The university has been making multiple plans for the 2021-2022 academic year
Ryerson University is hoping by June, 90 days prior to the start of the fall semester, that it can provide the community with a thorough update on what the fall semester looks like, according to a press release issued on Thursday.
Ryerson president Mohamed Lachemi said in the press release that this update will be provided to ensure students can make arrangements for the semester, and faculty have time to prepare for their courses.
“As has been our commitment from the first day of the pandemic, ensuring the continued health and safety of our community remains our primary concern,” said Lachemi. “We also know that our collective wellbeing is bolstered by insight into what might be coming next, and an understanding that things may return to something we are more familiar with.”
Ryerson has been monitoring COVID-19 case rates and the progress of vaccines across Toronto and Ontario. The university continues to prepare for a number of scenarios for the 2021-2022 academic year, including in-person, virtual, and hybrid approaches.
Lachemi said he is optimistic the university will be able to reopen to some degree for various activities in the fall semester. These activities could include small classes and labs, extracurricular activities, access to services and study spaces, and experiential learning opportunities.
Ryerson continues to follow provincial regulations related to physical distancing that could prohibit in-person teaching activities from happening and curtailing class sizes, which could contribute to classes being delivered remotely. The university has been facilitating in-person opportunities for students, even if all courses cannot be held in person.
Lachemi said he believes in-person activities will resume at Ryerson for the winter 2022 semester because of growing vaccination rates, changes to government regulations, and public health guidance.
“Thank you for your continued understanding, support and patience as we navigate the ongoing challenges and impact of COVID-19,” he said. “I look forward to a time when we can be together again.”
