On March 27, Dean Ira Jacobs issued a personal message to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education.
This is an academic year that we will all remember for the rest of our lives!
I have tried a few times over the last few days to send this message to our KPE student community, only to be diverted by the rapidly changing landscape. But, I will persist this time because it is too important. I am writing to extend my hope and wishes that you and those close to you are not ill. I know that some are ill and some are caring for a family member who is ill --- best wishes for speedy recoveries … and don’t hesitate to keep in touch and to let us know!
The other primary reason for this message is to express to you the University’s and Faculty’s commitment to remain focused on ensuring that our students have the opportunity to complete this academic year. So much has happened so quickly. I am astounded that today marks the end of only two weeks since our Faculty moved to delivering all of our academic degree programs online and remotely. Several times over the past week or so, I have paused to take a deep breath and have reflected on what has been accomplished through the amazing flexibility, adaptability and plain old hard work of a team I am so proud to be part of. Thank you for your patience as you, your course instructors, graduate student supervisors, administrative staff and Registrar’s Office staff have all worked very hard to move the entire academic enterprise online.
From the feedback I have received, the adaptability exhibited by students, course instructors, and research supervisors has demonstrated tremendous resilience. Just think of what has happened! Providing the tools for almost ALL of our undergraduate and graduate courses to be moved to on-line instruction within less than a week --- in most cases without any break in regularly scheduled classes!! Course instructors revising curriculum content and learning a novel platform to deliver it so that course learning objectives are met. Students rapidly adapting to the very sudden and very dramatic changes that have been forced upon us all. Many students were able to transition quickly to continuing course work and interacting with research supervisors remotely. For others the situation has been much more challenging. For example, research supervisors are now planning with their students how to adjust to the closure of research labs. There is no doubt but that it has been stressful for everyone to adjust to the new academic landscape and balancing those adjustments with the stresses of life outside of academics. There remains a lot of uncertainty about what is to come, but I can assure you that we have contingency plans in place and our commitment to student success will not waiver.
To those who are graduating this year, we understand the huge disappointment because of the cancellation of the traditional June convocation ceremony in Convocation Hall. I want to re-assure you that arrangements are being made to ensure that all graduands will receive their graduation parchment. Also, I have reached out to the Presidents of KPEUA and KPEGS to join me and some faculty and staff in a brain-storming session about alternative ways of providing an opportunity for you, those close to you, and for us to recognize and celebrate the tremendous accomplishments that graduation from the University of Toronto represents.
Finally, I encourage each of you to take a moment this weekend to reflect on all that you have achieved personally over the last two weeks. And, take the time to connect, encourage and support one another. It is fabulous that we are able to use technology to be together even when we need to be physically distant. Reach out to your friends, family and our KPE staff, faculty, course instructors, and research supervisors. And of course, feel free to reach out to me directly whenever you feel the need. We are in this together. I am certain that the KPE resiliency I referred to earlier means we will continue to thrive.
Do take care!
Ira Jacobs, DrMedSc, FCAHS
Professor & Dean
Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
University of Toronto