Queen’s University suspends classes for week of March 16-20 in response to COVID-19.
Dear Queen’s Community,
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving across the globe. The university recognizes that there is a great deal of concern amongst students, staff and faculty. Our experts, including Public Health officials have advised and stated that the risk to our community remains low because we have no active cases at this time and no community spread. For purely operational reasons starting on Monday, all undergraduate classes (excluding health professional programs) will be suspended for one week after which we will communicate our plans for alternative delivery. We need to take time to assess how our educational programs will proceed. The university will maintain all operations. Some students may decide to return home and that is left to individual choice. Residences will remain open.
With public schools closed across Canada for the next three weeks, additional pressure has been placed on the institution. We are working on plans for staff and faculty to assist them with childcare pressures due to school closures. The administration will continue to work daily on communications to support those still on campus here or at our satellite offices in Canada. Public health is an essential partner and as things change, we will be in constant communication with our community to let them know of any new direction or changes to operations. The Coronavirus COVID-19 website is also an excellent source of information so please check it for current information.
Please note that classes and operations at the Bader International Study Centre will continue and any changes regarding that campus will be communicated directly.
Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Article originally published in the Queen's Gazette.