The University of Saskatchewan 2020 Fall Term will primarily be delivered online, with limited classroom, laboratory, clinical and physical instruction where warranted and permitted by the province’s health guidelines.

The U of S says this decision “reflects comprehensive analysis and planning work” by the university since the pandemic’s emergence. Remote delivery was decided on to provide “programming flexibility” to manage possible risks while keeping the campus community safe.

“Remote program delivery this fall does not change the high quality and value of a U of S degree,” the announcement said. “We are focused on program and delivery enhancements to ensure that students continue to receive a world class education at the University of Saskatchewan.”

To make the transition to remote delivery with minimal disruption, the newly created U of S Pandemic Recovery Team is planning this upcoming year’s programming and research. The team is currently working on a September 2020 implementation plan, which the announcement says will be “developed with consultation across all areas of university activity and with health officials.”

The implementation plan will guide programs in determining their delivery mode. This way, the decisions regarding remote delivery will not be up to each individual faculty member.

More about the PRT’s mandate and activities will be communicated in the coming weeks, while the implementation plan is set to be finalized by the end of May. The university will give updates about specific programs “as soon as possible” since many students have relocated to their home provinces and countries due to the pandemic.

“For students concerned about making travel and living arrangements for the fall term, every effort will be made to communicate information about the mode of delivery of specific programs,” the announcement said.

Considering that fees for off-campus and on-campus students are different, student fees for the 2020-21 academic year are still under consideration and will be announced at a later date.

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J.C. Balicanta Narag | Editor-in-Chief

Graphic: File | Shawna Langer