U of S keeping students off campus until Feb. 7

The University of Saskatchewan is extending its current state of operations until Feb. 7, according to a memo sent to students Tuesday.

“Given the increased transmissibility of Omicron, in combination with the rising case numbers throughout the province, a brief extension of the current precautionary measures will help to ensure reduced on-campus transmission and to return our campus community back to more in-person activity as originally planned,” reads a letter from the U of S pandemic response and recovery team to students.

A majority of programs and colleges will continue classes remotely, and the few classes offering in-person instruction will continue until February’s deadline. Prior to Tuesday’s announcement, students were supposed to return to campus next Monday.

Students have until Friday to withdraw from the winter term and still receive 100 per cent tuition credit. Next week the applicable credit moves down to 75 per cent. The following week only 50 per cent will be refunded and no tuition will be credited back to students after Feb. 3.

Employees working from home are also expected to return to campus on Feb. 7.

The pandemic response team expects this to be the final disruption for on-campus classes, given the level of COVID-19 transmission in Saskatoon.

“Given the data available, it is not anticipated that a further extension of precautionary measures will be required beyond February 7,” the memo read.

“Knowing that we are living through a quickly changing situation in many parts of Canada, we will continue to monitor and adjust our safety protocols as necessary to ensure the health and wellness of our campus and broader communities.”