During the 2020-21 academic year, Lethbridge College has successfully shifted to a flexible learning environment that has balanced learning outcomes with the health and safety for the entire college community. While a sizeable portion of the curriculum was delivered remotely, the college still hosted many classes and labs on-campus throughout both semesters.
With the success of the current academic year, the college is confident it will be able to welcome even more students and classes to campus for the Fall 2021 semester.
“By putting the safety of our students and employees at the forefront, we were able to proactively and successfully return many students to campus this academic year,” says Dr. Paula Burns. “We began with a limited number of on-campus labs and classes in the fall semester, and we increased that number in the winter. The success of this past year has given us confidence we will once again be able to offer even more on-campus experiences beginning in September.”
During the current winter term, students have frequently had on-campus experiences. A variety of trades and health sciences programs have had a nearly constant on-campus presence. Across a variety of programs, more than 20 courses and more than 25 lab sections are offered on-campus this term, along with environmental sciences programs that were able to offer outdoor experiences. In total, the college averaged nearly 400 students on-campus each day in February.
“We have surveyed our students and heard how much they value the on-campus experience,” says Dr. Samantha Lenci, Lethbridge College Provost and Vice President – Academic. “We know it positively affects the learning outcomes of our students to receive hands-on training, and we know we can safely offer on-campus labs and classes because we have already done it successfully.”
Specific details about which classes will be offered on-campus will be finalized in the coming months, but it is expected that every program, except for the traditionally online-only classes, will have an on-campus presence this fall. Lethbridge College will continue to monitor public health guidelines and work with Alberta Health Services to ensure all proper guidelines are in place.
Virtual Open House this week
Anyone interested in learning more about Lethbridge College is encouraged to attend the three-day Virtual Open House this week from Thursday to Saturday. Prospective students can attend Zoom and virtual sessions that give more information about program offerings, academic supports, student services and much more.
“Virtual Open House is the best way to learn more about our college and how we can support you in your academic journey,” says Nancy Russell, Dean of Student Affairs. “Knowing we’ll be offering more on-campus experiences in the fall means it’s a great time to join the college, and we are here to help guide you and answer your questions. We look forward to connecting with as many future students as possible.”
Everyone who registers for and attends the Virtual Open House will be entered into a draw for a $1,500 tuition credit. As well, applications fees are 50 per cent off for applications received between 9:30 a.m. on Thursday and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Prospective students can visit explorelc.ca to take a virtual tour, speak with a recruiter or learn more about living in residence – either before or during the Virtual Open House.
Learn more, register and join in Virtual Open House on Oct. 21 by visiting explorelc.ca.