News

COVID-19 Announcement

The AU Students’ Union is doing our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by working from home until further notice. Reach us by email at admin@ausu.org.

See below for information from Athabasca University and links to supports for students at the federal and provincial level.

We are aware of the changing conditions of COVID-19, and are dedicated to keeping students informed about updates being provided by the University, as well as the impacts to your studies and the resources that are currently available to you.

Here’s our latest AUSU resources to help students navigate COVID-19 support:

YouTube video with info for students regarding COVID-19.

AUSU Open Mic Podcast episode on COVID-19 and Athabasca University.

AUSU News Release about Canada Emergency Student Benefit.

COVID-19 Updates from Athabasca University

For updates related to COVID-19 and related impacts to your Athabasca University studies, please view the information supplied by the university.

COVID-19 Info:
Updates from AU
Questions and Answers for Students (exams, extensions, supports, and who to contact)
AU Library COVID-19 Updates
Free Assistive Technology
ProctorU:
General PoctorU Info and Pricing
New ProctorU Guide

Mental Health Supports

With the current situation due to COVID-19, we know many students will be facing stress, fear and anxiety. If you are struggling, help is available, easy to access, and free of charge.

AU has a mental health and wellness program through Homewood Health to provide students free counselling, as well as coaching and services on a variety of topics relating to mental health and wellness.

If you are looking for immediate support from a professional counsellor, have your AU student ID number handy and call Homewood Health:

1-800-663-1142 (English)
1-866-398-9505 (French)
1-888-384-1152 (TTY/hearing impaired)
1-877-301-4776 (Outside of Canada)

Check out this video from AUSU outlining the mental health service!

Government Support

We recommend all students follow the advice of the public health officials in their jurisdiction for ways to mitigate the spread of the virus and to keep safe.

Canada:
Government of Canada COVID-19 page
Canada’s Emergency Student Benefit
Canada’s Economic Response Plan
COVID-19 Supports for First Nations in Canada

Alberta:
Government of Alberta COVID-19 page 
COVID-19 Support for Albertans
Alberta Health Services COVID-19 page
TextforHope Mental Health and Wellness Support
One Line Alberta Sexual Assault Services

Ontario
Government of Ontario COVID-19 Page
Ontario Budget Action Plan

British Columbia
Government of British Columbia COVID-19 Page
British Columbia Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 Page
British Columbia Supports
B.C. bill relief  
FortisBC Customer Recovery Fund

Quebec
Government of Quebec COVID-19 Page
Quebec COVID-19 FAQ’s Page
Student Loans
Temporary Aid for Workers Program

Saskatchewan
Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 Page
Support Programs

Manitoba
Government of Manitoba COVID-19 Page
Care for your Mental Health Virtual Therapy Program
Temporary License Child Care Search 

Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia COVID-19 Page

New Brunswick
New Brunswick COVID-19 Page
Income Support Payment
Support Program Quick Reference Guide
Emergency Fund for Vulnerable Post-Secondary Students
Workers Emergency Income Benefit

Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador COVID-19 Page

Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island COVID-19 Page
Student Loans
Supports and Services
Child Care for Essential Employees
Grocery Program
Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit 
Special Situation Fund 
Property Tax Relief Measures Due to COVID-19
Special Situation Fund

Nunavut
Nunavut COVID-19 Page

Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories COVID-19 Page
Relief News Release

Yukon
Government of Yukon COVID-19 Page
Economic Support News Release
Housing Security
Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program

We will post further updates as soon as we are able.