COVID-19 response information

The health, safety and well-being of our students, employees, and community are our top priorities. We want everyone to feel confident that YukonU is keeping campus users safe, and to understand that we are following all the required health and safety protocols.

YukonU continues to put into place strong measures to protect the health and safety of students, employees, and the broader community. Since mid-March, YukonU has been carefully controlling access to its campuses throughout the territory and has been ensuring that all campus users practice the Safe 6. Yukon Government approved our Operational Plan, and the University developed an informational agreement for campus users to sign before entering campus spaces. We’ve closed off some areas of our main campus building and stepped up cleaning in those areas that remain accessible. We’ve made masks available at all open building entrances, and we’ve installed handwashing and hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings.

Our mandate to provide post-secondary educational programming and undertake research rooted in the North has continued throughout the pandemic, with a shift to online course delivery for most courses and programs. We’ve developed online learning supports for students new to distance learning, and made the services of our Academic Support Centre available online. Where face-to-face instruction must occur, such as in many trades programs and in nursing and science labs, we’ve reduced class sizes and continued to adhere to all safety protocols and have provided training on the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) when physical distancing is a challenge due to the learning activity.

YukonU remains committed to the health and safety of the Yukon community, and will adjust its safety protocols as we continue to learn more about how best to stay safe during COVID-19.

For those looking for more information or to access student services, Connect2YukonU provides students with one-on-one support in accessing all YukonU services during COVID-19.

All COVID-related health and safety measures and contract tracing protocols are in place to protect the health and safety of our students, employees and the respective communities they operate in. Individuals who are not respecting and cooperating with our measures may be asked to leave.  

All staff, students and public entering YukonU buildings must wear a mask and sanitize their hands. If you do not have a mask, disposable masks are available at the Ayamdigut campus’ Welcome Desk, and may be available at the entrances of our community campuses.

Everyone accessing a YukonU building is expected to practice the safe six steps and do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Please become familiar with the protocols for the specific building you need to access. Contact your program, check your registration information, or see below for more details.

YukonU COVID-related health and safety measures have been developed in consultation with the Yukon Chief Medical Office of Health.

Ayamdigut Campus Main Building

The main campus building remains closed to the general public and access is restricted to students and employees.

In order to maintain COVID health and safety guidelines and contract tracing protocols, everyone accessing the main building must:

• enter through entrance 1 (Welcome Centre) or entrance 5 (staff parking lot)  
• sign in with Safety & Security  
• fill out and sign a COVID-19 info sheet
• must wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering

Credit program students and YukonU employees must always in possession of current ID cards.  

ID Cards for Ayamdigut Campus main building

When accessing the Ayamdigut Campus main building, credit program students and YukonU employees will need to present a current ID.

This helps us remain aware of who and how many students and employees are in the building, which then informs deep cleaning protocols, distancing guidelines, contact tracing, and emergency or evacuation procedures.

ID Cards for Ayamdigut credit students are being printed in the Kaff with the help of Connect2YukonU staff.

Students accessing the building for short Continuing Studies courses of one-to-five days (First Aid, Northern Institute of Social Justice, professional/personal development, YWWOP, contract training) do not require ID cards. Please check your registration information for building access details.

The use of a face mask is required in all public areas. Disposable masks are available from Safety & Security at the Welcome Centre, the Innovation Commons and classrooms where they are required.

Limited food service: The Kinnikinnick Kaff and Bistro will remain closed. The Campus Store is open weekdays from 10am-2pm with merchandise, books, snacks and baked goods available.

Safety & Security staff are on campus 24/7 stationed at the Welcome Centre.  

CNIM/Research buildings at Ayamdigut Campus 

These buildings remain closed to the general public and access is restricted.

In order to maintain COVID health and safety guidelines and contract tracing protocols, employees and students accessing the main building must:

• contact Safety & Security when you enter the building
• fill out and sign a COVID-19 info sheet
• wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering

The use of a face masks is required in all public areas, and disposable masks are available from the reception/admin area.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) at NorthLight Innovation (2nd Ave, Whitehorse)

This building is open to the general public.

In order to maintain COVID health and safety guidelines and contract tracing protocols, everyone accessing the main building must:

• sign in with I&E reception
• fill out and sign a COVID-19 info sheet
• must wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering

The use of a face mask is required in all public areas. Disposable masks may be available from reception. Please bring your own mask if possible.

Please check the I&E webpage for hours of operation and available services.

Community Campuses

These buildings are open to the general public.

In order to maintain COVID health and safety guidelines and contract tracing protocols, everyone accessing the main building must:

• sign in with reception/admin area
• fill out and sign a COVID-19 info sheet
• wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering

The use of a face mask is required in all public areas. Disposable masks may be available from reception. Please bring your own mask if possible.

Please check campus webpages for hours of operation and available services.

School of Visual Art (Dawson City)

This building is open only to employees and students, and access is otherwise restricted. Please email info@yukonsova.ca if you’re not an employee or students and require in-person access.

In order to maintain COVID health and safety guidelines and contract tracing protocols, everyone accessing the main building must:

• sign in with reception/admin area
• fill out and sign a COVID-19 info sheet
• wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering

The use of a face mask is required in all public areas. Disposable masks may be available from reception. Please bring your own mask if possible.

Please visit Yukon School of Visual Arts (SOVA) for hours of operation and available services.

Whether you're a new or returning student, we're here for you!

From registration to academic supports to student services and everything in between, our dedicated Connect2YukonU team is available to provide the one-on-one support and information you need for the year ahead.

