The main entrance to Lethbridge College (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge College announces plans for Fall semester

May 8, 2020 | 9:25 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College has unveiled its plans for the Fall semester.

Uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic mean the post-secondary institution has not made any final decisions on delivery of the Fall term. However, Lethbridge College is actively planning scenarios that will allow all students to learn in a safe manner that complies with all guidelines set by the province.

The school has implemented a three-phase re-entry strategy:

· Phase one is the current situation, where all curriculum is happening outside of the classroom and where a limited number of students and employees are on campus.

· Phase two will continue to be blended, with theory-based education delivered outside of the classroom. Labs and experiential learning will return to campus in redesigned formats that incorporate distancing and safety protocols. For phase two, more employees will be working on campus, but the campus will remain closed to the public.

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· Phase three is a complete re-opening of the campus to everyone.

“Where we end up by September will partly depend on government restrictions in place at that time, but it’s also important that we make our own decisions in the best interests of our own students and employees,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO, in a release.

Burns noted the college community is hopeful that it will be in phase two of its re-entry plan by September. However, Lethbridge College will continue to follow all provincial and Alberta Health Services guidelines in making that decision.

“We also know what the province allows us to do may change mid-semester,” Dr. Burns stated.

“But we are committed to providing a consistent education to our students. That means however we begin the semester will most likely be how we complete the semester. We will then re-evaluate before the start of the Winter term in January.”

The college said planning for the upcoming year is being guided by four priorities: (1) the health and safety of students and employees, (2) effectively providing education and applied research activities, (3) supporting the economic recovery of Lethbridge, the region and province, and (4) economic and environmental sustainability.

Lethbridge College has created five working groups of employees from across its campus to formulate post-summer plans, with faculty members also taking steps to adapt curriculum to a blended model. This includes moving theory-based classes to the beginning of the semester, and labs towards the later part when restrictions may be looser than they are at the start of the school year.

“No matter what happens, the main thing to know is we are here and ready for our students, and we are committed to supporting them on their educational journeys,” said Dr. Burns.

“We will provide relevant, high-quality education that will prepare them for exciting careers and whatever comes next in their lives.”