With the start of the Fall term quickly approaching, and while most of our team continues to work remotely, I am writing to provide an update on the College’s fall plans for remote and on-campus work.
Through the spring and summer, on-campus work has been limited to roles that can’t be performed remotely, and on-campus instruction, including the pilot projects that have taken place over the summer in some of our healthcare programs.
This Fall term will see approximately 40 percent of our programs include some on-campus learning, where it is a required component and can be delivered safely. With classes scheduled to begin on September 9, we have entered an initial stage where some employees will begin to return to campus-based work this week, primarily those delivering or supporting on-campus instruction or services.
While the majority of our employees will continue to work remotely in this first stage, deans and directors will have discretion to allow a return to campus for face-to-face meetings or other occasional work where there is a significant advantage to the work being conducted face-to-face or on campus – for example, where functions can be completed more effectively, in a more timely way, or where there is a considerable benefit to student/customer service. Where there is no significant advantage to being on campus, the work will continue to be performed remotely.
The timing and extent of a second stage of return to on-campus work will depend on the continued evolution of the pandemic, as well as government and public health policies, which we will continue to monitor closely. A second stage will not occur before the second half of the Fall term.
Carefully planned, gradual and flexible
Any return to on-campus work will be gradual and flexible; it will balance risks with the benefits to students and college operations, and it will recognize that there are still many areas of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employees returning to work will be provided with ample notice. We recognize that the pandemic has affected the lives of our employees and their families differently, and we will provide as much opportunity as possible to adapt to a change from remote to on-campus work, while ensuring that appropriate supports are available for the transition.
Our plans will continue to be informed by employee feedback. Earlier this month, we surveyed employees who have worked on campus in some capacity through the spring and summer. More than 70 percent responded, providing constructive and valuable insight. While the survey indicated that there is cautious optimism and support for the measures that are currently in place, we also know that those working on campus want additional attention paid to ensuring that public health measures are being followed college-wide, that there is a shared accountability for the safety of our learning environment and workplace, and that clear and frequent communications at the organizational and departmental levels are key. The survey results also support an approach to a return to on-campus work that is gradual, carefully planned and offers flexibility.
In addition to employee feedback, the College will continue to take steps that support a safe and healthy learning environment and workplace, including working with public health, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and others.
Information regarding on-campus measures and access controls are available online at www.niagaracollege.ca/covid19. Please be sure to check this site regularly for updates.
Whether you are working remotely or returning to our campuses, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students, and your perseverance in challenging and exceptional times.
If you have further questions regarding return to work, please contact your dean or director.
