Here we go. Turpin is starting off with comments on the budget, which is still on the works. $110 million has been cut from their budget, resulting in major changes he said 
The cuts are going to have major impacts, Turpin said. Given the numbers going forward they are anticipating layoffs at around the 600 level but they’re working with the govt in the hopes of saving 200-300 jobs
The U of A has been responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs and driven social, culture and economic development of Alberta and Canada. Job is to continue that role as they face this major challenges
Switching to COVID-19, Turpin says they’ve paused classes today after reccomendations from the chief medical officer of health. Says there are dozens and dozens of classrooms that exceed 250+
Turpin says they have been planning since January when they started seeing developments in China and are striving for continuity.
As for online classes, says they’re investing in IT software that will help with capacity if classes are online
Turpin has to go to a board meeting so now Andrew Sharman will be answering questions.
For today, the campus is not shut and operations continue as normal but classes are suspended.
Says they take direction very closely from the chief medical officer of health. Said there was a clarification sent late last night where universities were initially exempt but then changed that they were included in the recommendations for the 250+ groups of people
There are 38,000 students and 48,000 staff, plus visitors. Sharman said they needed to take a pause because of large classes. They have 500 seat classrooms
Faculty has been asked to prepare to be available remotely for next week, if it comes to that.
Says this is an unprecedented situation and students are concerned they won’t finish programs and they want to reassure students.
Some unknowns are for students who are required to complete a certain number of surgeries for their program. If the healthcare system pushes back surgeries dealing with COVID-19 patients, will have to look at that
And we’re done. End with the university will provide a regular update on their plans moving forward
