The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique concerns and hardships for students and their broader communities. The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance has compiled a list of several supports and resources available to help students as they transition through this difficult time.
Starting a new school year during a pandemic is a challenging experience. However, students should remember they can access many resources for learning remotely, financial aid, health and well-being.
Financial Aid
Canada Emergency Student Benefit
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), is an income supplement provided by the federal government to provide students and recent grads who do not qualify for CERB with funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html
- Note: the final eligibility period for CESB is from August 2 to August 29, 2020
- Read OUSA's FAQ on CESB here.
Ontario Emergency Assistance
You can apply for short-term financial support from the Government of Ontario if you are in an emergency situation, and you do not have money for things like housing or food. https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance
Government of Canada Assessment Tool
For those whose finances have been affected by COVID-19, The Government of Canada has an online tool that helps you find financial resources specific to your situation. You'll be asked some questions to determine which type of assistance you may qualify for. https://covid-benefits.alpha.canada.ca/en/start
Institutional Resources
Some post-secondary institutions and student unions offer financial resources for students, such as bursaries, loans, awards and emergency financial aid. If you are facing urgent financial concerns, contact your campus' financial aid office or student union.
Remote Learning Tips
Learning to learn online by Contact North and Athabasca University
This course, by Athabasca University and Contact North, explores the differences between online and in-person classrooms. It helps students develop a personal plan and strategies for online learning. http://contactnorth.ltlo.ca/
Learning to Learn Online
This guide was created by students to help other students navigate online courses and become an effective online learner. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/learnonline/
Tips for Taking Online Classes: 8 Strategies for Success
These tips and strategies help students develop skills for effective online learning to get the most value out of their online classes. https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/tips-for-taking-online-classes/
In Their Own Words: Being a Learner During the Pandemic
This webinar features students from underserved backgrounds, speaking about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them. you'll hear from learners from underserved backgrounds about how the COVID-19 pandemic and recession has affected them, their aspirations for the future, and the barriers they face.
Mental Health
Student Mental Health and Self-Care in the Age of COVID-19
This guide by OUSA's Ryan Tishcoff, outlines COVID-19 specific strategies to help students cope and stay connected with others. It includes resources that students can turn to for help. https://www.ousa.ca/blog_student_mental_health_covid_19
Mental Health in a Global Pandemic
This article by jack.org outlines some tips on managing mental and physical health individuals navigate COVID-19. https://jack.org/Stories/Our-mental-health-during-COVID-19
Essential Self-Care and Resilience – Laurier
This is a free online course offered by the Center for Public Safety and Wellbeing at Wilfred Laurier University. It is designed to help individuals develop self-care skills and support positive mental well-being during challenging times. https://www.wlu.ca/professional-development/centre-for-public-safety-and-well-being/assets/resources/essential-self-care-and-resilience.html
Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19 - University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is offering a free course to give individuals a deeper understanding of anxiety and how our brains react to crises. The course also provides tools for managing stress. https://www.coursera.org/learn/manage-health-covid-19
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
This toolkit is a compilation of research-backed tools for managing mental health during COVID-19. It features articles, meditations, access to mental health experts, anxiety screenings, and more. https://www.virusanxiety.com/
Indigenous Students
Mental Wellness and COVID-19 Tips and Considerations
The Assembly of First Nations provides this overview of mental wellness during the pandemic for First Nations. https://www.afn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MW-and-COVID_Factsheet__RED_Fe.pdf
COVID 19 Indigenous Coalition Content Library
This resource library contains content from Kids Help Phone, N'we Jinan, Jack.org, We Matter,The Thunderbird Project, True North Aid, First Nations Caring Society,The Centre for Suicide Prevention, and Think Indigenous. https://s3.amazonaws.com/rmc-payloads-prod/Projects/Y35/RumieData_Project322/Rumie/index.html#/libraries/
COVID-19: Resources for Indigenous youth
This toolkit covers topics such as self-care and mental health, healthy relationships, and staying safe online during COVID-19. https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/covid-19-%e2%80%93-novel-coronavirus/resources-for-indigenous-communities/covid-19-resources-for-indigenous-youth
Indigenous Services Canada - COVID-19: Indigenous Awareness Resources
This is a list of resources shared by Indigenous Nations and organizations. Some Resources are available in Indigenous languages. https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1586548069915/1586548087539
Other Resources
COVID-19 Information for International Students. https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/covid-19/update-covid-19-mise-a-jour.aspx?lang=eng
COVID-19: Updates on the law and legal services. https://stepstojustice.ca/covid-19
FAQ on policies related to income and housing support, mental health services, and other critical issues during COVID-19. http://www.planningnetwork.ca/en-ca/resources/28358/COVID-19-FAQ