York University Is Officially Planning To Invite Students Back To Campus This Fall

After nearly a year of virtual learning, York University is planning to host in-person classes during the Fall 2021 semester.

The university made the announcement on Thursday in a statement by President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

Editor's Choice: TikTok Is Hiring In Toronto Right Now & There Are A Bunch Of Different Positions

"Over this past year, York students, staff, faculty and instructors have demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence while adapting to the realities of being physically distanced from one another," wrote Lenton.

"Looking forward, I am pleased to announce that we are actively planning for a safe return to our campuses for the Fall 2021 term."

Classes will look a bit different, however. They will be held in "a small group format that maximizes interactive learning."

The university won't be ditching remote learning altogether, either. 

"As we look to make more on-campus learning opportunities available to our students, access to high-quality remote learning will continue, especially for those who may face health or travel restrictions," Lenton wrote. 

York's Summer 2021 semester will, for the most part, remain virtual.

Last month, Ryerson University provided an update about its future semesters, saying that a "gradual return" to campus is likely in the fall, although no decisions will be made without a seal of approval from public health officials.

Ryerson's statement said that this gradual return would prioritize "areas that would most benefit from in-person interaction."

Last fall, students at Ryerson University petitioned for cheaper tuition due to the shift to virtual learning, however, Ryerson's president, Mohamed Lachemi, said that the costs could not be reduced.