OCNews

Dear students, 

The start of the Fall semester is upon us. Recognizing there has been a lot information circulated already and shared on our COVID-19 / Return to Campus page, here is a condensed primer on the 6 daily requirements students need to know as you head into class: 

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. Vaccines are not required for most students. If you live in student housing or are taking a health-sciences programs, you will receive directions on how to verify your vaccination status. Look out for more guidance on when you’ll 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. Let your instructor know you are not feeling well, and that you are doing your part to keep the campus healthy.  
3. Masks will be required on campus – in class, halls, common areas, study rooms and libraries. Generally, the only exception will be if you are seated while eating or drinking; then you can remove your mask.  
4. Practice good hand hygiene. Remember to wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer stations around campus. 
5. Physical distancing isn’t required as long as you are wearing a mask. 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. 
6. If you need support, reach out. Contact OC Counselling Services or access Here2Talk.ca, a 24/7 mental health resource for post-secondary students in B.C. There are also a variety of services for students offered to support your success. 

There are some details to be sorted out once OC receives updated provincial guidelines; but we are confident 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; and 87% of students and  97% of employees who responded had at least one dose.  

We all play a role and have a shared responsibility in keeping the OC community healthy by being mindful of the guidance from public health. Please be kind, considerate and understanding of those around you. As new guidance comes in, we’ll continue to follow it, share it with you and update OC's COVID-19 / Return to Campus page and FAQs frequently. 

Thank you and have a great semester. 

Respectfully, 
Neil Fassina 
President, Okanagan College