Memorial University’s Faculty Association says online courses can present challenges for students and staff but some people may benefit.

Ken Snelgrove, MUNFA president, was responding to the announcement that Memorial University will not be resuming in-person, on-campus courses before January 2021.

Snelgrove says they are putting students first in the planning of course content and execution. For faculty members, he says, the way they teach will have to change.

He says some people may benefit from the online learning environment, others may not. For example, because child care is not available, some people will struggle to work from home.

Snelgrove explains that professors will need to create a lot more content for online courses that may never be used again when things go back to in-person so that will create some equity issues.

Limited reopening of on-campus activity in the fall may occur in a gradual manner. Faculties may submit a proposal for review to allow students on campus during the fall semester.

The Faculties of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Marine Institute will be releasing details on their return to classes soon.