A Message from the President (January 28, 2022)

Posted on Friday, January 28th, 2022

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

As you know, Algonquin College is currently providing academic programming in a hybrid delivery mode until March 6, 2022, with the majority of theory courses being delivered virtually, and applied learning activities continuing in-person on campus.

Last week the Ontario Provincial government outlined the incremental steps it will take to lift public health measures between January 31 and March 14, 2022.

2022 Winter Term
The College leadership team has weighed a range of recommendations and factors to decide how the second half of the winter term will be delivered. These factors included:

  • Provincial regulations
  • Public health recommendations
  • The impact of physical distancing on the capacity of instructional spaces
  • The availability of our learners including our international learners to come to their campus  
  • The results of the recent pulse survey on learner preference for the end of the term
  • The need for consistency and stability for the remainder of the term

We recognize there is no one single decision that will satisfy everyone’s desired approach. The recent pulse survey conducted with our learners indicates that the vast majority of students would prefer to remain virtual or hybrid for the remainder of the winter term.

Thank you for that feedback, as well as input from our employees – you have spoken and we have listened.  As a result, most courses that are currently virtual will continue in that fashion for the second half of the winter term.  However, recognizing that some programs have a greater need/desire for on-campus instruction, some courses will move to face-to-face delivery on campus. Physical distancing will continue to be required for those courses that move to campus. 

We will be communicating specific program-level and service-level decisions about academic and services delivery for the second half of the term by February 4, 2022, so that learners and employees can know what to expect and plan accordingly. Not every program will take the same approach. Details about the delivery of specific programs will be communicated directly by the program team.

Campus Services and Amenities
Effective January 31, the Province is increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, and increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in certain indoor public settings.

In light of this, the College will ease some of its current restrictions, and reopen a number of areas within the College with limits of 50% capacity – thereby incrementally increasing non-academic activity on campus. The following areas will welcome these new adjustments.

  • Restaurant International, Wolves Den, Marketplace Food Court, and The Fix Eatery, Starbucks, and the 35th Street Market Cafe in Residence will be open with a 50% capacity limit.
  • Additionally, the hair salon, aesthetician clinic services, student massage clinic, and manicure and pedicure services will be accepting external clients, while still following all College COVID-19 protocols.
  • The gym, the Jack Doyle Athletic Recreation Complex (ARC), and Connections are open with a 50% capacity limit.
  • Please check here on updates at the Perth campus, and here for the Pembroke campus. 

Patients with an appointment may continue to access campus to visit the Algonquin College Dental Clinic, but must follow the clinic’s strict health and safety procedures.

Additionally, the College will incrementally increase on-campus, non-academic services for our learners as we move towards more on-campus activity.  Check here to access our Student Support Services webpage. 

This is a hopeful sign with potentially more positive changes to come from the Province on February 21, when we expect to hear about Step 2 of their plan to further ease restrictions.

2022 Spring/Summer Term
With the Province’s reopening plan underway, we have planned accordingly and will revert to on-campus, face-to-face learning for our Spring 2022 term.  We are very excited to see our learners and employees back on our campuses. 

Vaccination
For our employees and learners who are required to be on campus and are looking for a vaccine appointment (first, second and booster doses), College Health Services is now booking appointments by phone to administer COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) at the Ottawa campus. Please check this link for more information on appointments and how to gain access to the clinic.

A reminder that individuals who currently have an approved AC Vaccine Passport are not required to re-submit proof of vaccination for the Winter 2022 term. The AC Vaccine Passport is still valid. Booster shots are not required to be submitted if you currently have an approved AC Vaccine Passport.

Resources and Support
I acknowledge that many of us are struggling right now. The weather is extremely cold, making it more challenging to enjoy the outdoors, and the pandemic is persistent, at times appearing like it will never end. There is light at the end of the tunnel – longer days and warmer weather are around the corner, and we are seeing improvements in the overall pandemic situation as a result of adherence to public health measures.

This past week was Mental Health Awareness Week at the College. In these difficult and challenging times, it is vitally important we take the time to look after our own mental health. If you are in need of support, please reach out to the many resources that are available via Student Support Services for learners and Human Resources for employees.

As the College continues to place the health and safety of every learner and employee at the forefront of its decision-making, I thank you for your continued resiliency and determination – stay safe and keep warm.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé
President and CEO
Algonquin College


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