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We understand that students are struggling with food insecurity now more than ever and we are here to support you through this difficult time. If you are a Lakehead student experiencing a food emergency email foodbank@lusu.ca.
If you need additional support please call 211 to register for a RFDA food care package.
In the last 2 months LUSU's Foodbank has given out over 250 care packages to Lakehead students in need. If you'd like to help us continue to support struggling students during the Covid-19 global pandemic please consider making a donation to the LUSU Foodbank.
We are now accepting e-transfer donations. To send your donation simply log into your online or mobile banking app and add gm@lusu.ca as the recipient.
Contact free food donations can be made at the LUSU Foodbank donation box located in the Agora beside the main entrance doors across from student central.
General inquiries
Orillia orillia@lusu.ca
Thunder Bay bryant.kotyk@lusu.ca
Clubs, Academic Appeals, and Student Centres
Orillia Rachel Murray, VP Orillia vporillia@lusu.ca
Thunder Bay Amla Sandur, VP Advocacy vpa@lusu.ca
LUSU Health and Dental Plan inquiries
Leigh Castle, Health Plan administrator healthbenefits@lusu.ca
Student assistance and all other inquiries
Prabhjot Singh Ahuja, VP Finance and Operations vpfin@lusu.ca
Sukhraj Grewal, President president@lusu.ca
We understand that this is an overwhelming time and you’re being given a lot of information from many different sources. That can be confusing. In response, we've collected this information as a resource to try to answer any questions you may have right now. If there is something more you think needs to be included, please let us know so we can add it to this page. As a student union, we can all help each other adapt to and deal with this new situation.
Note that this is not meant to replace other information sites -- it's simply a collection of information and resources for your convenience. You should always refer to direct information from the source(s) first and foremost.
If you are in crisis and in need of support, calling a crisis line can help. They exist to provide support for a wide range of distress.
A list of crisis resources
Follow the Lakehead Life social media pages to stay up-to-date with student affairs and other student news & events.
Find them on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
Classes resumed online March 18, 2020 through mycourselink.
Students can access mycourselink by logging into myInfo and selecting the mycourselink link from the navigation menu (nine squares) in the top right. Alternatively, students can log into mycourselink directly through the login page: https://mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca using their Lakehead University username and password. Course sites that students are registered in will appear under My Courses.
A full suite of support videos and text documentation for mycourselink and other learning tools is available under the Help link (on the mycourselink homepage and on the navigation menu in every course site).
For support, contact the Teaching Commons at mycourselink@lakeheadu.ca
What if I don't have a computer or internet?
Message from Deputy Provost: Professors have been asked to be flexible and work with the students. We are all open to work with our students to find a solution that can work for them in their current life/situation. If no reasonable accommodation can be found, we are able to provide a student with an Incomplete until a better solution can be found or we are a little more normal again. She did advise they should also wait to do so until the final exam schedule has been finalized and information about their finals has been shared by their course instructor as formats may be changing.
A message from Jennifer Hay,
International Immigration Advisor
Lakehead University International
Phone: 1-807-343-8068 or
Email: immigration.intl@lakeheadu.ca
IMMIGRATION ADVISING
Please note I am still taking online appointments with students. I am also creating "how to" videos and handouts to support students applying for immigration applications on their own. We also are developing a website of resources and daily schedules of programming online for other areas of service and activities - stay tuned and check your emails!
**Please note this includes all workshops that were scheduled in March (as well as the Express Entry presentation) will be postponed or moving to online webinars.
DO NOT FLAGPOLE/CROSS US BORDER
CBSA has indicated students can no longer come to the border for ANY permit processing. You will not be able to enter the USA or return to Canada. No non-essential travel is permitted. Please apply online for all immigration applications.
IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS
If you have an application in progress and are in Canada: Your application online will not be affected as of today. IRCC is still processing applications for all permits and visa in Canada, however it is unsure what VACs are still open around the world. Please watch for updates:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures
Processing has been delayed for most applications.
If you have an application in progress outside of Canada:
As of today, no non-residents are able to enter Canada. It is my understanding IRCC will not cancel anyone's application due to visa office closures and restrictions, however your application will likely be delayed or postponed until further notice.
What if I leave Canada?
