UNB’s approach to Fall Term 2020
Hi Nousheen Pourjahani,
These are unique times, marked by uncertainty, and with that comes a level of uneasiness and anxiety. One thing that remains certain is UNB’s commitment to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Through the transition phases of reopening our campuses, our guiding principles are the health and safety of our community, as well as providing an accessible learning environment for students with the highest quality of education possible.
The 2020 academic fall term at UNB will be delivered through a blended learning model that includes alternative delivery methods and in-person classes and labs. While we continue to be grounded by our strength as one university with two campuses, the university experience will differ slightly for our various programs and campus communities.
UNB campuses differ in size, age, and infrastructure. These differences dictate unique responses to public health requirements, ensuring physical distancing and capacity within our spaces.
Undergraduate programs
UNB Fredericton campus: Programs will be offered with a blend of alternative delivery methods and limited in-person instruction. In-person instruction will take place where it has been identified as a priority and is required to meet program outcomes. In-person instruction will largely focus on lab components which include but are not limited to programs such as Science, Nursing, Engineering, Forestry& Environmental Management and Kinesiology.
UNB Saint John campus: Programs will be delivered with a combination of in-person instruction and alternative delivery methods with in-person classes available wherever possible.
Graduate programs
On both campuses, programs will be delivered with in-person instruction, with alternative delivery methods available.
Please note: For all undergraduate and graduate programs, most courses and labs will be adjusted appropriately for students who are unable to be on campus. However, some programs require in-person instruction to meet program outcomes and attendance will be mandatory to satisfy lab and practicum requirements. Students unable to participate in such mandatory in-person courses and labs will receive appropriate program advising.
Libraries
On both campuses, libraries will be open to support learning in all programs but with limited capacity in accordance with public health guidelines.
Residences and food services
UNB Fredericton campus: Residences and food services will be available with limited capacity and with New Brunswick Public Health measures in place. Please note, priority will be given to students enrolled in the programs that have been prioritized for in-person instruction. Student Services will be available to liaise with students who require off-campus housing.
UNB Saint John campus: Residences and food services will be open with strict physical distancing and New Brunswick Public Health measures in place.
We will continue to work with faculty and staff to provide specific details for students relating to blended course instruction schedules and campus operations. Further details will be provided by June 15.
Whether your program is offered on-campus or through alternative delivery methods, UNB will have strong student supports in place. Students will continue to have access to resources and services such as academic advisors, financial aid, health centres and counselling, library services, and various student academic help centres. UNB is committed to providing additional resources to ensure the highest quality learning environment for our students.
The university experience this fall is going to be different from what we all expected. Even though we may not be physically together, we remain united as one UNB community. The differences we will see, such as staying two metres apart or learning remotely, are a reflection of this community’s strength and care for each other. We look forward to welcoming you.
As we continue to adapt and prepare for the fall term, UNB will provide the community with regular updates on COVID-19 developments at unb.ca/coronavirus. The fall term frequently asked questions(FAQs) will be updated as more information becomes available. We will continue to support you as we navigate this journey together. UNB is here for you.