New Brunswick universities hesitate to follow province in lifting all restrictions

Though the province is lifting all pandemic restrictions, New Brunswick's universities are hesitant to follow suit immediately.

Though the province is lifting all pandemic restrictions on March 14, including gathering limits and mask mandates, New Brunswick’s universities are hesitant to follow suit immediately.

Université de Moncton released a statement on Monday that though proof of vaccination was no longer required on campus, many pandemic related measures like physical distancing, the use of masks, and assigned seating in class will stay in effect until April 30th.

Student council president Mathilde Thériault told Global News on Tuesday that council feels that “it is preferable that Université de Moncton maintains an excess of precaution” after a survey revealed students were divided on the topic of returning to campus for in-person learning in the first place.

Saint Thomas University has taken a similar stance, with most precautions remaining in place until the end of the semester.

In an interview on Tuesday, student union president Tyler MaGee said he believes this will provide some much-needed stability to students as they enter exam season.

“I think it makes sense to have it stable throughout the rest of the academic term, especially since the rest of the term is so short of a time period, I agree with the university’s assessment that it’s best to just not rock the boat and keep this…normal until the end of the semester when we can reevaluate.”

In a message sent to students last Friday, President and Vice-Chancellor Dawn Russell said stability for students was a factor in the university’s decision.

“From March 14 until the end of the semester and exams is six weeks, which is a relatively short period of time; so at this late stage of the academic year, it is important to focus on continuity and stability rather than launch a series of changes.”