NORTH BAY -- Nipissing University is making drastic changes to the way students will be taught in response to COVID-19.
In a letter to students, faculty and staff, President and Vice-Chancellor Mike DeGagné says Nipissing University is cancelling all of its classes, both online and at campus on, Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17.
The move is to ensure faculty and staff have adequate preparation time, to deliver course content in different ways.
The letter also says any exams scheduled during that time period will be rescheduled.
"Starting Wednesday, March 18 and for the remainder of the term, all classes will be offered through online or alternative means," writes DeGagné.
"As outlined in an email to faculty yesterday, support will be offered to faculty members to assist in this transition."
Meanwhile, all university-related travel outside of Canada is cancelled or postponed. The university and university buildings will remain open and this includes facilities such as: research labs, the library, the athletics centre, residences and food services. Team practices and fitness classes at the R.J. Surtees Athletics Centre are cancelled.
"We understand that these decisions will cause some disruption, but ask that in this unusual time that you exhibit patience, compassion and understanding with one another. We will emerge from this situation stronger than ever," says DeGagné.
Nipissing’s residences will also remain open and operational.
DeGagné says students who want to return home and study remotely may do so. The university is working through contingency planning for final exams.
All events on campus currently scheduled up to and including March 27 are being cancelled, postponed or offered virtually.
This includes campus tours, Research Month events, camps, and more. Operational and other internal meetings will continue.
Staff and faculty members should continue to come to work as usual. The university is stressing if you are ill, stay home.
"A special thank you to the faculty and staff who have been working tirelessly to ensure we are prepared to respond to this pandemic," says DeGagné.
"To our students: we know you may feel overwhelmed or anxious as a result of this situation and the uncertainty it brings, and encourage you to access supports through Student Development and Services as needed."
