Past campus updates

​On January 21, 2022, post-secondary institution presidents received a letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry regarding the importance of in-person instruction, the relative low risk associated with structured formal settings like post-secondary campuses, as well as the public health rationale for the guidance. The letter is below for the Douglas College community's reference. 

Read Dr. Henry's letter here.

Douglas College will return to in-person classes on Monday, January 10. 

As the pandemic continues to evolve, the College, along with all other colleges and institutes in the sector, are supporting academic continuity by returning to campus. The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has reassured the College that based on the experience in B.C, with every variant, including the Omicron variant, transmission in structured settings continues to be uncommon.  

Douglas College campuses, like other post-secondary campuses, are structured settings with multiple layers of protection in place to support a safe learning environment, including meeting or exceeding HVAC and ventilation requirements, encouraging vaccination, enforcing mask mandates, and supporting students and employees to stay home when symptomatic or ill. 

We look forward to welcoming you back to campus next week. To support the health and safety of our College community, we ask everyone to:  

• Get vaccinated, if able to do so. Vaccines are the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on campus. 

• Complete a daily self-assessment before coming to campus and stay home if ill or experiencing symptoms and even if you have received a negative COVID-19 test result. 

• Follow all posted signage on-campus including mask requirements and frequent hand washing. 

Following recent announcements by the provincial government, and in consideration of the Provincial Health Officer’s (PHO) direction to post-secondary institutions, Douglas College will take a more gradual approach to the start of in-person instruction for Winter Semester. 

Classes will still begin on Tuesday, January 4; however, this first week will not be in-person for most students. Instead, faculty will advise students about expectations for the week, by program need. This could range from holding a synchronous class online, to assigning reading materials, or Blackboard-based assignments as appropriate. Students will be advised by instructors about individual course expectations by 9am on Tuesday, January 4.  

During this period, some courses, including those with clinical or other experiential components will continue in-person, with the appropriate safety protocols in place. Individual instructors will provide further details on specific course requirements in advance of their start date. 

Campuses will remain open during this time, including student services, and libraries; however, some in-person services may be reduced. Please check the website for the most up-to-date information about in-person and remote service availability. 

Classes are expected to resume in person on January 10. However, Douglas College is remaining flexible and responsive to the ever-evolving pandemic. Please be reassured that we continue to make decisions with the best information available, following the guidance of the PHO, and with the health and safety of our College community as our primary consideration.  

We continue to monitor the situation and will update the College community again when new information becomes available.

Further to the Provincial Health Officer’s update to health restrictions on December 21, the College was also provided with some post-secondary specific information with expectations and reminders about the continued safety of post-secondary campuses.

The Provincial Health Officer (PHO) related that from BC’s experience, as well as experience internationally, educational settings continue to be low-risk for COVID-19 transmission and transmission in educational settings on campus continues to be uncommon.

If COVID has taught us anything, it is that the response to COVID is ever evolving. Please be assured that Douglas College continues to follow all guidance from the Provincial Health Officer and will provide updates to the College community when new information is received.

The announcement and update from the PHO comes as the College is on its annual break for the winter holidays and no information was shared that would change the current plans for the College’s return to in-person instruction on January 4.

In the meantime, we can all work together to keep our campuses safe by:

• Getting vaccinated, if able to do so. Vaccines are the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 on campus.

• Completing a daily self-assessment before coming to campus and stay home if you are ill or are experiencing symptoms, no matter how minor and even if you received a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Following all posted signage on campus including mask requirements and frequent hand washing.

The Douglas College vaccination survey results are in and the findings are very encouraging.

We had an impressively high response rate, higher than most institutions in the sector. Over 92% of regular staff and administrators responded to the survey, as well as 73% of faculty and 61% of students.  This is remarkably high for any survey. Thank you for taking part!

Reported vaccination rates are also very high, well above average for the greater Metro Vancouver region.

Of those who responded, 93% of regular staff, 95% of faculty and 97.5% of administrators say they have been fully vaccinated, with small percentages also reporting partial vaccination status.

With respect to students, 88% report that they have been fully vaccinated and another 6.5% partially vaccinated, which is, again, higher than the regional average.

Many of the students and employees who are not yet fully vaccinated say that they plan to get fully vaccinated soon.

All of this is great news and it gives the College good reason to believe that the vast majority of our college community is fully vaccinated.

Earlier in the Fall, we announced the possibility of widespread rapid testing. With this new data and confirmation from the Provincial Health Officer that widespread rapid testing is not supported due to little evidence showing that it reduces risk outside of specific settings, such as housing, we will not be pursuing widespread rapid testing at this time.

Instead, we’re choosing to go with what we know is working – encouraging vaccination and making it easier for students and employees to get vaccinated. By far, this is the best way to keep ourselves and our community safe.

Douglas College has been working with the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, and other post-secondary institutions on ways to maintain and enhance safety on our campuses during the COVID 19 pandemic. 

To help us make further decisions on the best way forward for Douglas, we are asking all students and employees to complete an anonymous survey regarding vaccination status. This data is vital for planning future responses to the pandemic.  

Students and employees will receive an email invitation from Douglas College Institutional Research containing a unique and secure URL link to the survey within the next day. The survey will take less than a minute to complete and no self-identifying information is collected. 

It is extremely important to gather responses from everybody, regardless of vaccination status, and we encourage you to participate. 

On Monday, the Province will begin requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for some non-essential or discretionary services, businesses and events. For Douglas, this means some of our activities will now require proof of vaccination of at least one dose starting September 13 and full vaccination (two doses) by October 24. 

Starting Monday, proof of vaccination WILL be required for:  

• Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events 
• Fitness Centre access 
• Intramurals, gym access and other indoor high intensity group exercise  
• Indoor organized gatherings like conferences, meetings and workshops that welcome individuals from the community to participate (e.g. Speaker Series events) 
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities 
• DSU social events and club meetings & events 

Proof of vaccination includes showing the BC Vaccine Card and a piece of valid government photo ID. For people from other provinces, territories or international visitors, the Government's website has information about alternative documents*.

At this time, the Provincial Health Officer has not provided for any exemptions from the program. Individuals unable to show proof of vaccination will not be able to participate in activities that require the BC Vaccine Card.

Proof of vaccination WILL NOT be required for:

• Academic classes, and other educational activities required for those classes 
• Workshops, info sessions, or events for current students (e.g. Friday Hangouts, Career Centre workshops, Service Fairs, etc.)
• Access to service areas on campus (e.g. Career Center, Enrolment Services, Counselling, etc.)
• On-campus cafeterias
• Indoor organized events with less than 50 people, except adult sports

Not to worry, activities that require proof of vaccination will include the requirement on all promotional material, as well as provide signage at the event, so you can make educated decisions about participation.

Learn more about the BC Vaccine Card and how to get it.

*Text updated on September 28.

There has been a lot of news this week about returning to campus, so we have pulled together some quick answers to many of your last-minute questions before we see you next week.  

Vaccination 

Vaccination is not required to attend class at Douglas College; however, we encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated to help protect yourself and the campus community. The more people in a community who are immunized and protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for COVID-19 to spread. 

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to get vaccinated on Fraser Health's website. 

Later in September, Douglas College will be undertaking an additional measure of vaccine status declaration and updating your further about rapid testing. More information will be shared when it’s available.   

Masks 

Masks are required to access all indoor public spaces at Douglas College by order of the Provincial Health Officer. This means masks need to be worn inside all Douglas College buildings including all classrooms, lecture theatres, laboratories, other indoor instructional settings.   

Masks may be temporarily removed indoors when actively eating or drinking while seated.  

Additionally, instructors may choose to remove their masks in classrooms while teaching, as long as they maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters from others in the class. Removal of masks in classrooms pertains to instructors only, and not students.  

Eating on campus 

Food services are available at both campuses in the cafeteria. To comply with the Provincial Health Officer’s mask order, eating is not permitted within classrooms. Please enjoy your meals and snacks between classes elsewhere on campus.  When you are finished eating, you must put your mask back on.  

Preparing for the Vaccine Card 

As ordered by the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses starting September 13. For Douglas College, this means that you must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on that date, and by October 24, you must be fully vaccinated to access the following Douglas College activities and areas: 

• Indoor optional workshops, info sessions or events (notification will be provided in advance on posters, social media and other promotional materials) 

• Fitness centre, unless participating in a class  

• Intramural sports 

• Varsity athletics 

• Indoor athletic competitions 

• Attending a theatre production 

• Attending a music performance (e.g. Arts at One) 

• DSU social events or club activities 

As we continue to navigate the pandemic and our safe return to campus, the Provincial Health Officer has updated several safety protocols: specifically, requiring masks in all indoor public spaces starting Wednesday, August 25, and the introduction of the BC Vaccine Card (passport) for many non-essential activities beginning Sept. 13. 

MASKS

As of August 25, non-medical face masks will be required in all indoor public areas on Douglas College campuses including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms and labs. This includes meeting spaces.  

All students and instructors will be required to wear masks in classrooms and labs for Fall semester, or until the mask mandate is lifted by the Provincial Health Officer. 

VACCINE PASSPORT

On August 23, the Province announced a vaccine passport/card initiative as part of the BC Restart Plan. Participation in certain public non-essential activities throughout the province will require a vaccine passport/card beginning Sept. 13 for first dose of vaccine and Oct. 24 for both doses.   

