Winter 2022 Semester Update from President McKerlie
The ongoing spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant has created uncertainty for Mohawk College students and staff, and for the greater community. As a result, we have decided to continue to deliver the Winter 2022 semester in the current format, as it was detailed in a message to the college community on January 3.
This means that all required in-person learning will continue but all other learning that was to be done in-person will be delivered using virtual and remote delivery for the remainder of the semester. There will be a few exceptions to this approach and those students will be contacted directly by their academic areas with more details.
Courses that were previously identified as being entirely online for the Winter semester will remain online for the duration of the semester.
This decision will allow students to plan ahead with certainty. If you have any questions, please be sure to connect with your academic program area.
Student Services and supports will continue to be offered remotely and in-person.
We remain committed to fully and safely reopening the college as soon as we are able in order to provide students with an opportunity to learn, grow and develop in all aspects of their education and life. Many students have indicated that they would like to return to campus so they can experience in-person extracurricular activities, greater social connections and large events. Should conditions improve and we are able to safely bring more students on campus, we may introduce optional campus activities for students to experience.
In-person events and activities cancelled (other than required in-person learning).
All in-person events, internal and external, have been cancelled until the end of February. Some external academic bookings will be permitted in specific areas, such as MCE and the testing centre. We will continue to monitor the situation and make a decision about events for the remainder of the semester by the middle of February.
DBARC to remain closed.
The David Braley Athletic & Recreation Centre (DBARC) will be closed, except for approved academic and college-related purposes, until further notice. The Student Residence will remain open to students and employees, noting that a maximum limit of five people can gather in indoor public spaces based on current provincial direction.
In accordance with provincial guidelines, varsity athletics training and competition has been suspended until at least January 21.
On-campus library services.
Mohawk College Library services are available on-campus at Fennell, IAHS and Stoney Creek locations and virtually. Access to the library will be through bookable seats for both computers and study use. Please refer to the Library webpage for hours of operation and additional details.
On-campus food services.
On-campus food service options will be limited to take-out only, with designated eating areas where physical distancing is required.
No visitors allowed on campus.
Visitors and external guests will not be allowed access to campus until further notice, unless it supports academic programing. The process for guests coming to campus remains the same as was in place during the Fall 2021 semester.
Changes to COVID case reporting.
With the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant as the dominant cause of infection in Ontario, Public Health case tracking and reporting has changed. As a result, the college will no longer be reporting cases associated with college facilities. We will continue to work with Hamilton Public Health to ensure you receive any important health and safety updates for the college community.
Controlled access and vaccine requirement to remain in place.
Mohawk will continue to control access to all campuses for the Winter semester with designated entrances and security screening checkpoints. Anyone coming to a Mohawk College campus will not be permitted access, or be able to attend in-person classes or access in-person students supports and services, until they have uploaded their proof of vaccination and have it verified by Mohawk or have an APPROVED exemption from the college.
Masks are required on campus.
Anyone attending a Mohawk campus will be required to wear a college-supplied mask while on campus. Masks must be worn regardless of a person’s vaccination status. The masks will be available at the Check-in Desks.
Vaccinations remain our best defense against the COVID pandemic. If you are not already vaccinated, you are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect yourself and those you care about. If you are fully vaccinated and have the opportunity to get a booster, please book your appointment as soon as possible.
Mohawk College Health Services are offering COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for students, employees and their immediate family members. Appointments are available based on vaccine supply and can be booked by emailing healthservices@mohawkcollege.ca.
As a reminder, we ask everyone in the Mohawk College community to continue to assess their health daily in order to help keep everyone safe. If you are visiting a Mohawk College campus, respond to the COVID Self Disclosure assessment questions honestly on your Mohawk Safety app as part of the entry process.
We know the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant is frustrating and heightens the anxiety that some people may be feeling. The college is here to support you. If you need help, please ask and if you know someone who needs help, please reach out and offer it.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Regards,
Ron
Ron J. McKerlie
President & CEO, Mohawk College