York University's quick switch to in-person learning next semester leaves some students behind

York University's recent decision to return to mostly in-person learning next semester is facing a backlash from some staff and students who say it's rushed, unsafe and making it impossible for them to finish their degrees on time. 

In late-October, the school informed students and faculty that come January, it will no longer offer the majority of courses over Zoom. Instead, 80 per cent will be offered in person only, unless students can make accommodations with teaching staff on a case-by-case basis. 

Then in November, the university switched many classes that were to be online to in person.

Close to 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for York University to be more flexible and allow students to continue learning online if they want to.

"If anyone should be accommodated, it should be students," said Carrie Cooper who's in the final year of her history degree.

"We're the ones paying tuition; we're trying to graduate and get through the pandemic."

Cooper said she spent weeks this summer meticulously picking online winter courses.The only way she's been able to afford tuition — about $750 a course — the last couple of years is by living in her family's London, Ont. home, working two part-time jobs and learning remotely.

She was under the impression a hybrid option would be available even if the university moved to more in-person learning in the winter.

However, as of Nov. 19, most of her courses have now been switched to in-person only. She said now won't be able to get all the credits she needs to graduate with Honours and will instead settle for a Bachelor's degree. 

"We're still in a pandemic. I don't know why we're acting like it's over," Cooper said,. "And it's just putting more of a mental load on students."

York University spokesperson Yanni Dagonas told CBC News the school has "consistently" communicated plans to staff and students through mass emails and social media. The first time it had shared details about its expectations for in-person learning was on Oct. 19 and updated course formats, including changing many from online to in-person, a month later. 

"We recognize that students need predictability in order to plan for upcoming terms," Dagonas said. "Those students who prefer online learning have been advised to choose courses that are planned for online delivery."

He said the university has also taken safety precautions, such as providing rapid testing and hand sanitizer on campus and improving air flow in buildings.

But Maija Goranson, a second-year psychology student, said the courses that are still being offered online are all full. And four of her five courses that were supposed to be available for remote students are now in person only.