Continued support for the University’s response has remained a priority as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the working and learning environment. For the fall semester, implementing enhanced online services and deferral options for incoming students was critical.

Priority Projects for Fall 2020:

Secure ID Verification Project

• Prioritizing students' ability to upload their identity and citizenship documents online was necessary to distribute student ID cards remotely. Traditionally, students brought their documents to the Office of Registrarial Services to confirm their identity and receive their student ID cards. To date, more than 3,600 student ID cards have been distributed to incoming Guelph-campus students using this improved method. Throughout this transition, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of our student records has remained paramount.

Student Login Credentials Project

• This project focused on automating the distribution of account credentials (central login username and password) to new students. As remote learning becomes the new norm for university students, it was essential for students to access online services as early as possible. Previously, credentials were sent to new students through the mail; this year, students received their credentials via email. This is an exciting update that improves the student experience and our efficiency.

Admission Deferral Form

• A new form was developed on WebAdvisor to allow new students to more easily apply to defer their offer of admission for a year. By simplifying the deferral process, we aimed to support students in making a difficult decision about the upcoming year during an already challenging time.