Frequently asked questions about the 2021-22 school year at U of T

1. Students

1.1 Where can I find information on my academic program?

Please visit your Faculty’s site for information specific to your program. You can also contact your divisional registrar.

1.2 What student services are available to me?

Students have access to a range of student services.

Please visit UTogether's resources for students page, our guide on where to go between classes, U of T's events page, Sports & Recreation and Hart House for more information.

For campus-specific programming, please refer to the following pages:

1.3 I am a student and need further information on the vaccine requirements. Where do I go?

The University has paused the requirement for all members of our community to be fully vaccinated in order to come to campus. Please note that this requirement may be reinstated on short notice if public health conditions or guidance change.

The University encourages all members of our community to be vaccinated and to obtain the booster doses available to them. Those seeking vaccination appointments can refer to the provincial vaccination portal or visit the UTogether vaccine site.

1.4 I’m a graduate student. What information is available for me?

Graduate and professional students can visit the School of Graduate Studies GradHub for the most up-to-date information including links to resources and supports.

Information and frequently asked questions on research recovery and adaptations as a result of the pandemic can be found at the School of Graduate Studies Research and Academic Resiliency and Adaptation Tool Kit page. The page also includes information on various programs, personal accommodations and financial support. You can also check your Faculty site or contact your Department’s Graduate Chair.

1.5 I’m an international student currently outside Canada. Where can I get information?

Please visit this FAQ for international students for information. For additional information, please visit the Vice-Provost Students web site and the Centre for International Experience.

1.6 I’m setting up my computer for remote learning. What hardware and software do I need to be able to take U of T courses online?

You can find information on technical requirements, adaptive technology, recommended accessories, and internet connectivity on this page. The page also includes an FAQ. We encourage undergraduate students who are facing financial hardship to contact their college or divisional registrar to apply for emergency bursaries, and graduate students to contact the School of Graduate Studies for support.

1.7 I have plans to learn abroad. Will I be able to do so?

U of T students are once again able to travel internationally on University sanctioned activities. For more information please visit the Learning Abroad web site. Travel as part of a student abroad program is not allowed for undergraduate students for regions with Global Affairs Canada travel advisories of “avoid non-essential travel” and “avoid all travel.” If you are a graduate student that needs to travel to regions under those categories, for research or program completion purposes, please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.

For all students travelling on University sanctioned activity, you must complete all safety abroad pre-departure requirements including checking travel advisories, completing safety abroad online workshops, securing travel health insurance and completing the safety abroad registry. More information on the safety pre-departure requirements for university activity abroad is available on the Safety Abroad website.

2. Faculty, librarians and staff

2.1 Where can I go for human resources information?

If you have questions about employment or equity in the workplace please visit the Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture webpage. If you work at U of T, more detailed information can be found within the HR Service Centre.

If you have HR-related questions about COVID-19, please visit the HR & Equity COVID-19 website.

2.2 Where can I find information about teaching and course design for both in-person and online courses?

The Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation has resources to help instructors with course planning and best practices in teaching.

2.3 What resources are available to help me design my course for online learning?

The Centre for Teaching Support and Innovation has a range of resources available, including on planning for teaching online. The Quercus Support Resources page may also be useful as you plan. Finally, you may wish to consult your divisional head for additional guidance and resources.

2.4 My job requires that I work alone at times on campus. Are there resources I can access?

The University has Working Alone Guidelines that include resources available to support members of our community while on our campuses.

2.5 What if I feel unsafe in the workplace or have concerns about someone else who is ill in my work area?

If you feel unsafe in the workplace, please speak to your manager, chair or department head. Similarly, if you are concerned about someone in the workplace who is ill and exhibiting COVID-19-like symptoms, speak to your manager, chair or department head.

The procedures in the event of a confirmed case and/or COVID-19 symptoms webpage provides more information.

There have been reports of discriminatory behaviours towards some members of our community. Behaviours and comments that perpetuate stereotypes are harmful and should not be tolerated or condoned. Assessment of risk should be based on exposure history and not on race or ethnicity. We encourage members to reinforce messaging of the University’s commitment to human rights and our values of diversity, inclusion, respect and civility.

3. Health and safety

3.1 I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. What should I do?

Please stay home if you are not well. Take the Province of Ontario's COVID-19 self-assessment to determine what to do next. Note your absence through the student absence declaration tool on ACORN or follow the instructions provided by your faculty or department. Also refer to Environmental Health & Safety's procedures in the event of a confirmed/symptomatic case or exposure to COVID-19.

3.2 Can I still declare an absence online?

Please refer to the procedures indicated by your Faculty or Campus regarding reporting of an absence.

3.3 Where can I find health and safety information?

For health and safety information, please visit the EHS COVID-19 webpage.

3.4 Where do I find information about how the University is promoting a safe environment?

The University has implemented a range of safety measures across our three campuses in response to COVID-19. Please refer to how U of T is promoting a safe environment for the latest information.

4. Masks

4.1 Should I wear a mask at U of T?

The use of a medical mask in high-density indoor spaces when physical distancing is not possible is strongly encouraged. The University is a mask-friendly environment, and we ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels, and health needs. The University will continue to monitor public health conditions to adjust our response as needed, and we will update you on any changes.

In addition, individuals in specific circumstances may continue to be required to wear masks in all settings, subject to changes in provincial or federal requirements, such as those who have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or to someone with symptoms.

4.2 Can I ask others to wear a mask after the University's requirement ends?

The University’s current mask requirements have been lifted in accordance with public health guidance. Some members of our community may choose to continue to wear a mask. We ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels and health needs. While members of our community can request those around them wear masks, those that choose not to comply with this request should not be disadvantaged or disciplined.

5. Vaccines

5.1 Do I need a vaccine to come to campus?

The University has paused the requirement for all members of our community to be fully vaccinated in order to come to campus. Please note that this requirement may be reinstated on short notice if public health conditions or guidance change.

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is strongly encouraged. Those seeking vaccination appointments can refer to the provincial vaccination portal or visit the UTogether vaccine site.

Click here for more information on the efficiency and effectiveness of vaccines.

5.2 I already had COVID-19. Should I still get vaccinated?

Yes. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that people who have already had COVID-19 should get vaccinated eight weeks following a positive test or the start of symptoms for individuals who have not completed their primary vaccination series. Getting vaccinated offers better and more reliable protection than any natural immunity resulting from an COVID-19 infection.

5.3 What if I was vaccinated outside Canada?

Health Canada provides guidance for those who are partially or fully vaccinated with a non-Health Canada approved vaccine. 

For more information regarding vaccine clinics and resources, please see the UTogether COVID-19 vaccines page. 

5.4 Are there vaccine clinics at U of T?

The University has supported the province’s vaccination efforts by supplying space and volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine clinics on its three campuses, in partnership with local hospitals. 

More information on how to book COVID-19 and other vaccinations on campus is available via UTogether's vaccines page.