Learn the latest news from Fairleigh Dickinson University on challenges and questions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. See Coronavirus Updates for more information and guidance.
Canada
As a leading innovator in global education, Fairleigh Dickinson University seeks new ways to offer its unique learning opportunities for students worldwide. The University’s newest campus opened in 2007 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Located in western Canada near the U.S. Border, Vancouver is one of the world’s most scenic, cosmopolitan and multicultural cities.
Thank you for your interest in being a student on the Vancouver campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University. We pride ourselves on the quality of our programs, the personal support we provide and we hope to be welcoming you to our campus in the near future.
The following are commonly asked questions about how we are responding to the challenges created by the COVID-19 virus and to help you with your planning.
FDU Vancouver is accepting new students for Summer 2020. We will be providing online registration and orientation and delivering courses through remote learning.
What do I need to be able to begin my studies in Summer 2020?
You need to have received a letter of acceptance from FDU Vancouver, paid your deposit, and have either a letter of introduction or already have a valid visa that would normally allow you to travel to Canada and obtain a study permit. Because of travel restrictions, we are allowing students to begin their studies from outside Canada.
What if I am already in Canada with a study permit?
Awesome! Please contact vancouver-admissions@fdu.edu and we will get you going for summer enrolment!
Can I complete my degree through remote learning?
No. Students who begin their program of studies through remote learning will complete their coursework in Vancouver when the remote learning period ends and will be expected to travel to Vancouver. The remote learning period is temporary to provide for social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How is FDU Vancouver helping new students begin their studies?
We are endeavoring to be as flexible as we can to accommodate this unique and challenging situation, even as we do our best to maintain the integrity of our admissions and registration policies and practices. For example, we are being more flexible about deferring program start dates.
What will I need to be able to begin my studies from outside Canada?
Summer 2020 courses at Fairleigh Dickinson University Vancouver will be delivered by “remote learning”. While students and instructors will not meet face to face, classes are designed to be engaging, interactive, and to encourage participation.
Classes will be scheduled for a specific time and students will participate in video conferencing, online presentations, and discussions with their instructor and their classmates.
You will need access to a computer, access to the internet, and be able to take classes at the time they are offered in Vancouver time.
When will the Summer 2020 semester start?
The summer semester on the FDU-Vancouver campus will begin with New Student Orientation on May 19, and classes will begin on May 25.
Can I defer the start of my studies?
Yes. If you are accepted for the next semester but are not able to enter Canada because of travel restrictions, we will be happy to defer your program start date to September 2020 or January 2021. Our team will provide you with an updated Letter of Acceptance required for your visa application.
What happens if my application for a visa is not successful?
As always, if you are not able to obtain a visa your deposit will be refunded. And as always, if you elect not to study at FDU any tuition that is prepaid will be refunded following the expiry of your letter of acceptance.
I am still in my home country and will be traveling to Canada to begin my studies. Am I able to enter Canada?
International students are exempt from air travel and border restrictions IF they hold a valid study permit, or hold written notice of approval (letter of introduction) for a study permit that was issued before12 pm EDT on March 18, 2020. Students with written notice of approval issued after this date will not be able to travel to Canada until after the travel restrictions are lifted.
Travel advisories and exemptions are fluid at this time. Please consult the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website for up to date information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html.
What happens if I travel to Canada to begin my studies?
Please consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for up to date information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html At this time, travelers should expect to be required to have a plan to quarantine themselves for 14 days, including where they will stay and how they will meet their needs while confined. Quarantine is mandatory, even for travelers without any symptoms. Travelers without a quarantine plan can face severe penalties including fines, jail time, or inadmissibility to Canada.
To board a flight to Canada, travelers must tell the airline that they are exempt from the travel restrictions. Travelers must bring a non-medical mask or face covering and wear it as directed by authorities. They must show documents which establish they are travelling to Canada for an essential reason (e.g. study). They must show a valid travel document (visitor visa or eTA) and a passport that is valid to fly to Canada. Airline officials will do a health check to confirm travelers do not have symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
What if I am not able to travel? What happens to my deposit?
If you are not able to come to Vancouver to take up studies at FDU as a result of government ordered travel restrictions in your home country and chose not to defer the start of your studies to a later semester, your deposit will be refunded. Refund requests for the summer 2020 term must be received by October 14, 2020, at vancouver-admissions@fdu.edu
I have received an offer of admission from FDU Vancouver, what do I do now?
You have 60 days to accept our offer and to send us your deposit. We look forward to welcoming you when you arrive.
How can I find accommodation in the Vancouver area?
Please visit FDU Vancouver’s Housing Page for a list of housing options. If you have any questions about student housing, please contact our Director of Student Services, Jobin Mojtabavi at jobin@fdu.edu.
What should I be doing to protect myself from COVID-19?
Most importantly, we encourage you to follow the advice of public health professionals in your community regarding personal hygiene and social distancing. We want you to arrive at FDU Vancouver healthy and happy!
What if I have other questions?
We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to our campus! Please contact us at vancouver-admissions@fdu.edu and we will assist you by e-mail or by other convenient online means.
There has been a number of cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, and these are being very closely managed. Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control for more information and for information about signs and symptoms. Updates regarding the status of this disease can also be found on the following websites:
What should I do if I have concerns about my health?
Students, faculty, or staff who require immediate assistance should contact their health provider.
8-1-1 is free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. By calling 8-1-1, you can speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find health information and services; or connect you directly with a health professional.
FDU has moved to remote (online) learning. How can I get help with this?
For faculty and Students: Please refer to FDU’s resource guide for remote learning and scroll down to the appropriate section.
Additional resources for students:
Additional resources for instructors:
I am currently enrolled and my course is being delivered remotely. Can I return to my home country?
Yes. To the extent we reasonably can, we will support students who elect to return home.
However, you will be responsible for meeting all online course learning expectations. Some online learning technologies may not work from your home country. Time zone differences may affect your participation in synchronous class activities. It is also possible that country regulations may not permit online course delivery. For these reasons, we cannot promise that we can accommodate all online learning needs if you are out of Canada.
Travel restrictions are changing daily and could potentially affect your return to Canada for future studies. Please ensure that your study permit and your temporary resident visa (applies only to certain countries) will be valid for the foreseeable future. If your study permit expires within the next 6 months, please contact Fernanda Barros in Student Services at fernandab@fdu.edu.
If you intend to return home, please inform your academic advisor, and send an email to Enrollment Services at esvancouver@fdu.edu. It is essential that we have this information.
Can I travel for personal reasons?
If you are a student, faculty member or staff located on our Vancouver Campus and are planning on traveling for personal reasons, please take necessary precautions and ensure that you abide by travel advisories posted on the government of Canada website. Please be aware of the restrictions that are in place for all travelers.
I am a faculty member or staff member. Can I travel for university purposes?
Travel for University purposes requires the approval of the Vancouver Campus Executive and will follow the FDU policy.
Will FDU Vancouver courses continue to be delivered remotely?
FDU Vancouver classes will continue to be delivered by remote learning until the University, on the advice of public health authorities, returns to face to face teaching. FDU Vancouver summer semester classes will begin on May 25 for currently enrolled returning students.
A program for entering first-time, full-time freshmen at the University’s campus in Vancouver
The concept for our Global Scholars Program was inspired by Fairleigh Dickinson University's founding mission as an institution "of and for the world." As a Global Scholar, you will be part of a distinctive community of learners who are committed to world citizenship and to developing a global perspective as tomorrow's leaders.
Learn more