Since my last update on March 9, we have been closely monitoring public health and government guidelines related to COVID-19 to inform planning for a gradual and safe return to campus at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) for the 2021-22 academic year. Our optimism about the 2021/22 academic year is buoyed by the very positive recent developments, with over 70% of eligible Ontarians and the vast majority of Canadians having received their initial COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, U of T is making extensive preparations for a safe return to our campuses.
At this time it is still uncertain what public health restrictions will be in place on the first day of classes for the Fall 2021 term. As a result, KPE will stay the course for a phased return to campus, inclusive of learning/research activities, social activities, and student support services.
For the first phase of the Faculty’s return to campus, our focus remains on academic and co-curricular KPE student activities that can be safely delivered to smaller groups.
I know that many of you have been patiently awaiting more information to inform your personal planning for the upcoming academic year. Below you will find updated details on course delivery for the Fall 2021 term:
Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin) program
For the upcoming Fall term, all 1st and 2nd year required BKin courses will be delivered online and accessible through internet platforms.
The delivery mode for upper year BKin courses, for the upcoming Fall term, will be a combination of in-person and online synchronous delivery modes.
A large number of courses will be offered as online courses, with select courses offered as in-person only or with an in-person option.
While many BKin courses will be accessible remotely in the Fall, we encourage students to prepare for a gradual and phased return to campus for the 2021-22 academic year, to most fully engage in the on-campus activities offered.
In response to COVID-19, the upcoming Outdoor Projects (ODP) courses (ODP100, ODP200 and ODP300) scheduled for late August and early September 2021 have been postponed. This decision was not taken lightly but was necessary given the current guidance from public health authorities, our commitment to the health and safety of all students, and the academic planning that must be completed in advance to ensure the quality of the programming. Over the next few months, planning will be underway for offerings of these courses in 2022.
Graduate Kinesiology programs
Master of Professional Kinesiology (MPK) program:
The MPK program is an in-person program and we are planning for the majority of MPK courses to be delivered in person. The program will begin online at the beginning of August, including the first required course and orientation training.
As of September 2021, there will be a combination of in-person and online courses, with most labs/tutorials requiring in-person attendance. Please expect to be on campus 2 – 3 days per week, with the possibility that 1 – 2 days may be conducted remotely.
MSc and PhD Kinesiology (KIN) programs:
For the Fall 2021 term, a combination of in-person and online synchronous KIN graduate courses will be offered.
Course Schedules
Course planning is underway across all KPE programs, and we anticipate that academic course schedules will be available by June 18th to assist you in preparations for course enrolment in mid-July.
Co-curricular Activities
We have previously communicated that co-curricular student activities that could be safely delivered to smaller groups would be included in the first phase of our return to campus and I’m pleased to confirm that our plans in this area remain unchanged. It is my hope that these co-curricular activities will provide you with authentic opportunities to connect and build community as we move toward the second phase of our gradual return.
Winter Term
In thinking ahead to the Winter term, we are planning with optimism and are hopeful to see the majority of our courses return to in-person delivery. With the positive developments in vaccination rates and decreasing new COVID-19 cases being reported here in Toronto, I am optimistic that larger in-person classes will be able to resume as soon as January 2022. The delivery modes for Winter 2022 term courses will be officially confirmed during the Fall term.
Check-in Frequently
It is important that you continue to check the frequently updated resources available to you, including the COVID-19 Information for University of Toronto Students FAQ and the University’s UTogether website.
And if you are eligible, please get a COVID-19 vaccine!
Take care and stay safe, active and healthy!
Ira Jacobs, DrMedSc, FCAHS
Professor & Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto