Updated: January 19, 2022
Dear KPE students,
I hope you’ve been keeping well over the past few weeks. As a follow up to the University’s January 19 message about the gradual return to campus, I am writing to you today to share KPE’s plans for course delivery starting February 7, 2022.
As our re-opening plans aim to balance the learning needs of our students with the need to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we are taking a gradual approach to our return to campus, with priority given to academic and co-curricular student activities that can be safely delivered to small and mid-sized groups. This means that courses that were designated as INPER at the start of the Winter 2022 term may gradually resume in-person instruction. Some instructors may resume in-person instruction as of February 7, with others resuming in-person instruction throughout the month of February; all INPER courses will be fully back in-person by February 28. All students will be required to wear masks.
Please look to Quercus for class announcements from course instructors about specific return dates for each course and information about midterm examinations. Announcements can be expected from instructors by January 28, 2022. Students who registered for INPER courses are expected to attend in person – and we are looking forward to seeing you back in our buildings! For additional information and details, please visit the Academic Updates for 2022 webpage.
Courses that were coded as SYNC or ASYNC at the start of the Winter 2022 term will continue online for the full term. I understand that this may be frustrating for some; however, staying consistent with the previously communicated mode of delivery allows the Faculty to minimize disruption for students. While some students are in a position to adapt on a daily or weekly basis to changing circumstances, many students, as well as course instructors, are especially challenged by mid-term pivots and ongoing uncertainty. This is particularly so for the planning and delivery of required courses and courses larger in size (i.e., 200+), both of which reflect years 1 and 2 in our cohort-based BKIN program.
Naturally, there are varying levels of excitement and anxiety about returning to campus. Recognizing the value of physical presence on campus and in-person interactions, for learning, development and holistic wellbeing, we will be offering a number of on-campus, small group, co-curricular opportunities, as part of the KINections program. These are designed to foster and strengthen community among our students, staff and faculty. The Office of the Registrar will be sending out the details for these programs shortly.
As a reminder, the University of Toronto requires all those present on campus, or on premises owned or operated by the University, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination via UCheck, in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
I know it has been a challenging time. The uncertainty introduced by the rise of the Omicron variant has affected our collective hopes and dreams, as well as our plans. I want to take a moment to thank you for the flexibility and fortitude you’ve shown to date as we navigate our way through the pandemic.
As always, please continue to check the frequently updated resources available to you, including the COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto Students FAQ and the University’s UTogether website.
With best wishes,
Gretchen Kerr, PhD
Professor & Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto