Provide Virtual Learning Options for Ryerson's MBA Program
The Issue
We are a group of Ryerson MBA students currently enrolled in classes for the Winter term of 2022. Due to the uncertainty of COVID, a large number of students are highly uncomfortable with the prospect of in-person learning. We are asking the university to implement alternative, virtual learning options for the majority of us that do not feel comfortable attending the mandatory in-person classes.
COVID cases in Ontario show no signs of abating, and the university risks exposing itself to a super spreader event with more than a hundred students enrolled in classes. Top doctors continue to warn against lifting restrictions too quickly and having large, in-person classes would be doing the exact opposite. The Omicron variant is rampant and has put ICU's at full capacity. It has proven that even those vaccinated are not fully protected against spreading or catching this variant of COVID.
Many of us live with vulnerable populations, unvaccinated children, or have health complications ourselves. We do not wish to be forced to attend in-person classes when it can easily be done virtually. Virtual learning has provided an excellent learning experience without any unnecessary risk to ourselves or those around us.
Right now, the situation is such that even individuals displaying covid symptoms will be forced to come to class to submit assignments and case studies. This goes against all public health protocols and advice. Many classes have already announced mandatory participation marks that will force students to attend. The university has also failed to commit or give any straight answers, leaving students feeling uncertain and stressed by not knowing how to proceed with their classes or Winter enrolment.
Many of us have voiced our concerns to authority figures in the MBA program that were all met with similar answers, saying they had no control over these decisions. We are asking for some action to be taken.
Forcing the in-person program as the sole option would create an undue hardship for many students in the form of anxiety and risk. We are asking the university to either continue virtual classes for this semester or provide alternative options (such as recorded lectures or class live streams, etc.) for those of us that do not feel comfortable attending in-person.
The Issue
We are a group of Ryerson MBA students currently enrolled in classes for the Winter term of 2022. Due to the uncertainty of COVID, a large number of students are highly uncomfortable with the prospect of in-person learning. We are asking the university to implement alternative, virtual learning options for the majority of us that do not feel comfortable attending the mandatory in-person classes.
COVID cases in Ontario show no signs of abating, and the university risks exposing itself to a super spreader event with more than a hundred students enrolled in classes. Top doctors continue to warn against lifting restrictions too quickly and having large, in-person classes would be doing the exact opposite. The Omicron variant is rampant and has put ICU's at full capacity. It has proven that even those vaccinated are not fully protected against spreading or catching this variant of COVID.
Many of us live with vulnerable populations, unvaccinated children, or have health complications ourselves. We do not wish to be forced to attend in-person classes when it can easily be done virtually. Virtual learning has provided an excellent learning experience without any unnecessary risk to ourselves or those around us.
Right now, the situation is such that even individuals displaying covid symptoms will be forced to come to class to submit assignments and case studies. This goes against all public health protocols and advice. Many classes have already announced mandatory participation marks that will force students to attend. The university has also failed to commit or give any straight answers, leaving students feeling uncertain and stressed by not knowing how to proceed with their classes or Winter enrolment.
Many of us have voiced our concerns to authority figures in the MBA program that were all met with similar answers, saying they had no control over these decisions. We are asking for some action to be taken.
Forcing the in-person program as the sole option would create an undue hardship for many students in the form of anxiety and risk. We are asking the university to either continue virtual classes for this semester or provide alternative options (such as recorded lectures or class live streams, etc.) for those of us that do not feel comfortable attending in-person.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on January 19, 2022