50% of SFU students concerned about return to in-person learning: survey

A student survey shows half of the Simon Fraser University students are concerned about heading back to campus for in-person classes Monday.

Gabe Liosis with the SFU Student Society says many of the students he knows tested positive for COVID-19 over the holidays “and they’re describing symptoms to me that are far from mild.”

He argues filling lecture halls with students isn’t something his peers are ready for.

“I’m not convinced that Monday’s return is going to be safe. ”

Students on Twitter have said they feel the university’s decision is premature, especially when UBC has extended its return date to Feb. 7.

“It’s such a premature decision by the university to come back so quickly before we kind of really know how Omicron spreads in academic settings, honestly, is such a slap in the face to the students who did go through that experience,” Liosis said.

Georgia Yee is a UBC Student Representative and says many students at that university have had a mix of relief and cause of anxiety.

“We’re going to still have to be providing options for students if they don’t feel safe.”

According to Liosis, 5,344 students representing 20 percent of students, responded to a survey organized by the student society about returning to campus.

The survey showed 50 per cent of students felt uncomfortable returning to in-person classes.

Sixty-one per cent of respondents say they felt unsafe during the 2021 Spring semester.

“We’re calling on SFU to extend remote learning for an extended period of time, I believe until the Omicron wave starts to decline.”

45 per cent of respondents to the SFU survey say they want a remote learning option. However, SFU’s Vice-President and Provost, Dr. Catherine Dauvergne, says “there is a unique and irreplaceable value in in-person learning.”

Dauvergne says she has yet to see the survey.

However, she cites a study from the BCCDC highlighting the mental health impacts on young people during the pandemic.

The study also highlights the importance of in-person learning.

Liosis says the lack of student confidence may mean the university and government needs to better communicate that learning settings are safe.

“Or, what else that tells us is that not enough measures are being put in place to ensure our safety,” Liosis adds.

An extension of an in-person start date doesn’t seem likely for SFU. Dauvergne says Public Health has not reported any transmission of COVID-19 in learning settings on an SFU campus.