BC universities moving fall classes primarily online

Post-secondary institutions in BC will keep classes online in the fall, as a result of uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

UBC and SFU are among the universities keeping classes online to maintain the safety of students and staff.

According to a statement from SFU, “most instruction will continue to be delivered through remote methods, including first-year classes,” in order to “create certainty for instructors and students, and safety for students and employees.”

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If allowed by health authorities and provincial policy, select courses will be opened for in-person instructional activities, such as labs and field trips.

UBC will also follow a similar approach during Fall 2020, with select smaller classes being conducted in person.

“UBC will primarily offer larger classes online with selected smaller classes conducted in-person, adhering to physical distancing and other public health requirements,” said a statement from UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono.

“We will maintain a clear focus on ensuring high-quality face-to-face instruction, where possible, and high-quality remote instruction.”

According to Ono, the university is hoping to have students on campus when it is safe to do so.

“While we are keen to facilitate more people on campus, it is important to stress that health and safety remains our first priority as we continue to ensure that our plans are consistent with provincial public health requirements.”

Phase two of BC’s Restart Plan, set to take place from June to September, includes looking at the possibilities of re-opening post-secondary institutions and resuming in-person classes for K-12 students.