This page was developed to answer frequently asked questions regarding remote delivery and web-based courses in Edwards School of Business. We continue to monitor the situation and will provide relevant information to students as needed.
USask is following the advice of the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Saskatchewan Health Authority. For University Updates please visit: covid19.usask.ca
General
-
Will COMM courses and labs be delivered in-person during the 2021 Winter (Jan-Apr) term?
No. All COMM courses and labs will be remote delivery or web-based.
-
What does "remote delivery" mean?
"Remote delivery" denotes a high-quality course or lab that offers students the opportunity to learn in a flexible environment using online tools that typically do not rely on high-speed internet for access to content. Remote delivery courses identify a potential scheduled meeting-time which can be used by instructors and may engage students in both asynchronous and/or synchronous learning activities.
-
What does "web-based" mean?
"Web-based" denotes a high-quality course that offers students the opportunity to learn in an environment where course material is delivered entirely over the internet using a variety of online tools, some of which may include occasional live-streamed events. Where high speed internet is unavailable, these events will be recorded. Web-based courses do not identify scheduled meeting-times and primarily engage students in asynchronous learning activities.
-
Will I have to reside in Saskatoon during the 2021 Winter term?
No, it will not be necessary to reside in Saskatoon during the 2021 Winter term as you will not be required to attend in-person classes.
-
Why did the Edwards School of Business choose to move classes to remote or web-based delivery and not offer the option to attend classes in person?
The 2020-21 terms at the University of Saskatchewan will be offered primarily remotely for all students. Other Colleges may have labs or clinical instruction that take place in-person this winter/spring, but will be very limited and only where we are able to offer it safely. If Edwards was to offer in-person classes and then be forced to switch to remote classes (due to a second-wave of COVID, for example), the adjustment would be disruptive to both students and instructors, particularly those students without childcare or those who live outside Saskatoon. Therefore, we had to design a program that would deliver the same experience for all students, and that could withstand potentially additional and significant COVID related disruption. A fully remote program is the best method to achieve those goals in the Edwards School of Business.
-
Can I still book an appointment with an academic or career advisor?
There are many ways to make an appointment with an Academic Advisor including:
- Email: undergrad@edwards.usask.ca;
- Call: 306-966-4785;
- Book online at: https://www.edwards.usask.ca/apps/advisorbooking;
- Message a quick question on WhatsApp to: 306-966-1307
-
What International student supports are available for Edwards students?
Contact the UofS International Student and Study Abroad Centre or the Edwards Faculty & Student Services Office with any questions or concerns you may have as an International Student.
Edwards Classes
-
What will my remote course look like?
Some faculty will continue to use the functionality of Blackboard, while others will be using Canvas, a new learning management system being introduced by the University of Saskatchewan. We anticipate using live-streaming online platforms, such as WebEx and Panopto. Instructors will post syllabi online and the expectations, reading and participation requirements will differ between individual instructors.
-
How will my course work be graded/evaluated?
No in-person evaluation will take place during the 2021 Winter term. Assignments, test, oral advocacy, presentations and final examinations will be conducted online. Please note even though students are participating in remote learning this fall the college continues to hold to high standards of student academic conduct.
-
What warrants an allegation of academic misconduct?
Academic Misconduct is the term the university uses to describe cheating. Types of cheating are listed in the Student Academic Misconduct Regulations. There is an onus on every student to become informed about academic misconduct.
An instructor can report allegations of academic misconduct on any course work as well as examinations to the college, are treated very seriously and will be subject to due process. This process includes formal misconduct hearings for substantiated claims and subsequent determination of appropriate sanctions (including failure in the course in question). Students who find themselves facing allegations of academic misconduct can reach out to the USSU for advice regarding student rights and responsibilities through their Academic Advocacy Office.
In a more general sense, materials that have been made available to you as part of an academic course are the intellectual property of the course instructor(s). Distribution of those materials via internet platforms without prior consent from the instructor(s) is a violation of copyright laws and is also subject to academic disciplinary measures. Before any final exam students are required to sign a statement of personal integrity.
-
How will Edwards ensure that remote or web-based classes provide the same value as in-person learning?
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to online teaching for the 2020-21 terms and is making available information and training opportunities for faculty and staff. While this is a learning exercise for everyone, the faculty members of the Edwards School of Business are committed to continue to provide its students with a high quality of business education that will equip you to be a business professional in the years to come.
-
Will students still be restricted by course timeslots? Or will they now be able to take courses offered during the same timeslot (i.e. Tuesday at 11AM) because of remote delivery?
Because classes may include live lectures or other meetings scheduled specifically during the course timeslot, students will not be able to enrol in remote courses offered at the same time and day.
-
Will course selection be limited by the online format?
With the exception of one or two courses, the course selection will be similar to previous years.
-
Will class sizes be increased due to the online format?
While there may be some variance to class sizes compared to previous years, teaching responsibilities still need to be distributed appropriately and therefore you will not see large changes in the amount of seats per class.
-
Will there be opportunities to participate in class?
Yes. The Edwards School of Business and faculty members will be committed to open communication and participation in remote courses. While the method of participation may differ depending on the instructor, we will be using online platforms appropriate to the participation expected and anticipated by the instructor.
-
Will I be able to meet with my professor in-person or virtually outside of class hours?
All students will continue to have access to faculty through email or other learning platforms. Faculty will also continue to advise students of their office hours to arrange for virtual meetings.
-
Can I meet with fellow students or professors in-person?
The Edwards School of Business encourages adhering to social distancing and safety protocols set out by the Government of Saskatchewan. If restrictions are eased before or during the 2021 Winter term, face-to-face meetings or social gatherings among students may be possible, though at this point in-person meetings will not be required for any 2021 Winter term coursework. Information will be updated as it becomes available.
