Good afternoon everyone,
As expected, we now have new information regarding our plans for the Winter 2022 start, with the safety of students and staff being paramount. We will continue to make decisions based on the latest health data and the advice of the Public Health Office (PHO).
For University level (UT) classes, the semester will start online. High School classes will continue to be delivered both in-person and in hyflex mode (see below for details).
Thank you for your understanding.
Please see details regarding term start below:
University Level Classes (UT):
Columbia College will temporarily be moving all scheduled university-level, ENGL 098 and ENGL 099, in-person courses to synchronous online, excluding science labs (see below). At this time, the shift will encompass the first 2 weeks of the semester (January 10-23). New information could extend this shift, however, we are anticipating that all courses will resume in person on Monday, January 24th. Although we do not anticipate extending this shift, students should continue to plan to continue online should the need arise.
High School Classes:
High School courses will proceed as scheduled to start on Monday, January 10 and continue to be delivered both in an in-person and hyflex mode.
Given the move to the North Campus, there will be sufficient room to implement PHO safety measures including social distancing in classrooms and in lounges. Details on enhanced safety measures will be forthcoming, which we will enact at the North Campus over the next week before term starts.
UT Science Labs:
During this two-week period, science labs will run on campus as scheduled; specifically, CHEM 100, 121, 123, 210, 220, and BIOL 100, 110 and 120.
Classroom access for students enrolled in UT Science labs:
Students coming to campus for science labs may use Rooms 414 or 416 before and after the lab. These rooms will be made available in a socially distant configuration.
Technology Access:
For students that don't have access to technology, the library computers will be available from 9:00am-5:00pm. The computers in Room 222 will be available from 7:30am-8:30pm in the evening.
Computers in Room 340 can be accessed during the day by request at the security desk.
Students who do not have access to technology and have classes on Saturdays should e-mail Student Services at SSA@columbiacollege.ca.
Laptop Assistance Program:
We encourage students to utilize our Laptop Assistance Program (LAP). if you do not currently have a laptop that can be used for online study, we strongly recommend taking advantage of this program. More information can be found here: https://www.columbiacollege.ca/laptop-assistance-form.
College Services:
All College in-person services will be open on-campus during this brief shift, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
College Open Hours:
During the two-week period the building is unlocked from 7:15am-6:15pm, Monday to Friday. Students must leave the building by 8:30pm. The College will be closed on Saturday, Jan 15 & 22.
The parking area will be open 6am-8:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Bookstore:
The bookstore will be open for purchase of physical books required for their courses. The opening hours are as follows:
All students enrolled in in-person classes should be in Vancouver for term start. However, given the Omicron situation, we know there have been many flight cancellations and flight delays. Therefore, there may be some students who are unable to be in Vancouver to purchase textbooks. In classes where eBooks are available, eBooks are encouraged. However, for students enrolled in classes where no eBooks are available, and the student is unable to come to the bookstore because of their out of country location, Instructors, upon request, may provide electronic PDF copies for the period in question.
Library:
During this brief shift, the library will be open for in-person use, including computer use, 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday. We will have all library services available during those hours.
Online services will include:
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Saturday 9am-5pm: Librarian Christie Burnett will be available via email (library@columbiacollege.ca) or Teams
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Teams video appointments with a librarian available on request: email library@columbiacollege.ca
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Databases, eBooks, streaming video: available 24/7 with College login
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Chat services open January 17 with these hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am-9pm, Friday: 9am-5pm, Saturday: 11am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-9pm
Accommodation:
Given the nature of the Omicron virus, and the fact that we do not want anyone in the building who is not well, we are asking students to stay home if they are ill, and we will continue with our COVID protocol in terms of illness. Students who are ill and not able to attend or participate in online classes, are to fill out a self-declaration form and contact their Instructor to make arrangements to keep up with their studies.
Staff from the College will be in touch with each student once the self-declaration form is submitted.
The BC Ministry of Health has developed a self-assessment tool that will help determine whether a student may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. Students can complete this assessment for themselves, or on behalf of someone else. Please visit: https://covid19.thrive.health/.
As per the PHO, at this time, recommended enhanced safety measures include getting fully vaccinated, doing daily health checks, staying home when sick, wearing masks in accordance with the Provincial Health Officer Order on Face Coverings, and cleaning hands regularly.
If you have any questions, please do let me know. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Robin Hemmingsen
Principal
Columbia College
