Message from NC President Sean Kennedy: Update on COVID-19 measures
As the unprecedented situation related to COVID-19 continues to evolve, and as governments institute new measures, including the Province of Ontario’s declaration of a State of Emergency, I wanted to provide the Niagara College community with an update on the steps Niagara College is taking to protect the health and safety of our students, employees and our community at this time.
Extended suspension of on-campus classes and continued remote work for staff
Our faculty and staff are working hard to develop strategies for alternative delivery, with the goal of ensuring that students can complete the Winter term by April 17. Where suitable, classes will resume online March 23 and instructions for students will be posted on their blackboard sites. Classes that resume online on March 23 will continue to be delivered online until the end of the Winter term. On-campus, in-person activities will not resume before April 6.
Our staff, except for key personnel who have been identified and notified by supervisors, will continue to work remotely until at least April 6. During this time, many campus services will be available online or virtually. Visit our online FAQs for the most up to date information regarding college services.
Cancellation of field placements, co-ops and clinicals
As Niagara College continues to monitor the COVID-19 issue with a particular view of supporting safety and well-being, we have made the decision to cancel all winter term field placements including placements, co-ops and clinicals.
We understand that this decision has many implications, and I want to assure students that our program teams are working towards completion strategies. I’d ask that students please contact their co-op or placement consultant if they have questions.
We are committed to supporting students’ learning. Students will receive more information from the program or Associate Dean in the near future. For up-to-date information regarding Niagara College’s response to COVID-19 and for links to public health information, please check Niagara College’s webpage regularly.
Updated: Start of Spring term
Recognizing that current government measures may affect the start of the Spring term, Niagara College is currently reviewing options and alternatives. Updates will be provided as further information becomes available, with the goal of providing students with as much notice as possible if schedules change.
Support for students facing financial hardship, a shortage of food, or physical and mental health issues
We understand that during these exceptional circumstances, students may be facing issues such as financial hardship or a shortage of food, or may require physical or mental health advice or referrals. While our services are currently being offered remotely, support is available for all of these issues.
Domestic students experiencing financial hardship or a shortage of food should email [email protected], as support may be available in the form of emergency loans, access to grocery vouchers or bursaries.
International students who are in need of food or other essentials or require financial assistance should contact their International Student Advisor. A list of International Student Advisors can be found here: www.niagaracollege.ca/students/academics/advising/
For health advice/referrals or counselling, these services are available to all students via phone or virtually. Please contact [email protected].
For the most updated list of what’s open and closed on campus, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions about on-campus class suspension.
Services/Operations changes
On-campus food services have been suspended until further notice.
Reminder: Restricted Campus Access
As announced previously, restricted access to our campuses remains in effect, for the safety of our college community:
- Access is permitted to Niagara College students, employees and contract employees only. Those entering are required to sign in and out, present college ID and use hand sanitizer on entry;
- All entry at the Welland Campus is through the AHI main entrance, and at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus is via the main entrance and the Marotta Family Innovation Complex entrance;
- The campus will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone leaving after 4 p.m. is asked to sign-out at the campus security office as the entrances will not be staffed after 4 p.m; and
- Please exit via the designated entrances listed above.
I want to thank all members of our college community for their ongoing patience and understanding during what is truly an extraordinary and unprecedented time. Please be assured that the College’s leadership team is working continuously to make decisions and implement measures in the interests of our collective health and safety. With so many factors changing hourly and daily we are doing our best to provide the most updated information that we can, and I ask you to regularly monitor our information channels, including College email, the College website, including our dedicated webpage at www.niagaracollege.ca/healthservices/coronavirus/, and the College’s main social media channels.
Please continue to take steps to stay healthy and safe, and take care of one another.
