FAQs for TRSM students during COVID-19 home isolation

Below are some quick links to important and relevant content on this page for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on the Ted Rogers School of Management's COVID-19 Updates.

How can I maintain motivation and productivity during times of constant change and uncertainty?

Motivation is affected by goals, beliefs, perception, and expectations. This means that motivation is highly personal and is related to more than just academics. It is nevertheless important to identify the factors of motivation that influence your academic success. When thinking about motivation, it’s useful to think about two areas: internal (intrinsic) and external (extrinsic) motivation (external link, opens in new window) . External motivations are reward-driven, such as grades, money, and praise from others. But what’s most helpful is working on internal motivation strategies because you have the most control over these types of motivation. Here are some internal motivation strategies.

1. Eat the Frog

Eat the Frog (external link, opens in new window) is a fun way to remind yourself to do the hardest thing first. For example, if you are procrastinating on studying for your finance exam, you might want to do many other things before studying and spend the day worrying about your exam. Instead, the wisdom of the “eat the frog” method is to start studying for your finance exam before doing other tasks. It may sound difficult, but it will help ease stress.

Eat the Frog. The most uncomfortable thing you don't want to do, but really need to do equals the Frog.

2. “Note to Self”

“Note to Self” is a writing exercise that encourages you to look closely at course descriptions and learning outcomes and then rewrite them in a way that is meaningful to you. This provides a personalized resource that you write when your interest/motivation is high that you can read when your motivation/interest is low.

3. Positive self-talk

Positive self-talk (external link, opens in new window) is another rewarding internal motivational strategy. When you lack motivation to do something, it’s helpful to tell yourself positive things to boost optimism. An example of positive self-talk is saying, “I’ve studied really hard and I am going to do the best I can on this exam.” It may seem awkward at first, but once you get used to it, it can be a powerful motivational tool.

4. Finding motivation during strange and uncertain times

A resource from the University of Michigan on finding motivation during strange and uncertain times (external link, opens in new window) also has a few more useful tips on keeping you going and this blog post on Study Tips During Quarantine (external link, opens in new window) has more helpful strategies.

In these uncertain times, how do I keep myself feeling like a balanced and whole human?

Remember that you are a whole human being. That means there are lots of different parts of you that need nurturing - not just your brain. Below are some links to wellness strategies and offerings to help keep you feeling like a whole, balanced human

The Toronto Metropolitan University COVID-19 page has FAQs about wellbeing.
If you are feeling fear or anxiety, Toronto Metropolitan University has an article about How to Cope with Anxiety and Fear About COVID-19.
Toronto Metropolitan Student Health & Wellness have support available online, including tips for healthy eating, physical health, mental health, well-being during exam season, personal development, and getting enough sleep.
ThriveRU has workbooks and tips for resilience.
Practice art therapy, like making a scrapbook or downloading coloring book pages.
Your body is important too, so think about (PDF file) Physical Strategies to Support Learning (external link) as well.
Watch this simple video about How to Relieve and Get Rid of Stress (external link, opens in new window) .
Practice mindful meditation using this quick video called Meditation 101: A Beginner’s Guide (external link, opens in new window) .
CBC has curated a list of free, no equipment online classes (external link, opens in new window) .
Need some social time? Try Netflix Party (external link, opens in new window) , create/join a virtual book club, or have a virtual game night (external link, opens in new window) with friends.
false is hosting some fun events. See the TorontoMet Today article for a full list of activities.
Limit social media and news exposure, establish realistic time limits to check each hour or each day.
Allow yourself to nap, rest and recover from the last few months!
Create your own self-care activities!

How to Relieve and Get Rid of Stress - Relaxation Tips for High School and College

Meditation 101: A Beginner's Guide from Gobblynne on Vimeo.

Meditation 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Should I be aware of any upcoming important dates?

Yes, below are some important upcoming dates to keep in mind. However, it recommended that you also visit Toronto Metropolitan University's 2022-2023 Undergraduate Calendar for more significant dates and detailed information.

Date	Event
Friday, November 18, 2022	Last day to drop a fall course (No Refund of Fees)
December 7 - 18, 2022	Fall Examination Period
February 18 - 24, 2023	Winter Study Week
April 17 - 29, 2023	Winter Examination Period

The Chang School of Continuing Education important dates (opens in new window)

Who can I contact for support?

Support needed	Toronto Metropolitan University Contacts
Medical services and resources Counselling services and resources	The Medical Centre Centre for Student Development and Counselling (CSDC) COVID-19 Updates and Resources from Student Wellbeing Services *If you are feeling ill and you have traveled recently or been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional. Please also contact Health Connect Ontario (external link, opens in new window) and Toronto Public Health (external link, opens in new window) who will advise you on who you may need to notify.
Program and course-related questions Graduation requirements Academic challenges Connecting to campus resources Academic Consideration Requests Probation/Fresh Start Learning Support and Resources Learning Strategies English and Writing Support	The TRSM Program Advising and Student Success Student Learning Support
Co-op Program Career advising, including resume and interview support Bootcamps (Industry-Relevant Training)	The Business Career Hub
The Chang School of Continuing Education course offerings, important dates and enrolment information	The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (opens in new window)
Questions about class assignments, exams or make-up classes.	Please contact your faculty/instructors. The final exam schedule can be viewed on the Office of the Registrar’s website
Academic accommodations	Academic Accommodation Support
Laptop or internet hotpot loans Spring/summer term lending Research and reference help Digital resources	The Toronto Metropolitan University Library
OSAP Other Government Student Aid Scholarships and bursaries Student employment ex. Career Boost	Student Financial Assistance (SFA)
The application and admissions process Submission and/or pick-up of documents (e.g. official transcripts) and completed forms (e.g. third party letters, degree certificates) Applying to graduate, MyServiceHub support Tuition, fees and more	The ServiceHub