It is okay to leave Canada right now. Soon, there will be limited international flights and costs will only increase so please ensure you plan accordingly. The situation is changing so rapidly, so we cannot provide any comments on the travel restrictions and when it will be okay to return to Canada.
Are an international student going home?
If you are going home to a country that does not use google, we need you to forward your Lakehead email to the email you are able to access and use in your home country. Your professors will be communicating to you with your Lakehead email in regards to your online courses So it's very important to have it forwarded so you don't miss any messages. Please also share this message with your fellow students.
What if I want to stay?
As long as you have valid status in Canada, you are welcome to stay. Please adhere to all travel advisories and self-isolate if you have recently travelled abroad. Please also be mindful of finances as some part time jobs may experience closures or limited hours, especially in the service area. If you are worried about your expenses over the next few months you may want to consider returning home.
Can I work full time now?
No, students are still registered as full-time students during this semester and can only work 20 hours per week until the semester ends in April.
Will courses moving to online affect my PGWP?
No, IRCC has already confirmed on twitter that the move to online delivery in this semester will not affect your PGWP application when you graduate.
Can I return home and finish my courses and exams?
Please speak to your professors and watch the announcements through the communication bulletins. As of now, classes for this semester have moved online.
My family wants to come for convocation?
As of today, non-residents will not be permitted to enter Canada. The situation is changing every day and we encourage all families to hold off on any travel arrangements right now.
We understand this is a confusing and stressful time. Due to the risk and urgency of this situation, please ensure that you’ve fully read and understood all of the details below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
IMPORTANT Every hospital, city, and region will have a different procedure in place for testing. If you believe you need to get tested, please refer to your local area health unit and/or hospital for information testing procedures set-up in your local area.
Students should do a self assessment first following the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines.
If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek further care.
***If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.***
If you begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough and respiratory distress),
contact your local District Health Unit and reduce contact with others by isolating yourself at home.
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay District Health Unit: 807-625-8318
Testing information for students in Thunder Bay
Orillia
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: 705-721-7520
Testing information for students in Orillia
Not on campus?
Click Here
to view a list of health units across Ontario.
Will I need to pay out of pocket for testing?
Short answer: no, you should not have to pay out of pocket for any testing.
If you do not have your UHIP card, please email uhip@lakeheadu.ca with your student number. It is very important that you carry a printed copy of your UHIP card with you at all times.
For more information regarding UHIP coverage visit uhip.ca
Will I have to pay for treatment related to Covid-19?
As per Ontario Health there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Covid-19 yet. UHIP will cover emergency fees at hospitals and hospitalization fees, if needed. Drugs dispensed during hospitalization are also covered under UHIP. Prescription drugs, which you get from a pharmacy, are not covered under UHIP.
If you are enrolled into the LUSU health and dental plan, a portion of eligible prescription drugs will be covered. If you are unsure if you are enrolled, please email healthbenefits@lusu.ca to inquire. For full coverage details, including your e-profile for manual claim submissions, please visit WeSpeakStudent.com
Get a copy of your Benefit Card & Benefit Booklet
Will I need to pay out of pocket for testing?
Short answer: no, you will not have to pay out of pocket for any testing. We have been informed that there is no cost for the test at the Orillia testing site.
***If you have been instructed to go to a testing center, please contact Katie Fraser kfraser@lakeheadu.ca so she is aware of your situation***
If you do not have your UHIP card, please email
uhip@lakeheadu.ca
with your student number. It is very important that you carry a printed copy of your UHIP card with you at all times.
For more information regarding UHIP coverage visit uhip.ca
Will I have to pay for treatment related to Covid-19?
As per Ontario Health there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Covid-19 yet. UHIP will cover emergency fees at hospitals and hospitalization fees, if needed. Drugs dispensed during hospitalization are also covered under UHIP. Prescription drugs, which you get from a pharmacy, are not covered under UHIP.
If you are enrolled into the LUSU health and dental plan, a portion of eligible prescription drugs will be covered. If you are unsure if you are enrolled, please email healthbenefits@lusu.ca to inquire. For full coverage details, including your e-profile for manual claim submissions, please visit WeSpeakStudent.com
Get a copy of your Benefit Card & Benefit Booklet