University of Windsor announces shift to virtual classes in January
The University of Windsor is changing the start date for the winter term and moving most students to virtual learning in January.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to evolve rapidly and there are still many unknowns about the COVID Omicron variant,” said a statement from president Rob Gordon. “As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our campus community, we are taking swift and proactive steps to respond to the next potential COVID-19 threat that is Omicron.”
The university says any formal or informal University in-person gatherings should be postponed, and meetings should be held virtually where possible starting immediately. In-person exams will continue as scheduled.
Holiday closure extended
The University will be extending its closure over the holidays until Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. Employees who are able to do so are being asked to work fully remotely as of Jan. 5, recognizing that some employees are required to be on campus to support operations and student-facing services.
Change in Start Date for Most Classes
Classes for the winter term will now begin on Jan. 17, 2022, and they will initially be held virtually. Undergraduate classes in Education and Nursing will begin on Jan. 3, 2022, as previously planned to accommodate practicum and clinical rotations, but will also be held virtually as much as possible.
On-campus classes, activities, and work for students, faculty, and staff in the winter term will resume as soon as it is possible to do so.
Gordon said the university will provide at least two weeks’ notice regarding the return to campus. Given the delayed start of classes, the earliest date for a return would be Jan. 31, 2022.
“We will make the determination in consultation with local health authorities and the Province, and communicate updates on a weekly basis,” said Gordon.
Residence
Residence students will receive further communications from Residence Services shortly.
Library and Other Campus Study Spaces
These spaces will remain open and available until Wednesday, Dec. 22 with strict physical distancing, mask wearing and completion of the Safe Lancer App Self-Assessment required.
Booster vaccine encouraged
Gordon said they encourage all members of the university community to get their third shot as soon as they are able, to protect themselves, friends, colleagues, loved ones and the broader community.
“A slightly delayed and virtual start to our Winter term will provide the opportunity for UWindsor community members to get their third vaccines as soon as possible before physically returning to campus,” said Gordon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.