Redeemer Preparing for Fall Term

The most unusual winter term at Redeemer University is now complete. Faculty continued their final grading, and students finished with online exams, completing the term under challenging and unprecedented circumstances.

This was no small feat, and I am truly grateful for the efforts, adaptability, and cooperation I have observed through these challenges.

The resilience and fortitude of the entire Redeemer community was tested and found up to the task as we pressed forward together through this time of great upheaval, uncertainty, and isolation.

From students who have risen to the challenge of online learning, to faculty who have continued to deliver academic excellence while moving classes online, to the many staff who have quickly adapted to working from home, their hard work and perseverance have paid off! And we are especially thankful for the dedication of essential workers who continue to come to Redeemer faithfully each day to perform important tasks for the safety and security of campus and the continued operations of the university. The ingenuity and determination I have witnessed through this time is a testament to the strength of this institution, and we give God all the glory.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, Redeemer is moving past the initial phase of emergency response and urgent change. At this point in time we are planning to begin the new academic year this fall in person and on campus despite many uncertainties. In the event that being on campus is not possible, we are making contingency plans to ensure that all students can start the term on time, and we are ready to transition to in-person learning smoothly and quickly as soon as public health and government regulations allow. Our hope is that faculty and staff can return to campus in the coming months, and we are eagerly watching and waiting for public health and government directives to clear the way to begin the transition back, as soon as it is safe to do so. Be assured that whatever the circumstances, Redeemer remains committed to delivering a whole-person education experience this fall that will prepare students to make an impact wherever they are called.

As part of these efforts we are committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment. This means enhancing appropriate health measures such as cleaning, providing hand sanitizer, increasing health awareness, and following physical distancing guidance as required. In addition, Redeemer is working toward launching an on-campus student health clinic. The clinic will provide walk-in health services focused on mental and physical health and will be operated by a medical professional. We hope to have the clinic up and running by September and, if so, will provide details as to the location and hours as they become available.

Over the past few weeks, Redeemer has had to make many decisions in rapid succession, often with incomplete information. Temporary layoffs were announced a few weeks ago. Last week those employees were informed that temporary layoffs were suspended as a result of Redeemer’s eligibility and decision to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), a program that will subsidize up to 75 percent of the wages of some employees for a maximum of 12 weeks. These have been tumultuous times for the people most affected; yet we are grateful for this development, and more information will be shared directly with affected faculty and staff.

With the abrupt changes of the past few months, and so many unknowns about the future, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and anxious. Now, perhaps more than ever before, we can see that we are a people called to place our absolute trust and hope in the God of all creation. Christ sits on the throne and reigns over all. He is mightier than any challenge we face.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Graham
President