Yukon University Provides Update for Fall Semester

Monday, 3 August 2020 11:44

"Online classes and restricted campus access are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees at this time. We will return to in-person classes as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we are grateful for everyone's patience and understanding," said Dr. Welch.

Yukon University has provided more details to new, prospective and returning credit program students about the Fall semester and has created a new student support initiative as well, called Connect2YukonU.

In a letter posted online and emailed to students today from Dr. Janet Welch, vice president Academic and Student Services, the University reiterated that teaching and learning for the Fall semester will take place primarily online. There are some exceptions for science and nursing labs, trades program shop classes and Continuing Studies courses that require in-person instruction.

The letter also states that, as of September 1, YukonU campuses across the territory will be open to students and employees, although access will be restricted, and campuses will remain closed to the general public.

"Online classes and restricted campus access are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees at this time. We will return to in-person classes as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we are grateful for everyone's patience and understanding," said Dr. Welch.

Where possible, practicum placements and field schools will take place, although some have been postponed until the Winter semester. At Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse, computer labs and individual study spaces will be available to students who do not have access to technology or quiet space at home. Students who access campuses in communities beyond Whitehorse are advised to check the campus webpage for hours of service.

Registered students and employees accessing campus will need to declare that they are symptom-free, have not come in contact with anyone who has travelled beyond the Yukon/BC bubble and sign a form that commits them to following the six steps for staying safe under COVID-19 conditions. For purposes of contact tracing, staff and students will be asked to register with Security each day they are on campus.

The library, within the Innovation Commons, will be open to complement online access to thousands of resources, although access to physical texts will be restricted. Students can browse the web catalogue, request books and then either collect them from the Innovation Commons Helpdesk or have them mailed if they live outside Whitehorse. Textbooks are available at the Campus Store.

The Kinnikinnick Kaff and Hilltop Bistro will remain closed until further notice. The Campus Store will be open weekdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with snacks, baked goods and merchandise.

The new Connect2YukonU service brings together staff from Admissions, Student Services and the Academic Support Centre. The team can provide immediate responses to concerns, research more complex questions, and connect students to additional supports. This service is available during regular business hours and some evenings through the summer. Students with program- or course-specific questions can still connect directly with their program areas.

Online registration was launched in April. It allows students to check course availability, select courses and register from home. The portal lists pre- and co-requisite courses, schedule conflicts and tuition totals. When the process is complete, students can print their class schedule.

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