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MRS Program Classes Transition to Online Only effective March 16th, 2020

March 13, 2020

In follow-up to the message sent below on behalf of Dr. Brian Hodges on Friday, March 13th, 2020 at 4:32pm – All MRS Program courses that are scheduled to take place at Michener (222 St. Patrick) will be delivered in an online format starting Monday, March 16th following the current class lecture/tutorial schedule.

Specific details on the delivery of laboratory content will be made available on a course by course basis no later than end of day Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 by your respective course faculty. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make this transition.

 

Dear Students:

The COVID-19 situation is accelerating quickly. Two days ago, the World Health Organization determined that COVID-19 has reached the level of a global pandemic. Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that all public schools will remain closed for two weeks following the March break.

Michener has been monitoring the situation very closely and taking action as necessary in light of the global situation, the advice of public health authorities and the concerns of our community. We have also been liaising regularly with other post-secondary institutions and

sector organizations, as well as Toronto Public Health, while consulting with our own UHN public health experts.

Given these facts, we have made the following decisions.

  • All in-person classes and labs at Michener’s St. Patrick Campus will now be delivered online only until at least April 3.
  • Discretionary learning, such as Michener’s Continuing Education courses, will be delivered online only until April 30.
  • This decision is effective this coming Monday, March 16, however classes scheduled for March 16 and 17 will be rescheduled to give Faculty and Staff an opportunity to focus on designing the best course and lab delivery methods. Each program will communicate with you about your class schedule.
  • Final exams may be moved or the semester extended to keep you on track to graduate and meet all your learning competencies.
  • All other Michener operations continue, and the St. Patrick Campus will remain open. Staff and faculty continue to be available to support you.
  • The LRC, athletics and recreation facilities and other public spaces at Michener will remain open to staff and students.
  • Health services and student counselling remain available, and we are exploring ways to deliver these services online.
  • The residence remains open, however rules around visitors and access have changed. Please see below for additional information.
  • Graduation photos will be rescheduled.
  • The Chiropody Clinic will deliver minimal care for a specialized group of patients.
  • Michener’s HelpDesk has temporarily suspended in-person visits to the Helpdesk for support, but you can reach them by calling x3369 internally, 416-596-3101 x3369 from any external phone or mobile device or emailing helpdesk@michener.ca to create a ticket.

As announced previously, starting March 16 access to 222 St. Patrick Street and Schatz Hall will be limited to the St. Patrick Street entrance. ID badges will be necessary to enter the building, and those without badges will be screened at reception. To reduce the incidence of forgotten

badges, staff and learners should keep a picture of their badge on their mobile device. Students should discourage guests from visiting the site.

There are no changes to the direction provided on March 13 to students currently in clinical placements.

The uncertainty and ever-evolving current situation can be overwhelming and stressful for anyone but particularly for students who have many competing responsibilities that they are trying to balance and manage at the same time. Michener has a number of services which will remain accessible either in person or where applicable by telephone or email during regular business hours:

  • Health services
  • Coaching and counselling
  • Fitness facility
  • Student success network

Additional information

We continue to share the most recent information from UHN’s CEO and Infection Prevention and Control Medical Director. These messages are now posted to my.Michener.ca, in addition to the following resources: ·

I remind all students to practice the self-screening measures described above, continue to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and ensure that you are wearing your ID badges at all times.

Thank you for your continued efforts towards everyone’s safety, including your own.

Dr. Brian Hodges, Executive Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer, UHN