Seven USask Engineering courses offered in Winter Term 2021 will have face-to-face component
The courses were approved by the USask Vice Provost's office.
The University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering (USask Engineering) received approval from the Vice Provost’s office on Monday, Nov. 2 to offer seven courses with a face-to-face component in the Engineering Building during Winter Term 2021. Courses not on this list will be delivered remotely.
- CHE 424.2 (02, 04) Chemical Engineering Laboratory III
- EE 495.6 (01) Senior Design Project
- CME 495.6 (01) Capstone Design Project
- ME 229.3 (02) Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design
- ME 495.6 (02) Industrial Design Project
- ME 475.3 (02) Introduction to Mechatronics
- ME 490.3 (02) Design of Fluid Power Circuits
"These courses were chosen based on the importance of the physical experience to the learning objectives of the course, the need for access to specialized facilities, and in some cases, the integrative nature of the lab experience. At the same time, we have to ensure that the safety of our students and staff remain paramount. I want to assure all of our students that we appreciate the value of the face-to-face learning environment and look forward to the time when we can safely return to campus," says Dean Suzanne Kresta.
Three of these courses are capstone design courses for fourth-year students where fabrication and testing of a prototype is involved. To accommodate students who can’t move to Saskatoon, or those who are not comfortable with in-person learning, it’s not mandatory that every student from the group be involved in the fabrication.
The other approved courses require that students have access to lab equipment to meet learning objectives. The lecture component of these courses will be delivered remotely. If you are registered in these courses, further information will follow about course logistics, including necessary accommodations, shortly. Please watch your PAWS email.
Courses not on this list will be delivered remotely. The nine programs offered by USask Engineering continue to meet the requirements for accreditation by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.
When students access the Engineering Building, they will be required to follow all COVID-19 protocols implemented by USask.
With approval to offer the above courses with an in-person component, USask Engineering joins roughly 75 percent of Canadian engineering schools that will have selected face-to-face experiences this winter. About 25 percent are offering their courses exclusively online.
As always, Dean Kresta reminds you to stay safe and be mindful of your mental wellness. "This is a challenging situation for everyone. Accepting our constraints – in spite of all the hassle that we didn't ask for – will keep you moving in a positive direction and open the door for creative solutions."
In terms of your classes, when an issue arises, your first step is to reach out to your instructors. "This will help us help you. When we know there’s a problem we can work together to solve it."
If your initial communication doesn’t lead to a resolution, don’t hesitate to contact your department head, and ultimately Dean Kresta or Associate Dean Academic Bruce Sparling.
More information about online learning and the Winter Term was shared in a virtual town hall with Dr. Kresta and Dr. Sparling on October 21. A written overview is posted on the College of Engineering website and a link to a recording of the meeting was sent via your PAWS email.