MHC delaying in-person classes

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 23, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Medicine Hat College will delay the beginning of classes in January, then offer online instruction “as much as possible” in response to the potential effects of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

A late-day release Wednesday states campuses will be open, with health measures in effect, and off-site practicums and worksite placements will continue as scheduled.

The semester will begin on Jan. 10 with the hope to provide most instruction online until Jan. 21.

“The short delay to the beginning of the semester allows time to adjust plans, then continue providing access to classes and services no matter what Omicron brings,” college president Kevin Shufflebotham said in the release.

Some apprenticeship programs will begin as scheduled on Jan. 4, and some instruction may begin at that time as well. Students will be informed of specific class information via their college email accounts.

“As always, we ask for your patience and support as we work through this latest challenge and do what you can to keep you and your loved ones safe this Holiday Season,” says Shufflebotham.

The Universities of Lethbridge and Calgary both announced they will begin the winter semester online next month.

Over the weekend, Mount Royal University cancelled in-person exams that were to conclude the fall semester.

Macewan University in Edmonton will also move classes online until at least Jan. 21.