COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

UPDATE – January 18, 2022: Online Learning & Service Delivery Continues Until February 27 

With the ongoing spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, Red Deer Polytechnic has determined that the best way to keep our campus community healthy and safe is to continue primarily with online learning and service delivery until February 27. We intend to resume more in-person learning and services starting February 28, following Reading Break. This is consistent with the approach that many Alberta post-secondary institutions have announced, following advice from Alberta Health Services.   

We recognize that this news will be welcome to some and disappointing to others. Our intention is always to best serve the collective needs of our students, employees and all those on our campuses. With this information, our students and employees will have the ability to plan ahead during the Winter term, as we recognize the strain that sudden shifts create. We believe that this decision will help to mitigate spread of COVID-19 between members of our campus community and our larger community, while also protecting the healthcare system.  

Please note the following important details: 

ACADEMIC DELIVERY 

• Most courses, labs and seminars will continue to be delivered online. 
  • Programs that are currently being delivered in-person (as identified here) will continue with this delivery method. 
    • In addition, to ensure students can achieve identified learning outcomes in their courses or programs, the following programs will shift to in-person delivery starting Monday, January 24: 
      • Engineering Technologies  
      • Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant 
      • Pharmacy Technician 
      • Some additional labs, studios and shops in other programs will also be delivered in-person, starting January 24. 
      • Instructors will contact students to inform them of any updates to course delivery method.
         
• All changes to classes will be reflected in the Winter 2022 Timetable by 4:30 pm on Friday, January 21. Within the Timetable, review “Meeting Times” and “Delivery Method” columns for details of each course.  
  • All students should check their class schedule on TheLoop or in the Winter 2022 Timetable for updated information relevant for their individual classes that will take effect starting Monday, January 24. 
  • For students who have previously downloaded their schedule to their calendar, these delivery methods or location changes will not be reflected. You will need to download a new schedule for updated information. 
     
• Starting February 28, our intention is to resume Red Deer Polytechnic’s Winter 2022 Term Timetable, which will be updated accordingly at that time, with a mix of in-person, online and HyFlex course delivery. 

SERVICE DELIVERY 

Many services will continue to be delivered online, with the following exceptions: 

• Starting January 24: 
  • The Library will have bookable spaces that students can reserve for studying. 
    • Complete details can be found here  
    • The Library will be open for students and employees only at this time; community members will be welcome once full in-person services resume. 
  • Advising Services will be provided both online and in-person. 
    • In-person, drop-in Advising will take place Monday to Thursday, 12:30 to 3:30 pm. 
    • Students can sign up for Group Advising sessions as of Friday, January 28. View more information on our webpage. 
  • Counselling Services will be provided both online and in-person 
    • Complete details can be found here 
  • The Registration Desk will be open for walk-up assistance Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  

Food Services will continue to be available, with Starbucks, FarSide Bar & Grill and The Lift Convenience Store open reduced hours, as described in this update. 

ATHLETICS 

• Starting Thursday, January 20, Athletics competition will resume as scheduled.  
• No spectators will be permitted at practices and games, until further notice. Select games will be broadcast online through ACAC TV for fans to continue to show support for our Kings and Queens.  
• Just as some courses and programs remain in-person so students can achieve identified learning outcomes, we believe that for student-athletes to thrive in their chosen sport, they must be involved in some level of in-person applied skill development for continued learning and development.     
• With enhanced COVID-19 protocols and the institution’s vaccination program in place, the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and Athletics staff remains paramount. 

VACCINATION PROGRAM – RAPID TESTING CLINICS CONTINUE ON MAIN CAMPUS 

• For continuing and returning students and current employees who are not fully vaccinated and who attend main campus in-person for any purpose, free rapid testing clinics will continue to be hosted on main campus now through February 24.  
• Read details on the vaccination program webpage. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS 

• All enhanced measures described in the January 12 communications will continue to be implemented, including: 
  • Face covering requirements 
  • Checking in daily using the SAFE RDC App 
  • Eating and drinking in designated areas 
• Red Deer Polytechnic’s vaccination program will continue throughout Winter Term. 
• It is vital that all individuals who are ill, for any reason, should remain at home. If you suspect your illness may be related to COVID-19, visit the Alberta Health Services website for more information or contact Alberta Health link at 811. 

Thank you for your flexibility and diligence as we navigate this time together. Stay connected with this webpage and Red Deer Polytechnic’s social media platforms for future updates. 

Stay connected with this webpage and Red Deer Polytechnic’s social media platforms for future updates. 

Read previous COVID-19 Updates here.