Coronavirus: University of Guelph hiring co-op students to help move fall courses online

The University of Guelph says it will be hiring 75 summer co-op students to help move courses online for the fall semester.

The school says it will be having a “hybrid” semester in September in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Courses and activities will be delivered both in-person and remotely.

More details on how that will work are expected in the coming weeks, the university said.

Co-op students, earning between $5,000 and $7,000 will assist faculty over the summer to transform their courses.

“This is a win-win,” said Cate Dewey, associate vice-president (academic). “Co-op students are searching for subject-specific work placements to complete their co-op term. Faculty are looking for help to develop pedagogically strong academic courses for the fall semester.”

1:37 Hamilton’s Innovation Factory has workers come into the office virtually

Those who are hired will earn a certificate in course redesign and remote pedagogy through a series of workshops. Some students will be able to enrol in a fall elective to gain a credit for their summer work experience.

All in-person classes at the university were halted in March when the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up in Canada and classes moved to virtual learning.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Officials say they are still developing protocols for students, faculty and staff to follow during a phased reopening of the campus.