Earlier this week, the U of A released its Fall 2021 course schedule. Our current and prospective students can now find the courses they’re interested in, and see whether they’re planned as in-person or online offerings.
The U of A is planning a safe transition back to primarily in-person activities for September. While the balance will vary from faculty to faculty, we’re planning for approximately 80% of courses to be offered in-person and 20% to be offered online. In addition, employees who are currently working remotely can expect to transition back to our campuses between August 2021 and January 2022 as part of a phased return.
There are still some outstanding questions about Fall 2021, and as always the U of A will continue to follow the recommendations of public health authorities. Here are some of the most common questions we’re hearing from our U of A community—and the answers available so far.
When will I be able to work from campus?
The remote-work directive is still in place until August 31, 2021. However, employees who are currently working remotely can expect to transition back to our campuses between August 2021 and January 2022 as part of a phased return. Transition plans with further details should be available by the end of June 2021. You can expect to receive at least 10 business days’ notice before needing to return to campus—and likely quite a bit more.
Long-term remote work is still under consideration, and you can expect more information this summer.
What if I’m immunocompromised, or can’t make it back to Edmonton?
The U of A regularly accommodates students and staff who experience barriers due to medical, disability, or other protected grounds, and we will continue to provide those services this fall. There may be additional remote learning options available for those who cannot travel internationally, and alternate work arrangements for U of A staff will be considered where possible.
Students can find more information on accessibility and accommodation here.
Will I need to be vaccinated before coming back to campus?
No. At this point, employees, students, contractors and visitors will not need proof of immunization to work or study at the U of A.
That said, the U of A strongly encourages all U of A community members to get vaccinated as soon as they become eligible, provided they are able to do so.
More info about vaccines is available here: COVID-19 Vaccines and U of A: What You Need to Know.
Will we have large, 400-person classes this fall?
Our class sizes will be determined by Alberta’s indoor gathering restrictions, and related public health measures and assessments. If these permit large classes by September, then yes: we may see 400-person classes this fall.
The estimate of 80% in-person courses reflects a scenario where physical distancing and gathering limits are no longer in place. Should these public health restrictions not lift, we’ll be looking at alternative scenarios without large classes.
What happens if there’s an outbreak on campus? Will we go back to remote learning?
The university’s Public Health Response Team has well developed and tested protocols for single cases and outbreaks of COVID-19—you can learn more about them here.
Our goal is to finish Fall 2021 courses the way they start: if a course starts online, it will remain online; if a course starts in person, it will remain in person. That said, public health requirements may necessitate that we move an in-person course online.
If someone in a classroom or workplace develops symptoms or feels ill, we ask you to follow COVID-19 Procedure for sick employees and/or for sick students.
Will buildings on campus reopen for fall?
Provided it is safe, our campus spaces will continue to open gradually to offer a growing number of in-person services (such as libraries, computer labs, and retail services).
You can check access to specific buildings here.
I’m developing courses for fall—where can I get some support?
The Centre for Teaching and Learning supports instructors and programs to develop engaging and meaningful learning experiences. They have a suite of resources specific to adapting to different learning environments available here.
With Fall 2021 approaching, you can expect continued communication on what to expect and where to look for details. Additional information will be posted on Campus Life and distributed to U of A students and employees as it becomes available.