As we continue to plan for the Fall 2021 term, I am writing with an update on our return to on-campus work, and the eventual implementation of a formal policy for flexible work.
While recent trends in Ontario and Canada are cause for hope and optimism moving forward, the rise of variants and stalled vaccination rates in other jurisdictions remind us that we’re not completely out of the woods yet; while we plan for a significant period of transition in the fall, we remain ready to pivot and adapt should significant changes occur. Given current trends, we expect our operations to fully stabilize for the Winter 2022 term.
As I shared on July 21, we are using a three-tiered approach for a return to on-campus work, and that process is well underway as we hit the midway point of summer. The academic areas, core in-person services and supports that will be part of the first group to return in late August/early September continue to prepare through the completion of comprehensive risk assessments and detailed planning templates. A second tier of important services and supports will return between mid-September/mid-October, and the remaining departments will return between mid-October and December. The health and safety of our college community remains our top priority, and all on-campus learning, activities and work will continue to comply with all provincial and local public health guidelines and directives. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to contribute to the collective safety of our learning environment and workplace by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Recognizing the scope of the transition that will take place over the next 5-6 months, our plans for the implementation of a formal flexible work policy continue to evolve. The policy will address three types of flexible work arrangements (FWAs), including remote work, flexible work hours and compressed work weeks. It will be finalized and shared with employees in the fall, before coming into effect in the Winter 2022 term, providing employees and managers ample time to carefully consider FWAs. When introduced, the policy will prioritize student experience, the college’s operational requirements, and maintaining the collaborative workplace that has become such an important part of our culture at NC. Until the new policy comes into effect, the current process for determining remote or on-campus work remains in effect.
I hope you are finding time over the summer months to relax and recharge as we look ahead to an exciting time for our college, with a significant rise in on-campus learning and the gradual return to on-campus work. Whether you are working remotely or on campus at this time, I want to thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication to our college and our students.
Pam Skinner
Senior Vice President, College Operations
