OCNews

Hello everyone, 

I am pleased to report that at the end of the day yesterday the province released the revised Return to Campus guidance we’ve all been eagerly awaiting. The Provincial Health Office also published a detailed order late yesterday that provides greater detail and clarity on wearing masks at the College. 

I encourage every member of the OC community to take a moment to read through the Return to Campus guidance as it re-affirms our personal responsibility in keeping ourselves and our campuses healthy this fall, as mentioned in yesterday’s message. 

Some of you had questions about the response rate of OC’s student/employee vaccination rate survey. We received responses from 2,724 of 6,593 students surveyed (41.3%), 605 of 1,096 employees (55.2%), and 27 of 47 individuals who are both students and employees (57.4%).  

Mask order clarification 

• Students, employees, and members of the public are required to wear non-medical masks in all public indoor spaces, including classrooms and other indoor instructional settings (e.g., labs and shops), except for the following: 
• Instructional staff, students, and other presenters do not need to wear a mask when presenting in a classroom, lab, or shop if they are behind a barrier or can maintain two metres of physical distance from others in the room; 
• Employees, students, and members of the public can remove their mask to consume food or drink while seated in areas designated for the consumption of food and drink; 
• Employees, students, and members of the public can remove their mask if they are in a room by themselves or are separated from others by a barrier.   
• Students seeking accommodation for a mask exemption must contact Accessibility Services and follow the Accessibility Academic Accommodations for Students Policy.  
• Instructional staff will be notified if they have a student in their class, lab, or shop who has been granted accommodation regarding mask wearing.  
• Employees seeking accommodation for a mask exemption must contact Human Resources and follow the Accommodation of Employees Policy. 
• Read more in the College’s revised mask directive. 

Proof of vaccination to access discretionary services, businesses and events and on-campus housing 

We learned yesterday that details on the implementation of proof of vaccination for students living on-campus housing are still forthcoming. Visit the Province’s Proof of Vaccination page to see how you can get ready for Sept. 13 and the rollout of the card.    

Thank you for your patience during this period of uncertainty, during what is normally a joyous and exciting time – Orientation week. We will continue to actively support any students who have questions and concerns. Rest assured, our team members will help you navigate this time of transition, so that your focus can remain where it should – on your well-being and your studies. 

We will continue to post updates and new FAQS on the College’s COVID-19 / Return to Campus page. 

Wishing you a safe and restful long weekend. Whether you’re a new or returning student or team member, welcome to Fall 2021 at OC. 

Respectfully, 
Neil Fassina 
President, Okanagan College