The University of Lethbridge is joining its counterparts at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta in announcing a return to online learning amid the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
In a statement released Wednesday, U of L President Mike Mahon explained the decision to begin the 2022 spring semester online “for a short period” of time will allow them time to access the impact of the variant on the community.
All classes will be online from Jan. 5 to Jan. 21 at both the U of L’s Lethbridge and Calgary campus, with in-person learning commencing “as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Some staff may remain on campus to ensure operational effectiveness.
“Students have been clear that face-to-face experiences inside and outside the classroom are important to their learning experiences and their mental health,” Mahon outlined in the letter.
“So while courses will move online to start the term, faculty members and students should plan for a return to an in-person format once the Omicron threat has diminished.”
However, some services on campus will remain while complying with health directives, including the gym, library, sport facilities and food services.
Faculty and staff are asked to not plan any events on campus at this time, and the school community is being encouraged to follow practices to limit the spread, including getting the booster shot and wearing masks.
Counselling and mental health supports are available for students, staff, and faculty.
Lethbridge College also announced some changes to its program delivery as a result of the rise in variant cases.
Out of an “abundance of caution,” the college is cancelling all scheduled classes for Jan. 6 and 7, with the exception of apprenticeship classes. Those will continue in-person on Jan. 4.
Due to the hands-on nature of certain labs and other programs, some will continue in-person with the same safety measures in place, while “as many classes as possible” will move to alternate delivery between Jan. 10 and 21.
As well, all employees are being asked to work from home and on-campus events scheduled between now and Jan. 21 are being cancelled. New student orientation will no longer be taking place.
“We know this pandemic has been tough on everyone and we wanted to announce this today to provide all of our community as much time as possible to prepare for the changing environment in January,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO.
“We are committed to returning to in-person delivery as soon as we can, but we feel these steps are the best way to do our part to once again support the health-care system and the health and well-being of our entire community.”
The college’s food court will offer limited services, while the fitness centre will remain open.