Archived COVID-19 updates

The content below was last updated Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 12:00pm (Eastern)

 

As Canadians continue to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Management, in collaboration with all of our partners and stakeholders, remains committed to protecting your health and wellbeing.
 

For all Management students, this means:

  • The Management, Management Co-op, and Master of Accounting and Finance (MAccFin) offices have transitioned to virtual delivery of all student services. While our physical offices will be closed as a precaution until further notice, our team is working remotely to ensure that all Management, Management Co-op, and MAccFin students are fully supported during this period.
       
  • Given the current COVID-19 situation and the impact on learning in the Winter 2020 term, we have adapted our admissions and removals process for the BBA program to ensure that they are equitable and fair for all students currently in the BBA program or requesting entry into the BBA program.
    • For students who joined the BBA program in Fall 2019: We will be delaying any removal decisions based on grades until students have completed one additional term in the program. As such, regardless of whether you chose to take the CR/NCR for your courses, there will be no academic impact of your decision now. All students will remain in the program and their academic standing will be reassessed at the end of the Summer 2020 term.

    • For students requesting admission to the BBA programs: We will be making admission decisions for non-BBA students who joined U of T Scarborough in Fall 2019 and have requested spots in our BBA Co-op and BBA programs. We will continue to move BBA students who requested admission to our co-op programs and meet the requirements to do so.
         
    • For all other BBA students currently below the required BBA CGPA (those who joined prior to Fall 2019): Students with a CGPA below 2.0 will be assessed and removed from the program but will be able to leverage the following policy should they be able to bring their CGPA up in within the next academic term with a minimum of 2.0 credits: “Students removed from the program, for this reason, may request reinstatement if they complete at least 2.0 credits (none of which can be designated as CR/NCR) in the following session and raise their CGPA to at least 2.0. This opportunity will be provided only once.”
         
  • U of T Scarborough moved forward with remote course offerings for the Summer 2020 term, which includes MAccFin. We added sections to increase access for students across the Management and Economics program. Read the latest message from the Chair.
    • Undergraduate classes started on May 11, 2020 (rather than May 4, 2020) for the Y (12-week) and F (6-week) sessions. Final exams for F session classes will take place June 23–27, 2020. The S session will begin July 2, 2020; classes for both the Y and S sessions will end August 13, 2020. Final exams for both of these sessions will be held August 18–30, 2020. MAccFin classes started on May 4, 2020 as scheduled.
         
  • In-person classes (including academic courses and AYCE) moved online for the duration of the Winter 2020 term and there were no in-person exams.
    • To our international students who deferred an exam to August from April: If your study permit is expiring earlier than September, then you have to apply to extend your study permit before the expiry date of your current study permit (preferably 4 months in advance). Students need to have a valid study permit until they officially complete their program and either apply for their post-graduation work permit or extend their study permit to pursue their graduate studies in Canada. The International Student Centre immigration advising team is available to answer all of your questions via phone or Skype. You can book an appointment by visiting clnx.utoronto.ca to talk to one of the advisors or emailing isc@utsc.utoronto.ca.
           

We know that many of you have a lot of questions and concerns. Please refer to the FAQ below.

 

What if I am in financial need as a result of COVID-19?

  • The University is offering an Emergency Undergraduate Grant intended to assist current U of T undergraduate domestic and international students impacted by the Coronavirus. If you need immediate short-term financial relief because of unexpected expenses, please consider applying for the grant.
     
  • MAccFin students can apply for funding—emergency loans or emergency grants—through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Please contact sgs.financial.assistance@utoronto.ca for further information.
     
  • The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19. It is also available for those who are working but not making more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying. Learn more and apply now.
     

What if I am seeking work for Summer/Fall 2020?

We expect that all Management Co-op students will continue to seek work terms as scheduled.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Co-op Department consulted with co-op stakeholders and reviewed co-op work term requirements. We have received approval from the Provost’s office under the University’s Policy on Academic Continuity to reduce the minimum required work term length to eight weeks or 280 hours. The term that the University uses for this type of accommodation is an “academic disruption”.

While it is still our goal to help you secure a four-month work term, this adjustment will maximize flexibility under the current circumstances to assist both students and employers with obtaining meaningful work term experiences. As a result, you may see work term opportunities on CSM now with a length of eight weeks or with start dates that are later in the Summer or Fall semester. Please know that these roles will qualify for a work term should you choose to apply. This accommodation is currently in effect until December 2020. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your Co-op Coordinator.

  • A member of our Student Development team—Arjuna, Kathleen, Philip, Renée, Saajida, or Tracey—will reach out to you individually to go over your unique circumstances.
     
  • CSM remains available for all of your Summer/Fall 2020 seeking needs.
     
  • Resume reviews, mock interviews, and coaching sessions with Management Co-op staff will be offered virtually. Schedule an appointment via CSM at any time.
     
  • We anticipate increased video interviews and virtual events during the Summer/Fall 2020 seeking window. It is important to prepare and practice with technology such as Skype, Zoom, or others. Reach out to book a practice session prior to an actual interview or event.
     
