What You Need to Know - August 20, 2021
Dear JIBC Students,
We are looking forward to seeing more of you on our campuses this September!
Our transition guidelines for August are working well and we are preparing for a safe return in September.
So, here’s the latest from JIBC:
- Bringing Us Back Together (safely, of course!)
- What to Do Before Attending Class Face-to-Face?
- Current Requirements – August 20, 2021
- Facilities, Fitness, Food, ‘n Fun
- Back-to-Campus Fun
1. Bringing us Back Together
All post-secondary institutes received updated guidelines from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training (AEST) on July 5, 2021. With those guidelines in hand, coupled with direction from WorkSafeBC and the Fraser Health Authority, we developed JIBC-specific protocols, and replaced the "COVID-19 Updates" section on our website (yeah!) with Return to Campus which includes, Information for Students, Campus Safety Plans and Resources and Campus Services. If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here please email returntocampus@jibc.ca
2. What To Do Before Attending Class Face-to-Face?
Prior to starting a face-to-face class each student must review a short orientation and submit an acceptance of risk/acknowledgement of training form.
To complete the required forms, follow this link:
JIBC COVID-19 Safety Orientation – Transition Period July-August 2021
3. Current Requirements – August 20, 2021
Watch for future updates with any changes pertaining to September.
Masks
Required indoors at Okanagan Campus and in-community training in Central Okanagan.
Required for Close Contact (<2m) at New Westminster, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Victoria.
Recommended for all other indoor contacts on our campuses and indoor in-community training.
Except for the Okanagan campus, instructors can teach from their designated instruction zone without masks. Those protected by desktop barriers in classrooms can remove masks when seated.
Keep Your Distance
Physical distancing of 2m is to be maintained when possible. Please limit close contact time to only what is necessary then move apart.
Do Your Daily Health Assessment
Continue to complete your daily health assessment prior to attending the campus and stay home if you are not feeling well.
BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool
Wash Your Hands
Continue to wash and/or sanitize your hands often. Sanitizer stations are installed throughout JIBC campuses.
Get Vaccinated
Do your part in keeping communities safe from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Find out more here. Concerned about the ‘next wave’? Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and stop the spread. “The next wave … is going to be primarily experienced by unvaccinated people.” University of Toronto epidemiologist Dr. Colin Furness.
4. Facilities, Fitness, Food, ‘n Fun
JIBC Fitness Room Reopening @NWC
The JIBC fitness room reopened on Tuesday, August 3, 2021; open-access hours will be 6am-5pm Monday through Friday for students.
JIBC Bookstore Re-Opening @NWC
The JIBC Bookstore storefront will reopen on Tuesday, September 7; hours of operation will be 12-5pm Monday through Friday. Hours of operation will be revisited in December 2021.
JIBC Library Re-Opening @NWC
The library at New Westminster campus is planning to re-open on August 30.
The library continues to provide its usual services while the physical space is closed. Contact the library for research help, equipment lending, custom library workshops, and more. For more information and to stay connected with the re-opening plans, visit JIBC Library.
Cafeteria Services Update @NWC & @MRC
New Westminster and Maple Ridge campuses cafeteria services are aiming to be up and running for September 7. You will be able to grab breakfast, lunch, snacks, pastries and coffee, fresh fruit, and salads among many other offerings. Service will include both hot and cold meal selections, homemade soups and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Service Areas
Plexiglass barriers will be installed (or remain in place) in public-facing service areas (e.g., Registration Office, Library).
5. Back-to-Campus Fun
We are working on a Return to Campus celebration once we are through the busyness of September. Stay tuned for more details.
THANK YOU
Thank you, for your continued support as we transition into the new fall semester.
Stay vigilant, safe, and healthy.
See you soon,
Dr. Michel Tarko
JIBC President and CEO