To the Membership,
In response to student concerns regarding the planned return to in-person classes, the TCSA wishes to express its ongoing commitment to advocate on your behalf to Trent University administration. The feedback we have received, and an overall desire to preserve the health and safety of our members, has directly contributed to the policy recommendations we are bringing forward to the University prior to its return to in-person learning. We have published a full report outlining our recommendations here.
This report is also being sent to the President and Vice Presidents of the University. At this time the Association does not support a return to in-person learning on January 31st. Despite this, it is likely that the University will resume in-person classes next week. The TCSA continues to advocate for better student representation within health and safety processes that govern the decisions of the University through COVID-19. We have also called on the University to provide virtual accessibility for all courses to support the safety of immunocompromised individuals, those living with immunocompromised folks, those who have medical exemptions from receiving the vaccine, or those who are otherwise uncomfortable returning to in-person classes. Virtually accessible courses are an essential service that the University has not yet been able to guarantee its students. Finally, we advocate for maintaining contact tracing for those who come on campus, and clearer information regarding updates regarding booster dose requirements for those on campus.
While we navigate this transition, we also call on professors to do everything in their power to make their courses accessible for students virtually and make reasonable accommodations for students who may have to self-isolate. The TCSA recognizes that many professors are also struggling during this time, and that students appreciate their dedicated efforts to make our educational experience a safe and accessible one. Students who are having difficulty with obtaining necessary accommodations are able to contact the TCSA or email studentaffairs@trentu.ca for further assistance.
If you have any questions or concerns with our recommendations to the University please contact vphealth@trentcentral.ca or president@trentcentral.ca. If you wish to express your concerns about the support offered to students as we return to in-person learning please get in touch with University administration directly by contacting leogroarke@trentu.ca, michaelkhan@trentu.ca, and stwilliams@trentu.ca.
We are here for you,
Carter Tongs (he/him)
Vice President Student Health and Wellness
Trent Central Student Association