COVID-19 Update #5: In-person classes cancelled, NAIT campuses open, staff report to work

Posted: Mar 15, 2020 6:24 PM   |  Updated: Mar 16, 2020 11:03 AM

Updated to reflect new information on in-person and online classes, and campuses being open 

We are committed to keeping our community healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and want to assure you that we are taking every precaution to protect the health and well-being of the NAIT community.

Today, the provincial government cancelled classes at all K-12 schools and in-person classes at post-secondary institutes, including NAIT, and closed daycares. Our campuses will remain open. Students can come to campus to retrieve belongings from lockers.  

All in-person classes are suspended. Wherever possible, we expect classes to resume online starting March 19. Classes that are currently delivered online will continue as scheduled. ​

In making the announcement, the government has said that school authorities are expected to continue their regular day-to-day operations and ensure the safety of facilities.

The province also said it will work with post-secondary institutions to ensure that these extraordinary circumstances do not prevent students from being eligible for admission to post-secondary studies for the coming school year.

What this means for students

All in-person classes are suspended. Wherever possible, we expect classes to resume online starting March 19.   

Instructors will be in touch with students via Moodle and/or email with information about how they will proceed. Instructors are being asked to be flexible, creative and to focus on meeting student outcomes.   

Classes that are currently delivered online will continue as scheduled.  

What this means for staff

While staff are expected to work, either from home or on campus, we recognize the closure of K-12 schools and daycares poses challenges. We have 10 days of COVID-19 related absence leave for staff as needed (see absences below) and will provide additional guidance on working from home shortly.

Absences from work

Staff who need to take COVID-19 related absences, including to care for children who are no longer attending school or daycare, should review this information on absences and sick leave. If you have questions, contact your Human Resources consultant.

An online tracking tool has been created for staff and supervisors to report COVID-19 related absences. Use the COVID 19 Tracking System under Employee Self-Service.

Responding to COVID-19

We appreciate the uncertainty today’s news has created and ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the implications for the NAIT community.

NAIT's Emergency Operations Centre is leading our response to COVID-19 in consultation with the Government of Alberta and other post-secondary institutions, and will continue to communicate as the situation evolves and as we take additional measures.

Stay informed by regularly checking for updates from credible sources of information. For latest information on NAIT’s response to the pandemic, visit nait.ca/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada and Alberta Health websites.

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