Saying they have heard the message loud and clear from students that they want their experience to be as normal as possible on both an academic and social level, the University of Regina says it is preparing a return to near pre-pandemic operations when the winter semester begins on January 5, 2022.
This will mean about 80 percent of the 3,200 classes offered by the University will be delivered in person with the rest being offered either by a Hybrid or Hyflex option. Hybrid means classes are delivered both on-site and remotely while Hyflex gives students an option of attending either in person or remotely from day-to-day and class-to-class as it fits their schedule.
With higher numbers expected, the University adds more robust health and safety requirements are going to be introduced. Students, staff and faculty will have to provide proof of full vaccination or undergo testing three times a week by an external agency at their own expense. This will be the same course of action for those visiting the facility.
Students are now able to access the schedule for the winter semester to see how courses will be delivered so they can planning class schedules.
As we welcome the majority of our students back to campus, we will continue to monitor and act on reported illnesses and track provincial and local infection rates, as well as all public health orders and restrictions should we be required to adjust our plans,” says Dr. David Gregory, Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic) in a release. “However, with the University’s requirement to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing, along with our stringent health and safety measures, we are confident that we can provide students, faculty and staff with a safe environment in which to return to in-person teaching and learning.”
Those safety measures include mandatory mask usage, encouraging physical distancing where applicable, improved ventilation, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. The University has not experienced any cases of community transmission in an academic setting on campus over the current term.
