Frequently Asked Questions
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.
- You can request an online consultation with a librarian (via Zoom, Skype, etc.);
- Use the Ask Chat service to connect quickly with someone who can help find those last-minute PDFs;
- Get support with citation management tools (such as RefWorks and Zotero) to manage the articles and books you find;
- Learn about scoping and systematic reviews; and
- Access software such as Covidence and NVivo as well as a vareity of statistical, data visualization, and GIS tools through the Map and Data Library (some have associated costs).
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 Centre for International Experience (CIE).
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. 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.
You can find some how-to video resources on Zoom 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 and 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 email: accessibility.intakes@utoronto.ca.
You should discuss your renewal with your Accessibility Advisor. A phone or videoconference can be arranged through email: accessibility.services@utoronto.ca.
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.
If you need assistance with the online form, or you have questions about our documentation requirements, please contact accessibility.intakes@utoronto.ca.
University of Toronto Accessibility Services provides supports and services for learning, problem-solving and inclusion.
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.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, the Family Care 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 the Daily Bread Food Bank.