Student FAQ

Learning Online

Have a look at the Student Resources page to get started with your online learning experience.

You can also Contact Us if you have any queries or need help.

The University of Toronto office of Online Learning has setup this guide to let you self-assess your current skills for taking an online course and help you prepare

Have a look at this blog by Teresa Avery who talks about how to make the most of your online learning experience. Read Alexandra’s blog on time management for students and Preeti Raman’s blog post on how to strike a balance between work and pleasure. Also, visit our Student Resources page to access resources that can help you with learning online.

In these unprecedented times, it is extremely important for you to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. Have a look at our Wellness Page which enlists some great ideas and resources on mental and physical wellbeing.

The OISE Library though physically closed, continues to provide support for your learning. 

The OISE Library provides many other supports for students and you are always welcome to email any of the OISE librarians directly with your questions. We’re here for you! Their contact information is listed in the staff directory. OISE students also have access to academic writing supports from the OISE Student Success Centre (OSSC) as well as the University of Toronto’s Student Support Program (SSP).

Online Learning Technologies

The University has set out this guide for online learning technology requirements

If you encounter technical problems while taking an online course in PeppeR or Quercus, you may consult the relevant user guides for some basic trouble shooting ideas.  

If you need further support, and encountered a problem with PeppeR, you can use the ‘Send Help Request’ under the Help menu to seek assistance. 

If you encounter a problem with Quercus, you can first check the System Status page available on the University of Toronto home page, or visit https://www.systemstatus.utoronto.ca/ to see if the problem is a University-wide issue. You can also explore the Quercus Student Blog on Basic Troubleshooting for some tips to quickly fix the problem. Alternatively, you can contact the relevant help desk support for your location or Information Commons, Robarts Library – 416-978-HELP (4357) –help.desk@utoronto.ca 
https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/ic-homeLinks to an external site. 

You can find some how-to video resources on Zoom here and read Preeti Raman’s blog on your first class on Zoom. Also, have a look at the Zoom security resources on the Education Commons website.

Accessibility & Equity

You can register as a New Student with Accessibility Services if you know your UTORid or JOINid and password, and you are requesting an appointment with their office for the first time.

Step 1:  Obtain required documentation 

Review the Disability Documentation Requirements and select the disability category that best suits your disability or health concerns.  

Have your documentation available in a scanned .PDF or similar format.   

Step 2: Complete our online Student Intake Form 

Have your UTORid or JOINid and password ready. 

Upload your documentation and complete the questionnaire using the secure online Student Intake Form portal. 
Our Intake Coordinator will review your documentation for completion, and will contact you regarding the next steps. 

Step 3: Intake Appointment 

Our Reception Staff will contact you regarding an intake appointment.  You must attend the intake appointment to receive your accommodations.  

If you need assistance with the online form due to disability-related reasons, or you have questions about our documentation requirements, please contact our Front Desk by phone: 416 978 8060 or email: accessibility.intakes@utoronto.ca 

 

You should discuss your renewal with your Accessibility Advisor.  A phone or videoconference can be arranged through the Front Desk by phone:  416 978 8060 or email at  accessibility.services@utoronto.ca

Special updates for students registered at Accessibility Services can be found at: COVID-19 and Accessibility Services.

 If you are experiencing difficulties that impact your learning and you suspect that you may have a disability, you may want to register with Accessibility Services. Follow the steps as outlined for New Student registrations above. 

If you need assistance with the online form due to disability-related reasons, or you have questions about our documentation requirements, please contact our Front Desk by phone: 416 978 8060 or email:   accessibility.intakes@utoronto.ca 

 

The Accessibility Services at UofT provides supports and services for learning, problem-solving and inclusion.

As for specific peer to peer connections, we are introducing an e-mentorship program in July for students new to U of T (at any level). This is the extent of our capacity right now, as based on a survey, students indicated a higher interest in group supports than 1-1 peer supports.

In terms of volunteering, we are not looking into this at this time – again a resource capacity piece. We are a very small group dedicated to programming, so volunteer opportunities are not a possibility. We are however hiring for an Orientation & Transition Assistant work-study student (live on CLNx). 

Support

The Family Care Office provides services to current students, staff and faculty.  They provide confidential guidance, resources, referrals, educational programming and advocacy. Generally, the office provides information on topics such as planning for a child, finding childcare or schools, or information on dealing with elder care or caring another loved one.

No, the Family Care Office does not have a helpline.  You can call the office at 416.978.0951 from Monday to Friday from 9-5. Our services are for current students, staff or faculty. 

During the pandemic the Family Care office has webinars & blogs that may be of interest. One is titled: Working and Caring for Kids While Social Distancing that enlists resources for parents who are adapting to working and studying from home while also caring for their children.

Check out other webinars: https://familycare.utoronto.ca/events/.  

You can contact us at    416.978.0951 from Monday to Friday from 9-5 

Also, the family care office is working on a new section on the website for students dealing with pandemic questions, see:  https://familycare.utoronto.ca/students/student-parents-covid-19-faq/ 

Unfortunately, the FCO office is not taking general volunteers at this time. If you are a student parent, you may be interested in volunteering as a Peer Mentor. 

As long as you are a current student, staff or faculty member, then you are able to attend all the webinars unless the event is specific for only students etc. 

The Family Care Office does not provide financial aid but will direct you to where you can get assistance.  For food assistance, they suggest theDaily Bread Food Bank 

The Family Care Office website is:  www.familycare.utoronto.ca