At Douglas College, after these dates, proof of vaccination will be required by employees, students and other community members when accessing certain activities and services on campus, including the Fitness Centre, attending an arts event (e.g. theatre or music production) or participating in recreation and intramural activities. Campus food services will likely be included in this mandate, with details to come. 

Additional information about this new initiative and its effect on services and activities will be shared as it becomes available 

In late August and early September, Fraser Health will be holding walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Tuesdays at the New Westminster Campus and Wednesdays at the Coquitlam Campus. First and second doses are available for those eligible. 

New Westminster Campus 
Aug. 24, Aug. 31 and Sept. 7
10am–4pm
Room N1200

Coquitlam Campus
Aug. 25, Sept. 1 and Sept. 8
10am-4pm
Campus Green Patio

Please bring photo ID and your Personal Health Number. 

Fraser Health will support international students to obtain temporary PHN and registration for vaccination. Please bring passport and any other vaccination records from overseas (if available).

We ask that members of the College community remember not to attend if they are ill, have COVID-19 and/or have been asked to self-isolate.

As the College continues to transition from COVID-19-specific orders and protocols back to normal institutional policies and guidance, as outlined by the Ministry in their Return to Campus Guidelines, we remind the College community that stopping the spread of COVID-19 depends on everyone doing their part, including: immunization, daily self-administered health checks, staying home when sick and practising hand hygiene.

As announced on July 12, the College has begun the transition back to more regular campus operations.  

Beginning July 19, we will be further removing some of the current COVID-19 restrictions in accordance with the BC Restart Plan, as well as the Ministry’s Return-to-Campus Guidelines. This includes: 

• Removal of room occupancy signage 

• Removal of redundant COVID-19 signage and decals 

• Return of furniture to common areas 

• As the College continues to transition from COVID-19 specific orders and protocols back to normal institutional policies and guidance as outlined by the Ministry in their Return to Campus Guidelines, we remind the College community that stopping the spread of COVID-19 relies on everyone doing their part, including: immunization, daily self-administered health checks, staying home when sick, and practicing hand hygiene.

Douglas College is beginning to transition back to regular campus operations by loosening some of the current COVID-19 safety restrictions in accordance with the BC Restart Plan and the Ministry’s Return-to-Campus Guidelines. 

Starting Tuesday, July 13, mask usage on campus will shift from required to recommended for all indoor public spaces. Additionally, the active health screenings currently conducted by Security, as well as the reduced access to the campus will also be removed. All access points to the campus will now be open in accordance with College schedules. 

As the College continues to transition from COVID-19 specific orders and protocols back to normal institutional policies and guidance as outlined by the Ministry in their Return to Campus Guidelines, we remind the College community that stopping the spread of COVID-19 relies on everyone doing their part, including: immunization, daily self-administered health checks, staying home when sick, and practicing hand hygiene.  

Dear students,

As you may have heard, BC’s Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training have given all post-secondary institutions in BC the direction to plan for a return to campus this Fall. This is exciting news! We are thrilled to be welcoming you back to campus, many for the first time.

Planning for a return to campus is now underway, including course scheduling for how each individual class will be delivered, whether it is in-person, online, or through a hybrid model, with our full academic schedule to be released May 31. Services and resources for students – including the library, food services, advising, counselling and more – will also be available in person once again this Fall, although many online options will continue to be accessible.

I recognize that the idea of returning to in-person activities may leave some people feeling anxious, given how long we have been socially distanced. Summer Semester is also continuing to be online only, as we have not reached the point where we can make a full return.

However, by the Fall, conditions are expected to be very different. Recently, I participated in a virtual town hall meeting with Dr. Bonnie Henry, senior post-secondary leaders, and representatives of local and provincial post-secondary labour unions. Dr. Henry explained that with more and more vaccine doses becoming readily available in BC, COVID-19 numbers are expected to fall dramatically. Vaccination does an excellent job of preventing people from getting very sick and preventing the spread of the disease. In BC, expectations are that all adults, including those in their late teens, will have had the opportunity to have had two vaccinations by the end of the summer. Dr. Henry’s recorded town hall is available online if you would like to learn more.

As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, we will be updating the college website with FAQs and more specific information as it becomes available. Much of this information will be informed by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training’s Go Forward Guidelines, which are currently under development.

Douglas College is such a vibrant campus community that I am excited at the idea of being able to experience it once again. From a global perspective, being able to plan for a return to campus is a privilege for which I am very grateful. Some parts of the world are not so fortunate. 

Our hearts go out to our students in countries such as India, Brazil and others where the pandemic is still surging. Many students may also have family members or friends in these areas, causing them additional anxiety. Even here in the relative safety of BC, the stress and anxiety of dealing with the pandemic has taken its toll on our mental health. Please do not forget that we have resources available for support, including personal counselling services and 24/7 mental health supports.

