Add/drop and refund deadline extended

Brandon University has extended the Fall Term add/drop deadline, which is also the final day to receive a 100% tuition refund.

The deadline is now Friday, Sept. 24 for Bachelor of Education (After Degree) courses and is Wednesday, Sept. 29 for all other regularly scheduled courses this term.

The decision was made Monday by Senate Executive and will give all students the opportunity to see BU’s full vaccine policy before deciding whether to continue in the Fall Term.

The vaccine policy is currently being piloted in the School of Music and more details are expected to be released this week. Under the policy, everyone attending the Brandon University campus will be required to prove full vaccination no later than Oct. 31, with an accommodations process to facilitate regular rapid testing instead for a small number of exemptions based on legitimate medical, religious, or other human-rights related reasons.

The process of applying for an exemption, and the limited grounds under which exemptions will be granted, is being actively developed and is expected soon.

Students who remain unvaccinated, and who are unable to secure an accommodation, will be welcome in online-only courses. However, they will not be able to access on-campus facilities or services — many of which continue to be available through online or phone options.

Students should also be aware that several online courses have in-person final exams. Anyone in a class with an in-person final will have been informed of such by their instructors, and the course syllabus will clearly indicate that the final is in-person. Accommodations for students who are unable to attend an in-person final exam in an online course may be available on an individual basis, but students in that position should consult their course instructors immediately to make an informed choice about whether to continue in the course.

Vaccines are widely available in the community and the vast majority of the Brandon University campus is already fully vaccinated. With case counts, severe illness, and hospitalization rates rising primarily in the unvaccinated population, Brandon University’s vaccination policy helps protect everyone in our community — including children and the most vulnerable.

The vaccines are safe, effective, and backed by sound science and public health advice. However, vaccination is not always a simple decision. Brandon University’s Personal Counsellors are available to support students through this process, including needle anxiety, family considerations, or worries about misinformation.

If you’re already vaccinated, make sure you enter our Winning Shot incentive. If you’re not yet, please get vaccinated as soon as you can.

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