
    Synchronous learning allows you to learn at the same time with your classmates and in the
    same ways. Live video streaming on Zoom or in Google Hangouts, as well as live chats in
    D2L Brightspace and Jamboard in Google Suite, may be used in synchronous teaching.
    Asynchronous learning allows you to learn the same material at different times from your
    classmates and when it is most convenient for you. Asynchronous learning also makes it
    possible for students in different time zones and from different locations to have the same
    opportunities to learn.

 4. I have a production class that will be partially held in-person. Am I required to
    attend in-person? Will I miss important information and an opportunity to
    learn?
    No, you are not required to attend in-person components of the course and you will not miss
    an opportunity to learn. All in-class portions of blended courses will be streamed live on Zoom
    for synchronous access and/or recorded for later, asynchronous access. So, you will have
    access to the same content of the lecture and studio instructions as your colleagues, minus
    the hands-on experience of learning with physical technology in your hands.

 5. I am an international student and/or completing my Fall 2020 in a different
    time zone, will I be able to enroll in synchronous courses?
    IMA programs will be offering a mix of synchronous and asynchronous virtual courses.
    Asynchronous learning makes it possible for students to access the same course content and
    learn at any time. To ensure inclusive remote learning opportunities for IMA students,
    synchronous and in-person parts of the course will be recorded and made available for later,
    asynchronous access. Students living in time zones other than Eastern Standard Time
    should consult with their individual instructor to check if time zone issues may pose a problem
    in successfully completing their course.
6. What do I have to know to be ready for remote delivery courses?
   The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning created the Continuity of Learning page
   for students, which covers all aspects of remote learning at Ryerson to get you started. This
   page includes information and step-by-step instructions on finding your way around D2L
   Brightspace, how to join online meeting or lecture, collaborating with Google Suite,
   completing a test or an exam with Respondus, final exams and assessments, and additional
   resources to help you in learning (free software and virtual tools, learning support services,
   library support and research assistance, etc.). Please visit the Continuity of Learning page for
   more information: https://www.ryerson.ca/centre-for-excellence-in-learning-and-
   teaching/learning-guide/#online-meetings

7. What technology should I have to be successful in my program?
   Students enrolled in the Fall courses are expected to have access to a computer and the
   Internet to be able to participate in the remotely delivered courses. Information about the
   minimum technology requirements (computer, computer peripherals, Internet access, and
   software) to access Ryerson University’s online learning resources can be found on
   https://www.ryerson.ca/covid-19/students/minimum-technology-requirements-remote-learning/
   Please note that individual programs and courses may have additional requirements. This
   information will be communicated to you by your instructors in your first class.

8. I need additional technical resources to participate in my virtual courses.
   Where do I find them?

       ●   The Library has various resources and services available to help students with
           remote learning. It has laptops and mobile internet hotspots available (in limited
           supply) for remote lending for student use within Ontario. This is a service provided
           by the Ryerson Library to assist students who require access to technology in order
           to complete courses remotely during COVID-19. Users will need to complete and
           submit this online request form to access this program. Students who are
           experiencing hardship as a result of the pandemic will receive priority.
               ❖ Information about the Laptop Loan Program
               ❖ Fall 2020 – a request form for a Library mobile internet hotspot term loan,
                   subject to availability. Deadline to make a request: September 4, 2020 at 12
                   p.m.
               ❖ Fall 2020 – a request form for a Library laptop term loan, subject to
                 availability. Deadline to make a request: September 4, 2020 at 12 p.m.
               ❖ Note: Requests submitted after the Sept. 4 deadline will be considered but
                 supplies are limited. Some laptops and mobile internet hotspots may be
                 returned earlier in the term, so continue to check-in with the Library.
               ❖ The Library also has other equipment (computer peripherals) available in
                 small supply for loan to students, including microphones, cameras and
                 tripods.

       ●   Software to access Ryerson online resources and participate in online learning is
           available to you for free: Google Suite, Microsoft Office 360 Education, and Zoom.
       ●   Individual instructors will discuss with you course-specific software and equipment
           requirements.
9. Will students have the possibility of choosing the NCR/CRD to replace actual grades
   in Fall 2020 as they did in Winter 2020?
   No, that option will not be available; however, the deadline to drop classes without academic penalty
   will be extended this term to December 7, 2020 for the fall term.

10. Will my fees be the same with remote vs. in-class teaching?

   In some cases fees have been adjusted (i.e. Ancillary Fees). Fees are determined by the
   Registrar's office. The fees for Fall 2020/Winter 2021 will be available on the Registrar's Fees
   Detail website; students can contact the Service Hub with questions about fees. You can use
   the Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Fees Detail chart to understand how fees are calculated, and what
   your fees might be depending on the number of courses you take.

