On July 16, 2021, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities advised postsecondary institutions in Ontario that, assuming the continued progress of province wide vaccination rates and continued improvements in key public health and health care indicators, in-person instruction and on-campus activities can resume without limits or physical distancing requirements starting in Fall 2021. The memo also states that all postsecondary institutions have the flexibility to deliver academic instruction in a way that best meets the needs of its students, including virtual and hybrid delivery models.
As vice president Academic Fiona Allan recently shared with students, Niagara College will move ahead with our planned academic delivery method for Fall 2021.
The College continues to plan for a significant increase in on-campus learning for the Fall 2021 term, with more than 80 programs to offer at least some on-campus classes or labs in September. The remainder of our programs will feature a mix of remote and in-person learning, while a limited number of programs will see a continuation of fully-remote learning.
An increase in on-campus services and supports will also begin in September to support the increase of in-person learning.
While we will see more activity at both the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake this fall, our College’s main priority continues to be the health and safety of our staff, students, visitors and community members. We are committed to providing a safe learning and work environment.
As we continue to closely follow the trajectory of the pandemic as well as the emerging direction and guidance from the province and Niagara Region Public Health, NC is continuing to move forward with a planned, gradual approach to return to on-campus work, which was shared on July 12. Our return to on-campus work approach includes three tiers:
- In addition to essential services, functions and academic areas already operating on campus, the first tier will see critical student and employee supports and resources return to on-campus work in late August/early September;
- The second tier will see less critical but important services and supports return to on-campus work between mid-September and mid-October; and
- The third tier will see all other supports and resources return from mid-October to December.
All on-campus activity will comply with public health measures and directives for Fall term which will include health screenings, enhanced cleaning practices, important hand hygiene practices and other measures as directed by the province for September.
NC also encourages all employees, students, contractors and visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 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.
For those who are not vaccinated, please visit the provincial booking system to find out how to book your appointment. For those who are unsure about vaccination, we encourage you to reach out to Niagara Region Public Health or your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, etc.) to discuss your concerns and options.
We anticipate that Fall term will be a transitional period for NC as we prepare for a full return to on-campus classes and activities in Winter 2022. We will use the lessons learned through 15 months of remote and hybrid work to ensure that all NC staff, faculty and administrators have the support and resources needed to be successful as they return to on-campus work. Should you have questions regarding this transition, please contact your supervisor.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to NC and your dedication to providing our students with an exceptional student experience. We look forward to this next phase in our recovery plan and are here to support you during this transition.
For ongoing updates on COVID-19 operations, visit niagaracollege.ca/covid19.
Pam Skinner
Senior Vice President, College Operations
