Update on KPE academic planning for fall 2020 from Dean Ira Jacobs - updated May 20

Update on KPE academic planning for fall 2020 – message from Dean Ira Jacobs

Notwithstanding the extraordinary times in which we are living, I hope this message finds you, and those close to you, safe and well.

While there are still many uncertainties about when our campus buildings will be re-opened, I can re-assure you that our academic programs are continuing, summer term courses are currently ongoing, and the new academic year will resume in the fall.  The Faculty is actively engaged in planning for the start of the new academic year.  We are committed to delivering the high quality of teaching and mentorship that are hallmarks of U of T, and which have earned KPE and U of T a top 5 rank among international peers in the area of kinesiology, exercise, and sport-related sciences.

Aligned with the May 19 message from U of T President Gertler, our decisions and actions continue to be guided by consideration for the health and safety of all students, faculty and staff; excellence in academic programming; and supporting the success of all members of the KPE community. We recognize that even when physical distancing requirements are relaxed, some students may face barriers to attending on-campus classes due to potential ongoing travel restrictions and/or personal and family circumstances. We also understand that students need to plan for their living arrangements and require as much time as possible to prepare for the start of the new academic term. 

With this in mind, we are actively preparing for fall 2020 undergraduate courses to be offered through remote delivery platforms, with the option for some courses to have in-person labs, tutorials, and seminars, if it is safe to do so and allowed by public health authorities. Graduate student courses are expected to resume in person, when permitted, and are also being prepared for remote delivery, if necessary. Planning is underway for the resumption of research activities. The Faculty will ensure that all KPE courses have a remote option available, as needed, for students.

As a Faculty, we define ourselves as a place where each day offers students new opportunities to connect, explore, learn, and discover.  During this uncertain time, the need for professionals with the ability to apply knowledge in kinesiology disciplines to physical and mental health could not be more salient, and we are proud to be a part of your preparation as future leaders in our global society. 

I will be in touch again as the new academic year approaches – and until then, best wishes for a safe start to summer and positive feelings and excitement about what the future holds for us all.
 

Previous Messages

"Looking ahead to September 2020", message from U of T President Meric Gertler (May 19)

This is U of T, video message to the community, from U of T President Meric Gertler (May 9)

Message from Dean Ira Jacobs to graduating KPE undergraduate and graduate students and KPE academic program community (April 3)

U of T memo offers guidelines for faculty members and researchers required to come to campus to conduct their COVID-19 related research and time-sensitive critical projects (March 31)

Message from U of T President Meric Gertler regarding Convocation (March 31)

Update for U of T Community (March 25)

Update regarding operations at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (March 17)

U of T cancels in-person classes on all three campuses due to COVID-19 outbreak (March 13)