Message from the President – December 22

Posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

To help curb the spread of COVID-19, a province-wide lockdown will go into effect on Saturday, December 26 at 12:01 a.m.

At this point, the lockdown in our three campus communities is scheduled to last four weeks until Saturday, January 23. Non-essential businesses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth will be closed – including gyms, salons and indoor dining. However, our campuses will continue to operate within the new restrictions for select academic activities and services.

As previously announced, Algonquin College’s campuses will close for the holidays at noon on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 and re-open on Monday, January 4, 2021. Our plan for the Winter term continues to minimize face-to-face instruction and promote the delivery of remote academic instruction whenever possible:

  • Academic activities will begin as scheduled on Monday, January 11 – the first day of the Winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time post-secondary programs.
  • AC Online programs begin on Tuesday, January 12.
  • Any adjustments required to on-campus learning activities will be made at the program level, and will be communicated to students by a program representative in early January. (Faculty can expect a follow-up email with additional details from Chris Janzen, Senior Vice President, Academic.)
  • Co-ops, practicums and placements: Scheduled placements will continue in those cases where a business or partner continues to operate in compliance with the regulations and accept students. For those experiences postponed by the lockdown, alternative arrangements will be examined on a program-by-program basis.
  • Apprenticeships: Most apprenticeships slated to begin the week of Monday, January 4 will instead begin the week of Monday, January 25. Apprentices will be contacted immediately regarding when their level will start. Two apprenticeships will start as planned: Automotive Service Technician (Day Release) on January 5 and Horticulture Technician on January 11.

The new provincial restrictions will affect select campus operations and services:

  • Connections: The Campus Store in Ottawa will be closed but will offer online ordering and delivery, with contactless, curbside pickup.
  • For complete updates on Campus Services (including Residence, Food and Card Services), visit here; for Student Services, visit here; for Students’ Association services, visit here.

I would also like to re-iterate that employees should only be attending campuses if they are required to do so in direct support of the on-campus academic activity that is continuing.

It is important to note that Ontario’s elementary schools will not return for in-class activities until Monday, January 11 – while high schools will not resume in-class learning until Monday, January 25. The College community will continue providing flexibility as parents juggle work or their studies with increased family commitments. (Resources for employees working from home can be found here.) If an accommodation is required, please reach out to your supervisor or faculty member to discuss in more detail.

I know the Ontario lockdown comes at an already difficult time – as we all prepare for a holiday season with limited socialization. However, we must continue to put health and safety first. Our collective vigilance can help protect our families, friends and neighbours in the weeks ahead.

Although this is a challenging time for all of us, I would still like to capture the spirit of the season and wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President, CEO

Algonquin College


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