St. Clair College administrators are assuring students that a safe campus environment has been created for the start of the Fall 2020 semester.
Rebecca Demchuk, Associate Vice President Safety, Security & Facilities Management, and Ken Blanchette, Associate Vice President Academic, released a five-page memo to students this week, outlining the school’s detailed plan as it prepares for the return of some students to campus.
“We are limiting face-to-face learning as much as possible while providing each of you with the support you need to make your experience at St. Clair College positive and successful,” the memo said.
“Even with the move to Stage Three, vigilance and caution is still needed, as we – our community, the province, the country, and the world – continue to take measures to prevent he spread of the Coronavirus and a potential ‘second wave’ outbreak.”
Most programs will begin on Sept. 21 and run for an abbreviated 13-week semester, while those in Health Sciences and Nursing begin a week earlier.
The important safety information touches on everything from what classes will look like to parking to required safety protocols.
All students will be required to take the COVID-19 training through the online learning portal, Blackboard, so that everyone understands the safety measures that are in place on campus.
Students can only access the campus if the training is complete and access to campus is only allowed after responding to a daily screening questionnaire. Students who are granted access will receive an email, which must be shown to security, along with an ID at one of the designated entrance points.
The Safety Protocols that are in place include:
- Designated entrances and exits.
- Training and screening.
- Masks in all common areas, labs, shops and classrooms.
- Physical distancing protocols.
- Assigned seating with physical distancing protocols in all computer labs/classrooms, as well as assigned partners.
- Masks to be worn outdoors when two metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Wellness Ambassadors will roam the campus to monitor compliance.
- Safety protocol violations will be addressed through Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Most classes will take place online, but some programs will have some on-campus attendance for essential labs, workshops and clinics.
All purchases at the Campus Bookstore must be made online, through the webstore and will be shipped directly to students from the campus. The webstore can be accessed through this site: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/student-services/on-campus-services/bookstore.
There will be limited food services on campus, with limited hours. Appointments can be made for the computer lab. The two health centres at the South Campus and at the Chatham Campus will be open to students for virtual appointments. There will be no walk-in service, but an in-person appointment could be made under certain circumstances.
Students and staff have been cautioned to stay home if they are sick. “For the greater safety and wellbeing of the College community, this is especially important during this time,” the memo states.
The College has also developed a comprehensive response to COVID-19 cases on campus. The Health Unit will do all the contact tracing and will notify the College if a positive case is identified. Enhanced cleaning protocols will be put into action and the area will receive a deep cleaning before reopening to students.
More information can be found here: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/future-students/fall-2020-delivery
