Message from the President – January 13

Posted on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

As you may have heard on the news yesterday, to help curb the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government has declared a second state of emergency, and a stay-at-home order comes into effect on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

As part of this state of emergency, new health and safety measures have been introduced by the Province. At this point, the provincial shutdown in our three campus communities has been extended until at least February 11, 2021.

However, the provincial shutdown rules continue to allow our campuses to operate for select academic activities and services. (For more information, see these government workplace safety measures – page 12).

Since the original shutdown began on December 26, the College has been operating in strict adherence to the provincial shutdown rules. We continue to deliver academic programming remotely whenever possible and limited hands-on instruction. On-campus academic activities are limited to designated health programs (in groups of 50 or less) and other hands-on programs that can incorporate 10 or fewer persons in a given learning space. The government’s declaration of a provincial emergency on January 12, 2020 has not changed these rules and the College is permitted to continue to operate in this fashion. We will continue to update the Algonquin community on any impact to college operations based on future guidance from the Province.

The announcement does, however, underscore the importance of ONLY students participating in hands-on instruction attending campuses and ONLY the authorized employees attending campuses to support these activities. Any students or employees not required to attend campuses should be following the provincial direction to stay home and only go out for allowable reasons.

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities is expected to announce additional details on regulations today. We will continue to update the College community on any impacts to college operations.

In addition, a follow-up communiqué from Chris Janzen, Senior Vice President, Academic can be expected by early next week. This will contain further information about academic planning for the Winter term and any additional adjustments required for on-campus learning activities.

I know the constant adjustments related to the pandemic can feel exhausting. But it is vital that we continue to adhere to the latest health and safety guidelines from our governments and public health authorities. As always, I appreciate your ongoing cooperation, accommodation and patience.

Stay safe and healthy everyone.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President, CEO

Algonquin College

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