In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Quest University is shutting down for the remainder of the academic year and moving towards holding classes online.
The school said March 12, this is a “proactive” measure and arrives after the provincial health officer asked the public to take extraordinary means to stem the spread of the disease.
Earlier in the day, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry advised the public to cancel all events involving 250 or more people. She also asked those who have arrived from out of the country to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to school or work.
The university says it was taking measures to “de-densify.”
“The steps we took are significant, but they reflect prudence, not panic,” said Quest University president George Iwama in a news release sent to The Chief.
“We have been closely monitoring public health developments, and while the risk remains low in BC, expert consensus is that the situation may become worse over the next few months. Quest values social consciousness and responsibility. We must, therefore, act collectively and ensure we are doing our part in reducing the effects of widespread infection. For the good of the community, both on campus and beyond, an assertive, proactive response is the most responsible thing we can do.”
The release states that students are being asked to move out of their dorms.
The vast majority of students at the university live on campus.
“This is an effort to de-densify the campus, and support social distancing,” reads the release. “We understand this will not be possible for all students, and Quest will take into account extenuating personal circumstances.”
All upcoming events at the school have been cancelled until further notice.
The school is also asking the public to avoid campus buildings.
When possible, the school says its instructors will telecommute for the time being. Because all classes will go ahead, albeit in a different form, the school says it will not be reimbursing tuition.
“Quest will be supportive and flexible with all of its staff in terms of both working remotely and using sick leave.” the release said.
A message sent to staff and forwarded to The Chief by an instructor says that the two landmark events of the school year will be affected.
The Keystone Symposium will be cancelled, reads the letter sent to faculty. Graduation ceremonies have been put off, but the school says it hopes to reschedule them to a later date this year.
However, students will still get their degrees. Those scheduled to graduate this April will still do so.
“We know how painful it is for many of you and your students,” reads the message.
“But given how quickly it is now moving, and experts’ predictions for the next few months, this is the most prudent move.”
Students are being asked to leave their residences by midnight, March 20.
The school acknowledged that not everyone will be able to move out on time, and has created a mechanism for students to inform authorities of their situations.
The school says it’s still figuring out details regarding whether or not meal cards and dorm fees will be reimbursed.
“This is an effort to de-densify campus, and support social distancing, in accordance with expert opinion,” reads the message. “We understand that this will not be possible for all students, and will take into account extenuating personal circumstances.”
The message also adds that the campus medical clinic will be closed, but students will have access to remote mental-health services.
Custodians will still be working.
*Please note, this story has been updated since it was first posted to include additional information about Quest’s plans for instructors, tuition and meal cards.
