March 9, 2021
The prospect of brighter and warmer days ahead is a good reason to provide an update to the KPE community on our planning for the 2021-22 academic year.
The March 8 update from U of T President Meric Gertler expressed optimism around the possibility of on-campus activity this fall. Within KPE we are actively preparing for a gradual and phased return to campus for the 2021-22 academic year, inclusive of learning/research activities, social activities, and student support services.
As we plan for the coming year, we continue to closely monitor public health and government guidelines related to COVID-19 to ensure that our decisions and actions are guided by consideration for the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff.
With these guidelines in mind, in the first phase of the Faculty’s return to campus, priority will go to academic and co-curricular KPE student activities that can be safely delivered to smaller groups. In the fall, some small-to-medium sized courses will be delivered in-person or have the option of in-person labs, tutorials and seminars. In addition, we plan to offer on-campus co-curricular student activities that build U of T and KPE community and connection. On-campus research that is aligned with U of T and public health guidelines will continue. We know that some students may continue to face barriers to attending on-campus classes due to potential ongoing travel restrictions and/or personal circumstances. During this first phase, a number of core and elective courses will continue to be accessible through remote delivery platforms. We are also planning for a gradual return of larger in-person classes in subsequent phases, all with appropriate safety protocols in place.
We recognize that the lifeblood of our community is comprised of our students, faculty and staff, and that there is much value in connecting and engaging in person. With this in mind, our planning includes being fully prepared to return to on-campus activities and services when and where it is safe to do so.
To our instructors, teaching assistants, faculty and staff members, I can’t thank you enough for your extraordinary efforts in planning and delivering KPE courses and services throughout this last year. Because of you, KPE has been able to continue delivering the high quality teaching, scholarship, mentorship and student experience for which we are known. These are also the hallmarks of a U of T education, one which has earned our university a top 5 rank among international peers in the area of kinesiology, exercise, and sport-related sciences.
I will be in touch again as planning progresses and details are finalized. Until then, I hope you stay safe, active and healthy as we move forward into a brighter future.
Ira Jacobs, DrMedSc, FCAHS
Professor & Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto