A message from Pam Skinner, Senior Vice-President, College Operations:
As we announced in January, Niagara College will see more on-campus learning and activity following the upcoming mid-term break. This gradual increase in in-person learning coincides with the easing of provincial measures and follows a need to have temporarily shifted to remote delivery for many programs in response to COVID trends driven by the Omicron variant.
Vice-President Academic Fiona Allan has provided an update to students confirming that course delivery following the mid-term break will continue to be a mix of fully-remote, on-campus and hybrid delivery, with an increase in on-campus classes and labs. This follows the delivery model that has been in place through all stages of the pandemic – which has seen at least half of Niagara College’s students experience some on-campus classes and labs as part of their programs each term.
Safety, operational needs and our students’ experience and academic success will continue to be prioritized, and guide our deans and directors as they determine timelines and approach for the gradual return to on-campus work within their areas.
We continue to work closely with Niagara Region Public Health, and all on-campus classes, labs and activity adhere to provincial and public health guidelines and the College’s comprehensive on-campus safety measures will remain in place, including mandatory medical masks, distancing and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in situations where distancing cannot be maintained. The College’s mandatory vaccination policy also remains in effect at this time. Full information and regular updates on these measures is available online at niagaracollege.ca/returntocampus.
Our shared responsibility to safety is as important as ever. We must continue to remain vigilant in following health and safety measures that have kept the Niagara College community safe since the start of the pandemic. Most importantly, if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or live with someone who is symptomatic or tests positive, assume you are positive and isolate to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Vaccines are widely available in Niagara, and I strongly encourage you to receive your booster dose. Booster doses have been clearly shown to reduce spread and provide increased protection against severe illness.
A reminder that we have also upgraded our mask requirements with Medical-grade face masks now required while on campus. Enhanced personal protective equipment consisting of eye protection may be required in certain settings due to the nature of the work and will be provided. Employees in areas where N95 masks are not required may request N95 masks via their manager.
Our ‘tap-in’ process remains in place for entry to campus, as does the daily health screening. A reminder that the daily health screening can be completed quickly and easily via the NC Mobile App on iPhone or Android devices.
Please visit our Return to Campus website for the latest COVID-19 updates, on-campus access and safety, term updates, services and resources.
Thank you to all Niagara College employees for adapting your practices and processes, remaining committed to our health and safety measures, and most importantly, for your unwavering efforts to support our students throughout these uncertain times. While uncertainty remains with regard to the pandemic, we are hopeful that we will be able to make a safe and gradual transition back to more normal campus life in the months ahead.
