Juggling act for post secondaries to plan for future semesters

PRINCE GEORGE — UNBC has delayed releasing its fall and winter schedules due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation. But the delay is causing angst for students.

“It’s a serious situation, however, there is frustration attached to that. The uncertainty of not knowing what our future holds for our education and beyond,” said first-year student Katerina Ironmonger. “It’s stressful at the moment.”

Post-Secondary institutions are facing quite a dilemma trying to predict how to proceed with the upcoming semesters. They have to balance recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer, various ministries, and public health agencies, as well as what is best for the school itself.

“In terms of options, everything could be online and alternative, which is what we did in the winter term when we had to make the rapid transition when COVID began to evolve,” explained Dr. Geoff Payne, Interim President of UNBC. “It’s everything from having our normal [circumstances], to having everything online, and everywhere in between.”