For those of us returning to campus, and even for those of us who are continuing to work on campus, things will certainly feel different this fall. Here are a few things you can expect.

UVic will continue to offer a blend of face-to-face and online instruction for the spring term. We are looking at ways to safely open up the campus more while keeping aligned with public health guidelines.

Effective Sept. 8, the university is recommending that everyone wear a mask in public indoor spaces where physical distancing can’t be maintained for longer than brief periods.

President Cassels gives a short video update on work safe planning, summer term activities, enrolments and budget, longer term planning and building a supportive and engaging community at UVic.

The BC government has released its Go-Forward Guidelines for the BC Post-Secondary Sector to support the gradual increase of in-person teaching, learning, research, administrative and support services while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

In accordance with BC’s careful, step-by-step approach to increasing social and economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university is moving into the next phase of resuming on-campus activities.

Students taking courses this summer and fall do not need to provide a medical note to their instructor as proof of illness.

The first term (September-December 2020) and second term (January-April 2021) timetable is now live: uvic.ca/timetable.

President Cassels provides an update on our recent transition from the emergency response management structure to the university’s normal planning and decision-making processes.

President Cassels provides an update around academic programming and the supports that will be available to you as online learners and members of our university community.

While we await WorkSafeBC approved guidelines, the university is developing Safe Work Plan instructions to support the safe and gradual resumption of on-campus activities and services on campus.

UVic continues to support students in a time of need. As the academic community moves into summer session and plans for the 20202/21 academic year, the university is transitioning into a second phase of support for students through existing bursaries and awards. The university has made significant financial enhancements to these programs to meet continuing needs for assistance.

UVic will publish the final course timetable for September 2020–April 2021 in early June. Until then, see the courses that will be offered by viewing the preliminary timetable.

UVic will offer programming mostly online for the fall term. While complying with health and safety requirements, a gradual return to campus for employees and a resumption of research activities is also planned.

Information about the grading options for the spring 2020 term is now available, including a new online form for students who wish to select an option other than keeping their original grades.

"I wanted to take this opportunity as we wrap up the spring term to say a personal thank you to you, our students, for your resiliency, patience and understanding as we transitioned away from face-to-face course delivery for the health and safety of our community."