Through ongoing consultation with public health and the close monitoring of COVID trends, government directives and vaccine eligibility and supply, Niagara College has determined that students living in on-campus residence this fall will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

As we prioritize safety, this requirement recognizes that students in residence are in congregate living settings while sharing spaces and amenities, and it allows us to offer students a residence-life experience that is as safe, fulsome and rewarding as possible.

Students who are moving into a NC campus residence for the Fall term will be required to:

  • provide government-issued documentation indicating that they have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization; and
  • provide documentation indicating that their second dose is scheduled, or provide government-issued documentation indicating that they have received their second COVID-19 vaccination.

Students who have been accepted to residence will receive an email the week of July 12 with a secure link for submitting documentation. The required documentation must be submitted to Niagara College’s Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services no later than Monday, August 9, 2021. Students facing extenuating circumstances may contact Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services ([email protected]).

With residence move-in dates scheduled for September 4-5, residents are strongly encouraged to have their second doses booked by August 21 – two weeks prior to their move-in date.

Until proof of both COVID-19 vaccine doses is provided, additional restrictions may apply to students living in residence who are not fully vaccinated, based on public health guidelines this fall.

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for detailed information regarding vaccine requirements for on-campus residences, the process for submitting vaccination documents, deadline dates, accepted vaccines, the exemption process, restrictions for those who are not fully vaccinated, and more.

Students living in residence who are not vaccinated due to disability or religion/creed may apply for an exemption in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. A form for a medical exemption can be downloaded here, and a statement of religious belief/creed can be downloaded here.

Studies continue to show that vaccines are safe, and the most effective tool in reducing the risk of serious illness, and limiting the spread of COVID-19. Currently, people 12 years of age and older are eligible for a second dose in Ontario. For further information, including updates on eligibility, how to book vaccination appointments, and frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Niagara Region Public Health vaccine page and the government of Ontario’s vaccine page.

As we approach a Fall term that will see a significant increase on on-campus learning, all on-campus activity will comply with public health measures and directives. All members of the College community are strongly encouraged to further contribute to the safety of our learning environment and workplace by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The College continues to plan for Fall term and updates will be available at niagaracollege.ca/covid19.

Questions regarding the vaccination policy for on-campus residences can be directed to [email protected]. Other questions regarding on-campus residences can be directed to residence staff at the Welland Campus at 905-732-9700 or at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake at 905-641-4435.