To those of you taking classes in Summer semester, good luck! And to everyone, I’m looking forward to seeing you in September.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kathy Denton
President, Douglas College

Under the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, Douglas College is preparing to welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2021 Semester.

On April 30, the Ministry of Advanced Educations and Skills Training, with guidance from the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Provincial Health Officer, released a COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Primer to all post-secondary institutions (PSIs) in BC. The Primer provides health planning assumptions to help guide return-to-campus planning for Fall 2021.

Key to planning is the expectation that, as vaccine rollout continues through the summer, by September: “COVID-19 transmission will be low, and more importantly serious infections will be uncommon. COVID-19 is a virus that is unlikely to be eliminated from the population. However, COVID-19 can be managed in the same manner as other common respiratory infections.”

With this expectation, Douglas College is planning for the majority of classes to be in-person for Fall semester, working with our healthcare partners to ensure that the right measures are in place to keep our community safe. Return-to-campus planning will operate under the following guiding principles: 

• Our top priority is the health and safety of our campus community. Return to campus will be conducted following the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, WorkSafeBC and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training’s Go-Forward Guidelines for the Post-Secondary Sector.

• As our society recovers from the pandemic, the College recognizes the need for flexibility in our teaching formats and service delivery to effectively respond to ever-evolving health information, guidance and best practices.

• In instances where guidance is incomplete or information is unknown, the College will err on the side of caution to maintain community safety.

• When safe to do so, Douglas College’s primary form of instruction and service delivery will return to being in-person, with online and hybrid options available where practicable.

• Proportions of in-person vs online delivery formats for classes in the Fall semester will be based on best available guidance from the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC.

• The ever-changing conditions of the pandemic may require in-person instruction and service to quickly revert to online, should health and safety conditions require it.

Douglas College will seek to inform students as quickly as possible about any change in course format. Students should monitor their College email and the College website for any changes.

Fall 2021 course schedules detailing the availability of in-person, hybrid and online course offerings will be available May 31.

In support of the Provincial Health Officer’s efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission, in-person Summer 2021 graduation ceremonies at Douglas College will not be held. The College is identifying other ways to formally celebrate graduates and their accomplishments, and more information will be provided in the coming weeks.

Graduating students who applied for graduation by the final deadline of April 9, 2021, and have met requirements for their program will have their credential officially awarded in June 2021. Parchments will be mailed out to graduates. If your address has changed, please update your home address on your MyAccount by June 1, 2021, and email grad@douglascollege.ca to ensure your credential is sent to the correct address. 

We will follow the directives of the Public Health Officer for assessing when in-person ceremonies will resume, and cannot confirm any plans for future ceremonies at this time.

To the Douglas College community,

Yesterday, the Provincial Health Officer provided a letter to all post-secondary presidents advising colleges and universities to prepare for a return to on-campus education beginning in September.

This is exciting news. With the information provided by Dr. Henry on immunization for all British Columbians over the summer months, Douglas College is able to plan to welcome students back to our campuses for the Fall, 2021 semester.

As always, the health and well-being of our campus community is Douglas College’s top priority. Over the coming weeks and months, we will work with the public health authority to plan for a safe return to campus, informed by the updated Go-Forward Guidelines provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

While the prospect of returning to campus is certainly exciting, it must be undertaken cautiously and safely. At every step, we will be working under the guidance of Dr. Henry and all our healthcare partners to ensure that the right measures are in place to keep our community safe.

Planning for the Fall course schedules and activities is underway. More information about course availability in-person and online will be available over the coming weeks. Expect another update as planning progresses.

Sincerely,
Dr. Kathy Denton
President, Douglas College

In support of the Provincial Health' Officer's updated mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission, all in-person campus services and non-academic activities continue to be suspended until further notice. Additional details of this suspension can be found in the December 8th update.

Douglas College’s top priority continues to be the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and students as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there has been significant progress in the rollout of vaccines, it is unlikely that enough citizens will have received inoculations by Summer for the College to consider safely restoring in-person operations. With this in mind, Douglas College will be delivering the Summer 2021 semester in much the same manner as the previous two semesters.

This means that the majority of Summer 2021 courses will be delivered remotely. As is the case this winter, a few classes, labs and tutorials will be permitted to go ahead on campus and in-person as long as:

• students and faculty are able to meet in small groups and appropriate physical distance measures are in place; and,
• instruction cannot reasonably be delivered in an online format.

A specific class’s mode of delivery (remote learning, in-person, hybrid or some combination) will be identified clearly in the catalogue in the run-up to registration in March. Additional information may also be provided in the course section notes, so please review your course selection carefully when registering.

