Online Access Extended to Support Students Through Pandemic
In February, Regent College made the decision to extend live online access to Regent courses until the end of August 2022. All courses have been accessible online since March 2020, when Regent’s campus closed in response to the COVID-19 crisis in British Columbia.
The college has also extended the current suspension of Regent’s distance education policies until the end of August 2022. As a result, students can continue to work toward the completion of a degree program unhindered by the normal requirement to complete a specific number of courses on campus.
Academic Dean Paul Spilsbury welcomed the decision: “I’m grateful for the faculty and board’s support for students facing the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“This commitment to online accessibility is necessary in order for us to serve not just international and out-of-province students impacted by travel restrictions, but also local students who are living in vulnerable communities, are themselves vulnerable, or are required to undergo quarantine.”
“Continuity of education is critical to the success of our students. I am delighted that we can continue to provide that to them in the midst of these trying times.”
Regent took an important step in the return to on-campus learning on Monday, February 22, welcoming a small number of students to campus for the implementation of a joint on-campus and online classroom format. Circumstances permitting, the college anticipates a slow expansion of on-campus learning through the 2021/2022 academic year. Students unable to attend courses on campus will continue to access classes via Zoom.
President Jeff Greenman commented: “Regent’s mission is to provide great theological education that shapes our students for faithful, thoughtful service in all spheres of life. While this year has been full of surprises, that mission continues to be at the core of all of our actions and decisions.
“We’re looking forward to the continued safe expansion of our on-campus operations and an eventual return to the embodied community life that we love. We are also very grateful for the technology that has enabled us to serve and connect with our global student body this past year. I’m pleased that we will be able to continue serving our students in this way through the coming academic year.”
Regent College’s 2021 Summer Programs will be available online, with an additional on-campus option available for some courses. Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 courses will be available in hybrid format, with both online and on-campus learning options available for most courses.
Information about our 2021 Summer Programs is available at rgnt.net/summer. To learn more about studying at Regent College, contact [email protected].