OCNews

Dear Colleagues, 

In advance of semester start next week, I know you’ve all been waiting for the revised Provincial guidance specific to our sector. Thank you for your patience while we await those guidelines. As soon we know more, we’ll share details with you and update OC's COVID-19 / Return to Campus page and Frequently Asked Questions section for Employees. Instructors will also be receiving a detailed FAQ document with guidance specific to the classroom. 

I know many of you may be wondering about vaccination rates on campuses. Vaccination continues to be one the factors behind our confidence that the return to campus this fall will be safe. OC’s survey on vaccination rates shows community members are taking vaccination seriously. More than 77% of students and 96% of employees who completed the survey indicated they have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine already, while 87% of students and 97% of employees who responded had at least one dose.  

Recognizing there has been a lot of information circulated already and shared on our COVID-19 / Return to Campus page, here is a condensed primer on the 6 daily requirements employees need to know as we all prepare to welcome back students next week, while we await more guidance. Please note this is subject to change: 

1. Do your part to keep campus healthy with vaccinations. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you, so check out on-campus vaccination clinics on Sept. 7 or find community drop-in or pop-up clinics on IH’s website. Look out for more guidance on when employees and students will need to show proof-of-vaccination to access certain on campus discretionary (non-academic) services, events and activities. 
2. If you are sick, please stay home. You are required to do a personal daily health check for COVID-19 symptoms. If you are an instructor, then normal class cancellation procedure should be followed. For leaves longer than two classes, contact your Dean’s Office to discuss replacements. Support staff should contact their supervisor. 
3. Masks will be required on campus – in class, halls, common areas, study rooms and libraries. Instructors, thank you for your patience while we await the final word from the PHO regarding mask wearing while teaching in classrooms, labs and shops; this will be communicated out to you as soon as possible. Employees don’t have to wear masks at their workstations so long as they are two metres apart.  
4. Physical distancing isn’t required. You can meet with colleagues and students in classrooms, boardrooms, etc., as long as individuals are wearing masks. However, please be considerate of the fact that everyone’s comfort level with distancing will be different. Some people may choose to continue to physically distance and may wish to maintain a two-metre bubble whenever possible. 
5. Encourage people to follow guidelines, while showing kindness, consideration and understanding to those around you. OC is about access and supporting students and colleagues to be successful. If someone is not wearing their mask properly, ask that they please adjust the mask to keep campus healthy. If someone is showing signs of illness, politely and discreetly ask if they should consider going home to rest and get better; going beyond this level of conversation is prodding for personal health information.  
6. If you need support, reach out. LifeWorks, the College’s Employee and Family Assistance program (EFAP) can help if you are struggling. Also, the College developed guides that are available online about how to support students and colleagues in distress.  

Thank you again for all your efforts to support students and colleagues as we head into the Fall. We all play a role and have a shared responsibility in keeping the OC community healthy. Please be kind, considerate and understanding of those around you. 

Respectfully, 
Neil Fassina 
President, Okanagan College