Summer 2021 Academic Term: What You Need to Know

Girl studentAll of us at KPU continue to plan for the Summer 2021 term in order to provide you with a high-quality educational experience. Your health and well-being continue to be of utmost importance to us and we remain guided by the directions of the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafe BC and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Here is what you can expect for the Summer 2021 term:

Course Delivery

Our measures to control the spread of COVID-19 are on-going and the majority of our classes will be delivered remotely for the Summer term and a very limited number of courses in a blended format, with a combination of online and in-person instruction.

Course delivery format is noted in the timetable so you are aware of this requirement when you browse classes and register.

All students will need to have a laptop, personal computer, or tablet, and access to the internet in order to complete courses and access KPU services.

  1. For online courses, the curriculum will be delivered as a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous learning:

Synchronous learning online is the educational term for live streaming. It occurs at a designated day and time to allow for real-time interaction between faculty and students. This may be used for short lectures, group discussions, office hours, and Q&A periods. If your course has synchronous components, you will need to be online during those scheduled days and times.

Asynchronous learning online is the educational term for aspects of learning that don't need to be "live". For any asynchronous components, you will be able to access the course material at any time, although you will need to adhere to the deadlines for activities, assignments and overall timelines that your instructor provides. As much as possible, KPU will provide opportunities for our learners to complete their learning in an asynchronous format when the ability to participate synchronously is not possible. It is important for you to know that asynchronous activities require you to be more self-directed in reading, watching videos, and completing activities online in order to achieve the course outcomes. This can feel unfamiliar if you are used to classroom-based learning. KPU's Learning Centres have resources and learning strategies that will help you to succeed (see below).

  1. KPU will also offer a very limited number of courses in a blended format that include both on-campus, in-person and online delivery of the curriculum, in order for students to meet the learning outcomes of the course. Courses requiring on-campus, in-person delivery will be noted in the timetable so you are aware of this requirement when you register.

Please note, on-campus course components may be cancelled at any time upon the order of Provincial health authorities, or at KPU’s discretion in order to protect the health and safety of the KPU community (in compliance with KPU’s Safety and Health Policy, SR7).

KPU cannot guarantee that its campus, facilities and all students and employees are and will continue to be infection-free. Protecting the health and safety of KPU students and employees is a shared responsibility.

For all courses delivered on campus, pursuant to KPU's Safety and Health Policy (SR7), KPU has developed comprehensive health and safety plans for your learning that meet the appropriate WorkSafe BC safety guidelines and comply with public health requirements to ensure a safe environment for all our students and employees. Further health and safety guidelines are provided below.

It is your responsibility to be aware of and comply with KPU’s health and safety guidelines, including any additional requirements of your particular course. Failure to do so may result in you losing the privilege of access to University property, services or University activities, pursuant to KPU’s Student Conduct (Non-Academic) Policy, ST 7.  

Monitor and assess your own personnel health status and determine whether attending the KPU campus is in your best interest. If not, consider opting for online-only courses.

The first day of classes is May 10 and you may not hear from your instructor until then as faculty continue to finalize their course design. You will receive details from your instructors about your course delivery format – 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.

Extended Deadlines

Add/Drop and Voluntary Withdrawal Deadlines

Online and blended learning environments will be different for many of you and KPU has therefore decided to continue with the extended add/drop and withdrawal deadlines for the Summer academic term (see link below for details). This will allow students more time to decide whether the course format and delivery is right for them, and make adjustments if necessary.

Fee Payment Deadline

The Summer fee payment deadline has also been adjusted to ensure you can complete your enrolment adjustments during the extended add/drop period before your tuition and fees are due (see link below for details).

Summer term deadlines are all posted at kpu.ca/registration/dates.

Learning Online

Here are a number of online resources to get you started and help you to better understand and be successful in the online learning environment:

KPU's Learning Centres: study skills, academic skills and tutoring support

Additional supports are available through our Student Services Website to help you navigate the term.

Health and Safety Guidelines

We expect all KPU students to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and consideration for those around them, including respect and consideration for the health and safety of all community members. As set out in KPU’s Safety and Health Policy (SR7) all KPU students must comply with the University’s safety policies and procedures, and are prohibited from creating a health or safety hazard at KPU’s campuses. KPU students must attend safety training programs and meetings, as required. KPU may request or require any student to leave the campus if their continued presence poses a health or safety risk for community members.

KPU students attending on-campus classes are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and safety, stay away from campus if they experience symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has, and immediately report unsafe conditions on campus to their instructor or supervisor.

Please note, KPU’s health and safety guidance will evolve as the COVID-19 public health crisis continues, and may include, but is not limited to, physical distancing, limitations on mass gatherings, wearing a face covering, COVID-19 diagnostic and surveillance testing (including before or upon arrival to campus), contact tracing, disinfection protocols, and orders to remain off-campus if you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is experiencing symptoms. 

Thank you for doing your part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please remain diligent about physical distancing and hand and cough hygiene. Most importantly, please stay home if you feel unwell. This is critical for all of us as we continue our efforts to flatten the curve.

Take care and stay safe.