U of S, U of R planning for primarily online learning this fall

Saskatchewan’s two universities are planning to do primarily online instruction this fall.

In an update on its webpage Tuesday, the University of Saskatchewan says the September delivery model will combine primarily online learning with limited classroom, laboratory, clinical and physical instruction only where warranted and where circumstances permit, in consultation with public health and Saskatchewan’s chief medical health officer.

The U of S says this direction reflects the analysis and planning done over the months since the emergence of COVID-19 and is based on projections. It says it will provide the programming flexibility needed to manage the potential risks while ensuring the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.

The U of S says for students concerned about making travel and living arrangements for the fall term, efforts will be made to communicate information about the mode of delivery of specific programs as soon as possible.

In the update, U of S president Peter Stoicheff said the university’s decision-making about these changes is evidence-based and closely aligned with the federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as Canada’s post-secondary community.

The University of Regina also made the announcement in an update on its webpage.

U of R interim president Thomas Chase says the safety of all — students, faculty, staff and their families, and the broader community — remains paramount. Fall 2020 course delivery will therefore be aligned with the public health guidelines established by the province’s chief medical health officer.

Chase says as of Tuesday, a continuation of the remote delivery the university is now using offers students in the fall term the best chance of academic success as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the global pandemic.