In support of the Provincial Health' Officer's updated mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission, all in-person campus services and non-academic activities are further suspended until February 5, 2021 or further notice as detailed in the December 8th update.

In support of the Provincial Health Officer’s efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission, in-person Winter 2021 graduation ceremonies at Douglas College will not be held. The College is identifying other ways to formally celebrate graduates and their accomplishments, and more information will be provided in the New Year.

Graduating students who applied for graduation by the final deadline of December 11, 2020 and have met requirements for their program will have their credential officially awarded in mid February 2021. Parchments will be mailed out to graduates in early March 2021. Be sure to update your home address on MyAccount by February 1, 2021.

We will follow the directives of the Public Health Officer for assessing when in-person ceremonies will resume, and cannot confirm any plans for future ceremonies at this time.

In support of the Provincial Health' Officer's updated mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission, all in-person campus services and non-academic activities are further suspended until Jan. 8, 2021 or further notice. 

This includes counselling, academic advising, career coaching, Douglas College International services, recreation activities, food services, fitness centre and any other in-person events or services.

All student services will continue to be available remotely. Library “Take Out” service and the scheduled Bookstore pick-up service will continue to be available during scheduled hours and with an appointment.

When classes resume on January 4, in-person student labs and other scheduled in-person academic activities will continue as scheduled, unless otherwise notified by your instructor. If you have any questions about a specific course or program, contact your instructor directly.

Campuses will remain open for the remainder of the Fall semester; however, students are encouraged to study remotely as much as possible. Active safety screening is taking place at campus entrances for all visitors to the College.

The College will be closed to the public Dec. 24-Jan. 4 for the holiday break.

Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work through the pandemic together. Further updates will be made available should the Provincial Health Officer mandate change.

As below, in support of the Provincial Health' Officer's updated mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission, all in-person campus services and non-academic activities are further suspended until Dec. 7 or further notice. 

Additionally, facemasks are required in all public spaces on campus including classrooms.

In support of the Provincial Health Officer’s updated mandate to reduce COVID-19 transmission, all in-person campus services and non-academic activities will be suspended until Nov. 23 or further notice.

This includes counselling, academic advising, career coaching, Douglas College International services, recreation activities, and any other in-person events or services. As of November 10, food services will not be available at either campus and the fitness centre will be closed during this period.

All student services will continue to be available remotely, and Library “Take Out” service will continue to be available. 

In-person student labs and other in-person scheduled academic activities will continue unless otherwise notified by your instructor. If you have any questions about a specific course or program, contact your instructor directly.

Campuses will remain open; however, students are encouraged to study remotely as much as possible. Active safety screening of all students, employees and visitors will be in place at campus entrances.

Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work through the pandemic together. Further updates will be made available should the Provincial Health Officer mandate change.

In response to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in BC, the Provincial Health Officer announced last week that wearing non-medical facemasks will now be an expectation in all indoor public spaces.

In response, Douglas College will be updating its institutional safety plan to align with this expectation. As of Nov. 2, masks are required in all indoor public spaces. Previously, non-medical masks were only strongly recommended to be worn on campus.

Thank you for your assistance in helping to keep our campuses safe.

Douglas College’s top priority continues to be the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and students as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, the College will be delivering the Winter 2021 semester in much the same manner as the Fall 2020 semester.

This means that the majority of Winter 2021 courses will be delivered remotely. As is the case this Fall, a few classes, labs and tutorials will be permitted to go ahead on campus and in-person as long as:

• students and faculty are able to meet in small groups and appropriate physical distance measures are in place; and,
• instruction cannot reasonably be delivered in an online format.

A specific class’s mode of delivery (remote learning, in-person, hybrid or some combination) will be identified clearly in the catalogue in the run-up to registration in November. Additional information may also be provided in the course section notes, so please review your course selection carefully when registering.

This year is certainly different from any other that I have experienced. The need to conduct most classes remotely means that we are unable to do some of the in-person activities that we usually do at the start of a Fall semester. However, our Student Life team has been working hard to provide excellent events to help get you started in fun and engaging ways using various online applications. If you are a new student, I hope you participated in Strong Start, the orientation program for new students. New and returning students may also enjoy fun events like The Edge, which take place later this month. These events offer great opportunities for students to get to know one another and to feel connected with the College.

Although most students will be studying remotely, some of you may have in-person labs or classes. Before coming to campus for any reason, please make sure you read the information posted on our website about on-campus safety. The information will guide you through expectations for safety protocols such as performing daily self-assessments, wearing a mask in all common areas, and following posted signage. Please help us to keep our campuses safe for everyone.

