Some classes to resume in-person January 24, 2022

Dear students, 

Due to the experiential nature of the learning and requirements within the Faculty of Applied Science, an important exception has been made to the decision taken by UBC to extend online learning.  

Although most classroom-based teaching will continue online until February 7, some labs, group projects, capstone projects, studios and other experiential-based classes in Applied Science will start resuming in person, as of January 24. 

Therefore, we are strongly recommending that you plan to be in Vancouver for a resumption of some in-person activities on January 24.

Your instructors and school/departments have assessed each course for learning outcomes and educational requirements, to determine which components will remain online at this time, and which components will require in-person activities.  

Your schools/departments and instructors will follow up this communication by January 14 to let you know which courses will require in-person components. Furthermore, for courses taken outside of Applied Science, you will need to confirm those course requirements. For example, chemistry labs may move to in-person as well.  

We will be asking instructors and staff to build in flexibility, where possible, and where the educational outcomes allow, so please be patient and considerate in all interactions, as they are also trying to deliver instruction that meets accreditation standards.  

If you are unable to return to Canada based on COVID-related travel restrictions, please reach out to your program in your school or department (or Engineering Academic Services).  

We understand that this may be welcome news for some, and challenging for others. However, following the guidance of the PHO, adhering to safety plans for each activity, and continuing to monitor the situation, we are working to balance the needs of all students and their learning.   

As a Faculty, I hope that we can treat each other with empathy and find ways to support each other – classmates, instructors, staff members, colleagues – as we continue to navigate through this pandemic; and recognize we are all doing the best we can, given the situation. I wish you the very best for the start of this term, and look forward to when we can be on campus in a more fulsome manner. 

Warm regards,

James Olson  PhD, P.Eng., FCAE
Dean, Faculty of Applied Science