Students expected to return to Toronto for the Fall 2021 semester
On June 4, Assistant Dean Sara Faherty informed upper-year students via email of the law school’s plans for the upcoming fall semester.
“Students should plan to be in Toronto to attend classes and to participate in co- and extra-curricular activities,” the FAQ reads in bolded font.
The law school is planning an in-person September return to most courses, “important” co- and extra-curricular experiences, and student services. While “some very large classes” may be offered remotely due to limited classroom space under social distancing requirements and faculty availability, the law school is optimistic that students will soon be able to enjoy “significant in-person learning experiences.”
In her email, Assistant Dean Faherty cautioned that “there is still a lot to fill in” and the plans will be updated again during the first week of July and August, and throughout the summer as more information becomes available.
President Meric Gertler previously released a statement stating that with “the vaccine rollout now picking up speed,” the University is optimistic that most courses, student services, and co-curricular activities will be able to proceed in person, with the possible exception of large-scale gatherings.
In his statement, President Gertler reassured the community that although there are plans to return to in-person learning, the University “will continue to leverage the innovations developed over the past year, such as high-quality online teaching and delivery of services to students and faculty members, to maintain flexibility where needed or enhance the experience of our community.”
In contrast, the Faculty of Law’s current FAQ advises that students should expect to attend law school in-person, and will not have the option to select “in-person” or “remote” during course selection, as they did last year during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further, the FAQ explains that “while the University and the Faculty of Law are prepared to modify the program for those who need a more gradual transition back to in-person study, please note final assessments at the Faculty of Law will take place exclusively in-person.”
Previously, students expressed frustration over the law school’s attempt to deliver in-person courses during the Fall 2020 semester. Students were particularly upset with being encouraged to make costly travel and housing arrangements for an academic year that turned out to be largely held online.
The Faculty’s FAQ acknowledges these concerns, even citing the possibility of another shutdown, but remains firm in expecting students “to be in Toronto and to be prepared to attend classes in person.”
The law school remains committed to requiring in-person participation “given that interactive learning is an essential part of our curriculum.”
As rent prices in the city continue to be on the rise, students should begin to search for housing and make other arrangements to be in Toronto for September.