If at any time during the year you have questions or need support, I encourage you to take advantage of the College’s advising and student services. All student services are available remotely. Some in-person options are also available if you need to come to campus. In-person hours are limited this Fall, so please check the college website before coming to campus.

Those of you who have not taken post-secondary courses remotely before may be feeling nervous about what to expect. However, I can tell you that our experience with remote classes this summer was very positive. Not only did students report high levels of satisfaction with their courses, but their grades were higher, on average, this summer compared to last summer. Douglas College faculty and instructional support staff work hard to provide students with an excellent education, whether online or in-person.

Although this Fall semester is different from any other, everyone at Douglas College is excited to get started. Douglas attracts amazing students who never cease to impress me. Watching you all learn and grow as you progress through your studies is truly inspiring for us, and can be transformational for you.   

Have a fantastic semester,

Kathy Denton
President

In preparation for the Fall semester, the College has developed the Douglas College COVID-19 Safety Plan: Protocols for Safe Campus Operations in alignment with the Ministry's COVID-19 Go Forward Guidelines for the Post-Secondary Sector . These documents provide guidelines for a cautious, controlled and phased return to campus operations. All community members are encouraged to review both documents.  Douglas College is taking all appropriate measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure a safe place to work and learn.

Douglas College is working hard to finalize our academic plans for Fall 2020 and we wanted to give students an update on what this means for course registration.

As always, our top priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and students. With COVID-19 continuing to create global challenges, out of an abundance of caution the vast majority of our Fall 2020 courses will be delivered synchronously online. This means that for most classes this Fall, students will attend online at the scheduled time. Some classes, like labs and tutorials, will be delivered in-person and will be conducted following appropriate guidelines set out by the Provincial Health Officer.

Students are encouraged to check the Fall 2020 schedule regularly, as ongoing updates will be made leading up to registration.

By now you may have heard that BC’s research universities have announced their Fall classes will be online only and you are probably wondering what will be happening at Douglas.

I’m writing to let you know that we are working on our plans right now, but much is still to be decided. I’m sure many of you are feeling frustrated by this uncertainty. It is frustrating for us too. The fact is, a lot will depend on the Provincial Health Officer’s assessments and advice, and that information continues to evolve.

This Fall, we will do our best to provide you with as many opportunities as is possible to allow you to come to campus and meet other students, instructors and staff, working within the safety guidelines prescribed by the Provincial Health Officer. However, it will certainly not be a return to “normal” – that simply isn’t an option yet.

Our primary concern has to be the health of our community. Any return to face-to-face interactions will have to be done through a strict occupational health and safety lens with appropriate measures regarding physical distancing, hygiene, cleaning, etc. Work is currently underway at the Ministry level to establish these guidelines for all post-secondary institutions. These guidelines will then inform planning within Douglas College.

Over the coming weeks, the College will be finalizing plans for the Fall semester. The majority of classes will likely be conducted remotely. Whether or not a given class will have an in-person component will depend on the guidelines we receive, as well as the type of activities and number of students in the class. I can assure you that by the registration period you will know exactly what kind of class you are signing up for – whether that means remote learning, in person, hybrid or some other combination. Importantly, most courses will be available entirely through remote learning for students who are concerned about attending class in person.

In regard to services for students, we will do our best to have in-person options available there as well. As good as our online services are, we know that seeing a friendly face in person can sometimes make a big difference. But again, this has to be done safely.

We all want to return to the life and the freedoms we had pre-pandemic, but we need to manage any return to in-person instruction and services carefully to keep our community healthy. We also need to be prepared to transition quickly to being all-remote again if we have another wave of COVID at a later date. This is simply the reality of the times.

On behalf of Douglas College, thank you for your understanding and patience. We look forward to welcoming you this Fall.

Sincerely,

Kathy Denton
President, Douglas College

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we have made the difficult decision to suspend Summer 2020 graduation ceremonies at Douglas College. We understand many of our graduates have been looking forward to celebrating this moment with family and friends; however, the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is a top priority.

We are actively looking at alternate ways to celebrate and recognize our graduates and will share more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, graduating students who apply for graduation by April 15, 2020 and have met requirements for their program will have their credential awarded in June 2020 and their parchment mailed to them. All students are awarded credentials in June 2020 will be invited to attend either the February 2021 or June 2021 ceremonies. More information about these ceremonies will be shared at a later date.   

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation together. 

Summer Tuition Update

Tuition and fees, other than U-Pass, will remain unchanged for the Summer semester. While the delivery format of our courses has changed, they continue to be taught by the same experienced faculty as they would be in person. Students continue to earn full academic credit and the College continues to provide student services like library, academic advising, career services and counselling through alternative delivery modes. We remain focused on delivering the best education possible in a safe environment.

