UBC and UBCO to keep classes online

The University of B.C. will keep most of its programs online at both of its campuses for at least another few weeks.

The university issued an update to its students, faculty and staff in the Lower Mainland and Okanagan today after originally planning to delay in-person teaching and learning until Jan. 24 due to rising cases of the Omicron variant.

“We understand that students, faculty and staff require timely information for planning, particularly those who may be travelling internationally. Today we are confirming that UBC has made the decision to continue to deliver the majority of programs online until February 7,” said the statement from Santa J. Ono, President and Vice-Chancellor and Lesley Cormack, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UBC Okanagan.

Ono said the decision was made in consultation with the deans on both campuses, academic heads and directors, student leadership, union groups and associations.

“We recommend that all students plan to be on campus early in February, so they can be ready for the start of in-person teaching and learning. We are also in the process of continuity planning for the potential impact of the Omicron variant on our employees, and any associated demands on the university’s testing capacity.”

Both UBC campuses remain open including student housing, student services, and all libraries. Research and scholarship activities also continue under current safety plans.

“We remain committed to the full return to in-person teaching and learning, and will provide further updates as soon as we can,” Ono concluded. “In the meantime, we would like to thank all our students, faculty and staff for responding quickly to facilitate this shift in educational delivery, in order to support UBC’s academic mission.’