Future Students

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information for Trent International Students

Message from Trent International Team

Due to the current situation, we fully understand that you may have many questions. We want to assure you that our team is here to offer you full and unconditional support during these unpredictable times. For the latest information on Trent University’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.trentu.ca/COVID-19. There is also a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the page which you may find useful.

Meanwhile we have created this page in order to address the most relevant questions for international students and community. Trent International will be following-up with more detailed answers to any potential questions you may have. Thank you for your patience as the university works through these fast-evolving circumstances.

Glennice Burns
AVP International

About Medical Services & UHIP  | Updated on March 18

STAY INFORMED:

We ask that you stay informed and not to panic, measures are in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

  • If you have severe symptoms or trouble breathing, call 911 now.  Report your symptoms and any travel history.
  • If you have mild symptoms and think you may have COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has it:
    • Use the Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek care or to get tested.  A French Self-Assessment Tool is also available.
    • Call your health care provider for telephone assessment.  Do NOT show up at their office without first calling them.
    • If you are in Peterborough, contact Peterborough Public Health at
      705-743-1000 Ext. 401 or covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  
      Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 
      For medical advice after hours, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
    • If you are in Durham, contact Durham Health Connection Line at
      905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729
      Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. 
      Consult Durham Region Health Unit webpage.
    • If you are in any other region within Ontario, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan):

Your UHIP coverage has not changed.  Your coverage still includes medically necessary health services and medical treatments such as physician, hospital, diagnostic and lab testing services.

Please visit the UHIP plan details webpage for more information: https://uhip.ca/Enrollment/PlanDetails

If you are consulting a doctor or getting diagnostic testing for something not related to COVID-19, please check the Sun Life Preferred Provider Site for a preferred provider close to you.  Sun Life Preferred Provider Site connects you to a provider that bills Sun Life directly at UHIP rates.  Going outside of the preferred provider network may result in out-of-pocket expenses.  If you receive a doctor’s bill, please keep all receipts, complete a claim form, and mail it to Sun Life.

Always carry your Trent Student ID and UHIP coverage document (a PDF document sent via email) with you, and present them to health care providers. 

If don’t have your UHIP coverage document, email Claudia Foung, the Trent UHIP Administrator, at claudiafoung@trentu.ca.

For questions regarding your UHIP claims, contact Sun Life (UHIP provider) directly at 1-866-500-8447 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Student VIP (Trent Health & Dental Plan)

Your Student VIP coverage has not changed.  Student VIP provides supplementary coverage for prescription medication, dental visits, eye exams, eye glasses/contacts, physiotherapy, chiropractor and so on.  These are not covered by UHIP.  For questions regarding Student VIP coverage, contact the Student VIP office at 1-888-918-5056 or info@studentvip.ca.

Immigration FAQs during the COVID-19 pandemic | Updated on March 18

Do I need a Study Permit to take courses that have been moved online due to COVID-19?

If you have left Canada and will be completing your term remotely, you may continue your studies online, with or without a valid Study Permit.

You are required to have a valid study permit throughout the duration of your program while you are in Canada. During academic sessions spent in Canada, you are still required to comply with study permit conditions.

If your study permit will expire soon, you should apply to extend your study permit via IRCC Online Services before the expiry date of your study permit if you need more time to complete your program.

If you are a current student who is applying to extend their immigration documents, you must provide proof of enrollment. To obtain a Verification of Enrollment letter, go to MyTrent/academics/international/Undergraduate Letter Request (or ESL, if applicable). Please note that Grad Students should contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies to obtain a Verification of Enrollment letter.

If I leave Canada, will I be able to return?

To return Canada to resume your studies, you are required to have a valid study permit and a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

If your documents will expire while you are outside Canada, you can apply for a study permit extension online. You should apply to extend your documents BEFORE they expire. It is recommended that you apply 90 days before the expiry in order to ensure that they are processed in time for your return.

To extend you status online, please register or login to your IRCC account, and follow the steps as instructed.

Please note: as of March 17, 2020, Canada has closed its border to non-residents. It is anticipated that this is a short-term measure, however this restriction may impact an international student's ability to return to Canada.

