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COVID-19 Updates: Important information for Students

March 24, 2020 (7:00 PM) - ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS, BOOKSTORE PHONE ORDERS, WITHDRAWAL DEADLINES, FEE REFUNDS & SPRING TERM. 
See also: COVID-19 Updates: Important information for the AUArts community
See also: Frequently Asked Questions

Good evening, 

What a week this has been... I know this has been a trying time for all of you as we transition to online learning. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we sort through the details.  We have a few short weeks left in the semester and while campus is closed, we’re still working as a community to get us across the finish line. 

We understand that students are concerned about Winter 2020 tuition and fee payments that relate to the unprecedented decisions to: suspend courses; end courses that had completed 65% or more of their assessments; and, to continue online for others. Our overriding principle in managing this pandemic response is the completion of our courses for all our undergraduate and graduate students. We continue to move forward with this in mind.   

It’s important to highlight that all students have options with respect to course completion and we are confident that our faculty have provided a foundation for completion that allows for necessary flexibility while maintaining the academic integrity of each course.   

With the options for course completion in place, we hope that students can complete their Winter 2020 courses successfully. For those continuing with coursework, we hope you are able to apply yourself academically and seek the most from the courses in a remote learning environment.  For those who are seeking support, note the following regarding Academic Accommodations and the extension of the deadline to withdrawal without academic penalty. 

Academic Accommodations 
Students who are unable to complete coursework with the adaptations but who are committed to completing their course(s) are advised to complete a Request for Academic Accommodation.  Student Services will work with students and faculty to manage outstanding course requirements wherever possible.  

Bookstore Phone Orders 
The Bookstore is currently taking phone orders with credit card payments and curbside pick-up at the loading dock. Phone 403-284-7663 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Please note, this service can be discontinued at any time as the COVID-19 situation evolves.  

Deadline for Withdrawal without Failure – Extension 
For those who, for whatever reason, feel that they are unable to complete a course or courses even with accommodations in place, note that we have made the decision to extend the deadline to withdraw from a Winter 2020 course to Friday April 10, 2020. 

It’s important to highlight that course withdrawals have program progression and financial implications, and we implore you to consider these implications carefully.  While there will be no refunds for withdrawals, we encourage students who are considering this option to first speak to our student advisors to seek solutions that might best support them – please contact advising@auarts.ca to make an appointment.

Requests will be processed after the April 10, 2020 deadline date to allow for thoughtful consideration of a decision to seek a withdrawal. 

To initiate a request to withdraw from a course, please email registrar@auarts.ca.  

Fee Refunds 
Students have been provided with flexibility and options for course completion for the Winter 2020 semester. With this in mind, tuition or supplementary fee refunds will not be offered. 

Spring Term 
We will have Spring Term online course offerings. An update will be available as soon as possible. 

I want to reinforce the need for all of us to continue to support the escalating fight against COVID-19. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands regularly. Avoiding touching your face. Please self-isolate if you are feeling ill. If you have travelled outside of Canada, you must be in self-isolation. Take aggressive action to protect yourself and the most vulnerable among us. 

Thank you for your continued patience and support. We will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds. 

All the best,

Kim

Kimberley Neutens (she/her)
Associate Vice President, Student Affairs
Director, University Transition Project
kimberley.neutens@auarts.ca

See also: COVID-19 Updates: Important information for the AUArts community

 

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PREVIOUS UPDATES FOR STUDENTS

March 22, 2020 (8:00 PM) - Courses Resume Week of March 23, 2020 by Alternative Delivery Methods (PDF)

 

RESOURCES 

Please refer to the following list of information and support resources related to COVID-19: