"The University of Guelph has a long-standing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion – our commitment is outlined the University’s strategic framework, Our Path Forward"  (Strategic Framework listed below)

As Omicron cases continue to rise in Ontario, some institutions have moved their Fall finals online and are moving classes online for the start of the Winter semester. Although there are still many unanswered questions about the severity of the COVID Omicron variant, new data suggests that Omicron will likely lead to increased breakthrough infections in previously infected or double vaccinated individuals.    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html 

The University has urged students to work from home when possible and avoid in-person meetings and gatherings. However, this contradicts current plans to return to face-to-face delivery for Winter 2022. This policy offers no support to those who are immunocompromised, are unable to come to campus if sick with COVID-19, are impacted by potential travel bans, quarantines and flight cancelations or will be financially impacted by last minute changes (3b,1a, 4b).

Students have been through enough disruptions in the past 21 months and going back and forth between online and face-to-face learning formats seems impractical (2a). The University needs to be proactive, not reactive which means planning for anything and everything. We need a concrete solution for a situation that continues to evolve (1b). Re-opening metrics and goals should be transparent, instead of simply providing arbitrary dates to students (4a, 2a). A contingency plan should be provided to the UofG community well before the well before the deadline to de-register from courses without being financially penalized (January 16th, 2022).   https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/fees/refunds_guelph_ug 

There is no guarantee from the provost that courses will return to in person on January 24, 2022. Therefore, the tuition refund period should be extended until the delivery format is finalized. Additionally, this petition asks that the University of Guelph honours their philosophy to "Improve Life" and offer a hybrid delivery format for all classes, as successfully done previously (1a,1b).

"Hybrid courses appear as in-person on WebAdvisor but have remote or virtual alternatives for all course components and assessments which allows for them to be completed entirely off campus."

 

UofG's Strategic Framework: Our Path Forward

"The University of Guelph has demonstrated repeatedly the ability to be adaptive and draw on its array of specialized knowledge."

1 Inspiring Learning and Inquiry: (a) Support the education and well-being of the whole person. (b) Meet learners' changing needs using evidence-based practices and new technologies informed by what students want and need to enrich their learning

2 Catalyzing Discovery and Change: (a) Be innovated in research teaching and leaning.

3 Connecting Communities: (a) Communicate better inside and outside the University to collaborate, listen effectively and raise our profile. (b) Provide campus environments that are vibrant and inclusive, open and respectful, where University members and visitors alike know they are valued

4 Nurturing a Distinctive University Culture: (a) Make principled choices that are transparent and accountable. (b) Work together openly, respectfully and inclusively (c) Serve others, supporting locally and globally.

5 Stewarding Valued Resources: N/A

* Note only statements of each framework that are relevant to this petition have been listed. For full details visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/president/doc/strategic-framework-2020.pdf