COVID-19 Updates

Academics

New Course Formats and Safety Protocols

This September, we will resume offering courses on-campus. Large courses may be offered online or in a hybrid format.

Our Fall 2020 Academic approach is built on ensuring the health and safety of students and employees, while providing a range of flexible models for students who cannot or choose not to attend in person. How a course is facilitated could depend on the size of the class, the content topics and the level of classroom participation. Each course will be delivered in one of five formats.

Major Points

  • We're exploring options for larger courses.

    The occupancy of our classrooms and lecture halls will be reduced. Most classes with 50 or more students will be conducted remotely, while some will be split into smaller sections. We're also considering spaces we might not ordinarily use for classes, such as Convocation Hall or athletics facilities, to give larger classes room to easily spread out.

  • Your commute to class will change.

    To avoid congestion in buildings and hallways, we will adjust class start and end times. Buildings will have one-way traffic in stairwells. You'll also sign in and out to make contact tracing easier.

  • Lab courses will be modified or postponed.

    Shared lab and practice spaces will be open by appointment, to allow for reduced capacities while providing the freedom required to do your work.

  • The academic calendar has changed.

    We've updated our academic calendar. Classes begin on September 21 and end on the last day in residence, December 21. The later start time will allow us to extend the move-in period so that fewer students move in each day. It will also allow for some extra time after your arrival in Wolfville to participate in:

    • introduction and implementation of new academic support systems (technology, improved access, and resources designed to help you succeed);
    • orientation, education, and training of COVID-19 related health & safety measures and protocols; and,
    • 14-day self-isolation, if necessary.
    We will be prepared to implement changes should the need arise as determined by University and government and health officials.
A female student listens attentively.

Related Resources

Course Format Guide 

Student Services Plan (PDF) 

Academics Update

On July 14, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced additional measures, including faster and easier study permit processing, to make it easier for international students to study online with a Canadian post-secondary institution this fall from abroad.

Academics FAQ

How will I write my exams?

Your professors may reduce the number of in-person exams by using virtual assessments or offering more assignments or projects.

Exams may be held in very large spaces (ex. gymnasiums) to ensure social distancing.

Will professors still have office hours?

Your professor will be reachable for virtual office hours, but you will not be able to visit them in-person. Meetings between faculty members or staff will also be greatly restricted.

Will there still be a reading break?

Yes, November 12 and 13.

I need to return my book rentals. How can I do that?

The Campus Bookstore is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide safe drop off of books for those students who are currently on campus. Social distancing precautions will be in place. You can also mail/courier your books back to Acadia's Bookstore. Include your name and the phone number and email address you provided when you rented the book to ensure you get a refund. We have extended the deadline until May 5, 2020. 

Mail to:

Acadia University Bookstore
44 Highland Avenue
Wolfville, NS, B4P 1Y7

Phone: 902-585-1201

The bookstore also continues to process online orders, and they are being shipped for free within Canada.

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