Update on the Fall 2020 Semester in the Context of COVID-19

OTTAWA (Ontario), Tuesday, May 5, 2020 — For the Fall 2020 semester, Saint Paul University is committed to offering all of its courses through distance learning or online, in addition to the possibility of being on campus if authorized by health authorities. This will allow students to take their courses from their own computer, anywhere in the world.

“The bottom line is that if a student can't come to the classroom, it’s not a problem. The classroom will come to them,” stated Chantal Beauvais, Rector of Saint Paul University.

This decision has been taken in consideration of those situations some will face:

It will be difficult for new international students to obtain a study visa being that Canadian embassies have recalled many of their diplomatic staff.
It will be difficult for many of our current international students to return to Canada: due to the cost of airfare, which will be prohibitive, and because borders may still be closed to some countries.
People at risk (compromised immune system, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc.) will likely want to study from home.
Some will be in confinement at some point in time, either because they have developed the disease or because they have been in contact with someone who has developed the disease.
If we still have to respect physical distancing, the capacity in the classroom will have to be reduced to one third, resulting in the need for some students to stay at home.

With respect to the possibility of a return to campus, the University will develop a safe transition plan. Every precaution will be taken to follow the latest guidelines from public health authorities regarding the mitigation of risks related to COVID-19.

Note that, as usual, some courses will only be offered at distance (live, sometimes with the possibility of listening to the recordings), online (pre-recorded courses) or in hybrid mode (one portion at distance and the other online). In a few rare cases, however, on-campus presence will be required, notably for practicum-type courses at the Master's and PhD levels in Counselling and Spirituality.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the University's faculty and staff for their collaboration in planning the academic activities for this fall," said Beauvais. "Despite a challenging and uncertain situation, everyone has worked hard to deliver quality programs of study. There is no doubt that Herculean efforts were made to ensure the quality of the student experience. I am proud of our ability to combine innovation and flexibility with academic integrity."

For more information :
Julie Bourassa
Communications Officer, Saint Paul University
613-236-1393 ext 2310
jbourassa@ustpaul.ca