News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government, in partnership with the University of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University, Mount Allison University and the Université de Moncton, is encouraging Grade 12 students to get an early start on their post-secondary education by enrolling in distance learning offered through the spring and summer intersession courses.

“Even though schools across the province are closed, we remain committed to helping students continue their education,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “If students have the opportunity to excel, that should be encouraged. That is why we are working with our partners to ensure interested Grade 12 students accepted into one of the province’s publicly-funded universities can begin working towards completing their post-secondary programs.”

With parental consent, students who are on track to graduate in June may enrol in intersession courses to accrue credits towards their degree beginning in the fall. This would be concurrent with their obligations to complete the public-school year as currently being offered under the continuity of learning plan.

“Intersession courses allow our students to smoothly transition from high school to university over the summer months,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder. “Our universities are offering a valuable opportunity to students wishing to kick-start their first year and I encourage students looking for an extra challenge to explore this option.”

These courses will be available online with no physical attendance required. Standard intersession fees will apply. Once enrolled in these courses, students of the public education system would be obliged to abide by any policies or requirements of the university offering the course.

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) will be offering introductory courses using remote learning over the summer to incoming students. Students may choose from over 40 courses that can be applied to their university degree.

Additionally, UNB will offer courses that are applicable to the transition to university, and remote learning skill-building workshops that will better prepare them with the skills they need to be successful in the post-secondary environment.

“We are committed to exploring all avenues to help our students succeed,” said Paul Mazerolle, president and vice-chancellor. “The opportunity for incoming students to begin their post-secondary education will help ease the transition to university and will provide some stability in these uncertain times.”

Admitted incoming students at St. Thomas University are eligible to enrol in intersession courses that begin shortly. The web-based courses in biology and political science begin next week, while a course in human rights begins in May. The university has communicated directly with all incoming students about this opportunity.

“Every year, a number of high school students begin their university education early with introductory courses,” said Kim Fenwick, vice-president, Academic and Research. “These courses provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves while also creating a rewarding introduction to university-level courses.”

Grade 12 students admitted to Mount Allison University for the fall are eligible to enrol in one self-directed distance learning course for the spring/summer term, which begins on May 4 and runs until the exam date of Sept. 5. Students can choose from more than 20 first-year and second-year online courses in the arts, science, and music. More information and a complete list of courses is available online.

“Mount Allison is pleased to extend our spring and summer term course offerings and related student services to incoming high school students,” said Kim Meade, vice-president, International and Student Affairs. “All of the courses will be offered by distance in addition to virtual academic support services, such as academic advising, peer tutors, and the university’s writing resource centre to ensure all students have the support they need as they transition into post-secondary studies.”

Information on the Université de Moncton’s intersession courses is available on their Continuing Education webpage.

"We are ready and looking forward to welcoming our future students from secondary schools," said Gilles Roy, vice-president of education and research. “We have even added new general distance education courses available to students from secondary schools who wish to enroll.”