As several major B.C. post-secondary institutions are extending winter breaks amid COVID-19, a Prince George institution has decided not to follow suit.
UNBC Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Geoff Payne announced the university’s decision in a COVID-19 update on Friday (Dec. 4) via the university’s website.
“I heard your questions and concerns and reflected before arriving at a decision that UNBC will not extend our break,” said Payne.
“The most pressing single element I considered, was the amount of disruption our community has faced over the past year. I didn’t want to deviate from the schedule yet again, and cause unintended ramifications down the road. The element of certainty and stability is pivotal during these unprecedented and rapidly changing circumstances.”
He says other considerations included the need for a mid-term break in the winter semester, deadlines regarding degree completion and graduation timelines and the number of instruction hours required in professional programs.
"I know this has been a challenging year and that we are all learning to cope in different ways," Payne adds.
"I hope that by maintaining some schedule stability, and keeping intact our scheduled mid-semester break next term will help alleviate the concerns that have been raised."
I made a petition. They don’t listen until we make a statementhttps://t.co/hoDbetMZzO
— Laura Parent (@LauraAnn_11) December 4, 2020
Other post-secondary schools such as the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Capilano University say they’re delaying the start of classes to Jan. 11.
UNBC’s winter break is currently scheduled from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, but some students are saying that's not long enough and are petitioning for an extension.
Laura Parent, UNBC student and former NDP candidate in the provincial election, started a Change.org petition to advocate for an extended winter break.
“Dr. Payne cites ‘disruption’ as one of the primary reasons that the University will not make this change. This concern misrepresents the needs of the community,” says Parent.
“Over the past four months, we have had to drastically change the way we teach, learn, and work. Extra time to re-evaluate and plan is invaluable. As students, we are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and fatigue caused by working remotely and in isolation. This will give staff a chance to prepare their courses, while ensuring that students are given a chance to rebuild their wellness and mental health.”
She says as UNBC opened winter semester registration approximately seven months late, the school should delay the start of the semester by a few days.
“In the unprecedented times of COVID-19, our response must also be unprecedented," says Parent.
"The past ten months have proven that we can be resilient and adaptable, and we can continue to be resilient if we are given the tools to succeed."
