Return to Campus

From January 24, Kwantlen Polytechnic University moved to a phased return to campus for the Spring term with 70 per cent of courses in-person and blended, with the remaining 30 per cent remote. In line with the recommendations of experts providing guidance to the post-secondary sector in B.C., at KPU we will lift our mask mandate at the end of the Spring 2022 term on April 27. This means you should continue wearing your mask in indoor public areas of campus until the end of term.

Spring 2022 FAQs Campus Vaccination Clinics Mask Guidelines Communicable Disease Prevention Plan

KPU to lift mask mandate at end of term

March 10, 2022

Dear students and colleagues,

The provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, today announced the provincial COVID-19 mask mandate will become optional in all indoor public settings early tomorrow morning. In line with the recommendations of experts providing guidance to the post-secondary sector in B.C., at KPU we will lift our mask mandate at the end of the Spring 2022 term on April 27.

This means you should continue wearing your mask in indoor public areas of campus until the end of term. We recommended wearing one in other areas, although there are exceptions, such as when delivering a lecture or presentation, or actively eating or drinking. See KPU’s guidelines for mask wearing for full details.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms please stay home until you feel better or your period of self-isolation has ended.

Rapid antigen testing kits are an optional means of assessing whether symptoms are COVID-19 related. Testing kits are available to students and employees from campus bookstore during opening hours at Langley, Tech, Surrey or Richmond, or the reception desk on the sixth floor at Civic Plaza, with your student or employee ID card and your Banner ID (student or employee) number. KPU’s role is limited to distributing the kits. For medical information, please visit the BC CDC website, call the 811 provincial health information and advice line, or consult your doctor.

Stay safe,
Alan Davis, PhD
President and Vice Chancellor

COVID-19 Updates →

Spring 2022 FAQs

Spring 2022 and the Omicron variant

Given the evolving situation with the Omicron variant, what is KPU’s plan for returning to campus for Spring 2022?

KPU is moving to a phased return to campus for Spring 2022*:

  • Phase one will delay the start of term from January 5 to January 10.
  • Phase two will move classes online from January 10 to January 23, inclusive. This shift is for lecture-based classes and those hands-on classes that can be taught online.
    • Please note hands-on lab, studio and shop instruction that cannot be taught effectively online will continue as planned. Please check your KPU email for updates from your instructors on the delivery mode for your courses.
  • Phase three, beginning January 24, we hope to move to our originally planned schedule of 70 per cent of courses in-person and blended, with the remaining 30 per cent remote, but that will depend on the emerging data and provincial health guidance.

*Please note, the Faculty of Trades and Technology at KPU Tech has continued with KPU's original plan and schedule for the Spring Term, with classes starting January 5.

With the start of the Spring term delayed, am I able to visit campus?

Students will be able to access campus services as of January 4. However, in line with the new measures to limit the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, KPU is closing its fitness centres and gyms until further notice. In the meantime, KPU Sport and Recreation at Home is available to support your fitness and wellness needs. New health measures also limit table sizes to a maximum of six people and these limits will be in effect at campus cafeterias.

I’m worried about the Omicron variant. Is it safe to return to campus?

The provincial health officer considers post-secondary settings a low risk for COVID-19, with transmission in educational settings on campus being uncommon. KPU has taken steps to help minimize risk, including enhanced air quality for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, routine cleaning and disinfection, and mandating use of non-medical masks on campus. For more information, please visit our Communicable Disease Prevention Plan.

Student Masks FAQs

Do I have to wear a face covering while on campus?

In line with the recommendations of experts providing guidance to the post-secondary sector in B.C., at KPU we will lift our mask mandate at the end of the Spring 2022 term on April 27. This means you should continue wearing your mask in indoor public areas of campus until the end of term. We recommended wearing one in other areas, although there are exceptions, such as when delivering a lecture or presentation, or actively eating or drinking. See KPU’s guidelines for mask wearing for full details.

Does this also apply to visitors and contractors?

Yes. Visitors and contractors are expected to adhere to this requirement.

What if I cannot wear a face covering due to medical reasons?

Please refer to Accessibility Services about a mask exemption.

What counts as a face covering?

A face covering is a medical or non-medical mask or other covering, including a bandana, scarf or other fabric that covers the nose, mouth and chin to create a barrier to limit the transmission of respiratory droplets. Face coverings should have at least 2 to 3 layers of tightly woven material.

*A face shield is not a substitute for a mask as it has an opening below the mouth.

Will KPU provide face coverings?

Students are expected to bring and use their own face covering. Disposable non-medical face masks are available at the Security offices.

Am I allowed to eat while on campus?

Yes. Students and employees are able to remove their mask to eat and drink on campus while actively consuming food or drink when seated (including in a classroom). Once finished, please kindly wear your face covering again.

