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
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.