In the event that this negatively impacts you, please email international@trentu.ca and we can assist you in deferring the resumption of your studies until a future term.

 

I have already applied to extend my Study Permit, but haven't received a response yet. Can I go home now?

Because your study permit will be mailed to the Canadian address that you indicated on your application form, you should make sure that someone you trust is checking the mail and will keep it safe for you until you return.

When your new study permit is approved, you will receive a notification on your IRCC online portal. After you receive it, you can apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (if required) from outside Canada and return to Canada at a future date.

Trent International Q&A | Updated on March 16

Please access up-to-date information about Trent University’s response to COVID-19 at https://www.trentu.ca/coronavirus/ 

I have visitors arriving from areas affected by coronavirus in the near future. Do I need to do anything? 

Colleagues organizing activities at Trent that involves visitors from affected areas (*) should decide on the most appropriate course of action based on the latest official advice and guidance issued by: 

  1. Peterborough Public Health 

  1. Public Health Ontario 

  1. Public Health Agency (PHA) Canada 

  1. Government of Canada Travel Advisories 

The fact that this is an evolving situation and further travel restrictions may be imposed with short notice should also be considered.  

(*) This guidance applies to visitors traveling from, or transiting through affected areas. 

What should I do if I have returned from the affected areas? 

If you have returned from the areas listed below (*) in the past 14 days, you should self-isolate by staying home and avoid contact with other people even if you do not exhibit any symptoms: 

  • Iran 

  • Italy (since 9 March) 

  • South Korea 

  • Hubei province in China 

If you have returned from the areas listed below (*) in the past 14 days, and develop symptoms usually associated with COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, shortness of breath), you should self-isolate by staying home and avoid contact with other people. You do not need to follow this guidance if you do not exhibit any symptoms. 

  • Mainland China (outside of Hubei province) 

  • South Korea (outside of designated special care zones) 

  • Cambodia 

  • Hong Kong 

  • Japan 

  • Laos 

  • Macao 

  • Malaysia 

  • Myanmar 

  • Singapore 

  • Taiwan 

  • Thailand 

  • Vietnam 

(*) This guidance applies to visitors traveling from, or transiting through affected areas listed. 

I am a member of staff and have needed to self-isolate after returning from the specified areas, but I feel well enough to work. What arrangements should I make? 

You should inform your immediate supervisor of your situation. If you are able to work remotely, please liaise with your immediate supervisor accordingly. Should you become ill during this period, please act according to guidelines offered by Peterborough Public Health and other official agencies. You may call Peterborough Public Health at (705) 743-1000 x401 between 8:30am to 8:00pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays, or email at covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca. After hours, please call Telehealth toll-free at 1 (866) 797-0000. 

If you are experiencing a serious onset of symptoms, call 911. 

I am planning on going home during the summer.  What should I do? 

If you plan on going home during the summer break, please ensure if you are able to travel to your destination as some airlines have postponed flights, and in other cases, borders have been closed to travelers. You should also anticipate possible disruptions after you travel due to the evolving nature of the situation. 

​​​​​Advice for students 

Trent is following the direction and recommendations of local and national authorities with regard to precautions and travel abroad. Before travelling to any country, all students are advised to check for travel advisories on the Government of Canada’s travel advisory website. 

I am a student currently abroad on university activity.  What should I do? 

Our Study Abroad Office is in contact with students registered with the office who are in affected areas. The University will offer as much flexibility as possible to minimize any impact on students. We are in regular contact with partner organizations who host our students. 

You can also reach us at https://www.trentu.ca/currentstudents/international/contact-us. 

I am from one of the areas affected by coronavirus, and have concerns about my visa. What should I do? 

If you are a visa holder, you will certainly have questions about your visa.  Please contact Trent International for specific information about your situation. 

I am affected by travel restrictions and cannot return to Canada.  What should I do? 

If students are unable to return to Trent as a result of travel restrictions, they should contact the Registrar or Trent International to arrange for accommodations. 

