Higher Education in a COVID Era

Bruce Fawcett, PhD, President and Vice Chancellor

Perhaps from time to time in recent months you’ve wondered if the world could be stopped and you could simply hop off and rejoin everyone else when “normal” returns. I know I have. Some days in the spring it felt like all we knew was being turned upside down. This has certainly been true in higher education generally, as well as here at Crandall. Here are just a few of the ways the COVID pandemic has affected how the University operates:

Within five days this spring we shifted from in-person classes to a distributed learning model using online technology. All conferences and major events like our Distinguished Alumni Award dinner and Spring Convocation were postponed. Almost all employees began to work from home and our buildings were closed to guests and students alike. The hallways became very, very quiet. At times, as I walked through the academic buildings, it felt like the world had ended and I was the last person remaining!

In the midst of the challenges we’ve had many things to be thankful for. Unlike some of our sister institutions across North America, we didn’t have to lay off any employees. Our financial supporters stood by our side and helped make up for lost revenue from other sources. We also had the technology in place for most of our employees to work remotely this spring and summer.

Once the Province of New Brunswick moved to the “Yellow Phase” in terms of our collective response to the virus, we were able to make clear plans for the fall semester. We are restricted to groups of 50 being in the same enclosed space but, because we have always intentionally offered small classes, we are teaching our traditional undergraduates, our Education and Organizational Management students, and our current international graduate students face-to-face. We are also using technology to accommodate students whose situation does not allow them to be in a classroom setting due to personal circumstances, health concerns, or border restrictions. We want to provide the same personal, caring, and friendly environment for which we have always been known.

Over the summer, the federal government decided that international students with a provisional study permit would be permitted to begin their studies from their home country. This fall, a record breaking 60 international students began graduate studies with us. We plan to admit more in January and May.

I am very proud of our faculty and staff who have risen to the occasion and have maintained a cheerful disposition in spite of the fear and darkness which seems to pervade our planet. They have served admirably and with distinction out of their love for our students.

Thank you as well for your interest and support for Crandall during these days. We value and deeply appreciate your friendship and partnership! The months ahead may be a little bumpy and uncertain until a vaccine is widely distributed, as it has always been, our confidence is in God’s direction and provision.

Dr. Bruce Fawcett (‘88) has served as President and ViceChancellor since 2012. He is married to Penny (‘94) and they are the proud parents oftwo Crandall graduates.