Lakeland College is planning its Fall 2021 semester around a full return to in-person classes, says the college’s President and CEO.
In an open letter to the community, their students and staff, Dr Alice Wainwright-Stewart, said they’ll welcome students back for both class and all other campus life activities at both their Vermilion and Lloydminster branches by August 23rd, 2021.
Wainwright-Stewart explains that Lakeland classes were built on giving students the hands-on experience needed to succeed in their chosen fields, which the school is excited to get back in to for the upcoming semester.
She notes that a successful last semester laid out the blueprint for the school to be able to adapt should there be a surge in COVID-19 cases, something they’ll be working with provincial health authorities to mitigate in the case it does happen.
She adds that this is evidenced by them being able to deliver 60 per cent of total course hours on campus, with 90 per cent of students taking part in some in-person learning.
The college has also issued a guidebook reflecting SHA and AHS advice when students get back on campus. This also includes what self-isolation steps are necessary if a case is found as per both health authorities, and also Lakeland’s direct guidelines for working or learning from home if need be.
Residences on-campus will open to students as normal, but there will be space made for any student needing to self-isolate. Lakeland College will be open for visitors as well, who will be able to use all of Lakeland’s facilities.
Anyone coming to campus is urged to continue staying home if sick, washing up frequently and practice coughing or sneezing etiquette. People are also urged to monitor their COVID-19 risk, and if they feel more comfortable by doing so, continue following public health guidelines.
Updates to this policy will be available to staff, students and the public on the Lakeland College website.