On-campus learning returns but Lethbridge post-secondary schools prepared to pivot
Both Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge are preparing to return to on-campus learning this fall, although with COVID-19 numbers rising, the schools are prepared to pivot if necessary.
Fourth-year automotive student Phoenix Cant was among hundreds who were back on campus at Lethbridge College on Monday.
Cant said it felt good to be back after taking her second and third-year courses online due to COVID-19.
“It’s phenomenally better to be back in the classroom,” said Cant.
“It’s a little bit easier for communication with the teachers.”
Students in the Trades, Technology and Innovation Facility were the first to return to school, with most other programs resuming next week.
The University of Lethbridge is also preparing to return to in-class learning after switching to a mostly online delivery model last fall.
“We anticipate 90 per cent of classes will be face-to-face,” said U of L president Mike Mahon.
The University of Calgary allowed professors to move courses online as recently as Aug. 20, raising concerns from the U of C Students Union.
In a news release, the University of Calgary Students Union said the sudden course changes had “pulled the rug out” from under thousands of students.
With less than two weeks until the start of the fall semester, many students, especially international students, had spent money on flights, housing and parking spaces, to find out their in-person classes had moved online.
In February, the University of Lethbridge announced that students should prepare to be back on campus in the fall.
Mahon said that continues to be their goal.
We know our students want to be face-to-face,” said Mahon. “We’re a destination university, and so many of students come from away.”
At the same time, the university will continue to monitor what is happening in the province and region from a health and safety perspective.
“We hope we don’t have to do any pivoting, but we pivoted a year and a half ago, and we’re prepared if need be to move some courses online.," said Mahon.
While many Albertans were hoping for things to be closer to normal this fall, COVID-19 variants have recently led to an increase in cases.
The university had previously announced that there would be mandatory masking on campus and stipulated those who were not vaccinated would have to undergo regular rapid testing.
Discussions around COVID-19 protocols are continuing, and the U of L said the final plan would be announced prior to classes resuming next week.
Since the start of the pandemic Lethbridge College has changed or updated its COVID-19 guidelines nine times. Lethbridge College president Paula Burns said institutions would have to remain flexible as they determine how to offer as many course experiences on campus as possible, while ensuring the health of its students, faculty and staff.
Now into her final year of schooling, Cant is hoping she can finish her automotive course in the classroom.
“It’s a very hands-on industry,” she added.
“So it is a lot nicer to be physically here, to see how things are going and be able to do it yourself as well.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
NEW A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people and formally asks for help
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.