What should I do if I see someone not wearing a face covering on campus?

For your safety and the safety of those around you, please wear a face covering while on campus. KPU is a caring and respectful community. If you see someone not wearing a face covering and you are concerned, you are welcome to remind them of KPU’s current mask policy but please do so in a respectful manner.

Where can I find more information on how to properly wear and care for a face covering?

Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control's website for more information on the different types of coverings, how to properly wear one, and how to properly clean and dispose of them.

Student FAQs

Course Offerings

Will classes be online, blended/hybrid or in-person?

Our spring course offerings will include a variety of in-person and online classes, as well as classes being offered in a blended (partially online) format.

How will I know how my classes will be delivered?

Course offerings will include a variety of in-person and online classes, as well as classes being offered in a blended (partially online) format. Whether a course is delivered in-person, online or in a blended format, the specific instructional method will be noted in the timetable, so that you are able to view the various options when you browse classes and register.

What do the different instructional methods mean?

Instructional Method What it means
Blended Asynchronous In-person and online where the online portion is asynchronous
Blended Synchronous In-person and online where the online portion is synchronous
In-person In person, on- or off-campus
Online Asynchronous No scheduled meeting times
Online Synchronous Scheduled meeting times

Vaccination

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend campus?

While not requiring proof of vaccination to attend campus and classes, vaccination will be required for accessing non-essential campus activities in line with the recent order from the Public Health Officer (PHO). Anyone wishing to access non-essential activities on campus should have had at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by September 13, when the provincial proof of vaccination requirements come into effect, and two approved vaccine doses at least seven days prior to October 24.

This approach to proof of vaccination for non-essential activities will last until January 31, 2022, unless further extended by the PHO.

What is considered a non-essential activity?

Non-essential activities include:

  • Indoor sporting events
  • Indoor concerts/theatre/dance/symphony events
  • Cafeterias and restaurants, but on-campus cafeterias at universities and colleges are excluded
  • Fitness centres/gyms
  • Indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
  • Organized indoor events (e.g., conferences, meetings, workshops)

Can I get a vaccine at KPU?

KPU has been proud to work alongside the Fraser Health Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health in support of the province's ongoing efforts to manage COVID-19 by providing spaces to host on-campus vaccination clinics. Book your appointment online to find a vaccination clinic near you.

Registrar

Will in-person class sizes decrease? If so, will this impact the number of sections available for course registration?

KPU is returning to in-person class sizes similar to those seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The university does not expect to see an impact on the number of sections available.

If I have an in-person class, when will classes start?

The first day of Spring Term has been delayed to January 10. Classes will be online from January 10 to January 23, inclusive, except for hands-on lab, studio and shop instruction that cannot be taught as effectively online. From January 24, KPU hopes to move to our originally planned Spring term schedule. On-campus requirements are noted in the timetable and vary depending on the section(s) you register in. You may not hear from your instructor until the first day of class as faculty continue to finalize their course design. You will receive greater details from your instructors about your course delivery format – but please note this may not be until the first day of classes. For courses with on campus requirements, your instructor will confirm for you the specific times during the term when you will be expected to be on campus.”

Is it too late to pay my confirmation deposit?

Applicants are encouraged to pay their confirmation deposit as soon as possible to be assigned the best possible registration time.

How do I pay my tuition/fees?

All tuition/fee and deposit payments are payable online via the following options:

  • Online Banking (allow at least 3 business days for payment to reach KPU)
  • OSS Interac Online or credit card
  • Flywire (allow at least 5-7 business days for payment to reach KPU)

In-person tuition/fee and deposit payments are no longer accepted. We encourage you to submit your online payment early to avoid late penalties.

What type of service options are available for Student Enrolment Services (SES)?

SES is pleased to continue providing service options via email, phone, and in-person services. To see how we can best support you, visit kpu.ca/ses

Quarantining

If I have to self-isolate/quarantine during the semester, will I be able to switch from in-person to online? Once I'm well, can I switch back to in-person?

The requirements and format for each class may differ. Be sure to speak to your instructor if you find yourself in a situation that may impact your ability to meet the requirements of the course.

If I have to self-isolate/quarantine during the semester how will this impact my assignments, test, and grade for that course?

The requirements for each class differ. Be sure to speak to your instructor if you find yourself in a situation that may impact your ability to meet the requirements of the course.

I am moving to British Columbia from another Canadian province or territory. What should I be doing for the upcoming semester? Do I have to quarantine?

If you are traveling to B.C. from another province or territory for essential reasons you do not need to self-quarantine, however, you must follow all the province-wide restrictions.

Convocation

When will convocation be in person again?