11. What Library resources are still available and who do I speak to about
    accessing research resources for my capstone project and major
    assignments?

   All information about library services, including research help, appointments, loans, and
   online resources is posted on the Library website:
   https://library.ryerson.ca/blog/2020/05/library-resources-and-services-for-students/

   Alison Skyrme and Sonny Benerjee are Subject Librarians for undergraduate and graduate
   programs at the School of Image Arts. Sonny works with students and faculty in the Film
   Program and Alison in the Photo Program, Documentary Media, and FPPCM. You can
   contact them to help you with your research and to access important learning resources for
   your capstone projects, MRPs, theses or other major assignments.

12. Where can I find important dates and deadlines to add/swap/drop courses for
    Fall 2020, payment for tuition, Winter 2021 course intention?
   Students can refer to the significant dates on the Undergraduate Calendar website.

13. I am registered with Academic Accommodation Support, how will I receive support
    this Fall?

   Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) is currently providing remote support to students.
   Please refer to the FAQs on their COVID-19 Updates website and or contact your Academic
   Accommodation Facilitator.

14. I am a graduate student. How will graduate studies continue virtually?
   The Yeates School of Graduate Studies has created a COVID-19 Continuity site for graduate
   students. Please check this site for the most updated information relating to graduate studies.

15. I am an international student. Where can I find information and critical updates
    for international students?
   https://www.ryerson.ca/studentaffairs/covid-19-service-updates/
16. What resources are available to Image Arts students at Ryerson to help them
    navigate the challenges of university life, especially on a virtual campus?

   Student Success Centre at FCAD
   Deploying a holistic approach to support students in their university experience, Student Success
   Centre at FCAD provides students with assistance in several areas: academics, careers, health
   and wellness, and extra-curricular.

   Personal counselling:
   Students can contact the Centre for Student Development and Counselling

   Academic counselling:
   For academic support, Ryerson's Tri-mentoring program matches students up with peer
   mentors. The Student Learning Support Centre provides a number of services, including the
   Writing Centre, that promote academic success. This centre also provides academic support
   for graduate students, including graduate writing groups, MRP and thesis online workshops,
   and one-on-one consultations.

   Financial Assistance and Funding:
   For information on financial assistance, funding, awards, CERB and OSAP visit Student
   Financial Assistance Office https://www.ryerson.ca/covid-19/students/financial-assistance-
   and-awards/

   Job Opportunities and Career Development:
   For information about on campus jobs, Ryerson’s job board and career development
   resources, including help with resumes and interviewing, visit the Career & Co-op Centre. Job
   opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are also available at the Student
   Learning Support Centre. Other work opportunities for graduate students include Research
   Assistant, Graduate Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Lab Monitor, and Exam Invigilator.

   Other:
   Consider joining IMA Course Union, one of Ryerson student groups, or start a new student
   group.

17. What additional resources and services are available to me in the city and the
    province, and where can I find them?
   Community and Social Services: Healthcare (finding a doctor, walkin clinics, medical
   centres), Child/Family Services, Housing, Food, Emergency and Crisis Services, Mental
   Health, Income Support and more:
       ○ https://www.211toronto.ca/
       ○ https://211ontario.ca/

   Mental Health and Counseling Resources
     ●    To speak with a trained counsellor by phone at any time, please call the Good2Talk
          24/7 line for post-secondary students at 1-866-925-5454. Visit good2talk.ca for further
          details.
     ●    If you are experiencing an emotional crisis and need immediate assistance, please
          contact the Gerstein Centre http://gersteincentre.org/ 24/7 Distress Line at 416-929-
          5200.
     ●    Big White Wall is an online peer-to-peer support community for mental health.
          https://www.bigwhitewall.com/?lang=en-ca
●     Online counselling services that you may be able to use your benefits for:
                   ○     Connect with a licensed therapist for mental health help online through Maple
                         https://www.getmaple.ca/providers/psychotherapist-counselling/
                   ○     Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online through BetterHelp
                         http://www.betterhelp.org/
          ●     CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) emergency at College and Queen
                locations in Toronto. CAMH webpage on Mental Health and COVID19 Pandemic
                (latest news, FAQs, and coping with stress and anxiety, quarantine and isolation,
                stigma and prejudice) https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19

Further Info:

Term Start-Up: Fall 2020: https://www.ryerson.ca/registrar/index/updates/fall-2020/
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