U of S classes moving online for fall term
The University of Saskatchewan is planning to hold classes primarily online for the fall term of the 202021 school year.
The U of S on Tuesday said in a news release that this “limited and very cautious reopening ” in the fall “reflects comprehensive analysis and planning work” and is “based on current pandemic knowledge and projections.
“The planning direction also provides the programming flexibility needed to manage the potential risks while ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff,” the school said in its statement.
While primarily holding classes remotely online, there will be limited classroom, laboratory, clinical and physical instruction “where warranted and where circumstances permit,” and in consultation with Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer. The pandemic recovery team (PRT) will be announcing timelines and operations plans in the coming weeks.
“Remote program delivery this fall does not change the high quality and value of a (University of Saskatchewan) degree,” the school said. “We are focused on program and delivery enhancements to ensure that students continue to receive a world-class education at the University of Saskatchewan.”
Last week, the school — addressing what it called “an unprecedented time for members of our campus community” — said a tuition freeze would be implemented for a majority of its programs in the 2020-21 academic year.
“We know tuition is a significant investment for students, and we hope that by maintaining tuition levels at their current 2019-20 rates in the majority of our programs for the upcoming year, current financial pressures felt by students and their families may be reduced,” U of S provost and vice-president academic Tony Vannelli said in a letter sent Thursday to students.
“Even as tuition rates remain unchanged, we remain focused on program and delivery enhancements to ensure that our students receive a rich and rigorous education that will set them up for success following graduation.”