UBC Engineering returning to in-person classes on February 7

Dear students, 

As a follow up to the UBC broadcast message sent yesterday, I would like to update you as to what to expect for February 7. 

Our Faculty intends to resume in person classes, as planned, on February 7. The shift back to more fulsome in person instruction recognizes the immense value of experiential learning in our Faculty, which we know students have also indicated as a priority.    

We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff by ensuring safety measures, outlined in the UBC broadcast, are in place.

Students who are unable to return to campus on February 7 or are sick and need to remain off campus for short periods, should seek accommodation from your professors.

While our Faculty instruction will be in person, students will still need to check each course outside of our Faculty for confirmation of the mode of instruction.

We know that some of you have been struggling with mental health challenges or felt isolated or lost. I would highly encourage you to reach out to us for support, and the attached “Wellness Resources for UBC Students” guide or online resources should give you options as to where to start. Furthermore, if you know of a friend or classmate who might need these resources, please check the attachment for guidance as to how you can support them. 

We have asked for immense latitude from all of you within our Faculty – your patience, your flexibility, your fortitude. I recognize the incredible work that been achieved and strain that has been caused by shifting to online, back to in person, and back and forth again. And I am fully aware that coming back more fully in person may temporarily increase the anxiety and uncertainty for many of us while we are in the transition phase. Understandably, this is a very challenging time for all of us. 

Although many of us experienced similar feelings in September, I am confident that we will navigate our way through this transition, as we did then, and successfully return to a similar in person learning environment the fall term.  

Sincerely, 

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