Last updated September 1, 2021

(Ottawa – July 29, 2021) CAUT has released the Fall 2021 semester back-to-school plans for 120 universities and colleges as part of its ongoing efforts to track how post-secondary institutions are managing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fall 2021 semester re-opening plans database includes course delivery modes, institutional health and safety plans and information on hybrid teaching and vaccination requirements, where available.

CAUT has also released a checklist to assess post-secondary institutions’ re-opening plans for the Fall 2021 semester. The checklist – COVID-19 Guidance for Assessing Campus Re-opening Plans – is based on the recommendations of provincial public health authorities and input from CAUT member associations.

The Fall 2021 semester re-opening plans highlights some key back to university and college trends.

• Almost half (48%) of post-secondary institutions will deliver courses primarily in-person, but plan to comply with expected indoor gathering limits and accommodate students who cannot return to campus by offering some courses online or in hybrid delivery mode.
• Thirty-six per cent of universities and colleges are planning to embrace a blended learning approach by offering a mix of in-person and remote delivery of courses.
• Only 12 per cent of post-secondary institutions have announced fully in-person course delivery.
• As of August 25, 2021, two per cent of post-secondary institutions have yet to announce their fall semester plans.

CAUT will continue to monitor how universities and colleges are making academic workspaces safe for campus communities. If you believe that your institution’s plan for re-opening requires an update, please let us know by sending an email to our research team.