Parkland College campuses will re-open to learners and the public on Monday, August 31. This marks the fourth and final phase of the College’s re-opening plan and is the result of months of preparation for a healthy and safe return to in-person programming.
“We are ready to open our campuses,” said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. “Our staff have worked incredibly hard over the summer to prepare our facilities to be compliant with COVID-19 guidelines. We have also devoted considerable effort to developing online programming and training our instructors to deliver curriculum online, in order to enrich the educational experience of our learners.”
The College is delivering classes this fall through Blended Learning – a mix of online instruction, face-toface classes, experiential learning, and alternative delivery methods. Blended Learning gives the College the flexibility to provide instruction while managing risks associated with COVID-19. All programs will have an online component to help limit the number of people on campus.
All visitors, students, and staff are required to wear masks. They are mandatory in hallways, bathrooms, common areas, and any space where physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained.
Campus access tracking is an essential part of the College’s safety protocols. Members of the public accessing College sites are required to complete a brief health questionnaire and sign in on a visitor log.
Additional safety precautions are in place, including plexiglass shields at reception areas, extra hand sanitizer stations, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing schedules. Some common areas are off-limits or have restricted access, while decals have been placed on floors and signs on walls to help control traffic flow and aid in physical distancing.
“Our shared priority, at all levels of the education system, is the health and safety of students and staff,” Hoddenbagh added. “We are glad to be opening, but we remain ready to adapt at any point as the pandemic evolves.”
About Parkland College: Parkland College provides high quality, learner centred education and training as a foundation for lifelong success. The College offers a superior learning and campus experience for all students through quality programming and services. Students can get started on their careers by completing university classes, full degrees, and skills training and trades certificates. Parkland College also delivers high school upgrading, safety training, and corporate/professional development.
