U of S students, staff prepare to return to in-person learning

The return to full-time learning will begin on Monday at the University of Saskatchewan and there are some mixed reactions coming from all directions.

On one side, students are excited to carry on their education in an in-person setting to get the full learning experience. 

Meanwhile, other students feel that the timing isn’t right to be returning at this particular point.

Patti McDougall is the deputy provost and part of USask’s Pandemic Response and Recovery Team. She says she ultimately understands how both sides feel the way they do.

“I’m going to say there are those who cannot wait to go back and there are those who are quite anxious about the return,” McDougall said.

McDougall explains at one point in the fall of 2021, the loudest voices came from those showing frustration about how it was time for a return.

She said it has shifted slightly over to the other side, with more members voting for a longer delay.

“The stronger voices are those who wish we are not returning.”

Although both sides have had the time to voice their displeasures, McDougall believes this is ultimately the right decision and knows not everyone will be on board with it no matter what.

“It is impossible to ensure that everyone is happy with the direction that we’re going in. It’s just not possible,” she said.

According to school officials, 99 per cent of students and faculty members that will return are fully vaccinated.

There will still be strict rules in place on campus to ensure the facilities remain a safe place for learning.

McDougall says masks will be mandatory for all students and eating times will be limited to consuming foods.

“Eating on campus, which is a worry for some in terms of that being the only time when you can remove a mask. We’ve now instituted a 15-minute time frame for consuming food to further mitigate risk,” she said.

Meanwhile, the University of Regina confirmed they plan to welcome back 5,000 students and faculty members back on Monday. 

As of now, the plan is to go back to full in-person learning on March 1, They expect roughly 8,000 members will be on campus by then.