COVID-19 Update for June 12: What stage 2 of Alberta’s relaunch means for NAIT

Posted: Jun 12, 2020 11:44 AM   |  Updated: Jun 12, 2020 11:50 AM

Today, Alberta moves to stage 2 of its relaunch strategy, which allows additional businesses and services to reopen and resume operations, with 2-metre physical distancing requirements and other public health measures in place.

Among the businesses and services allowed to re-open with restrictions are libraries and indoor recreation facilities.

As well, stage 2 allows for a maximum of 50 people to gather indoors, provided physical distancing of 2 metres can be maintained, and where it is not possible additional protections must be instituted such as engineering controls (barriers or partitions) or use of PPE by all individuals in close contact. 

The move to stage 2 of the provincial relaunch does not bring an immediate change to NAIT’s operations or plans. We are working through the implications of the changes in stage 2 and what they mean for NAIT. We continue to plan for NAIT’s relaunch following government guidance and public health orders, including the Guidance for Post-Secondary Institutions.

We are taking a careful, phased approach to our relaunch that continues to put health, safety and well-being of the NAIT community first. As Alberta gradually re-opens and as restrictions are eased, we will continually assess our ability to transition our operations and will do so as we are ready.

Our conservative, risk-informed approach acknowledges the complexity of returning to our campuses in a COVID-19 environment. We also want to limit the number of times we need to turn the dial up or down on our on-campus activities as the pandemic continues to evolve.

Current operating status

• Spring and summer courses are being offered virtually

• Staff continue to work from home wherever possible and will until further notice, unless there is a need to be on campus to teach a lab or shop, or because their job requires them to be on campus. This includes conducting applied research or delivering a service to clients where virtual delivery is not possible 

• Academic leaders are looking at opportunities to use the summer and fall terms to help students who had their education disrupted due to COVID-19 catch up

• An updated list of how to access NAIT services can be found on the facility and services status page 

Education in the fall

As we communicated last month, fall courses will be delivered virtually wherever possible. We will maximize virtual approaches to instruction and student supports, while allowing on-campus activity where it is not possible to meet the student learning outcomes through virtual delivery.

We believe it is important to provide as much certainty as possible to staff and students by making and communicating decisions as early as possible, knowing we are doing so in an evolving context.

Our priority is keeping our students and staff healthy and safe. Our plan for the fall was made after careful consideration of the provincial health restrictions along with considering how we can safely deliver our unique brand of polytechnic education to the highest standard.

It was also made knowing that NAIT will be heavily challenged to shift the mode of educational delivery mid-way through a semester should there be a second wave.

As we work to take advantage of reductions in public health restrictions as they occur, we will make decisions that minimize the impacts on students, particularly those who may not reside close to campus.  

A carefully staged relaunch

NAIT’s phased relaunch is being carefully planned and coordinated. Learn how NAIT is planning its relaunch.

Our commitment is to continue to provide the foundation for outstanding careers while meeting the polytechnic needs of the province, in accordance with provincial directives and guidelines. We will continue to respond as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, ensuring we remain relevant as we deliver on our promises to staff, students, industry and Alberta.

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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