Over the past month, the vision of a gradual return to on-campus activities has become clearer. In early June, we announced a plan for the Fall 2020 term that balances health and safety with academic quality and student success, with fully online delivery in some programs, and a mix of online and limited on-campus learning in programs that cannot be fully completed remotely. Recently, the Ontario government released a comprehensive framework for on-campus activities this summer for students in essential programs who need to complete practical, in-person course work in order to graduate.
While campus access is expected to be very limited through the summer and in September, essential employees and those who are preparing for and delivering academic programs that cannot be completed remotely will be permitted on campus – pending required approval and health screenings prior to arrival. Our management team will continue to exercise discretion and provide approvals for other activity that may be required on campus from time to time. Employees who are not required on campus will continue to work remotely, and the College will continue to provide services to help students adapt and succeed in an online and alternate delivery environment. When on-campus attendance is required, a number of precautions must be taken.
We are working closely with internal stakeholders and public health to finalize the measures that will be in place as these on-campus activities resume – in line with the government’s framework. All of us – students, employees and visitors – share a responsibility in creating a safe learning environment and workplace, from following guidelines for hand hygiene and physical distancing, to not putting others at risk if we are experiencing symptoms.
While some logistics and protocols are still being finalized, I wanted to share the key steps that Niagara College will take moving forward.
Getting off to the right start
Building a common understanding of the steps we all must take to keep our College community safe is paramount. We are developing orientation and training programs that will include important information related to accessing campus facilities, proper hygiene and protective measures while on campus, as well as important information regarding COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors.
Watch for additional information on these programs during the coming weeks.
Online health screening
Students and employees attending campus will be required to complete a daily online health screening, which will ask about any symptoms or recent travel that may put others at risk. This daily health screening will be linked to individual student or employee ID cards, which will be scanned at campus restricted access points. Those who haven’t completed the health screening, or whose results indicate risk, will not be allowed to enter campus and will be directed to contact Niagara Region Public Health.
Campus Access
The current campus access procedure will soon be replaced by a new, efficient online process.
Prior to arriving on campus, employees must gain permission from their respective dean or director via an online access request form. Requests for access may be granted daily or for a period of up to one week. Employees will be asked to provide visit details, including the reason for the request, to which room(s) they will require access, and what equipment, if any, they intend to use. This information will assist with cleaning.
Students will be granted access to campus based on their class schedules and completion of the online health screening.
This restricted access process will be in place in time for the resumption of on-campus activities, with the first group of students allowed to complete the hands-on portion of their programs returning to the Welland Campus on July 6. More information will be shared once it becomes finalized.
Physical distancing requirements and protective measures
Public health experts agree that physical distancing of two meters is an effective measure in stopping the spread of COVID-19. All students and employees must practice physical distancing on campus wherever possible, and labs, classrooms and common areas will be modified where necessary. In instances or areas where physical distancing may be challenging, cloth face masks are to be worn. Additional directional and instructional signage will be installed College-wide.
Masks/Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Plans are in motion so that all students and employees who will be on campus will receive two reusable cloth face masks. This will support the expected use of masks when physical distancing isn’t possible. As part of orientation and ongoing educational activities, training will be provided on when and how to safely wear and care for masks and other protective equipment. Personal protective equipment will be provided as required for lab activity or work.
Enhanced cleaning
Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch-point areas will continue, and labs will be equipped with disinfectant and wipes for regular cleaning. This past spring, additional hand-sanitizing stations were installed at all College facilities.
We will provide further information on these important steps in the weeks ahead, as we move closer to resuming some on-campus activities.
I would like to thank all students and employees for their ongoing patience and understanding as we prepare to take our first steps toward returning to campus.
Rest assured, the health and safety of our students and employees remains Niagara College’s top priority. As we move forward during the weeks and months ahead, it cannot be overstated how each of us will have a vital role in protecting our College community – as individuals and as a team.
I am confident in our ability to rise above this tremendous challenge as we continue to navigate these extraordinary times, #NCTogether.