  • Advancing Your Career Exploration (AYCE) courses will be delivered virtually. Please monitor Quercus and your @utoronto.ca inbox for updates.
     

What if I have already secured a Summer 2020 work term?

We expect that all work terms will still take place in Summer 2020 and that employers will proactively alert the Management Co-op office and students to any change in work arrangements (e.g. telecommuting).

  • If you haven’t already heard from your employer, please be proactive. Contact your employer to inquire about any possible changes in Summer 2020 work arrangements resulting from COVID-19. It is important to acknowledge that employers may be dealing with many current business changes including remote work environments. Flexibility is appreciated (e.g. adjusted start date, telecommuting, etc.). Be sure to contact the Management Co-op office to discuss any adjustments to your work term:

Phone: (416) 287-7111
E-mail: mgmtcoop@utsc.utoronto.ca
To reach a specific person on the Management Co-op team, please refer to our staff listing.
 

What if I am currently on work term for Winter 2020?

We expect that most students will be able to continue their work terms; however, employers may direct a change in work arrangements (e.g. telecommuting) in response to COVID-19. Coronavirus precautions will not negatively impact your work term credit.

For Management Co-op students:

  • If your employer has asked you to work from home, or you are considering working from home, then take the lead from your supervisor and inform the Management Co-op office immediately. We are here to support you throughout the process.

Phone: (416) 287-7111
E-mail: mgmtcoop@utsc.utoronto.ca
To reach a specific person on the Management Co-op team, please refer to our staff listing.

  • Tips and resources on how to be successful when working from home are posted on CSM.
     
  • All work term projects are due by the submission deadline of May 15, 2020.
     

For MAccFin students:

  • Academic deliverables related to your work term remain as scheduled. Please refer to your course Quercus for a detailed explanation of what is expected.
     
  • We continue to be available should you need individualized support. Contact Laura Humphries or Professor Douglas Kong for further assistance.
     

What if I am pursuing CPA designation?

Updated Information for BBA Students Pursuing the CPA Designation: Further to our communication with you regarding CR/NCR declarations, we have now received confirmation from CPA that they will accept CR/NCR declarations for courses awarded by UTSC and ensure full recognition of these courses for students during the COVID-19 response period. 

The following guidance will be applied in the transcript assessment process:

  • A CR grade awarded for a non-core course will be deemed equivalent to meeting the CPA minimum grade requirement of 50%. Non-core courses include Introductory Financial Accounting, Introductory Management Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Business Law, and Information Technology.

  • A CR grade awarded for a core course will be deemed equivalent to meeting the CPA minimum grade requirement of 60%. Core courses are all other courses except those identified as a non-core course. If a course is not clearly included as a non-core course it defaults to a core course.

  • All courses awarded a CR grade will be excluded in the calculation of the required 65% cumulative grade point average (CGPA) for entrance into our CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). CGPA is calculated by averaging all core courses. 

We understand this is a very challenging time for all of you and we hope that this guidance will be helpful to you as you make decisions whether you want to choose the CR/NCR declaration for your course(s).
 

What if I am pursuing CHRP/CHRL designation?

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) has made temporary policy changes regarding transcripts and the coursework requirement to earn the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation. Please consult the HRPA website for the most up-to-date information.
 

What impact will CR/NCR courses have on my graduate school applications (e.g. getting into the MAccFin program)?

Graduate school admissions requirements vary across programs and universities, meaning there is a wide range of possible outcomes when considering CR/NCR courses.

Generally speaking, the CR/NCR option is NOT recommended if you will need to provide your grades when applying to graduate or professional schools.

  • The numerical or letter grade in courses taken on a CR/NCR basis will not appear on your transcripts and will not be released or reported in any way.
     
  • When dealing with a graduate degree prerequisite course, admissions committees may calculate a CR at the lowest possible passing mark; however, if a student receives NCR, then it will be calculated as a zero. MAccFin calculates GPAs this way and abides by CPA guidelines.

Admissions committee members may question your decision to exercise a CR/NCR option when they review your application. Therefore, if you opt for a CR/NCR, you should explain why in your statement of interest.
 

What if I am currently working or studying abroad?

The University is monitoring developments involving COVID-19, including the Canadian government’s latest advisory for all Canadians to return home. Management Co-op and MAccFin staff have reached out to every Management Co-op student who is currently abroad to provide urgent information and support. If you have any questions or concerns while working or studying internationally, please contact us:

What mental health support services are available if I am feeling overwhelmed?

  • The U of T Scarborough Health and Wellness Centre is open for same-day appointments by phone. Call (416) 287-7065 to book a personal consultation.
     
  • The My SSP App (My Student Support Program) provides all U of T Scarborough students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential 24/7 counselling support for free. Support is available in over 146 languages and you can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are. Download the My SSP App via the Apple App Store or Google Play, or call 1-844-451-9700.
     

Where can I find the most up-to-date information for the entire U of T community?

  • Information pertinent to all U of T Scarborough students, faculty, and staff will continually be updated on the campus's COVID-19 response page.
     
  • Additionally, the University's main Coronavirus website features the latest news and announcements from President Gertler as well as links to public health resources including travel advisories and guidance on self-isolation.