Registration and Orientation
-
When do I register for classes?
Registration dates can be found at: https://paws5.usask.ca/#registration
Please note that registration dates are based on year, and that yours might be different than your friends. If you have a concern with your date, please make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
When you log into PAWS, search for 'Registration' and click on the registration tab (if it is not already in your favourites, we encourage you to add it). On this registration page if you scroll down a little you can find a countdown clock that indicates your registration date/time.
-
Will I know prior to registration what my classes will look like and when the final exam will be scheduled?
Course descriptions will be available on PAWS prior to registration. The exam schedule will be available after the term starts.
-
When do classes start?
Classes will begin on Monday, January 11, 2021.
First-year Orientation will be virtual in Winter 2021. Check the USask Orientation page and monitor your PAWS email for more details.
-
How can I get prepared for remote learning?
Preparation, persistence and holding yourself accountable are key to being a successful remote learner. Before classes start, work through these Remote Learning Tips to set yourself up for success.
Scholarships and Emergency Funding
-
How do I apply for scholarships and will there be any changes to the deadline?
The Edwards School of Business Scholarship Committee administers several scholarships and bursaries for both entering and continuing students. Awards have specific criteria based on academic achievement, financial need, student background, and leadership skills. The awards are divided into two groups with application deadlines being March 31st and September 30th annually. Scholarships open for the month of September and March and you can apply online. There is no expectation that these deadlines will change.
-
Where can I apply for emergency funding?
Information about emergency financial assistance is available to students through the University of Saskatchewan. To inquire, contact Student Central.
The Edwards School of Business also operates an emergency funding program through the Dean’s Circle and the Rawlinson Centre for Aboriginal Business Students. Students in need are encouraged to contact Edwards Student & Faculty Services Office at undergrad@edwards.usask.ca or 306-966-4785.
Textbooks, Internet, Childcare and Residence
-
How will I buy my textbooks?
The Bookstore and Health Science locations are closed until further notice. The online store is open and you can purchase digital and physical books on the bookstore’s website or from your booklist in PAWS (once course materials have been confirmed by instructors).
Books can be shipped to students or picked up at the Shop USask location.
The bookstore strongly encourages students to order books sooner than most years in order to mitigate the expected bottleneck of shipping and receiving.
More information on textbook purchasing, assistive technology equipment, open educational resources and textbook affordability can be found here.
-
What do you recommend for a computer?
Computer choice is up to personal preference, as no one brand is better than another. However, a laptop is better than a tablet because you will need to be able to run all the necessary software in addition to having access to a camera and microphone.
-
I don't have access to a computer and/or internet. What should I do?
You will need access to a computer and internet at home to take advantage of the university's remote learning resources. You will most likely also need camera and microphone functionality to participate in online courses.
If you don't have access to the internet in your home, a phone with data may be used as a personal hotspot. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many carriers are waiving data overages or offering reduced pricing for certain plans. Please check with your carrier for more information.
-
What if I can't attend online courses due to childcare or other responsibilities?
We understand that this is a difficult time for many of our students, including those who have dependents in their care. Resources for parents and caregivers can be found at students.usask.ca. In extreme cases, deferrals may be considered (see below for more info).
Edwards Experiential Learning Opportunities
-
Is study abroad proceeding or cancelled in the 2021 Winter term?
Study abroad opportunities for Winter 2021 term are remote. Visit the International Student and Study Abroad Centre for more information.Applications for 2021-22 study abroad opportunities remain open and are due February 1, 2021.
-
Will co-operative education program placements take place?
Placements as part of the Edwards Co-operative Education Program will still take place. As plans for this process unfold, we will provide you with updates.
-
Will the Edwards Mentorship Program still be available?
The Edwards Mentorship Program will not be available for the 2020-21 academic year, but will resume the following year.
-
How do I access full-time, part-time or summer job opportunities?
Available opportunities will be on careerlink.usask.ca and all information sessions will be virtual. More information will be sent out in the weekly "Latest" email.
-
Will the Global Business Stream still be an option?
Yes, FITT workshops will be done remotely.
Deferrals
-
I am an incoming student. Can I defer my offer of admission if I am unable to begin classes in January?
If you choose to defer your admission to Edwards until the 2021 Fall Term you must notify the admissions office so that you will not have to apply again for admission.
-
I am a returning student. Can I take a leave of absence if I am unable to resume classes in January?
Edwards students who do not register for any classes for one full academic year will be required to apply for readmission before they can return and again register in classes.
Edwards Student Clubs
-
Will student clubs continue to operate?
While the Edwards School of Business has no control over student-lead and organized clubs and groups, the college supports such activities and encourages students to support each other in online communities or in-person, provided all public health orders are adhered to. View the complete list of Edwards clubs here.
-
Will the Edwards Business Student Society and student clubs have access to student offices?
At this time, all university buildings remain closed, including the Edwards Business Students’ Society office. Any changes to the status of college offices will be communicated to students directly.
USask Student Services
-
Will I be able to study on campus and/or use campus libraries?
Beginning January 11, 2021: Study space on the ground floor of the Murray Library is available for students, by appointment, Mon-Fri 10 am to 8 pm. This is subject to change and you should check the status of university operations online. You can also access many library resources online from home.
-
Will I have access to the PAC (university recreational facility)?
USask Rec programming is suspended until further notice. Virtual fitness programming is available by clicking here. Any changes to recreational operations will be indicated here.
-
What kind of academic tips and resources are available for USask students?
Student Learning Services offers one-to-one WebEx tutoring appointments (math, stats and writing), virtual write-in sessions, structured study sessions and much more. For the most up-to-date programming information, please visit Student Learning Services or email studentlearning@usask.ca.