Update on March 16: Early Move Out and Residence Closure

Dear Student, 

University update 

As has been communicated by President Leo Groarke (https://www.trentu.ca/coronavirus/), a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with our Peterborough campus. Peterborough Public Health has conducted a detailed investigation, and has reached out directly to those who had close contact with this individual, and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms. The Health Unit's advice for members of the Trent community remains as it does for everyone around the world. Practice good hand hygiene, increase social distancing and self monitor. If you have symptoms that you think might be COVID-19, self isolate until you can be tested, and consult the recommendations from Peterborough Public Health at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. It is important to note that more than 80% of those who contract COVID-19 will have very few or mild symptoms.

Consistent with the provincial direction to increase social distancing and increase remote work, Trent and the Public Health Authorities are closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day Monday to all but essential services.

Trent Residence Early Move Out Monday-Wednesday

With classes moving online, and campus buildings closing, Trent is asking students who can, to move back home. As residences are, by nature, difficult for social distancing and if necessary, social isolating, this will enhance the safety of our students and community,  As a consequence of this direction, Trent University is staging an early move out of the residences, between 8 am tomorrow (Monday, March 16), and 4 pm Wednesday, March 18.

This means ensuring you take all of your belongings when you leave your room, ensuring your doors and windows are locked, and returning your keys to your Service Centre (currently open 8am-8pm, 7 days per week).  

Students who cannot travel home 

We understand that in some cases, for example due to current government travel restrictions, leaving residence may be challenging for some students. If you are unable to leave residence due to serious personal circumstances, please complete the following survey (https://trentu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2AjzRQBRyWTQrz).  A staff member from Housing Services will get in touch as soon as possible to assist you and provide you direction on next steps. Trent will ensure that students who have no viable options, or need extended time to make arrangements, are accommodated.

If you have already left residence but have not moved out your belongings/returned your key

Please contact us and we will arrange a time for you to return for your remaining belongings by email at residence@trentu.ca or by phone at 705-748-1011, extension 7127. If you do not reach someone, please leave a message with your full name, student number, room/building, and phone number you can be reached at.

If you feel sick while you are in residence 

If you are a student living in residence and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay in your room and call Housing Services (705-748-1011 x7127), the don on call for your building, or Security (705-745-1333), who will inform the Residence Life Coordinator/Housing Services. You will be asked if you have recently travelled outside of Canada; if you have had close contact with anyone under investigation for COVID-19 or who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if you have had close contact with anyone who travelled 14 days prior to developing similar symptoms.   

Trent wellness services update

Trent Student Health Service will be open at least until Wednesday, March 18, and will be continuing to provide support through telephone consultations. Trent Counselling and Accessibility Services will be open on Monday, and will continue to offer support by telephone and email.

Trent food services update 

Trent University is proud to offer one of the most inclusive and flexible dining plans in Canada.  Your basic dining plan can be used at all Trent Food Services locations and provides for a carry forward of any unused balance at the end of the year.    

As students will be leaving residence earlier than expected for this term, you may have a higher dining plan balance then would normally be the case.  At the end of the term, the remaining balance of your dining plan will automatically carry forward to next year and will remain available to you for as long as you remain a student plus an additional two years.  Consistent with rules established by the Canada Revenue Agency, in future years, the declining balance dining plan will not qualify for tax exemption.   

We recognize this is a stressful time for students and thank you for your patience and understanding. Your health and well-being and the integrity of your academic year are our top priorities.

Should students or your parents have questions, please review the extensive FAQs on our website. If you still have unanswered questions, please contact Housing Services by email at residence@trentu.ca or by phone at 705-748-1011, extension 7127 or Food Services by email at food@trentu.ca or by phone at 705-748-1011, extension 7791. If you do not reach someone, please leave a message with your full name, student number, room/building, phone number and what you need assistance with. We will return all messages as promptly as possible, while at the same time coordinating the early move out.

Best regards,
 

Jen Coulter

Director, Student Housing & Residence Life 

Housing Services, Trent University

This is an automated message, please contact Housing Services at residence@trentu.ca or 705-748-1011 x7127 with any questions. Have a great day.

Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.trentu.ca/coronavirus/faq

Important Contacts for Trent International Students:

Trent University's Q&A Page: www.trentu.ca/coronavirus

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