U-Pass
Douglas College has worked with other post-secondary institutions, student associations and Translink to temporarily suspend the U-Pass BC program as of May 1, 2020. We understand that for those who rely on the U-Pass for inexpensive transportation, this decision may add to financial pressure. With proper documentation, some students may be eligible for Emergency Funding to help purchase a transit pass. More information can be found on the Financial Aid web pages.  

DSU & The Other Press
Fees collected on behalf of the Douglas Students’ Union (DSU) and The Other Press are the responsibility of those independent organizations. Questions about fees can be directed to info@thedsu.ca or editor@theotherpress.ca respectively.

Financial Aid Update

During these unprecedented times, many people will face financial hardships, including our students. Douglas College is here to help. To help reduce hardship during this time, Douglas College students have access to a just-announced [link to media release] emergency financial aid fund totaling $600,000.

These funds are available for both domestic and international students enrolled in either the Winter or Summer semester. 

To learn whether you are eligible for emergency funding, please contact a Student Success Advisor. Eligible students can expect to receive funding within two weeks after approval.  

Please visit the Financial Aid webpage for more information on the types of financial aid available to Douglas College students. 

Winter Term Grading

Douglas College is using the current grading model for the Winter 2020 semester to preserve students’ academic records. As a university-transfer institution, a considerable number of our students transfer their credits to other institutions after leaving Douglas College. Moving to a pass/fail grading method could limit potential progression into degrees, or to other institutions, and compromise future educational opportunities for students. 

While we strongly encourage students to complete their courses for Winter, you do have some options:

• Withdraw from classes by April 9 and end the term with a W notation on your record. This official withdrawal date was extended from March 15 to April 9.

• Or, students who believe their final grades have been negatively affected by the changes in mode of instruction will be able to request to withdraw from a course with a ‘W’ – after final grades have been assigned – by submitting a Request for Exception to the Office of the Registrar by May 1, 2020.  The ‘W’ notation will appear on the student record and will not impact your GPA. In addition, no tuition refund will be made. 

We do caution that opting for a ‘W’ notation may have impacts on financial assistance funding and immigration. If you are considering withdrawing, we strongly encourage you to speak with the appropriate areas regarding the impact on your personal situation:

• Financial Aid: financialaid@douglascollege.ca   
• Douglas College International: dci.immigration@douglascollege.ca

We would like to thank all our students for their on ongoing patience and flexibility as Douglas College responds to the evolving challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that students are working hard to finish the semester and, the College is also working hard to provide the resources needed for students to be successful.

Below are updates on how the Winter term will conclude, as well as how Summer semester will operate.    

Summer semester courses will be online only

In support of the Public Health Officer’s social distancing directive, and in recognition of students’ planning needs, Douglas College has made the difficult decision to move all Summer 2020 courses online. There will be no in-person classes for the Summer term. Summer semester starts May 4, as originally scheduled. 

As the situation continues to evolve, Douglas College cannot guarantee ongoing access to our physical campuses, so students registering for the Summer term need to ensure you have access to a computer and internet to be able to meet the requirements for instructional delivery. Some courses may have specific technology requirements, which will be identified in the course catalogue. 

In addition, services for students have also moved to alternative delivery modes and will continue throughout the Summer semester in this manner. We are continuously working to improve the virtual experience. Contact information and services information can be found on the website.
Summer semester tuition deadline extended

The Summer semester tuition deadline is extended to April 27, 2020 for both domestic and returning international students. 

Winter withdrawal deadline extended

The withdrawal deadline, with a W notation on the student record, is extended to April 9, 2020 from the prior deadline of March 15, 2020. Students are encouraged to try to complete their courses for the Winter semester, and continue to keep in touch with their instructors.

Winter exams

Exams for the Winter semester will not be hosted in-person. Instructors will provide information directly to their classes about how to complete the Winter term.  Please check the exam schedule on the website, as it is regularly updated.

Fraser Health has notified the College that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. Those who may have come into direct contact with the individual in a classroom setting have been contacted. The last time the student was on campus was Friday, March 13. The College has reached out and offered our support to the student, who says they are doing well.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying the greater College community as requested by Fraser Health. The student was at the New Westminster campus library on March 13 between 10am-1pm. If you were at the above location on the same date and time, Fraser Health asks that from now until March 26 (14 days after the exposure) you: 

• Monitor your health for fever, cough, sneezing, or sore throat 
• Avoid crowded public spaces and places where you cannot easily separate yourself from others

If you do not have symptoms, there is little risk to you or those around you. You do not need to isolate yourself, visit a doctor, or get tested. If you experience symptoms or develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible and remain isolated for 14 days from the onset of symptoms.

Due to privacy legislation, Douglas College is unable to release personal information about its students or employees. This is the only member of the College community with a known positive COVID-19 diagnosis.  