Let’s connect! 

• Hours of service vary Mon-Sat including some evenings
• In-person in the Kaff at Ayamdigut campus
• connect@yukonu.ca 
• Chime in virtually via Zoom 
• Text 867 334 6749 
• Call 867 668 8720 or toll-free 1 800 661 0505

The Academic Support Centre, tutoring, academic advising, Library Services, Learning Assistance Centre, Testing Centre, Elders on Campus, International student support, personal counselling and the student engagement coordinator can all be accessed both in-person at Ayamdigut and at a distance.

Food and Financial Aid

If you require more resources or have other questions, please reach out to Financial Aid Advisor Bunne Palamar - book an appointment.

Here is some information for accessing the food bank and other options, and possible financial aid/funding:

1. Whitehorse Foodbank: (open the following hours):
   Tues: 10am – 12:45pm & 3pm – 4:45pm
   Wed: 10am – 12pm FAMILIES ONLY
   Thurs: 10am – 12:45pm & 3pm – 4:45pm

2. Local hotels offering bagged dinners – prepared by the Coast High Country Inn and served from 5 – 6:30pm at the Family Hotel at 314 Ray Street (until the end of March, 2021)

3. Canada Student Loans info click and then go to the Canada Student Loans link under for individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/notice-covid-19.html

4. Students should also check with their provincial/territory or First Nations funders that they already received funding from to see about student loans (see info above regarding Canada Student Loans) or any other funding they receive or are eligible for.

5. Student Training Allowance – To see if you qualify, check here: https://yukon.ca/en/student-training-allowance#eligibility-for-the-student-training-allowance

6. Yukon University Student Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships: https://www.yukonu.ca/admissions/money-matters/yukon-university-student-awards (Deadline is Sept 30 for Fall semester and Jan 31 for Winter semester)

7. SOS Student Emergency Fund: Grocery cards are available (based on availability) for students who need assistance. Contact financialaid@yukonu.ca for information.

Please note the altered start date for some January classes.

Winter 2021 will operate in a similar manner to the Fall 2020 semester. Our approach to teaching and learning will continue to be cautious and contingent on several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the territory and its impact on public health guidelines. Our plan is to start and finish each semester using the same delivery mode. We will make a decision about Fall 2021 early in the 2021 year.

Study plan

• Faculty have created a series of six, short online modules to guide students as they access online learning. The modules contain advice how-to videos and exercises to set students up for success. 
• Please check out the Fall 2020 Orientation webpage for info and to put faces to names for supports and services.
• YukonU Fall and Winter semester credit program plans are available from individual program areas.
• Students should watch their YukonU email for updates.

Classes

In Fall 2020, most classes are being conducted via online methods, which includes a combination of virtual real-time class meetings via Zoom (synchronous/access at a specific time) and web-based via Moodle (asynchronous/access when you have time during the week).

The delivery format of each class can be found on the Yukon University website. The website schedules have been updated to provide these course details.

• Zoom (synchronous): enables virtual face-to-face approaches to teaching and learning. These classes take place at specific times - faculty and students gather virtually in Zoom classrooms. Every student will require an internet connection and a computer or other device. Courses, or parts of courses, using Zoom will be offered on specific days/times.
• Moodle (asynchronous): courses may also include some web-based, asynchronous components (delivered through Moodle). Your instructor will post teaching materials and links to relevant online resources on their Moodle page that you can access at any time. Course details will be provided in the course syllabus. Moodle portions of your courses are delivered in a way that you can set your own learning schedule within a week, rather than attend class on a specific day/time.

Student computer requirements

If you're considering purchasing a new computer and plan to use it for YukonU courses, please contact our IT Services department for a list of minimum requirements.

Access to technology

Ayamdigut Campus technology support and access to equipment in the Innovation Commons, 8:30am-9pm Mon-Thurs, 8:30am-5pm Fridays and 1-5pm on weekends. Study spaces can be booked and used on an individual basis. Laptops can be borrowed from the library for up to 7 consecutive days at a time. All other campuses are developing plans to provide access and support to technology.

Safety for in-person classes

If you are registered in a science or nursing lab, SOVA studio or trades shop class or a Continuing Studies course, please ensure you are healthy in order to attend campus and participate in the class. Any special arrangements for your lab or shop class will be communicated to you by your instructor prior to your first class.

Please allow enough time to register with Safety and Security on campus before your class begins. If you are concerned about returning to in-person on-campus courses because you or a family member have an underlying health condition, e.g., are immunocompromised, you may request special accommodation/assistance.

Academic accommodations are arranged through the Learning Assistance Centre.

The YukonU International website has updated information on travelling to Yukon, self-isolation planning and what you need to know about YukonU in the time of COVID-19.

New international student applications

International Education is currently accepting new applications for Winter and Spring 2021 semesters. International application process & timelines.

If you have any questions, please contact: international@yukonu.ca

International travel restrictions

Please check Government of Canada travel restrictions and study permit process during the COVID-19 pandemic response and plan accordingly.

COVID-19 resources

• The Public Health Agency of Canada has a list of resources relating to COVID-19, many of which are available in multiple languages. Fact sheets, infographics and videos with key public health advice on COVID-19 are added and updated regularly.
• More information is available via this Canada.ca webpage: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Visitors, foreign workers and students.

Experiencing Symptoms?

• If you have called Yukon Communicable Disease Control (867.667.8323) about your symptoms and are advised to get tested for COVID-19, the test is free of charge for international students as well.
• Please contact the International Student Advisor, if you have any questions at international@yukonu.ca