COVID-19 FAQS for Coop students

The safety of our students is of utmost importance. All students have either returned to Canada, or are working in safe and supported environments abroad. Where remote work is possible, students are completing their coop work remotely. In some exceptional circumstances where remote work was not an option, coop placements have had to end their work terms early. These students will still receive their IDS placement credit, a partial requirement of the IDS Coop Specialist degree, given the substantial work they had already completed.

Please refer to the resources sent by the Coordinator on working remotely, and connect with the IDS Coop office, or the Academic Advising and Career Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/academic-advising-career-centre) if you would like additional resources.

IDS Coop placements are not taking place this summer due to travel restrictions. We are working closely with these students, their partner organizations, and the University to ensure that students only begin placements when it is safe to do so. We are undertaking contingency planning in the event that students are not able to embark on international placements this academic year.

Yes, but all research involving human subjects that requires ethics approval has been suspended.

Due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19, IDS Coop students’ Winter 2020 CGPA will not impact their placement in coop. Students are reminded that normally a CGPA below 2.3 will result in automatic removal from the coop program, and students between 2.3 and 2.5 are put on probation. This exception is being made only for Winter 2020 term.

If students have concerns about their academic standing, they are encouraged to connect with Prof. Leslie Chan to discuss strategies for academic success.

For more information about IDS Coop degree requirements, please visit: https://utsc.calendar.utoronto.ca/section/International-Development-Stud...(IDS)-Co~op

For more information about the University’s policies regarding NCR/CR courses due to COVID-19, please visit: https://utsc.utoronto.ca/news-events/changes-drop-dates-and-crncr-option...

Yes. Course delivery may differ depending on the situation in the September, but these courses will still be delivered in the upcoming academic year.

This situation is unprecedented and unpredictable. It is understandable that students would be worried about a future international placement. We are creating discussion groups with our first- and second- year students to discuss contingency plans and supports. Please join these discussions, and also get in touch with the coop office (Leah or Myuri) to discuss your feelings and reservations. We strongly encourage students to discuss with the IDS coop office their options going forward, especially now amidst so much uncertainty.

Yes, as a student enrolled in a coop programme, you are still responsible for paying your coop fees. For more information about your coop fees, visit https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dgds/co-op-fees.

Information about the University’s Emergency Undergraduate Grant Application is available here: https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/financial-aid/emergency-assistance-grants/. You can send your completed form to the Program Coordinator who will send to the CCDS Director.

Information about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available on the Government’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

Information about the Government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan is available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

UTSC’s Health & Wellness office offers phone appointments for counselling, nursing, and doctor’s appointments, and more. Visit their website for more information (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/health-wellness-centre).

Looking for specific information or support around a specific issue? Check out Health and Wellness’ list of on and off-campus mental health services and resources for UTSC students (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/mental-health-services-and-resources-utsc-students).

My SSP (My Student Support Program) provides U of T students with immediate, confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern for free. This is available anywhere in the world. Call or chat with a counselling directly from your phone through their app: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/my-ssp-app

The Academic Advising and Career Centre has many resources related to skills maintenance and development: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/tip-sheets

They also have information for your current job search: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/tip-sheets

Many community organizations are seeking volunteers, especially during the current pandemic. Visit your community’s website to learn more about their current opportunities.

Check out the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (ocic.on.ca) for a list of their current opportunities and events.

IDS Coop students do not begin their coop placement until after their third year of studies. Students who begin first year in Fall 2020, will begin their placement no sooner than May 2023. Every year, the IDS coop office works hard to ensure that all students have a valuable and safe learning opportunity through our unique coop experience. Offering educational and interesting coop placements has been at the core of our success since our program was established in the 1980s (read about our history https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dgds/history-ids-program-0). Though what specific placements are offered may be different depending on the global impacts of COVID-19, we will continue to ensure students have valuable, educational, and safe placement opportunities.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please e-mail us: ids-coop@utsc.utoronto.ca                     

We would be happy to discuss with you. Please also check out this helpful link from our Admissions team: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/covid19/