Message from the President – September 02
Posted on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020
Dear Colleagues and Learners,
Whether you are a new or returning member of our College community, I want to offer a warm welcome as we embark on our Fall term and a new academic year.
A special greeting to those students moving into Residence, and those moving into new homes in Ottawa, Pembroke or Perth. I encourage all of our learners to get involved in online programming: Virtual AC Day 1 activities on September 8 are available to students from all campuses, while additional details on Virtual AC Day 1 in Perth can be found here. Meanwhile, Virtual AC Start Orientation in Pembroke takes place September 3 and 4. These College start-up activities are a great way to get important information about your start of term, and connect with fellow students and your professors.
As the Fall term begins, I also have an important update regarding our Winter term. In a time of many unknowns, we wanted to offer some clarity to students, parents and employees on the College’s general direction heading into 2021.
Amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in an effort to maintain the health and safety of our employees and students our number one priority, we have decided to take the same approach for the Winter term as we did for the Fall term.
Our Winter term plan is to minimize face-to-face instruction and promote the delivery of remote academic instruction whenever possible. Many programs – and most services – will be offered remotely and the remaining programs will be a combination of remote learning and select on-campus academic activities.
Much like the coming term, Winter planning will require some flexibility and adjustments as we respond to potential changes in public health guidance. Additional hands-on learning opportunities could be added under the right conditions. Our continued goal is to maintain a high-quality learning experience while protecting the health and safety of our students and employees. We will provide updates throughout the fall as detailed plans for the Winter term are developed.
Everyone’s health and safety will be top of mind later today when I participate in a press conference with Mayor Jim Watson, Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa Public Health Dr. Vera Etches and my fellow post-secondary leaders. We will discuss the important part we must all play in keeping each other safe. You can watch it here at 3 p.m.
I know a big part of the normal campus experience is about meeting and connecting with people, be they old friends, new friends, peers, or mentors. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives; this year we must exercise caution in all our interactions. We must make the health and safety of our College community – and the greater Ottawa community – our number one priority.
Our personal choices remain the key to ensuring the safety of all. The choices we make at home, in the city and on our campuses are pivotal. My ultimate message to all students and employees is to please follow public health guidelines in all aspects of your lives.If you haven’t done so already, those students and employees required to be on campus as part of their learning activities or work duties, should review our Return to Campus site – which includes health and safety training and recommendations (for Pembroke campus, visit here). These guidelines are especially important as limited services and shared areas open up on campus, including select Food Services and the Library space (all services will be virtual but seating for 50 people will be available 24/7). The College will continue to post key updates on our COVID-19 site and social media, and will regularly update our FAQ pages with new, relevant information throughout the fall.
Stay informed and stay safe. Working together, we can help protect the health and safety of others both on and off our campuses. I wish all of our new and returning learners all the best and a successful Fall term.
Sincerely,
Claude Brulé
President and CEO
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