University of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge delay return to in-person learning

Three of the province’s biggest universities will be delaying the return to in-person learning until at least Feb. 28.

The University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge sent out notices to all students on Friday informing them of the changes.

NEW: The Universities of Alberta, Calgary, Lethbridge will be delaying the return to in-person activities until Feb. 28. pic.twitter.com/3XseTtS6p9

— Josh Ritchie (@JoshGRitchie) January 14, 2022

“We know that a return to campus as soon as possible is in the best interests of all members of the university community,” said U of A President Bill Flanagan in a release. “Given what we currently know about the anticipated peak of Omicron, we have a high degree of confidence that we can safely return to campuses and our full Winter 2022 schedule of in-person courses on Feb. 28.”

All three schools will also continue to extend enhanced campus safety measures for those who will be on campus.

Students who are expected to continue in-person learning will be contacted directly by the institutions.

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In a statement to CityNews, the Minister of Advanced Education for the province, Demetrios Nicolaides, said:

“Omicron requires us to continue to be cautious. Open dialogue between our institutions, Advanced Education and Dr. [Deena] Hinshaw has helped ensure our institutions are kept up-to-date and informed.

“I have complete confidence in the ability of our institutions to ensure student learning continues safely, whether it’s in-person or temporarily online.

“I know that everyone is eager to return to in person learning as soon as possible and I’m confident that will be happening soon.”

University of Calgary Union backs the decision to remain online

The University of Calgary Students’ Union says it supports the decision to continue online learning and is happy the decision game with such advanced notice.

“We do appreciate the University’s decision to let students know what is happening in February ahead of time,” said Union President Nicole Schmidt. “They have been consulting with students for feedback in hopes of providing students with as much notice as possible around the decision so they can plan their semester accordingly. So, we do really appreciate the university’s notice.”

Schmidt says she wants the extra time given online to be used for making sure the university is a safe location for students and staff to attend.

The union is calling on Alberta’s UCP government to provide supports in time for the return to class in late February. It says the government should provide masks and testing kits to post-secondary campuses.

“We just want to make sure that it is a safe learning environment when we are able to return.”

Schmidt says the union has heard from students on returning to class, and the majority want in-person learning and the university experience they are paying for. But, they want it in a safe manner.

“Online learning just doesn’t provide the same value to most students as in-person learning does, and also students in Alberta have seen their tuition increase by more than 20 per cent, especially in the case of University of Calgary over the last few years,” Schmidt explained.

“So, right now, many students are really questioning the value that they’re receiving from their education with the tuition that they’re paying.”