Entering university life is an exciting and nerve wracking time for every high school student. Unfortunately, with Covid-19 still running rampant within Canada and the rest of the globe, quarantine restrictions have forced universities to stay consistently online since last March. However, with the consistent rise in vaccination rates, Canadians are becoming more hopeful that the new school year will return to its more normal state. In fact, McGill has made the big decision to reopen for the upcoming Fall 2021 term.
This begs the question; how will this influence other Canadian Universities?
Over the course of the past few weeks, many universities across Canada have revealed their plans for the fall. They mainly include the integration of in person classes, the opening of on-campus residences, and the slow opening of the remaining in-person university services.
It is important to note that many plans are tentative and subject to change based on Canada’s state during the pandemic. However, most universities are hopeful they will be able to provide in person services by next semester.
Here is a quick rundown of Canada’s top Universities and their plans in the fall:
Written by Freda Pan
McGill University
Confirmed to return to in person teaching in the fall
This also means that all students attending McGill will have to be going to in person classes
Student residences to open in Fall 2021 with guaranteed accommodation for first year students
For more information: https://www.mcgill.ca/coronavirus/faqs
University of Toronto
Plans to return to normal in person activities for Fall 2021 (classes, gatherings, etc.) as per Health Canada Guidelines
Return of in person services to become more readily available
For more information: https://memos.provost.utoronto.ca/fall-2021-plans/
University of Waterloo
Planning to “expand” in person experience greatly by providing more on-campus services (ex. In person classes)
Currently undergoing a steady reopening of research
For more information: https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/
University of Alberta
Plans to return to Fall 2021 with a combination of in person and online activities
Not all students will be able to return to school for in person courses. This is based on the courses they are taking
For more information: https://www.ualberta.ca/registrar/registration-and-courses/fall-2021-in-person-courses.html
University of British Columbia
Plans to return to in person learning for the Fall 2021 year
For more information: https://covid19.ubc.ca/#:~:text=Based%20on%20current%20immunization%20timelines,Term%201%2C%20in%20September%202021.&text=We%20look%20forward%20to%20seeing,our%20campuses%20vibrant%20once%20more.
McMaster University
Currently planning a return to in person operations by Fall 2021
There are currently no confirmed plans for McMaster yet. Further updates to come.
For more information: https://covid19.mcmaster.ca/updates/
University of Western Ontario
Hopeful of return in Fall 2021
More concrete plans to be released in spring
For more information: https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/updates/mar12-2021-president.html
While current uncertain circumstances mean that the concreteness of these plans are inconsistent, especially with the severity of Covid-19 cases varying from province to province, if Canadians continue to follow Health Canada guidelines, things are looking good for the Fall 2021 semester.
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