All classes and operations at CNC’s six campuses are scheduled to continue as normal on Monday, March 16, 2020. The health and safety of students, employees and the community continues to be the top priority for CNC.
CNC is actively developing a COVID-19 response plan with proactive measures. This is being done in collaboration the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, the Ministry of Health, and with guidance from the Provincial Health Officer.
More information about CNC’s plan will be released early this week.
Thank you for your patience and continued support in what is a rapidly evolving situation.
Update
Message sent on behalf of President Dr. Dennis Johnson:
Dear CNC Community,
I am writing to the CNC community today to share an important update on the impact of COVID-19. Over the last few days a number of institutions have announced plans to move, where possible, to online or alternate delivery of education. This is in alignment with the guidance from the Provincial Health Officer and we are working with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
Our campuses will remain open and services will continue to be provided, modified and reviewed as necessary while this situation continues to evolve. Online and alternate delivery will be adopted where practical, but this strategy is intended to support social distancing and lower on-campus density.
Because of the diversity of the types of education and training we offer, we recognize that not all programs, courses, labs and shops may be suited to be delivered through alternative methods; we will implement all possible safeguards to ensure the safety of students in educational activities which continue on campuses. This week, academic leadership will be working with instructors and program areas to determine whether, and how best, to accommodate alternative methods of instruction and evaluation. Students will learn of the detailed changes affecting them through their instructors, coordinators or deans as the details are worked out.
The week of March 16 will be a week of transition for the College, allowing faculty, operational staff and leadership time to implement alternate forms of program delivery as well as determine how best to continue providing other services.
The Vice President Academic has been working with the academic leadership team to develop an academic strategy to complete the term is as follows:
- Face-to-face classes will continue until the end of the day on Tuesday, March 17. Students, please ensure you are in attendance to receive updates from your instructors, or contact your instructors if you are not able to be in class.
- Most face-to-face classes will be suspended from Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20, to allow instructors to complete transition to alternative delivery methods. Instructors will provide specific guidance to their students on whether individual classes will be held on these dates.
- Students will receive instructions from instructors and deans on how courses, labs, shop, clinics and practicums will be delivered resuming March 23. Information will be sent to students via the email provided to the College. Students need to ensure they are monitoring this email address regularly.
- Students will have options to access supports and services through different modalities. A Student Supports Resource List will be available for student access and for faculty to advise students to access the services available through various methods.
During this time of transition our principle focus at CNC continues to be on the health and safety of our students and employees. For the latest information regarding British Columbia, please visit the BCCDC website.
In addition to the possible education and training related changes discussed above, CNC will work proactively to educate our community and take other measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please educate yourself and pay attention to the additional information:
- We will continue to increase cleaning of high touch areas.
- In response to the province's updated event recommendations, we will cancel upcoming events that are over 250 people and will examine other options. All discretionary CNC events that are not vital to the academic mandate are being reviewed and may be cancelled or postponed, including those planned by student groups.
- We will continue to promote the Provincial Health Officer’s guidance on proper hygiene practices (e.g., 20 second handwashing or using alternatives to soap such as hand sanitizers), staying home when feeling sick and social distancing.
- All college-sanctioned international travel by students and employees is cancelled until further notice.
- As directed by the Province, all community members returning from outside the country (including the US) must self-isolate for two weeks upon their return to Canada.
- For now, CNC facilities including student housing and food services will remain open, however, there may be changes to available services and hours. Student housing will continue to be supported, and services for all campuses can be accessed through telephone and email.
I understand that this is a challenging time for many people and I want to remind all of our community members – students, faculty and operational staff – that counselling and health services are available, should they be needed. Alternate modalities for service will be available, access for these services can be found through the service reference document, as well community resources.
Students who are experiencing anxiety or other mental health concerns can contact Student Lifeline to access confidential support and resources through the 24-hour telephone line at 1-877-371-9978.
Employees seeking counselling should access the employee and family assistance program for resources and counselling. The College’s Employee and Family Assistance Program service provider (Homewood Health) continues to provide ongoing support to all employees and family members experiencing anxiety or other mental health concerns. To contact Homewood Health for support, dial 1-800-663-1142.
Please continue to visit CNC.BC.CA/COVID for updates. As always if you are sick and experiencing cold and/or flu-like symptoms, you are encouraged to stay home and to follow the directives of the BC Centre for Disease Control.
I want to thank all of our students, faculty, and operational staff for their patience and understanding as we deal with these challenging times. Please monitor your email and our website for additional news and further updates.
While the weeks ahead may be challenging for all of us, the current situation demands that we prioritize the health and welfare of our CNC Community. Please support the work of our faculty, operational staff, and leadership as we continue to navigate any uncertainty in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dennis Johnson
President and CEO