Update on Spring 2021 term (beginning January)

Dear VIU Community,  

As the fall term is now underway, we wanted you to know what VIU’s plans are for the Spring term so that we can all prepare. 

For the Spring term (beginning January), we will continue our hybrid learning model for much of our programming. This decision is to support the safety of our community and is aligned with the guidelines of our Public Health Office (PHO). In coordination with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, VIU is committed to following the protocols and best practices of both the PHO and WorkSafeBC.  

As with the fall semester, we will continue to have some programming with face-to-face components.

Please note:

1. A list of the programs and courses that will have face-to-face components in the Spring semester is available on the course delivery model by program and faculty website. It will be updated on an ongoing basis with the details of all the programs with face-to-face components finalized by October 31.
   1. Faculty will be in touch with more information about the face-to-face components prior to the start of the Spring semester in January.

International students will receive more detailed information from the Faculty of International Education regarding application timelines and permissions that may be required for international travel (if allowed).

Student supports and services will continue in a hybrid format; most events and activities will also continue to be held virtually.

Although this may not be our preferred way of interacting, we remain committed to a student-centred, high-quality education that is supported by small class sizes and dedicated faculty. My thanks once again to all who are working hard to support our learners. 

When safe to do so, we will create more opportunities for face-to-face learning and activities in 2021/22 – although I want to reassure you that requirements for face-to-face course components will not change mid-term to enable everyone time to plan. We anticipate that these opportunities will be available at some point in the fall or spring terms. 

Again, our focus is on the safety and well-being of our students and employees. 

Please watch for the VIU Digest (weekly) and VIU Student Pulse (bi-weekly). These are important sources for current information about VIU’s COVID-19 response. We also have several other resources, including:

• Our COVID-19 information and updates website (go here first)
• VIU’s Safety App
• Frequently Asked Questions webpage,
• VIU Twitter feeds (@viunews; @viuniversity)

If you have any questions or concerns that you cannot find an answer to at these resources, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at UniversityRelations@viu.ca.  

It is truly an honour to be part of such a kind and responsive community. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy.  

Sincerely,  

Deb Saucier, PhD 

President and Vice-Chancellor