Thompson Rivers University moves classes online as a COVID-19 precaution

KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University announced Sunday afternoon that the institution plans to temporarily suspend in-person classes and begin transitioning to “alternate formats” to keep students safe from COVID-19.

In a statement by TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Brett Fairbairn to students, faculty, and staff posted on TRU.ca, the university plans to give students the week of March 16th to March 20th to study and catch up. Faculty will be expected to “make arrangements for virtual and alternate forms of delivery for their courses,” including final exams during that time.

Despite moving away from in-person classes, all TRU campuses and facilities such as libraries, student supports, and administrative offices will remain open for the time being.

“These are unprecedented times for TRU, and for our society,” Dr. Brett Fairbairn wrote. “The measures above are our way of helping to contain the spread of the coronavirus, while at the same time, supporting students in their continued studies.”

Classes will commence for most students in their alternate forms beginning March 23. As a result of the extensive shop time necessary to complete trades programs, TRU is working on a plan to make accommodations for those students.

For more information, you can read the entire statement here.