September is the month when students will go back walking the hallways of their colleges and universities, after an unprecedented year in which higher education institutions moved into a virtual learning environment.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry advised all public colleges and universities to prepare for a return to campus.
“I am encouraged by Dr. Henry’s advice that face-to-face instruction will safely return this fall for all students, staff, and faculty,” Advanced Education Minister Anne Kang said in a statement.
As we know, early in the pandemic, institutions transitioned to an online learning environment that created unique challenges for students and staff.
Tanysha Klassen, president of the British Columbia Student Federation, says students are excited to go back to school and even a little relieved.
“Online learning has been a difficult transition for many. The college experience is not just about learning, but also about being part of a community,” Klassen said. The return to campus responds to the need to socialize and be close and will strengthen the sense of belonging of the students in their institution.
Health and well-being are a priority for this return to in-class learning and all safety protocols will be strictly followed.
To safely accommodate more people on campus, work will continue with public health officials on a safety plan that includes transit planning, quarantine arrangements for international students, on-site immunization options, and the availability of spaces to study.
The presidents of the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser, and Kwantlen Polytechnic say they look forward to the return of their students, including of course, the international ones.
Jonathan Fuentes
