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Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Mark Green shares an update about academic planning for first-year undergraduate students.

As some of Queen’s incoming students are making decisions about their residence offers, several faculties and schools have worked to finalize their plans for first-year undergraduate programs in the 2021 winter term.

In developing their plans, the faculties and schools followed the following principles:

• Supporting academic excellence and academic integrity in all courses, programs, and degrees
• Promoting and protecting equity, diversity, inclusivity, and Indigeneity in all aspects of the educational experience
• Providing equitable access to educational materials for all students
• Ensuring that the individual academic accommodation needs of students are met
• Seeking cooperation between different units and faculties, and being mindful that a decision made in one part of the institution will have consequences elsewhere
• Supporting the progression and retention of students through academic program requirements

The faculty and school proposals were reviewed by the Academic Operations Group and the Senior Leadership Team. All plans are in alignment with current Public Health guidelines; however, these plans may change as requirements evolve between now and January.

With some exceptions, most first-year lectures will be delivered remotely. Other on-campus academic activities will vary somewhat across programs. The decision to hold some academic activities on-campus was determined based on the need for students to access specialized facilities, such as labs, and to ensure all students can progress in their studies and meet the academic requirements of their programs.

Regardless of the course delivery format, the university is committed to ensuring all students receive an equitable and robust learning experience. Programs and services to support academic success continue to be available to all students, including academic advising, library services, and wellness support.

Information on residence operations for the 2021 winter term will be available in early fall, and plans for upper-year students are in development. We appreciate your patience as we take the time to ensure our planning aligns with Public Health guidelines.

Detailed information on winter term academic programming for first-year students will be shared with students directly by their faculty, once their plans are finalized. 

- Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Mark Green

Note: This article originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.