Hey commuters,
I hope each and every one of you and your loved ones are safe and well both mentally and physically. As I’m sure all of you have experienced, these are trying times where it seems like we face a new challenge with every passing day. I don’t know about you folks, but the disruption of our regular routine has made it almost impossible for me to focus on school work and the looming deadlines have cast a shadow of guilt on almost anything I do to try and distract myself from the rapidly escalating situation surrounding COVID-19. Despite how very important social isolation and social distancing are, not being able to leave my house to get work done at a library or to meet friends for a study session has definitely not helped tackle the ever increasing workload. If anyone else is experiencing something similar, I want you to know that it is perfectly normal to feel unfocussed and unmotivated in these circumstances. I want to urge you to be kind and understanding with yourself as well as others who might be feeling the same way. Folks we are facing a global pandemic and living in a state of emergency, you should not have to expect yourself to work like ours is a regular semester with regular challenges. That being said, please reach out to your profs. as frequently as needed to ask for accommodations when you feel like you are not able to meet a deadline. If you need any help with drafting emails to explain your situation and ask for accommodations, feel free to reach out to us at uc.commuterdons@utoronto.ca.Â
For those of us who are facing financial challenges because of the recent changes to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:Â
The University has set up emergency funding through the Emergency Undergraduate Grant, which is intended to assist current U of T undergraduate domestic and international students impacted by COVID-19 and who need immediate short-term financial relief because of unexpected expenses. Visit https://future.utoronto.ca/finances/financial-aid/emergency-assistance-grants/ for more information.
Service Canada has also set up a dedicated phone line for inquires regarding EI claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic: 1-833-381-2725.
Please call this number if:
1. You need to apply for EI sickness benefits because you are unable to work because you must self-isolate for 14 days ( the one-week wait period has been waved for those for whom this is the case);
2. You have been laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and are looking to initiate a claim for regular EI benefits, or
3. You are an employee or and employer who is looking to apply for financial support through the EI Work-Sharing program due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please stay safe and connected (virtually)! We will get through this together!
Best,
Your Cocos
