Western University moving to virtual classes after extended holiday break

Students at Western University andBrescia, Huron and King's University Colleges will be moving to virtual classes following a delay to the winter semester.

University officials say classes will resume online on Jan. 10, 2022.

"We know this is hard,"said Western University president Alan Shepard in a statement. "The shift back to online learning, if only for a few weeks, is not our ideal scenario, but we hope this preemptive measure sets us up for success in seeing out the academic year."

The university says the decision to delay the winter semester and move classes online came after consultation with the health unit and campus leaders, along with the approval of Western's Senate. Delaying the start of the semester will give faculty and staff time to prepare for the transition to virtual learning, the university said.

On-line classes will be temporary, with a return to in-person learning scheduled for Jan. 31.

Certain professional programs and clinical learning in health sciences and medicine will continue in person, starting on Jan. 4, a day later than originally planned.

As many students have left their residences for the holiday, the university is askinganyone who is not on campus to delay their return until Jan. 31.

The emergence of the highly-contagious Omicron variant hasspurred the Province in roll back on gathering limits. Effective Sunday, indoor gatherings will be reduced from 25 people to 10, and outdoor gatherings are being reduced from 100 people to 25.

Capacity limits will also be reduced to 50 per cent for restaurants, mall, grocery stores, gyms, and other indoor businesses. Restaurants and bars will also have to limit seating to 10 people per table, restrict alcohol sales after 10 p.m., and close indoor dining at 11 p.m.

"Please consider keeping your gatherings small to minimize the impact to our community and the one you may be returning home to. We want everyone in the community including their loved ones to remain safe and healthy," said Shepard.