Winter Semester to Continue Current Course Models

As we approach the end of this term, I want to update you on the Winter Semester that begins Monday, January 10.

 

The Fall Semester has been a challenging one for students, faculty, and staff, just as it has been challenging for society to continue the push through the pandemic. We should not overlook what we have been able to achieve. It has been beneficial to be back in familiar surroundings and to begin a return to in-person activities — our classes, lectures, special events, internships, experiential learning, and athletics are taking place primarily in person. 

 

This year has proven to be better than the previous one, and there will be additional milestones early in the new year; our refurbished Vanier Hall opens and we host an in-person Convocation for the Bachelor of Social Work Class of ’22. These are important highlights in our progress towards the return to a typical campus life.

 

Winter Semester 2022

 

While the number of new COVID cases is declining, the overall number remains high and many regions in the province face restrictions as Public Health pursues a cautious approach to recovery. This prudence is understandable as we have seen four waves of COVID over the past 20 months. The high vaccination rates for students, faculty, and staff, along with campus health and safety protection measures, provide us with a higher level of protection. Nevertheless, I believe that we should continue to follow the same careful approach.  

 

We will therefore be starting the Winter Semester using our current course delivery model that sees the majority of courses delivered in-person with various remote options. The Registrar will soon circulate the information on course models (in-person or remote) and on the process for requesting remote access accommodations for in-person courses (due to documented medical reasons or travel restrictions). We will also continue to provide the complete range of student services in-person and remotely. Students enrolled in the School of Education and School of Social Work will be receiving details on their courses from their program directors. 

 

I wish you all the best on your end-of-term studies, essays, and then exams. If you have any further comments or questions, please reach out to ask@stu.ca. 

 

Thank you, and best wishes.

 

Dawn Russell

President and Vice-Chancellor