KPU to Move Summer Semester Course Delivery Online

On March 24, KPU President Alan Davis issued a statement online announcing that the university plans to move classes online for the upcoming summer semester, in accordance with recommendations made by the B.C. Provincial Health Officer to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We will soon be releasing the list of courses that can be effectively delivered without any attendance on campus. Registration will be limited to these courses only. We understand that this may be disappointing for some, but these are the types of measures needed at this critical time in reducing the spread of the virus,” reads the statement.

“Summer semester classes start on May 11, and those who have already registered for courses will be notified regarding any changes to current selections as soon as summer online offerings have been confirmed.”

A number of other local post-secondary institutions have announced similar plans to move instruction online for the summer, including UBC, SFU, and UFV.

KPU has also postponed the upcoming convocation ceremony, canceled all on-campus events until June 30, and has closed campus bookstores and cafes.

All KPU summer semester classes which will be taught will be delivered remotely or online, which necessitates that students have internet access “to ensure they will be able to meet the requirements for instructional delivery.”

Classes which must be taught in-person will not be offered during the summer semester.

“KPU will be providing as much support as it is able to students, both domestic and international, who wish to study remotely, using a variety of digital tools and strategies. KPU will also support its faculty as instructors prepare for various modes of alternative delivery,” reads the statement.

“Likewise, we are working to determine what supports we will be able to provide to students online, by telephone and to a very limited extent on campus, subject to the direction of B.C.’s Public Health Officer.”

Davis says that KPU will be making further announcements specifying which courses will be made available during the summer semester, the student services which will continue to be available either online, over the phone, or on campus as well as the library and bookstore services students will have access to.

Further announcements will also determine which trades courses will be offered, and how KPU will organize its staff over the summer.

For more information visit https://www.kpu.ca/hui/novel-coronavirus.