Carleton University will be delaying the start of the winter 2021 term, they announced earlier today.
The winter term was slated to begin on Jan. 6, but classes are now scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 11.
According to an email sent out to students Nov. 4, the decision was made “to provide everyone with an extended holiday break and to allow for a few additional days to prepare for the winter 2021 term.”
Deadlines for the 2021 year have also been updated to reflect the delayed semester, including the last day for registration for the winter term as well as dates final examinations may be scheduled.
The adjustment of the semester meets all program accreditation standards, according to the Senate committee on curriculum, admission, and studies policy, who oversaw the adjustment.
The delayed semester will also not affect winter reading week, which is scheduled for Feb. 16 to 19.
The decision comes after student groups, including the Carleton Academic Student Government (CASG) and the Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) addressed students’ concerns over increased workloads this academic year.
In a CASG meeting on Oct. 20, Matt Gagné, CASG president, said the shift to online school has left many students concerned over their course load.
“We know a lot of profs, in the spirit of trying to keep students engaged throughout the year, may have overcompensated with the weekly assignments and we’re hearing that a lot of students are overwhelmed,” he said.
Earlier this week, Carleton University’s Senate passed three motions implementing short-term grading reform for the fall and winter semester, part of CASG’s grading reform efforts.
Featured image by Tim Austen.