Subject to Public Health Orders, KPU is anticipating an in-person convocation ceremony in June, 2022. For further details visit kpu.ca/convocation

Orientation

Will orientation be in-person or online?

Spring 2022 orientation will be offered in a blended format and is subject to change based on public health orders.

What can I expect from orientation?

Orientation will consist of online events and in-person activities to set students up for success. For Spring 2022, there will be:

  • Live Virtual Orientation on December 16th, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PST for all new students, and December 17th, 2021 from 8:00 am - 9:30 am PST for new international students.
  • An online orientation module that students can complete at their own pace. Every student who completes the module by 11:59 p.m. PST on January 21st, 2022 will be entered to win up to $500 in tuition.
  • KPU Welcomes You, This event has been moved online effective December 30th. All registrants should check their email for further information.
  • First-Year Festival, a week of flexible programming featuring workshops and activities that go beyond the basics. We will cover academic and study skills, student life and campus activities, and strategies for getting the most out of your university experience.

For more details and to sign-up, visit kpu.ca/orientation/spring.

Bookstores, Libraries and Learning Centres

Can I visit a KPU bookstore to get my textbooks?

KPU is planning to maintain online purchasing options while reopening bookstores for the Spring semester.

The Surrey and Tech campus bookstores are currently open daily, with curbside book collection available at Surrey.

The Surrey bookstore will be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Tech bookstore will be open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the Richmond and Langley stores will be open Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where do I find the booklist for my classes?

For remote learning classes, do I have to buy hard copies of my textbooks, or can I purchase e-texts?

Any specific questions regarding textbooks should be directed to your instructor. They are the ones assigning you the books and determine what is needed.

What library resources are going to be available? Will I be able to study on campus in the library?

Campus libraries are open during their hours of operation. Visitors can browse the collections, use study areas and library space, and can access the resources and services in-person. Visitors are asked to follow university pandemic practices while in library spaces. Many resources and services are available online, and library users are encouraged to visit the library's web page for access. For updates regarding library services, visit the KPU Library News blog.

Can I get my KPU Card at the library?

Creating your KPU Card begins online using the KPU Card Submission Form. Once your request is processed, you will be notified by email when your card is ready to be picked up. Government-issued photo ID is required to pick up your KPU Card.

Will the Learning Centre be open? Will I be able to book in-person tutoring appointments?

Learning Centres are open with in-person tutoring available. We will still have online options available for those learning remotely. Learning Strategists will also be able to help you to organize your online and face-to-face learning.

Parking

Will I have to pay for parking?

Yes. KPU paid parking returned on September 1, 2021.

How do I pay for parking? Or buy a monthly, semester or annual parking permit?

Update August 20, 2021: KPU paid parking returns September 1, as the temporary suspension of parking charges implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end. We will not be using hangTag as originally planned.

For Spring 2022, we will continue to use the campus payment kiosks, Pay by Phone and PayByPhone app for student and visitors to purchase hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and semester parking. You can also purchase weekly, monthly, or semester epermit through our Permit Parking page. Semester passes will be available for purchase between the 25th and 30th of August.

International Students FAQs

Visit KPU International for more information for international students travelling to Canada and additional international student FAQs that look beyond returning to campus.

Are international students allowed into Canada? If so, should I start to book flight tickets? Are there restrictions on how early I can arrive? What do I need to know about travel and quarantine?

Canada currently has travel restrictions in place for international travellers. For the latest information, please visit Information for International Students Travelling to Canada or contact KPU International.

Does KPU offer support for students for quarantine planning?

KPU offers many supports that can be found on the Information for International Students Travelling to Canada webpage.

If I am studying from outside of Canada, should I apply for a study permit?

Yes. We highly recommend you apply for a study permit as soon as possible, even if you are studying from outside of Canada. Learn more about applying for your study permit.

What if I do not get a visa approval or/and study permit to come and study in Canada? How will that impact all the studies I have done as a KPU student, in my home country so far OR how will that impact my admission to KPU?

International students without a valid study permit cannot study within Canada if their studies are longer than six months. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently allowing students who have applied for a study permit to study from their home country and have the time counted toward their post graduate work permit (PGWP) eligibility (applicable until August 31, 2022). Please note that if you choose to begin your studies without a study permit approval and your study permit is later denied, tuition fees are non-refundable.

KPU will provide further updates here as more details become available.

Vaccines and Other Preventative Measures

If you have any of the symptoms or potential exposures listed on the poster, do not come to campus. Please consider calling 8-1-1 or contacting your health-care provider for advice. Any employee or contractor who refuses to take part in the health check will not be allowed to enter the workplace.

Now British Columbia has moved to Step 3 of the B.C. Restart Plan, KPU recommends anyone working, studying or visiting campus to wear a mask.

Campus Vaccination Clinics: Dates & Locations