As we prepare to resume Winter term studies via online and alternative delivery starting Monday, I’m writing to provide important updates related to our ongoing COVID-19 measures.
I’d like to begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the entire Niagara College community for the incredible patience, understanding and perseverance that you continue to demonstrate as we adapt and respond to a truly unprecedented situation.
In a short amount of time, our faculty and academic staff have worked to develop and implement strategies for online and alternative delivery with the goal of having our students complete the Winter term by April 17. Our staff and administrators continue to perform the equally important work of implementing measures to protect health and safety, and move important college services, resources and supports to remote and virtual delivery.
Online/Alternative delivery to begin March 23
Our faculty have begun to reach out to students via Blackboard and email regarding online and alternative delivery, as the suspension of on-campus, in-person classes continues, with faculty and staff working remotely. I strongly encourage students to check Blackboard regularly for information and feedback from program faculty.
While our Information Technology Services staff have worked to ensure technological infrastructure and supports are in place to support alternative delivery, with the volume of courses moving to online delivery on Monday, there may be temporary technological challenges to overcome. As a reminder, tech support can be requested online via its.niagaracollege.ca or email at [email protected]. Please be patient as we work to make this significant transition as smooth as possible.
For students who need access to computers or internet service during this time, an open access lab will be available at each campus – further information will be available at the sign-in entrance at each campus.
Access to campuses
An important reminder that while on-campus, in-person classes remain suspended, and as our employees continue to work remotely, tight restrictions are in place at both campuses:
- Access is permitted to Niagara College students, employees and contract employees only. Those entering are required to sign in and out, present college ID and use hand sanitizer upon entry. Anyone attending campus is also reminded of the requirement to maintain social distancing – remaining at least 6 feet away from others – at all times.
- The designated entry/exit at the Welland Campus is through the AHI main entrance. At the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, the designated entries/exits are via the main entrance and the Marotta Family Innovation Complex.
- The campus will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone leaving after 4 p.m. is asked to sign-out at the Campus Security Office as the entrances will not be staffed after 4 p.m.
- Campuses are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Online and virtual supports for students
As on-campus in-person classes remain suspended and College employees continue to work remotely, most college services have been made available either online or virtually. A full directory of these services is available online here.
Please note that on-campus food service has been suspended.
Important: Follow government directions re: travel/returning to Canada
An important reminder that as of March 13, anyone returning to Canada from another country – including any travel to the United States – is required to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms. For further information related to travel, please visit the Government of Canada’s website here. Instructions for self-isolating and self-monitoring are available on the right-hand menu of our dedicated COVID-19 web page. Questions regarding requirements for those who have travelled can also be directed by email to [email protected].
Changes to key withdrawal/payment dates for students
Students will now have until April 3, 2020 to withdraw without academic penalty. The college will have completion plans for every course, and I encourage all students to remain registered and engaged in their studies. This date adjustment will allow all students a chance to participate virtually and assess the changes that have occurred, with the many remote supports in place, before making any decisions.
Also, the spring deposit due date for domestic students and full fees due date for international students has been pushed back to April 8, 2020 from April 1, 2020.
Stay informed, healthy and safe
Finally, I want to assure you once again that the college’s leadership team remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and support our students while doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of students, employees and the community. Please stay informed by visiting our website regularly, stay healthy and safe, and continue to take care of each other.
Sean Kennedy
President
Niagara College
