U of R will keep all classes online in fall

With no date on when Saskatchewan will be free of COVID-19 restrictions, the University of Regina is planning to run all fall 2020 classes online.

This is a continuation of how the U of R is currently running its spring and summer classes.

On Tuesday, Thomas Chase, the U of R’s interim president, posted an update on the institution’s website saying classes would continue being offered remotely.

“A continuation of the remote delivery we are now using offers students in the Fall term the best chance of academic success as we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the global pandemic,” read Chase’s post. “The situation is fluid, changing daily. As it changes, we will communicate with you.”

Exactly what this will look like continues to be developed by the U of R’s Academic Incremental Recovery (AIR) group, led by interim provost david Gregory.

Paul Dederick, spokesperson for the U of R, said classes via Zoom have replaced many face-to-face classes for the spring and summer semesters, and this will likely continue into the fall.

Courses that had initially been designed to run online even before the pandemic will see little change.

The U of R has also “committed significant resources” to continue developing the remote learning experience, he said. A site has already been set up for students with information on how to use UR Courses, Zoom and how to manage online courses.

Continued restrictions across the province are also making work terms and coop placements more difficult for students, but Dederick said the U of R is looking for ways it can continue to offer these experiences to students while still following public health guidelines.

“If a work placement can safely move forward based on physical distancing, proper hygiene and any required personal protect equipment (PPE), it will go ahead. Otherwise, we are developing virtual work experiences where possible,” said Dederick.

Any “unexpected developments” in Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 situation could change these plans at any time, said Chase, and staff will continue to make adjustments to timelines and course delivery as needed.

He also noted the U of R’s operations will continue to follow public health guidelines.

“I am confident that our consultations and planning will yield a delivery model that meets teaching, learning, and research needs while keeping people safe,” said Chase.

Last week, the U of R approved its 2020-21 budget, which brought no tuition fee hikes for students.

I am confident that our consultations and planning will yield a delivery model that meets teaching, learning, and research needs while keeping people safe.