COVID-19 Info for new aspirants and current students at Dalhousie University

For all the current students of Dalhousie University and new applicants, the university has released a list of FAQs covering answers to all their queries. As everyone, whether current students who are pursuing their studies at the university and the ones who are planning to study at the university everyone must have lots of questions in their minds. In order to clear, their doubts, Dalhousie University has released a list of FAQs covering all aspects of what students and aspirants must be having in their minds.

Office operations

Q. Can I request my confirmation letter?

A. Yes, the university is processing letters that confirm that a student is registered or that he has met degree requirements. Students can submit the request form via email to graduate.studies@dal.ca. A confirmation letter will be sent to his email.

Beginning program at Dalhousie

Q. Can I start my program in May?

A. Students need to contact their supervisor or program director to determine if this possible or not.

Q. If I start my program online/remotely, when do I need to relocate to Dalhousie?

A. If you begin your program remotely, then you are expected to travel to Dalhousie once the travel restrictions are lifted. We advise you to stay in contact with your program director or supervisor to plan your travel collaboratively.

Read

• Affected by Coronavirus: what all international students and aspirants should know
• Impact of Covid-19 lockdowns globally on study abroad plans of Indian students
• Coronavirus impact on international students looking to study in Canada

Grading and Degree completion

Q. What should I do if I feel my final grade was affected by COVID-19?

A. The university expects you to work with your instructors over the coming weeks in order to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on your studies. Also, if you feel that your final grade does not reflect your actual performance, you can request to have the grade changed from a letter grade to 'Pass'. This will allow you to get credit for the course while having no impact on your GPA. If you fail a course due to COVID-19 related challenges, you may request a grade of 'ILL'. However, in this case, you will not earn any credit for the course and there will be no negative impact on your GPA. You need to contact your supervisor to discuss how requesting these changes will affect your progress in your program.

Research and supervisory relationships

Q. What should I do if my research is delayed or stopped?

A. Currently, the university is focusing on minimizing delays in degree completion and financial impacts by encouraging students to work with their supervisor to find alternative research activities that can be continued remotely. If your research is impacted by COVID-19, then you need to work with your supervisor on the individual approach that is suitable for your specific situation.

Q. Will professional development for graduate students continue to be offered during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A. In-person professional development workshops have been cancelled. However, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and its partners are developing programming that can be delivered online. Refer to the university's professional development webpage or weekly newsletter for updates.

Leaves of absence

Q. If I take a leave of absence, will I need to start repaying my Canadian student loan?

A. If you take a leave in the summer or switch to part-time status, you will have a grace period of six months before you will need to begin making repayments on your loan. When you return to full-time study, you will be given another six-month grace period when you complete your degree, take another leave of absence or move to part-time.

Q. If I take a leave of absence, will I still be able to access Dalhousie’s student health services and my health insurance?

A. Yes, you can continue to access medical and counselling support through Student Health and Wellness in case you take a leave of absence. You can make appointments by visiting the Student Health and Wellness website. You can also continue to access online mental health support. Students who are registered in Fall 2019 are covered by the DSU International Health or Health and Dental plans for an entire academic year until August 31st.

Q. I am an international student. If I take a leave of absence, will I be able to work under the terms of my Study Permit?

A. Due to COVID-19, if you are forced to take a leave of absence, you will not lose your student status and will have the ability to work 20 hours per week off campus and an unlimited number of hours on campus.

Q. I am an international student. Will my Post Graduation Work Permit be affected if I take a leave of absence?

A. No, international graduate students can take a leave of absence from Dalhousie due to COVID-19 and maintain their work permit with no short or long term negative impact.

Also Read: How is Coronavirus affecting Study Abroad Students?

Scholarships, grants and fellowships

Q. I am a current student with a scholarship. Will my funding be affected by COVID-19?

A. Currently, FGS is processing scholarship payments for the summer for registered students. If you would prefer to place your studies on a temporary hold, you can request a leave of absence. In case you are considering a leave of absence, discuss this option with your graduate coordinator or supervisor before the next academic term.

Q. I am in a difficult financial position due to COVID-19. Can I apply for an Emergency Bursary?

A. Support from the university is available for students who are experiencing unanticipated or unmanageable financial issues directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are an international student, please contact covid19@dal.ca with the same information and your request will be reviewed in collaboration with the International Centre.

You can read the detailed information here