Dear NSCAD community,
Welcome back!
It is so refreshing to share a simple, joyful message after such a long and complicated journey to get to this day.
Nobody could have imagined it would be 18 months and seemingly endless adaptations to return to in-person learning and working when we left in March 2020. In that time, we not only invented new ways of working, learning and making during lockdown, but also showed that our community can extend beyond the physical reality of our campuses.
And yet it is so good to be able to connect with colleagues and students in-person and I’m very much looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can.
For fall 2021, we are launching over 180 courses including 27 exceptional NSCAD@online classes, which are the result of digital practices that evolved through student focus groups and faculty/instructor panels. All online students will continue to have the same access to support as campus-based students including the NSCAD library, academic advising, writing centre, accessibility services and accommodation.
Providing the highest quality academic experience in a safe environment remains our focus in every aspect of planning for the fall semester. As we engage in the new ‘normal’ life on campus, I encourage everyone to take stock of your wellness, and to be compassionate and supportive of each other while respecting everyone’s overall health and safety.
In addition to closely following NSCAD’s Return to Campus Plan, please ensure you complete the NSCAD Vaccination Status Form and submit your proof of full vaccination (or submit your proof of COVID-19 test result here if appropriate). From the beginning, we’ve done a great job at staying safe while staying apart – now it’s time to do the same while coming back together.
I look forward to seeing you on campus in the coming weeks.
Stay safe and be well,
Sarah McKinnon, PhD
Interim President
NSCAD University