Safety and Security Information for the Winter Term

Posted on Monday, January 11th, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

Security and Emergency Services would like to take this opportunity to welcome all employees and students for the 2021 Winter Term. At this time, we would like to take a few moments to provide some basic safety and security information to help contribute to a safe and successful semester for everyone.

While Algonquin College is a very safe place to work and learn, it is important that everyone is mindful that it is a large public environment. On campuses, taking basic precautions and ensuring you are aware of general emergency procedures are easy ways for everyone to contribute to the safety and preparedness of the College community. You should always take care to be aware of your surroundings and of the various services and measures in place to help ensure your safety while on Campus. The College also maintains an emergency number, ext. 5000, as well as emergency phones throughout the Campus should you require immediate assistance of any kind. You can also contact Security staff by phone at ext. 5010 or feel free to visit the security office located at room A149 at the Ottawa Campus.

This Winter term is much different for everyone, with the predominance of remote and online activity. While the start of the term is an exciting and busy time for everyone, it is also an exciting time for cybercriminals because they are after your data and sensitive information. If they successfully obtain it, this can result in a data breach and disruption of academic activities as well as personal security risks. Therefore, as we return to school to anticipate new learning opportunities, we must protect our data and information. Be proactive and stay alert for cyber-attacks such as phishing, ransomware, social engineering, and credential stuffing. Practice safe security behaviors and ensure you inform yourself of the right educational content and information security tips to keep you safe.

Please take a moment and download the Algonquin College Mobile Safety app which features emergency push notifications that will alert you if there is an emergency on campus and features emergency procedures, safety tips and COVID-19 self-screening to support the requirement for all community members to self-screen before attending campuses.

We would also like to take this opportunity to provide the following short reminders to everyone for ongoing access to campuses and adherence to public health precautions.

 

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (On-Line Resources)

WASH / SANITIZE your hands frequently and avoid touching your face

PHYSICALLY DISTANCE yourself (2M) from others at all times on campus or away from campus

AVOID CROWDS, especially indoors

WEAR MASKS wherever they are required, including inside all College buildings

ILLNESS, TESTING AND REPORTING (On-Line Resources)

DO NOT come to campus if you are experiencing any symptoms

REPORT to your Supervisor or Coordinator / Chair if you are sick or experiencing symptoms

BE TESTED for COVID-19 in accordance with public health advice

FOLLOW all directions from public health agencies regarding quarantining / self-isolating

SELF-SCREEN every day and DO NOT attend campus if you have not passed the screening. Download the self-screening app to make this as easy as possible.

 

Every College community member can make a difference and personally contribute to the safety of the entire College community and your own families and loved ones by following these individual precautions.

We look forward to serving you in the upcoming term and wish you every success.

Sincerely,

AC Security and Emergency Services

 


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