I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Niagara College community, as we kick off the Fall 2021 term. Whether you are a member of faculty, staff, or a new or returning student, I’m so excited to connect with you as we usher in a new school year.
As you know, the Fall term will see an increase in on-campus learning, and we will also be gradually increasing our on-campus services and supports. For many of our students and employees, this will be your first time in 18 months on campus, while others will be experiencing everything Niagara College has to offer for the first time ever. This is an exciting time of transition for all of us and as always, the health and safety of our staff, faculty, students and community remains our top priority. Niagara College has implemented several safety measures and protocols for those working and attending classes on campus this September.
Before coming to campus, I strongly encourage you to visit our Return to Campus website, and to view our student and employee orientation videos. The videos will give you a glimpse of what campus life will look like for the Fall term, and a clear understanding of the comprehensive measures we have instituted to support a safe and healthy learning environment and workplace.
As you will have heard, in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, and as directed by the province of Ontario, Niagara College has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This means that all students, employees, contractors and those visiting a Niagara College campus for college business will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or have received a first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccine.
Our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is intended to add an additional layer of protection to the comprehensive health and safety measures that Niagara College already has in place – including daily health screenings, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and our masking policy. Earlier today, we provided an update and series of reminders regarding our Vaccination Policy; I encourage you to read this important message here.
At this time, we are asking that only students and employees who have scheduled in-person classes, campus activities and work as of September 7 upload their proof of vaccination. Those who are not expected to be on campus at the start of term should hold off on submitting their proof of vaccination until mid-September to allow time for staff to validate and approve access for those with required on-campus classes, work or activities.
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. We encourage all members of our Niagara College community to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help keep our community safe.
Whether you are working or studying virtually or on campus, it is our community that makes Niagara College so special and it is thanks to all of you that we are able to look ahead to a great school year and a bright future.
As we look ahead with optimism, please accept my best wishes for a successful – and safe – Fall 2021 term.
