Ontario's phased plan for safe reopening of postsecondary education for summer term

#Ontario; #OntarioPostsecondaryEducation; #Safe&GradualReopening

Ottawa, Jun 11 (Canadian-Media): A plan has been developed by the Ontario government in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the gradual and safe resumption of in-person instruction at postsecondary institutions across the province for the summer term, media reports said.

​"Our students, researchers and postsecondary community in Ontario have stepped up in a big way to support our frontline health care workers in response to COVID-19...Now, we have to make sure our students can keep learning...and become the next generation of frontline heroes, innovators and community builders," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford on June 10.

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Doug Ford. Image credit: Twitter handle

This first phase will start in July 2020, with limited in-person education and training for students failed to graduate due to COVID-19 closures and would be dedicated to students in essential, frontline, and high labour market demand areas, such as nursing, personal support workers, engineering, and other critical professions

This would benefit thousands of students across the province.

"It's critical that we allow students to complete their studies...join the workforce in high-demand...help put the province back on the path to prosperity," said Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities in a news conference on June 10 at Queen’s Park, Toronto.

Ross Romano. Image credit: ola.org

Romano added he would ensure safe reopening of the staff as well as students.

In September, all students will have the opportunity to attend postsecondary education through virtual learning, in-class instruction, or hybrid formats with proper health and safey measures in place.
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Publicly assisted colleges and universities, Indigenous Institutes, private career colleges and other postsecondary education institutions are also allowed to  participate in this voluntary reopening. 

In 2018-19, more than 800,000 students enrolled in Ontario’s colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes and private career colleges located in every region of the province. 

Led by the work of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, and in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts, the government is planning a measured and phased approach outlined in A Framework for Reopening our Province.

"Throughout Ontario, faculty and staff have found creative and effective ways to continue delivering high-quality programs...collaborating with the government on further measures to modernize post-secondary education...during Ontario's economic recovery,” said Linda Franklin, President and CEO, Colleges Ontario.

“The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remains a top priority for Ontario’s universities...and an enriching university experience that ensures they graduate with the adaptable skills required to help retool and reimagine industries, stimulate economic growth and rebuild Ontari,” said David Lindsay, President & CEO, Council of Ontario Universities