- Target:
- Southern Institute of Technology
- Region:
- Canada
On June 10th, 2020, an email was sent by Brad Donaldson Vice President of Academics to students regarding the possibility of all classes in the coming semester being completed online. SAIT takes pride in being a Technical College, providing technical skills that need to be delivered in a classroom environment. Technical in class learning is essential for many if not all SAIT’s programs including Trades, Engineering Technologies, Nursing, EMT, and Media Programs. The proposed method of delivering courses online is unacceptable, undermines the entire purpose of going to a Technical College and should be re-examined. Delivering courses online it is a detriment to international and domestic students who chose SAIT to gain practical knowledge that cannot be learned through online videos.
SAIT has prematurely made the decision to deliver classes online instead of in the class room. Based on recent news events, K-12 schools in Alberta are expected to be in class in the fall. To quote Educational Minister Adriana LaGrange “A normal return to school is most likely, in which physical distancing would only be required when possible, and cleaning protocols would be increased, including regular handwashing and sanitizing, and extra cleaning of classrooms and school buses.” if grade school children and School Boards can cope with the extra precautionary steps to mitigate COVID-19 I would expect SAIT Staff and its Mature Students have the capacity to do so as well. SAIT students and staff need to be the frontline to stop the spread of COVID-19 following social distancing on campus, washing our hands regularly, and maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff at SAIT.
SAIT’s decision may jeopardize student’s education and future employment opportunities based on this decision.
As students we are not receiving good value for the money we put into our education, especially with the transition to online courses, coupled with rising tuition costs.
I ask that that everyone signs this petition so SAIT can reconsider this proposal of on line courses and do what is best for the students of SAIT.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it