July 9, 2020 – In these current times, nothing is predictable; everything is uncertain. Higher education institutes are not exempt from this reality. We must remain flexible so we can adapt to changing COVID-19 directives that, to a large extent, dictate how we can deliver our programs and courses this fall to students.
Even amidst uncertainties, one thing is sure: Providence is committed to providing you with a quality education and personalized student life experience. Our leadership, faculty and staff are committed to your success and safety. We will walk alongside of you to ensure you have a productive fall semester.
“Our whole Student Development team is working hard to ensure that you will still experience the same high-quality community this fall that you’ve come to expect from Providence, whether you are on-campus or online. Things will look a little bit different this year, but you will still have many opportunities to learn and grow both inside and outside of the classroom,” says Leshia Verkerk, Dean of Student Life.
We’re Welcoming Students Back to Campus This Fall
We’re planning to open the Otterburne campus this September for in-person classes and labs, and on-campus residence living. We will be carefully following COVID-19 
guidelines for physical distancing and limits on the number people occupying indoor and outdoor spaces as laid out by our provincial Public Health officials. This fall, you will have more flexibility in your studies than ever before.
In our University College, we plan to offer a blend of in-class and online courses. All class lectures will be recorded and accessible to you for later (or live) viewing.
UC Dean Cathy Rust-Akinbolaji explains, “The University College will offer a blend of synchronous and asynchronous teaching. Synchronous teaching will involve meeting together weekly in class for a single block. Asynchronous teaching will involve weekly online coursework to be completed by students according to their own schedule.”
Our Seminary, which has largely been offering flexible online study options for several years now, plans to continue to offer courses using in-class, online, module and hybrid methods of delivery. You can check out the current academic calendar HERE.
We’re Ready to Take Care of Your Enrollment Needs
There is no denying that the Coronavirus pandemic has affected our world, and the way that we now do things, but don’t let it be the reason to put off your plans for the future. Don’t let it alter your plans for a university education. Providence is looking forward to a strong 2020/2021 academic year.
To date, enrollments are up from the past two years which is a good early indicator as Cameron McKenzie, Provost and VP Academic, points out, “Applications are running ahead of previous years. Student registration for courses is continuing strong, the Athletics Department through MCAC is planning for a competitive season, and we’re preparing to open our residences to students in September.”
Fall 2020 is shaping up thanks to our committed and dedicated leadership, staff and faculty who have been engaged in rigorous planning and preparation. One of the latest developments is that we’re looking at a competitive sports season for our student athletes. It will be different from last year and tournament play is likely to be kept within our Manitoba borders.
We’re Working Towards the Possibility of a Competitive Sports Season
In a June media release, five Manitoba schools – the Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University, Canadian Mennonite University, Providence University College and Université de Saint-Boniface – have all committed to playing the 2020 MCAC soccer season.
Scott Masterson, Director of Athletics, has more to say on this matter, “Providence continues to make plans to train and compete starting in the fall semester as long as certain conditions can be met. We, along with our leagues, are continuing to work on contingency plans. We are pleased with the commitment of our other MCAC member institutions to also compete starting in the fall. There is still uncertainty surrounding the NCCAA and NIAC leagues and travel to the US, but we continue to work together and monitor the situation.”
In Manitoba, and at Providence, we are feeling positive and confident about the days ahead. We are readying ourselves to meet any challenges that come our way. We are excited about welcoming students back on campus and starting our fall semester this year.
