As the university is anticipating we still will be under physical distancing restrictions from public health authorities come September, all years of the Commerce program will be delivered remotely for the upcoming fall term. First year Commerce students will continue in remote format for the winter term. Details about the second, third, and fourth-year experiences are being finalized and will be shared soon.

This means online teaching and learning, as well as virtually-staged events and activities, career advancement services, networking opportunities, and more.

Smith’s faculty and staff are building a remote experience that reflects all the great hallmarks of the Commerce program — a deep understanding of business strategies and concepts, a tight sense of community, personal capacity building for leadership and teamwork, resilience, and more. We will maintain the highest quality of teaching and course content, and community experience.

Please contact the Commerce Office with questions at commerce@queensu.ca.

Information for Current Commerce Students

Please check the Commerce portal on a regular basis between now and the start of Fall Term as we will be posting updates and information on the fall and winter experience.

Information for Incoming First Year Students

We are very excited that you have chosen Smith and the Commerce program and look forward to welcoming you as the Class of 2024. We know this will be a different start than you expected, but we are committed to making it a great experience and a strong launch to your four years with us.

We will be posting regular updates and information on the Commerce portal platform. To access that you need to obtain your NetID, which will be your network identity for your time at the university. If you have accepted your offer, you can start the process to obtain your NetID here. Contact the Commerce Office at commerce@queensu.ca with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will all classes be remote?

Yes, all Commerce classes for the fall 2020 term will be delivered in remote format. There will be no on-campus teaching or activities.

First year Commerce students will continue in remote format for the winer term. Details about the second, third, and fourth-year experiences are being finalized and will be shared soon.

Should I still plan to come to Kingston?

All Commerce courses and activities such as career networking, coaching, and special events will be held virtually so there is no need for you to be physically in Kingston to fully participate in the fall term. This applies to first year Commerce students for the winter term as well. Details about the second, third, and fourth-year experiences are being finalized and will be shared soon.

If you have available accommodation for the fall term, it is your decision whether to come or not. If you do, you will need to abide by local public health guidelines.

As members of the Kingston community, Queen’s students will be expected to be active partners in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community’s vulnerable populations and health care workers.

Will residences be open this fall?

The university has determined that up to 2,300 students will be able to live in residence this fall — which is 50 per cent of normal capacity, and only single rooms will be offered. A priority process is in place to determine which students will be offered a residence room. For more information on the process and the protocols that will be in place to ensure compliance with public health requirements, please check the Queen's residence information page.

What do I do if I arranged off-campus rental accommodation?

For the remote term, it will not be necessary to be in Kingston. If you have available accommodation for the fall term, it is your decision whether to come or not. You will need to abide by local public health guidelines.

As members of the Kingston community, Queen’s students will be expected to be active partners in helping to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community’s vulnerable populations and health care workers.

How will courses and other elements of Commerce be delivered?

Smith’s faculty and staff are already well underway in building a remote experience that reflects all the great hallmarks of the Commerce program — a deep understanding of business strategies and concepts, a tight sense of community, personal capacity building for leadership and teamwork, resilience, and more. We will maintain the highest quality of teaching and course content, and community experience.

For current students, please refer to the Commerce portal for regular updates.

For incoming first year students, more information will be communicated to you directly and you can always contact the Commerce office with questions at commerce@queensu.ca.

Will fall international exchange proceed?

Due to continuing uncertainty about public health, travel restrictions, immigration and health insurance factors, and the ability of host universities to welcome Queen’s students the fall international exchange program has been cancelled.

We will do our utmost to ensure that the impacted students will have an opportunity to study abroad. You will be contacted directly about options. We ask for your patience and your flexibility as we begin these conversations with each of you and with your potential host university.

The Centre for International Management will communicate with impacted students.

What career services will be provided?

Smith’s Centre for Career Advancement will be fully available and will offer its services including career education, coaching, and corporate recruiting in remote formats.

On-campus recruiting is proceeding with contingencies for employers to engage virtually, should physical distancing be required. The Centre for Career Advancement will be providing further updates.

We will continue to support you fully in your career planning.

Will there be orientation for incoming undergraduate and graduate students?

The university and student leaders are planning imaginative virtual orientation events for summer 2020 to ensure incoming students can meet their peers, stay connected throughout the term, and be welcomed into the Queen’s community.

We will work to find opportunities for more traditional orientation events for the class of 2024 when restrictions on social gatherings are lifted.

How will I get my textbooks?

The Campus Bookstore offers an online textbook search engine and order system and ships via FedEx. Find out more here.

Will I be able to access library resources?

Please review the information from Queen’s University Library on their website for details on available services.

How will I contact my professor or teaching assistant in an online class? How will office hours work?

Instructors and teaching assistants will be available remotely. Some instructors and teaching assistants may also host one-on-one or group help sessions by video or live chat.