COVID-19 Update for Nov 5: What you need to know about the vaccine requirements that take effect Mon


Posted: Nov 5, 2021 1:36 PM   |  Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:47 PM

COVID-19 Update for Nov 5: What you need to know about the vaccine requirements that take effect Monday

Posted: Nov 5, 2021 1:36 PM   |  Updated: Mar 10, 2022 1:47 PM

NAIT’s vaccine policy is in effect and is another step we are taking to support safe, healthy campuses as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination requirements are essential to restoring vibrancy to our campuses and minimizing disruptions to education. 

Here’s a look at what to expect on campus starting Monday and important dates for winter term students.  

Be ready with appropriate proof of vaccination 

As of November 8, the following requirements are in effect.

Students and staff coming to NAIT campuses or properties need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation. Proof of vaccination needs to be uploaded to the NAIT Alert app and reviewed by NAIT’s Vaccine Verification team in advance of coming to campus. It could take up to 48 hours for proof of vaccination to be verified. You will receive a green NAIT vaccine QR code in NAIT Alert once your proof has been verified.  

  • The green NAIT vaccine QR code, which can be shown or printed from the NAIT Alert app, is the only acceptable proof for students and staff. Please also be prepared to show photo ID.   

Visitors can show the provincial vaccine QR code, a paper or electronic vaccination record, or proof of a privately paid COVID-19 PCR or rapid test completed within the previous 72 hours, along with photo ID. Please note, visitors to learning spaces, including Ernest’s and the Retail Meat Store, must be fully vaccinated; proof of a negative test result will not be accepted as an alternative in these locations. 

Contractors and tenants are required to provide signed attestation forms by November 8 declaring that their staff, and visitors of those staff, comply with NAIT's policy to be on campus.  

Be prepared to show your proof of vaccination if asked 

NAIT Protective Services continues to operate structured rotating checks at campus entrances. Some service areas on campus are also asking for proof. Please give yourself extra time to get to your classes or work area as there could be delays during busy times. 

You will not be permitted on campus without appropriate proof.  

Consequences for non-compliance 

Starting November 8, students scheduled for in-person learning who do not meet NAIT’s vaccine requirements will be withdrawn from their in-person classes and any co-requisite online courses.  

Students who are withdrawn from their courses will be notified by email from the Office of the Registrar. They will not receive a refund, and this withdrawal will be recorded on their academic record. See the Student Admissions and Enrolment - Vaccine Policy FAQs for more information.  

Staff who do not comply with NAIT's vaccine policy may be placed on an unpaid leave of absence, the length of which will be determined by NAIT.  

Visitors who do not provide proof of vaccination or negative rapid test will not be permitted on campus. 

What’s changing as of Monday 

Starting Monday, November 8, the following changes will take effect.

Physical distancing 

Physical distancing will no longer be required in 

  • learning spaces, including classrooms, shops and labs 
  • bookable collaboration spaces within the library, and the library Makerspace 

Physical distancing continues to be required in all public and common areas on campus.  

Cafeterias  

After November 8, students and staff may sit with non-family members in cafeterias (though groups are limited to 6). 

Services 

Some services are re-opening on campus. Check the Facilities and Services page for the latest information. 

Upcoming deadlines and requirements for winter term students 

  • November 5: Last day for degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship students who have a program starting up to or on March 5, 2022 to initiate the request for an accommodation through NAIT Alert. Continuing education students seeking an accommodation must have the accommodation approved prior to registration.   
  • December 8: Last day for winter term students enrolled in degree, diploma, certificate and upgrading programs with in-person learning to upload proof of vaccination through NAIT Alert. 
     
    You will only need to upload proof that you are fully vaccinated once during the 2021/22 academic year.   

  • Apprenticeship students must upload proof of full vaccination through NAIT Alert four weeks prior to the start of their apprenticeship program. If they enrol less than four weeks before the start of classes, they must upload their proof of vaccination within two business days of enrolment. 

  • Continuing education students must upload proof and be approved to come to campus at least 24 hours prior to the start of class. 

Starting in the winter term, students who are not fully vaccinated or do not have an approved accommodation by the deadlines set out in the procedure will be withdrawn  

  • from their program, if the program delivery is blended or in-person, or 
  • from courses with in-person requirements if the program offers online delivery. 

Upcoming deadlines and requirements for staff 

  • December 8: Deadline for all staff to provide proof of a second vaccine dose or have an approved accommodation. This allows time for NAIT to complete the verification process and to account for the annual winter closure. This requirement applies to all staff regardless of their work location. Staff who want to request an accommodation on a protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act should initiate that request through NAIT Alert as soon as possible. 
  • January 2, 2022: All staff are required to be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation. 

Thank you for supporting safe, healthy campuses 

Thank you to everyone for doing your part as we work together to support safe and healthy campuses. We truly appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement our vaccine policy.  

As always, we’re committed to keeping you informed with the latest news and guidance to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus low. Please continue to check   nait.ca/covid19 for current guidance. 

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