Western University moves exams online as 'precautionary measure'

Western University has become the latest university to shift its in-person exams online amid rising COVID-19 cases in the province and the omicron variant becoming the dominant strain in London, Ont. 

Exams scheduled on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 will continue in person, unless students are told otherwise by their faculties. Exams scheduled from Dec. 17 to Dec. 22 will now be held online. Practical and clinical assessments, however, will still proceed in person. 

The move comes as a means to keep the campus community safe and healthy leading into the winter holidays. 

"The decision to shift exams online was made to ensure students and employees are able to enjoy the holiday break by limiting in-person contact throughout the rest of the term," said Alan Shepard, the university's president, in a statement.

"We recognize this decision may prove disruptive to some, but the health and safety of the Western community is our top priority."

In a previous email to students on Dec. 9, the university said it was planning to go ahead with in-person exams with the approval of the Middlesex-London Health Unit. 

High vaccination rate played a vital role in low case counts

Shepard adds that although the university's case counts are still low, they are taking proactive measures with the emerging omicron variant. 

Western's vaccination rate stands at 99.5 per cent for students and 98.9 per cent for staff, which the university says has played a vital role in keeping case counts low. 

There have been no outbreaks due to transmissions in classes so far this semester. There are, however, two active outbreaks in residences, including Saugeen-Maitland Hall Residence and Delaware Hall Residence. 

"We've all worked so hard this term so we can return to the in-person experiences we had been missing," Shepard said.

"I am hopeful that we can continue our academic year as planned – and whatever COVID-19 brings us, I know our strong and vibrant community will get through this together."

Shepard emphasizes the university will continue following all public health guidelines and updating the community accordingly.