Dear student,
Greetings from Thompson Rivers University. This is our 3rd update for new international students regarding the Fall 2020 semester.
Message from the Provost: Fall 2020 Course Delivery
TRU, like every other Canadian post-secondary institution, is working through how we approach future semesters due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to reassure you that we are preparing to offer our full breadth of courses this fall. While continuing as best we can to offer exceptional learning opportunities, we will also ensure our delivery is in alignment with the physical distancing guidelines stipulated by the Provincial Health Officer, various ministries, and public health agencies.
For many programs, alternate (non-face-to-face) delivery will continue this fall. We are dedicating time and resources over the summer to ensure students, faculty, and staff will have all the support they need in the fall to effectively teach, study and work remotely, as needed. See the full message about Fall 2020 delivery here.
Getting Started for September 2020:
The speed and intensity of change resulting from COVID-19 is beyond anything we’ve experienced. International students who are ready to enroll may now be wondering what the fall semester will be like. Amidst the uncertainty, there are some things you can count on.
1. Your seat is reserved
Your seat for Fall 2020 is reserved and we are fully committed to helping you start your academic journey at TRU from this very moment. Even though classes will be delivered virtually, you will still be a part of our vibrant TRU community. You will still be able to access the full spectrum of student services, including advising, faculty support, digital library, writing centre, workshops, clubs, cultural events, academic events and many others.
2. TRU is committed to quality and access
TRU programs must meet the rigorous standards of two key regulatory bodies: the Degree Quality Assessment Board of the Province of British Columbia, and the NWCCU through which we are internationally accredited. This fall, expect well-planned, carefully designed online courses as we’re working closely with instructional designers, specialists in our Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching to make every TRU course effective and learner-focused. Various technology will be used to allow course content to be accessible, regardless of your location or time zone.
3. Challenges can be turned into successes
Virtual learning has become an integral component of education. COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of technologies and communication practices to support this alternative mode of delivery. You can expect to rapidly develop skills in communication, presentation, inquiry, self- and time-management, problem-solving, and teamwork skills vital to success at work, in further education, career development, and in life.
4. The situation won't affect the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Canada is committed to your future. As per the IRCC website: post-graduation work permit eligibility won't be affected if your Fall 2020 courses will be online due to COVID-19. Students can begin programs online from outside Canada and complete up to 50% of them from outside Canada.
5. Your studies can commence safely while saving on living costs in Canada
We know these times are uncertain. One of the benefits of opting to start your program this Fall 2020 from your country of residence is that you will save a semester of living costs in Canada, such as rent, food, health insurance, among others.
6. Your study permit will be processed
TRU, in collaboration with many other institutions, has proposed that IRCC mobilize additional visa-processing capacity to work through the expected backlog of applications when business resumes around the world. While the proposal is being considered, IRCC recently announced that they will not refuse an application for non-compliance. IRCC officers will continue to request additional supporting documents or necessary actions (such as biometrics and medical exams) as part of the application process and will keep the applications open until documents are received or evidence is provided that action has been taken.
7. TRU is committed to you
TRU can support you as no other university can—through the instructors you have come to know, dedicated academic advisors, a safety net of student services, and complete details on current requirements for the Fall 2020 semester so you can make informed decisions. TRU World has developed a workshop for students that will introduce you to virtual learning at TRU. The one-week workshop will be offered multiple times throughout the summer, we hope by taking this workshop, you will become more comfortable with this delivery mode and will have a better sense of what to expect for the fall.
COVID-19 Relief
As a part of our initiative to help you through this difficult time, TRU has introduced some COVID-19 Relief measures to ease the burden on international students. For those students who will be arriving in Canada, we will provide quarantine relief to assist with this additional 14-day housing expense associated with arrival quarantine.
For new international students remaining in their home countries and starting their studies through alternative delivery, a financial support package of up to CAD $2,000 will be available for eligible students who enroll in the Fall 2020 semester. This relief will be credited to your tuition account automatically and will be in effect for your following semester at TRU. Details will be provided in our update #4.
Your journey is about to begin, and we will show you the way.
We know you have questions. We are here to answer them. In the coming weeks, we will connect you with faculties, advisors, students, and TRU support staff, through email communications and live online sessions.
Meanwhile, stay tuned for future updates.
Thank you,
TRU World
Thompson Rivers University
Missed the previous updates? Update #1 & Update #2
