CNC is preparing for a return to face-to-face instruction this fall. We wish to share on-going information with students and employees as this process unfolds. We are providing an update every two weeks
or sooner as new information becomes available.
What has happened in the past two weeks
The BC Government announced its return to campus guidelines on Monday July 5th. These guidelines are key to how the college will transition into the fall term. The changes would happen once BC moves into the fourth and final restart step as early as September 7th.
As vaccination rates increase and COVID cases and hospitalizations decrease, BC can expect to see COVID-19 managed much like other respiratory diseases. This would mean much fewer restrictions in day-to-day activities.
General guidance as early as September 7th
- Masks are a personal choice (but may be recommended
depending on local COVID-19 transmission rates)
- Normal social contact
- If one is sick, stay home and get tested
- Daily health check
- Modified seasonal cleaning
- Communicable disease plans in place
Educational Delivery
- Primarily on-campus w/ student learning accommodations and
support
- Maximum capacity for buildings/rooms such as residences (with
some rooms held for isolation if required)
Offices/Workspaces
- Fully re-opened offices and workspaces with supports according
to the go-forward guidelines
- Communicable disease plans in place
Common Spaces
- All spaces fully re-opened
- Communicable disease plans in place
Work/Organized Gatherings
- Full capacity allowed with increased or hybrid virtual options to
continue (expected)
Social/Personal Gatherings
- Normal social contact
- No indoor/outdoor spectator limits
Student Activities
- Normal social contact
- Sports events/concerts
- Pubs/bars and nightclubs
- Student group activities
- Events and parties
What we are doing now
We have been working to plan for the return of face-to-face delivery in the fall, and meet the new guidelines. We are also meeting with bargaining associations to provide the guidelines and answer questions. We are developing the new communicable disease
plan which will be an important replacement to previous COVID-19 safety plans.
The provincial guidance notes how Indigenous people have been
disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. We will work with students, faculty and staff to create culturally safe and inclusive campus communities free of racism, and with community partners for the health and safety of Indigenous students.
We also appreciate how changes can cause anxiety or stress for students and employees. We are preparing to have available a range of options to support members of the CNC community, including wellness and counselling, provincial resources like Here2Talk, and CNC’s employee and family assistance program.
What you can expect to hear next, and how you can help
Working with bargaining associations
We will continue to engage with bargaining associations about any questions they may have for the members they represent and
consider suggestions as we change our operations in the fall.
Communications to students
Students clearly need to know what the fall will look like. We will begin communicating soon so they can complete their preparations and be ready to attend. We will work with the CNC Student Union in accomplishing this.
We know several cohorts of students will begin their studies in August. We will communicate with and help them through the changes in instruction as we move into the last step of the re-start plan in September.
Mask use
While still in step three of the BC Government’s re-start plan, we
strongly suggest following the public health recommendation that masks continue to be worn in public spaces to protect everyone.
Health checks
CNC employees no longer need to document their COVID-19 health
check on any day they will be on a college campus. Please be sure to monitor your health daily.
Please do not come to campus if you are sick. If you have symptoms including a new fever or cough, self-isolate and seek medical advice. Visit healthlinkbc.ca/ or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse. Students and faculty should review E.1.46
“Academic Concession for the 2021-22 Academic Year” policy and procedures.
Vaccination
Registration and appointment booking for the COVID-19 vaccine continues. We encourage CNC employees to speak with their primary care provider and seek trusted sources of information about specific interventions and their personal health. You can register at https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/ or by calling 1-833-838-2323. The province has provided up to three hours of paid leave to be vaccinated against COVID-19, effective and retroactive to April 19th, 2021. If you require time off work to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination, advise your administrator of your need for time off and
how long you require.
Face-to-face meetings
Face-to-face meetings no longer require pre-approval of
an executive.
Return to workplaces
Public Health has stated that workers can begin gradually returning to workplaces. Anyone who chose to work from home or remotely and is now considering returning to campus must discuss with their supervisor first.
Organized gatherings
Any requests for organized gatherings will continue to require pre-approval and a COVID-19 safety plan whether it is inside or outdoors.
Further reading: