While some graduate programs hosted limited in-person lectures in the fall term, Queen’s has decided to transition all classes to remote learning for the entire winter term in response to the continued uncertainty of COVID-19.

The University said graduate programs at Smith School of Business, the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Faculty of Law are all pivoting to remote learning as a result of the pandemic. 

 “A few graduate programs in Health Sciences, where necessary, continue to offer some in-person classes,” the University wrote in a statement to The Journal. “If the stay-at-home order is lifted next month some classes in the School of Graduate Studies will resume in-person teaching.” 

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According to the University, the limited in-person teaching planned for the first-year law program in Winter 2021 was replaced in favour of a full transition to remote learning because of the provincial lockdown and emergency orders.

“Queen’s Faculty of Law is committed to the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty, staff, and local community, as the entire university continues to adapt to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 public health crisis,” the University wrote.

“As a result, classes, tutorials and other course requirements will continue to be delivered electronically through the use of Zoom, and the pivot that began in mid-to-late 2020 will continue.”   

The University said the Faculty’s objective is to provide students, staff, and faculty members a sense of direction for academic planning as well as provide information and time to organize personal arrangements and accommodations. 

The University wrote that the decision was informed by critical stakeholders in the delivery of academic programs and services, including instructors, the Associate and Assistant Deans of the Faculty, coordination with the Provost’s Office, and engagement with executives from the Law Students’ Society. 

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Queen’s Law faculty, staff, and administrators sourced virtual means of delivering course materials and employed a variety of tools to support virtual, synchronous, and asynchronous teaching.  

“Queen’s Law is committed to making its educational experience as enriching and meaningful as possible under these challenging pandemic circumstances,” the University wrote.

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