Message from the SVPA: Winter Term 2022 Update
Posted on Thursday, October 28th, 2021
Dear Colleagues and Learners:
With our Fall Term fully underway and mid-term break upon us, I am excited to take this opportunity to provide an update on Algonquin’s Winter Term 2022 plans.
Algonquin College has gradually increased campus activity each term since participating in a provincial summer pilot program in 2020 and has a stellar health and safety track record – with no confirmed cases of on-campus transmission to this date. In light of this success and in keeping with directives from the Ontario Government and Ottawa Public Health, we are lifting the capacity limits and physical distancing requirements in all indoor instructional spaces. In this next step toward a return and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be inviting even more activity back to our campuses for the 2022 Winter term, as well as a corresponding increase in the level of on-campus student supports – from food services and campus services to student services and events. We are planning for a more vibrant and engaging on-campus experience.
Information regarding the delivery modality of programs in the Winter 2022 term can be found here. In addition, a wealth of information regarding services and supports available to students can be found in this link. The Algonquin College Students’ Association (SA) works hard to support students, both in their academic studies and in college life outside of class. I encourage you to check out their web page for information about the supports and activities the SA provides. In particular, I know the SA is thrilled with the opening of the brand new Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre. It is an amazing facility!
The continued safety and well-being of our learners and employees serves as a guiding principle in how the College conducts business and makes decisions. Physical distancing is no longer a requirement in indoor instructional settings and the College anticipates that the capacity limits for all our facilities will be lifted prior to the start of the Winter term. Masks will continue to be required to be worn and infection prevention and control measures should still be practiced, as advised by public health authorities. In doing so, the College remains committed to safety as we transition to increased on-campus activity. Our Mandatory Vaccine Policy and our active self-screening process will also continue until further notice.
Our confidence in inviting more on-campus activity is supported by the positive response our learners and employees have had to the College’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy. To date, over 12,000 vaccination status applications have been submitted by College community members. Of these submissions, 98.6% are from individuals who are fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19 and that number is growing. Achieving the highest possible rates of vaccination among College community members is another measure that the College has implemented to help ensure the safety of the College community.
If you have not already done so, I strongly encourage you to follow the directions in the vaccination policy link to submit your documentation as soon as possible to avoid any delays when you first come to one of our campuses. January 10, 2022 marks the first day of the Winter term for the majority of full-time and part-time programs (start dates may vary for AC Online and some apprenticeships). There is no need to wait. December 27, 2021 is the last date you can receive your second dose to meet the 14-day waiting period prior to the start of the Winter term on January 10, 2022. If you have not yet begun a vaccination regime, the last day to receive your first dose in order to be fully vaccinated by the start of the Winter term is November 16, 2021.
All international learners will need to be in Canada, with a valid study permit in order to start their studies in January 2022, regardless of the delivery method of their program. For more information, please go to the International Education Centre’s web page and the International student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). In addition, international learners arriving in Canada will need to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in any in-person and on-campus activities including classes. Please continue to respond to communications and requests for information from the International Education Centre. This will help the College guide you through the process and start your studies successfully.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 developments, provincial regulations, and recommendations from Public Health Agencies. As with all other decisions regarding our response to COVID-19 and the impact to our College community, if conditions and information change, we will revisit our decisions and adjust as necessary.
Thank you to everyone for continuing to make the safety of your colleagues and classmates the top priority. I am looking forward to this next step toward our future.
Sincerely,
Chris Janzen
Senior Vice President, Academic
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