Dear Seneca graduate,
I hope you and your loved ones are keeping well and staying safe.
The start of the fall term is very different this year, but we are still welcoming – and welcoming back – thousands of students to Seneca. And despite the changes we’ve made to do our part to keep students and employees safe, the start of the academic year remains as exciting and important as ever.
In every instance, we’ve gone above and beyond the guidance of public health authorities as we’ve begun the slow and safe reopening of the campuses. We started over the summer by bringing back students who had been prevented from graduating from their program when we went virtual in the winter semester. From aviation to opticianry, mechanical engineering to fire services, they were able to complete their programs and join the proud ranks of Seneca alumni.
We’re calling the fall semester a hybrid term: while most of programs and courses will continue online, students with practical components in their programs will be coming on-campus for their lab and studio work.
Campus life has changed. Services continue to be delivered remotely. The labs will be done with appropriate safety procedures while all other parts of the campus – such as the cafeteria, library and study spaces – will remain closed. We are focused on making sure students get the hands-on experience they need while keeping the campus population as low as possible.
The on-campus experience is not the only reality that has changed for our students. As the economy struggles to recover, many have lost the part-time employment that allows them to afford to attend post-secondary education. Some students are struggling to cover basics such as rent and food.
One of the most unsettling parts of the pandemic is the uncertainty of timing. We all want to know when the vaccine will arrive, when we can take off our masks, when can we end the physical distancing from friends and even loved ones.
But one thing is certain: education will be more important than ever as we recover from the pandemic. Virtual or in-person, Seneca’s focus remains on delivering a world-class education to every student. We will emerge on the other side an even stronger institution, continuing to make sure every graduate is career-ready.
Every day we hear stories of our graduates on the front lines of the battle against the virus. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We are truly proud of you.
If COVID-19 has affected your employment or career plans, our alumni relations team has prepared an extensive fall schedule of programs to help you navigate the impact of COVID on your work life, whether you’re thinking about enhancing your skills or making a career change.
Click here to access the fall schedule of programs
I wish you the very best for the coming months, and please keep in touch. Let us know how you are doing and if we can help you during these challenging times.
Stay safe and well.
David
