A year like no other
A student studies alone in the Student Learning Centre in October. Photo by Kiana Hayeri.
It was a year like no other, one where we began to stay at home to stay safe, and teach, learn, research and work remotely, while essential workers continued to keep the campus running, all while under the dark cloud of a virus that threatens the world. Then, in the summer, the killing of George Floyd caught on camera sparked massive protests against systemic racism. Here’s a selection of stories from 2020 that show how Ryersonians weathered the storm, supported each other and stayed resilient.
March
Ryerson’s Social Media Lab tackles misinformation amid pandemic
Ted Rogers School of Management researchers aim to combat the online spread of false claims and stigma.
Working, learning from home? Why you need to keep work and home separate - and how
Creating boundaries between different aspects of life is key, says TRSM professor Michael Halinski.
COVID-19 lessons from a Ryerson epidemiologist
Professor Tim Sly has been sharing information through BSE, SARS, H1N1, and now, COVID-19.
April
Map shows regions where Ryerson students, staff and faculty have returned from since the pandemic: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, People’s Republic of China, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan (ROC), Turkey, United States, Vietnam and Wales.
Ryerson International team races against the clock to fly people home
How students, staff and faculty made it back to Canada once the World Health Organization categorized COVID-19 as a pandemic.
Campus Public Health team puts the community first
The Public Health Threats Committee quickly mobilized to help the university respond to COVID-19.
Ryerson student relief fund distributes $3 million in emergency support
Emergency funding, technology and counselling services round out offerings to help students navigate COVID-19.
May
Ryerson volunteer sewer and master of arts in fashion student Hyejin "Hiddy" Lee shows off the face masks she’s made so far as part of the School of Fashion initiative. Photo credit: Hyejin "Hiddy" Lee.
Volunteers from School of Fashion sew 4,000 face masks for hospitals
Ryerson professors Danielle Martin and Sandra Tullio-Pow spearheaded student efforts to supply much-needed equipment.
How COVID-19 impacts Indigenous communities
Ryerson professors, researchers outline unique vulnerabilities posed by the pandemic to First Nations in Canada.
The dual identity of COVID-19
The pandemic has exposed inequities, as some people are suffering more from the global health crisis than others, due to pre-existing systemic oppression.
Taking PPE production from 4 hours to 35 seconds
Ryerson’s Creative Technology Lab produced 10,000 face shields for front-line workers.
Five Ryerson researchers secure NSERC grants for COVID-19 projects
Research projects are developing new tools, treatments and techniques to tackle COVID-19.
June
The real work of anti-Black racism
Executive Director Darrell Bowden addressed community members at Pride kick-off with calls to action against racism.
Anti-racism work begins with self-education
The Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion offers educational resources to increase racial literacy
How Ryerson students are designing drones to fly COVID-19 supplies to remote communities
The Ryerson Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team is shifting focus to bring COVID-19 relief to areas that need it most.
July
These student services will adapt permanently as a result of COVID-19
Student Wellbeing programs at Ryerson responded to pandemic by offering virtual services.
August
Caretaker Jennifer Bareng is one of many custodial and grounds crew members helping ensure Ryerson’s campus is safe and clean. Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro.
Staff and students help Ryerson get 7,700 diplomas into graduates’ hands
Years of sweat, sacrifice and study represented in one special piece of parchment, and a team effort ensured graduates received their certificates by special delivery after convocation ceremonies moved to a virtual format.
Ryerson’s essential, on-campus workers step up in challenging time
Staff from across the university show dedication and resilience as they keep systems running during the pandemic.
September
The inaugural class of Ryerson Law met for a physically distanced event as part of orientation. With the fall semester happening nearly entirely virtually, the faculty and students have made extra efforts to build community and camaraderie. Photo by Alyssa K. Faoro.
How 3 Ryerson profs are changing the game of online learning
From Cineplex-style quizzes to hanging out in virtual lounges, professors have found creative ways to help students learn in the digital space.
Faculty of Law’s first cohort fosters strong community from afar
A virtual semester isn’t stopping the faculty and students from supporting one another.
October
5 non-negotiables to stay resilient in uncertain times
Commit to these 5 action items every day for a happier life.
‘It takes a village’ to support international students during COVID-19
Are international students feeling supported amid the pandemic? Two Ryerson undergraduate students share their experiences.
Delivering hope during a pandemic
Ryerson MBA student Brandon Arkinson is helping Toronto’s most vulnerable stay safe.
Ryerson Library finds novel ways to support students during COVID-19
Accessing academic resources and services during the pandemic made possible by the Library team.
November
Two Ryerson grads, a COVID-19 challenge and a way to support the food insecure
The Esch 20/20 Challenge at Ryerson helps local non-profit improve service and expand.
Protective measures on campus help keep community safe
Pandemic protocols include deep cleaning and rigorous reporting.
December
Professor Nicole Bennett, right, acts as a patient for midwifery student Hannah Cole. Cole is one of the students who has been able to return to campus for safe in-person learning this semester. Photo: Alyssa K. Faoro.
How hybrid learning flourished in health-care programs this term
In-person labs and a virtual hospital helped Ryerson nursing and midwifery students master needed skills.
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