Our primary concern is to the protect the health and safety of our campus community. Douglas College has been actively planning for and responding to the COVID-19 situation since the first case in BC was confirmed on Jan. 29, and continues to act on the advice of the Provincial Health Officer.

Douglas College will be moving to alternative student service delivery models, effective March 19. Our campuses will remain open; however, all in-person student services will be temporarily suspended. 

Supports for students and College operations will continue through other means including email, teleconferencing, video conferencing, and other tools specific to service areas. 

Employees college-wide are working hard to provide the best support possible to our students while maintaining the social distancing recommended by health authorities. 

Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility.

Douglas College is shifting to alternative modes of instruction, effective immediately, for the rest of the Winter semester. 

Instructors will provide students with information on how to complete course work, including final exams. This could be online, through self-directed study, or other means, depending on the nature of the course or program.

Douglas College campuses will remain open at this time, with some reduced service levels during normal service hours.

No instances of COVID-19 have been reported on campus. All measures being taken by Douglas College are being done out of an abundance of caution to help reduce the transfer of COVID-19 and in recognition of the stress and anxiety this situation is causing many students, faculty and other employees. COVID-19 represents an unprecedented health challenge and it is up to all individuals and institutions to follow the best advice available from provincial health authorities to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Please visit the College FAQs for more information on COVID-19.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please also check the college website and emails regularly for updates.

In response to the evolving situation with COVID-19, Douglas College will be transitioning away from in-person classes. Last day of classes will be no later than March 20.

Instructors will provide students with information this week on how to complete course work for the period of March 23-April 6. This could be online, through self-directed study, or other means, depending on the nature of the course or program.

All Douglas College campuses will remain open and all services will be available during normal service hours. This includes the library, Registrar’s Office and all other service areas. The cafeteria will be open, but with modified food options under the direction of the Ministry of Health. Washrooms, food services, and other high traffic areas are all on accelerated cleaning cycles.

As advised by the Provincial Health Officer, all scheduled events and gatherings of more than 250 people have been postponed or cancelled. College-sanctioned international travel has been suspended and self-isolation is being observed for those returning to Canada.

The Provincial Health Officer advises that the risk of COVID-19 remains low. All measures being taken by Douglas College are being done out of an abundance of caution and in recognition of the stress and anxiety this situation is causing many students, faculty and other employees. COVID-19 represents an unprecedented health challenge and it is up to all individuals and institutions to follow the best advice available from provincial health authorities to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Please visit the College FAQs for more information on COVID-19.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, please also check the college website and emails regularly for updates.

Acting under the advice of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and the Ministry of Health, all Douglas College campuses will remain open and in-person instruction will continue unless otherwise advised.

Douglas College has small classes of approximately 35 students that fall well under the Ministry of Health’s suggested event maximum of 250 people. The Ministry of Advanced Education advises that there is no compelling reason to suspend our in-person classes at this time. However, all events of over 250 people have been cancelled or postponed.

Douglas College takes the health and well-being of our students, faculty and other employees very seriously. We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are in close contact with the Provincial Health Officer, as well as the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training to ensure that we are acting in the best interest of our community, as well as the public at large.

The College is also preparing to move to online classes, where appropriate, should advice from the Provincial Health Officer or the Ministry change. Please see the FAQs for more information.

On March 12, I took part in a conference call between the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, the Ministry of Health, and the Presidents and Board Chairs of all of British Columbia's public universities, colleges and institutes. All of us are concerned about the health and welfare of our students, faculty and other employees in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. And all of us are receiving questions about the status of in-person classes and other activities at our institutions.

The Ministry of Health informed us once again that the health risk to the majority of us as individuals remains low and that the best way to fight the virus is to be vigilant about proper hand washing, cleaning, self-isolation during symptoms, and other recommended steps. The Ministry does not recommend that we suspend in-person classes.

Given this advice, Douglas College – along with the other public universities, colleges and institutes in BC – will remain open and in-person classes and most other activities will continue as scheduled. This is based on the best available evidence and advice from the Province's Chief Medical Health Officer. Should this recommendation change, public post-secondary institutions will work together to suspend activities as necessary in a coordinated manner.

Douglas College will continue to ramp up our capability to deliver course work online, so we are prepared should we ever need to suspend in-person classes, and look at ways to deliver alternatives to in-person exams should that become necessary. In the meantime, we have enhanced our cleaning regimens, curtailed non-essential international travel, and are working across the institution to maintain a healthy, safe and engaging learning and working environment.

I would like to thank the College community for remaining calm, but vigilant, during this challenging period. I encourage you all to follow the recommendations of the BC Centre for Disease Control to stay healthy and help reduce the spread of the virus, and to visit the College FAQs for more information.