The University of Waterloo recently announced these three key features for the winter 2021 term:
- Winter term classes will begin January 11. All other winter term activities will begin as scheduled on January 4.
- Winter Reading Week will continue as planned from February 13-21.
- Classes will be cancelled on March 15 and 16 to create a four-day weekend for students, March 13 to 16.
Because of the delayed start to classes, Grebel will also delay the opening of the residence until Saturday, January 9, giving students an extra week to enjoy their Christmas break. “We are excited to welcome 71 student to residence this winter term, including 10 new first-year students who studied virtually from home throughout the fall term. Our apartments, housing 32 upper-year students (about half returning from work term placements) will open as per usual on January 4, 2021,” explained Mary Brubaker-Zehr, Director of Student Services. Residence fees will be adjusted to reflect the shorter term. All students living onsite at Grebel will be required to have a COVID-19 test completed sometime during their first five days back. Read the complete details for winter residents.
“I’ve been impressed by the way our instructors, Student Services staff and student leaders have built community in trying circumstances,” noted President Marcus Shantz. “We look forward to welcoming these residence students to our campus community and want to assure our families that we are adhering to safety measures while encouraging students to build relationships.”
Troy Osborne, the College’s Dean, noted that the extra week before classes start “will be helpful to faculty who can use the extra time at the beginning of the term for additional preparation for remote class delivery.” In addition to the asynchronous learning that instructors and students have become accustomed to, the winter term will offer some increased opportunities for synchronous meeting times.
While remote teaching has been a challenge for teaching faculty, the Grebel’s Music program has been heavily impacted. “As in the fall term, our ensemble and studio instructors are using technology to bring students together to make music virtually,” said Music Department Chair, Mark Vuorinen.
Grebel’s graduate programs in Theological Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies will continue to be taught in a remote format. Workshops in the Conflict Management Certificate Program have also found success in the pivot to online delivery. “It is good to see a broader reach for our PACS curriculum,” noted Nathan Funk, PACS Department Chair, “with participants joining in from across Canada.”
Library and Archives staff are striving to safely assist students, offering a comprehensive list of services available in person and at home. Visitors are encouraged to visit the website for updates before stopping by.
Front-line staff in Food Services, Students Services and front office administration and custodial staff are on site while faculty and staff continue to work remotely. Contact information is in the directory.
Construction continues in the dining room area. “We look forward to having more dining space available for students in the winter term,” noted Director of Operations, Paul Penner. The kitchen portion of the $7.5m project was completed in time for the beginning of the fall term.