THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay’s post-secondary institutions are taking steps to allow continued learning as public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic escalate. Lakehead University and Confederation College are both temporarily halting classes this week to give staff time to prepare alternative delivery methods, largely relying on online learning.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended earlier this week that colleges and universities in the province move to alternative delivery, cancelling in-person classes and labs.
Classes and exams are cancelled at Lakehead Monday and Tuesday. University President Moira McPherson said learning is expected to resume Wednesday, with workshops and other resources being put in place to support instructors in rolling out online delivery and other alternatives.
Confederation College has suspended classes and labs at all campuses for a full week, beginning Monday. Classes will resume online beginning March 23.
The college says work and clinical placements will continue where possible, telling students to follow the direction of their placement organizations.
Other campus services remain largely open at both schools.
Lakehead’s Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses are both open, allowing access to facilities and services including residences, libraries, cafeterias, research facilities, athletics buildings, and health services.
The college has closed a number of regional campuses in Dryden, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, and Wawa. The SUCCI Health Centre or Minowaadiziiwin will be closed, as will Northwest Employment Works at the Whalen Building.
Other services, including residence, the Paterson Library, cafeteria, counselling and accessibility services remain open.
