We’re drawing ever nearer to the coming holiday break and as always I thank you all for remaining engaged in your studies, teaching, research and work as we move forward as a community in response to this global pandemic. 

In today’s update:

• This year’s holiday break
• Preparing for next semester

This year’s holiday break

I’ll thank those of you who have reached out inquiring about the possibility of extending the upcoming holiday break. I heard your questions and concerns and reflected before arriving at a decision that UNBC will not extend our break. The most pressing single element I considered, was the amount of disruption our community has faced over the past year. I didn’t want to deviate from the schedule yet again, and cause unintended ramifications down the road. The element of certainty and stability is pivotal during these unprecedented and rapidly changing circumstances.

Other considerations which led us to this decision include the following: 

• We understand some schools who are extending the break are opting to cancel the mid-term break in the winter semester to keep the same number of instruction hours in place. Given the long, dark winter here in the North, we felt that wasn’t a viable option for long-term student and employee well-being and mid-winter/semester recovery.
• We understand some schools are delaying the completion of their winter semester. That is very challenging for us given the deadlines we have in place regarding degree completion and graduation timelines.
• The number of instruction hours required, particularly in professional programs, is critical and limits our ability to shorten or extend the winter semester.
• Many of you have likely already made family, travel or accommodation plans regarding the break in anticipation of a regular, uninterrupted schedule. 

I know this has been a challenging year and that we are all learning to cope in different ways. I hope that by maintaining some schedule stability, and keeping intact our scheduled mid-semester break next term will help alleviate the concerns that have been raised.

Preparing for next semester

We are all just three weeks away from a well-deserved rest, and as our employees plan ahead, I encourage all departments and programs to consider Dec. 21 through 23 as “meeting-free days". The intent is to allow ourselves focused time and space to accomplish those must-do tasks, prepare for the next semester, or take vacation days prior to the holiday break.  Of course some urgent meetings may need to take place to meet commitments, but I encourage you all to hold your routine or update meetings by Dec. 18, or in the New Year.

As we head into the holiday season, this year will be different. Given that visiting family may be virtual and the stress brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the shorter winter days in the North, we may experience new or deeper mental health struggles. I want you to do your best to look after yourself, and remember that you don’t have to persevere alone. Chat with friends, go for a walk, and checkout the many online tools, apps or resources. The UNBC Health & Wellbeing website has more information and important contacts. 

In short - reach out for help! 

As always I’ll remind you that we regularly update our Coronavirus (COVID-19) website with the latest information and resources. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for here, or if you have questions, let us know at unbccommand@unbc.ca.

Stay safe, and thank you!

Geoff Payne
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor