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News at the University of New Brunswick

UNB students reflect on studying during COVID-19

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Mar 11, 2021

Category: myUNB , UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton

Katie Northorp

This academic year has looked quite different for students, faculty and staff alike. Instructors are adapting course material and their teaching methods using various virtual platforms, students are learning new study strategies for alternative delivery methods, and all of us are adjusting to health and safety regulations on and off campus. With winter term now underway, students have been sharing their highlights from Fall 2020.

Katie Northorp, a fourth-year bachelor of science student on the Saint John campus, is looking back at how “An Introduction to Indigenous Studies” quickly became her favourite course thanks to Dr. Rachel Bryant’s passionate and captivating way of delivering content.

“Numerous times I would pause the lectures, rewind and show my mom what I had just learned because the content was so important,” says Ms. Northorp.

“Dr. Bryant deserves recognition for her outstanding teaching efforts. She has been helpful, understanding, efficient and impactful during a difficult semester for students’ mental health,” says Ms. Northorp. “At the beginning of the course, Dr. Bryant explained she would be understanding, open and flexible. I can't thank her enough for standing by that choice.”

UNB strives to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. Programs and courses are designed to respond to the changing needs of the world. Faculty and staff are committed to supporting students and creating an environment in which students truly feel valued and have a sense of belonging.

“It is so wonderful hearing positive feedback from students as they adjust to studying by alternative delivery methods,” says Dr. Heidi MacDonald, dean of the Saint John faculty of arts. “Faculty members have worked extra hard to adapt their materials in light of COVID-19 and students have really shown resilience by the way they have embraced a different way of learning.”

Ms. Northorp felt that simply thanking Dr. Bryant was not enough. She has nominated Dr. Bryant for UNB’s Dr. Allan P. Stuart Memorial Award For Excellence in Teaching and encouraged her classmates to do the same.

Over the coming weeks, UNB will be sharing more stories of students who have adapted to studying throughout the pandemic in myUNB News and on our social media channels. We invite you to read their stories to learn more about their experiences.

Throughout the pandemic, the UNB community has shown great resilience. We would like to thank UNB students, faculty and staff for their tireless commitment to supporting each other and treating each other with understanding, kindness and respect. We hope you can join us by thanking those that have made your world a little brighter during these challenging times.

Media contact: Kathleen McLaughlin