Nipissing University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike DeGagné is providing students, faculty and staff with an update on the institution’s response to COVID-19.
DeGagné writes, “The health and safety of our community is our first priority.”
To our students. We know you may feel overwhelmed or anxious as a result of this situation and the uncertainty it brings, and encourage you to access supports through Student Development and Services as needed.”
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a number of actions will be taken:
- Nipissing University is cancelling all classes (both onsite and online), on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 to provide faculty and academic support staff adequate time to prepare to deliver course content in alternative ways. Any exams scheduled during this time period will be rescheduled.
- Starting Wednesday, March 18 and for the remainder of the term, all classes will be offered through online or alternative means. As outlined in an email to all faculty yesterday, support will be offered to faculty members to assist in this transition.
- All university-related travel outside of Canada will be cancelled or postponed.
- The University and university buildings remain open. This includes facilities such as research labs, the library, the athletics centre, residences and food services. Team practices and fitness classes at the R.J. Surtees Athletics Centre are cancelled.
- Nipissing’s residences will also remain open and operational. Students wishing to return home and study remotely may do so.
- The University is working through contingency planning for final exams. More information will be shared in the coming days.
- All events on campus currently scheduled up to and including March 27 are being cancelled, postponed or offered virtually. This includes Open House, campus tours, Research Month events, camps, etc. Operational and other internal meetings will continue.
- Staff and faculty members should continue to come to work as usual. If you have extraordinary circumstances that require accommodation, please speak with your supervisor.
- If you are ill, please stay home.
- Please visit nipissingu.ca/
coronavirus for updates and frequently asked questions. It is important to ensure that the information you read comes from trusted, credible sources. Consuming and spreading false, non-factual information only serves to heighten community concern.
“We understand that these decisions will cause some disruption, but ask that in this unusual time that you exhibit patience, compassion and understanding with one another. We will emerge from this situation stronger than ever,” adds DeGagné.