The run-up to the fall 2020 school year is like nothing Conrad Grebel University College has experienced before. After six months of varying degrees of isolation and social distancing, Grebel is welcoming a small cohort of students to the residence while offering courses remotely. Although summer is traditionally a slower time at the College, this year, faculty and staff spent that time optimizing courses to be taught online, poring over potential residence scenarios, and ensuring that the facilities and opening procedures will provide the most safe and healthy environment possible for the entire Grebel community.
“The pandemic has dramatically changed how we get ready to welcome our students,” said President Marcus Shantz. “Every decision we have made in preparation for reopening is based on guiding principles: to protect the health and safety of everyone who lives, works, and studies on the Grebel campus, to provide our people with the resources they need to succeed, and to find new ways to express our mission.”
Faculty have been teaching their classes remotely since mid-March and will continue to do so until at least December. “As part of the Faculty of Arts, Grebel’s courses are fully integrated into the University of Waterloo,” explained Dean Troy Osborne. “Waterloo’s decision to offer most courses remotely means that Grebel is not offering in-person instruction. Our professors have worked earnestly to make these courses accessible and inspiring.” While this year has been anything but predictable, preliminary undergraduate enrolment numbers for the fall term are promising, and Grebel’s two graduate programs expect a strong cohort.
The Music Department is using the pandemic as a unique opportunity to focus on music fundamentals through an online music performance experience that will use technology to bring students together. Seven available ensembles will emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and instrumental and vocal technique.
In an effort to support the core teaching, learning, and research needs of Grebel students, faculty, and staff, the Milton Good Library will offer a variety of services during the fall term. In addition to the current offering of contactless pickup of library materials, there will be some walk-in services, limited study spaces for Grebel students, and, eventually, archival materials available by appointment.
Although most faculty and staff at Grebel will continue to work from home, the Grebel residence will be at half-capacity with about 72 students, each in their own room. As well, 32 upper-year students will live as household units in the apartments and about 75 students will connect virtually from their family homes or associate homes. Grebel’s Student Services team, along with Food Services and facilities staff, have worked all summer to ensure that living arrangements for fall are safe and follow the latest Public Health protocols.
“Opening our residence during COVID-19 means that we all need to adjust our expectations,” commented Director of Student Services, Mary Brubaker-Zehr. “Some of our most beloved Grebel traditions, like our All-College Retreat, Commencement, Taste of Grebel, and even Community Supper as we know it, will be impacted. Even still, we are confident that together we can co-create a good term and year.” Student Services staff will work alternately in the Grebel building and from home, with someone always present to support students.
Student leaders have thought carefully about new ways to build community, and have many virtual and socially distant plans for orientation and the fall term as a whole. “We are confident that we can help our students thrive in this university setting by supporting them in their academic pursuits and challenging them to grow and reach out, even with restrictions,” added Brubaker-Zehr.
Students returning to Grebel will be the first to enjoy the College’s brand-new kitchen. With ample room for physical distancing and generous air circulation, students entering this bright space will be welcomed by Food Services staff operating under strict Public Health protocols. The dining room is partially renovated and can easily accommodate this year’s residents. Tables are carefully positioned to ensure proper distancing, and, to ensure that students can eat together safely, clear plastic barriers will allow for friendly smiles and conversation.
Unfortunately, Grebel can’t host in-person events, concerts, lectures, or other gatherings for the rest of 2020. However, the College will continue to foster community virtually. The Music Department is offering a free virtual Noon Hour Concert series. The 1960s Era Reunion will take place online on Saturday, September 26. The Conflict Management Certificate Program, after pivoting this spring to offer online workshops, has a dozen workshops scheduled for the fall term. Students, faculty, and staff will still participate in Chapel over Zoom, and virtual associates will have countless ways to connect with each other over the term.
“Grebel’s culture is to build togetherness as a college community and our commitment is to work toward this goal, even in a time of social distancing,” reflected Shantz. “Our focus for the fall term is to deliver an engaging residential program and excellent courses for our students. With stringent cleaning, clear physical distancing protocols, and a spirit of flexibility, the 2020-21 school year will be a memorable one!”