COVID-19 Update for Dec. 22: Lecture and theory classes shift online until at least January 21; shops and labs continue on campus as scheduled
Posted: Dec 22, 2021 9:44 AM
| Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:49 PM
In light of rising cases of COVID-19 driven by the emergence of the Omicron variant in Alberta and elsewhere, we are adjusting our approach to on-campus learning and enhancing safety measures immediately following the winter break.
There are still many unknowns about the Omicron variant. Based on the information available to date, the need to provide some certainty to the community ahead of the winter break, and out of an abundance of caution, we have made the following decisions :
-
all lecture and theory classes originally scheduled on campus will take place virtually at the start of winter term (there is no change to courses already scheduled for virtual delivery)
-
on-campus labs and shops will continue with enhanced safety measures when in-person learning is required to meet learning outcomes. These measures include the continued use of masks as well as the use of face shields or approved eye protection and physical distancing wherever possible; some programs may look to reduce class/cohort sizes
-
non-essential events will be cancelled
Students will hear from their school or program as soon as possible about any impacts to scheduled on-campus learning.
These measures will be in place until at least January 21. Over the winter break, NAIT will continue to monitor the progression of the pandemic and will use the first three weeks of January to reassess these measures.
Staff
Work-from-home arrangements will continue where possible. Staff should speak to their supervisor if they have any questions about their work location. Instructors who have questions about the delivery of a course should contact their chair and/or department head.
Supporting campus safety and well-being
The health, safety and well-being of our community remain our top priorities. We thank you for your patience and resilience as we continue to respond to the ever-changing realities of the pandemic.
As always, NAIT’s response to COVID-19 is informed by public health guidance, the trajectory of the pandemic and the needs of the community. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 has remained low on NAIT campuses throughout the pandemic, and we continue to take steps to minimize risk and to support a safe and healthy winter term.
We appreciate that Omicron has added additional uncertainty and are aware of the toll the continued stress can have on our well-being and mental health. We encourage you to reach out for any support you need.
We all have a role to play, whether on campus, at home or in the community, in helping limit the spread of COVID-19, and we ask all members of the NAIT community to do their part and continue to follow health and safety measures.
We will share more information with you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/Covid19.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe, healthy and kind.
View all updates related to this incident