Coronavirus COVID-19 College Policies

Please read the following Coronavirus COVID-19 College Policies

as of March 9, 2020

The safety, health and well-being of our students is our top priority. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. The public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

Our organization is closely monitoring the local, national and international occurrence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will provide updated policies as the situation evolves. 

Students are asked to review the following college policies and guidance. The organization’s priorities in setting these workspace policies are to: 

• Maintain a safe and healthy workspace, including minimizing the transmission of COVID-19 or any other contagious disease;  
• Provide operational continuity of our programs and; 
• Encourage an attitude of fairness, open communications and concern for the wellbeing of our students.

Most important actions to take now 

• All students are advised to take basic preventive measures  * to reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection of the virus causing COVID-19 to others: 
• Students who have recently travelled to China, Iran, Northern Italy, or in any other area of high concern for COVID-19, should inform school management, self-isolate and stay home. Contact the public health authority in your province  * for advice.
• If public health conditions worsen and we are required to institute stronger social distancing measures (for example, by reducing the density of students in a workspace), some students may be asked to stay home. 
• Utilize the Keep Me Safe app for support with feelings of stress or anxiety about these events. (Willis College and CBBC only)

College policies (effective as of March 9, 2020; subject to change) 

• Well students: Students who are well, are expected at school as usual, even if they have been in contact with or caring for someone who is ill with an ordinary respiratory illness. Students who are well are expected to attend classes unless they have been:
  • caring for someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19
  • recently travelled to China, Iran, Northern Italy, or in any other area of high concern for COVID-19
  • instructed to refrain from attending classes by school management or public health officials. 

• Sick students: Students who have symptoms of respiratory illness must stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants). A fever is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius taken by an oral thermometer.  

Attendance concerns

Nova Scotia

• Students must notify the college in the event of an absence

• Absences in excess of 10% of program hours, may result in the need for one or more of the following;
  • Course make up hours
  • Repeated courses
  • Schedule adjustment

• An application for a Contract extension

Commonly asked questions

What if I need to stay home with sick family members?

The college can, at its discretion, apply for an extension of the contract, as needed.

What if that time missed causes me to become noncompliant with attendance?

The college can, at its discretion, apply for an extension of the contract, as needed, and or request the student complete extra hours to complete course/program requirements within the originally contracted timeframe.

What if that time impacts graduation dates?

The college can request a contract extension.

What if employers are adjusting hours of work and that impacts practicum hours?

As above for amendment of the contract and extension of the end date.

What if the college needs to reschedule classes due to an Instructor illness?

If it happens within the period of the existing contract and requires a situational reordering of course delivery, options will be addressed on a case by case basis. This may include prolonged study days or extension of the end date.

• Reporting sick time: Email, voicemail or text message are acceptable forms of communication.
    
• Return to study: In general, written medical clearance will not be required for return to study. This is being done to avoid overtaxing personal or health care resources.
    
• Students at higher risk: Students that are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions are urged to consult their physician about steps they can take to protect their health. These may include the implementation of additional protective measures to reduce their exposure to others or the chances of being infected.
  
  If a student is at risk for complications from COVID-19 and their physician agrees that increased social distancing in the workspace is prudent, the student should contact their Faculty Head or Campus Manager to formally request a leave. Management will confidentially evaluate the request, explore alternatives, and attempt to appropriately address the student’s health concerns while maintaining school operations. A doctor’s note may be required.