As we continue with a mix of fully online and hybrid academic delivery for the Winter 2021 term, we are adapting our operations as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our college community, and to comply with recent orders from the province of Ontario and local health authorities. Below are two important updates for students enrolled in the Winter 2021 term:
Schedule changes
To comply with recent orders from the provincial government regarding on-campus/in-person instruction that require classes and labs to be limited to 10 students or fewer plus faculty, several courses will be re-sectioned to ensure class sizes are within provincial limits. Updated schedules will be posted to your MyNC portal. Please note that due to the volume of work involved with these mandatory changes, some affected students may not receive updated schedules prior to Monday, January 25; in the meantime, please check your program areas in Blackboard and watch for updates from faculty. We thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we adapt our operations to rapidly-evolving measures and directives, and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
Enhanced PPE requirements
In consultation with Niagara Region Public Health, and in light of the spread of the new B117 (United Kingdom) variant of COVID-19 within the province, Niagara College has implemented enhanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements when on campus.
Enhanced PPE consisting of a medical-grade facemask and eyewear is now required for all staff and students attending classes, labs and work spaces where it is not always possible to maintain a physical distance of 2 meters/6 feet or greater due to the nature of the activity or work. Outside of classrooms and labs, when physical distancing of 2 meters/6 feet or greater can be maintained, a reusable fabric face mask is acceptable.
Niagara College will provide staff and students who require enhanced PPE with medical grade facemasks and eye protection (face shields) as well as detailed instructions for safe use of the equipment (including donning, doffing, cleaning/sanitizing, storage, etc.), as soon as possible.
Individuals who have a medical exemption related to the wearing of PPE will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Students with health exemptions should contact Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we prioritize health and safety, and academic quality. For further information regarding the college's COVID-19 measures, please visit www.niagaracollege.ca/covid19.
