As the solar eclipse quickly approaches on Monday, April 8, and further to our previous message, we wanted to underscore some important reminders to students and employees who will be on campus for scheduled classes and end-of-term activities.
While Niagara College will remain open on April 8 with classes running as scheduled, students and employees are encouraged to monitor the College website, Brightspace, and social media channels throughout the day for notice of any interruptions to on-campus classes, services, and work.
As the Region expects an influx of visitors for eclipse-related activities, those travelling to and from campus on Monday should plan their route and leave extra time.
The Niagara Regional Police Service has advised that the Region is expecting heavy traffic on local roads and provincial highways beginning on Friday, April 5 and building until the time of the eclipse, followed by congestion on Monday, April 8 as visitors attempt to leave Niagara in the afternoon. The NRPS are encouraging residents to plan for delays and alternate travel routes, consider carpooling, ensure vehicles are fueled up, and to keep essentials like water and snacks handy.
Ontario 511 provides up to the minute traffic and transit information. For transit updates in advance and on April 8, please consult the Niagara Regional Transit website.
The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:04 p.m., with totality beginning at 3:18 p.m. Totality will end at 3:20 p.m., but the full eclipse ends at 4:31 p.m.
Public Health is reminding residents to protect their eyes during the solar eclipse. Looking directly at the sun before, during and after the totality without appropriate protection presents a serious risk of permanent eye injury. It is essential to wear special, ISO-certified eclipse glasses with filters to view the eclipse. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse. A note that taking photos with phones or cameras without proper protection magnifies the effect and can cause damage to the eyes and device. Visit the Public Health website to learn more.
The College will have a limited supply of solar eclipse glasses available to students and employees who wish to view the eclipse while on campus. Glasses (one per person) will be available on April 8 on a first come, first serve basis between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., while supplies last:
- Welland Campus: Applied Health lobby, Athletics lobby, Simcoe lobby
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus: Main entrance lobby, Marotta entrance lobby
As an alternate to safely view the solar eclipse, digital screens in the cafeteria and learning commons will play live coverage.
Please also note that cellular and digital communication during the eclipse may be affected by high network volume. As always, students and employees may connect to the College’s secure Wi-Fi network.
Employees with college-issued cell phones are encouraged to activate the Wi-Fi Calling Feature on their devices. Please refer to the instructions in the ITS campus notice, or contact the Service Desk at 905-735-2211 x7642.
The solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event in Niagara, and we thank you for sharing in our commitment to safety at the College.