Universities Across B.C. Adjust to the Province’s New Safety Guidelines

KPU’s Academic and Operational Continuity Plan proposes academic and operational continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the directions of B.C.’s public health officer, online learning will continue for the fall and possibly for the spring 2021 semester.

The university will continue to comply with WorkSafe BC’s guidelines and provide students with adequate first aid and proper sanitation on campus.

As KPU begins stage one of reopening, only employees who need to be on campus to continue their jobs will return. They will be expected to keep physical distance from others.

Once stage two starts, on-campus learning will be provided to students in programs that require the use of labs, shops, and studios.

Other work stations expected to reopen are computer work stations in the university, more in-person services offered by the KPU Libraries, Student and Enrollment Services as well as the International Office.

The continuity plan states the return-to-campus process will occur over the May and August period. During this time KPU is required to maintain physical distancing, which will be until the end of the next cold and flu season, expected to occur during March and April of next year.

KPU will only begin stage two of its reopening process if there aren’t any confirmed case of

COVID-19 on its campuses.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that there will be a fall convocation this year. Similarly, any KPU-funded travel is cancelled until further notice.

According to their plan, KPU as an institution will continue to support students, faculty and staff to successfully study and work remotely.

The University will support students in the areas of mental wellness, learner success, personal safety and accountability.

As for international students, the institution requires them to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in Canda. They are also required to have received their student permit before March 18, in order to study at KPU.

The University of British Columbia is taking similar actions for the fall semester. The institution “will primarily offer larger classes online with selected smaller classes conducted in-person,” as stated on their website.

Simon Fraser University will continue delivering courses remotely. According to their Fall Term Planning document, the institution will provide select courses in person.

SFU is also looking at ways to simplify academic requirements so that students can easily continue their programs.

According to their COVID-19 Community Update, BCIT is also cleaning high-frequency areas such as classrooms and office areas and holding required on-campus labs and workshops.

“In these classes, we will practice social distancing of two metres as advised by the Provincial Health Officer and we will ensure increased frequency of cleaning services in these areas,” the update reads.