COVID-19 Update #7: NAIT postpones convocation


Posted: Mar 17, 2020 7:28 PM

COVID-19 Update #7: NAIT postpones convocation

Posted: Mar 17, 2020 7:28 PM

To all students:

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and present unprecedented challenges for all Albertans and for our NAIT community. Your well-being and the health and the safety of our entire campus community remains our top priority.

I would like to thank all the students who have shared so many questions, concerns and feedback about what this pandemic means not only for your health and learning, but for our polytechnic as a whole.

As we communicated March 16, 2020 NAIT courses will be taught online where possible, effective March 19. Given the current situation, NAIT has decided to postpone convocation ceremonies planned for this spring. The suspension of convocation does not mean you will not graduate - at this time eligible students will still graduate.

We realize this decision is disappointing for many. It was made with your health in mind and on the advice of Alberta’s chief medical officer, who has recommended against gatherings where more than 50 people are assembled in one room. In addition, the provincial government also temporarily closed the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where our ceremonies were scheduled, due to the pandemic.

NAIT will reschedule convocation at a later date, possibly in the fall. I cannot stress enough that even though convocation ceremonies will be postponed, it will not affect your ability to complete your program and graduate with a NAIT diploma, degree or certificate. We will be moving much of our instruction online to adapt to COVID-19. Classes and instruction will continue. NAIT students will continue to receive an excellent polytechnic education that prepares them for the workforce and a rewarding career. Where needed and if possible, we will work to ensure students who need to are able to make up any of the hands-on learning they missed by being away from campus.

To get a refund for your grad gown, please complete the Ancillary Services request form. This form is to request refunds for a few Ancillary Services including grad gown rentals. If you have submitted a form, you will be contacted over the next few weeks. Please be patient during this busy time.  

If you haven't been contacted by May 1, 2020 please email shop@nait.ca.   

I look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with you on the convocation stage in the very near future. We will communicate the specific time and date of rescheduled ceremonies as soon as possible.

Take care, be safe, and good luck with your studies. If you are new to learning at a distance, I encourage you to be patient with yourself (and your instructors!) and embrace learning a new skill set. NAIT is a strong, diverse community and together we will meet any challenges ahead.

Sue Fitzsimmons
Vice-President Academic and Provost

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