Multiple community programs at UBC saw a surge in new registrants after they were moved online due to the pandemic. The Director of Community Programs at UBC, Don Black said that there’s potential that many of these students stick to the new format once classrooms open again.

“Some of our programs, like we do a large language program, everything from sign language to German and French, that kind of stuff. The numbers in our language programs have gone up by 30 percent once they’ve gone online and we expect that an awful load of those students will continue to study online, even when they can go back to campus.”

Universities and colleges have been told to prepare for in-person learning in the fall. The combination of in-person & online students will be a lot to handle for UBC staff.

The demand for work will only continue to increase over time as life works it’s way back to what it previously was. The stressful times will still be stressful managing community programs that have students back in person as well as many students learning online.