Full slate of programs offered, most online with on-campus instruction when needed
College of the Rockies is preparing to welcome students to the 2020/21 academic year on Tuesday, September 8, with enhanced safety protocols in place.
“This start to the academic year is unlike any we’ve seen before,” said College President Paul Vogt. “Our focus remains on ensuring our students get the education they need to prepare for their future careers or further education, while keeping their health and safety, along with that of our employees as our priority.”
All College campuses will be open but operating in a different way. The number of people in buildings will be significantly reduced by having employees work from home when possible, limiting the general public’s access to facilities, and delivering most courses online or via web-conferencing. For those present at campuses, masks will be required when physical distancing is not possible.
Programs and courses that require hands-on learning -such as trades, healthcare, and science labs – will be delivered on-campus in small groups, with physical distancing and other public health guidelines in place.
Student services like academic advising will be delivered, for the most part, virtually. There will be a limited number of employees working at the campus to provide necessary assistance to students, including the Campus Store, and Library Services. Registration services will be primarily available virtually, with some in-person assistance available if necessary. Limited access to the gym and weight room will be available to support student health and wellbeing.
The College will once again be welcoming a number of international students from a wide variety of countries, with appropriate precautions in place.
“Many of our international students remained with us from the previous academic year, deciding to stay in Canada to work and prepare for the fall semester,” Vogt said. “Any new students arriving from abroad will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival.”
Prior to the start of the semester, all registered students were enrolled in the annual JumpStart program, aimed at fostering student success. For 2020, the JumpStart program went virtual with weekly updates being sent to students with information about the College’s COVID-19 protocol, online learning tips, services available to students, helpful videos, and more. Orientation Week activities and information will also be held online.
Though the semester officially starts on September 8, enrolment into some programs will be accepted until September 23.
See more information, or apply to College of the Rockies.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Heather Jackson
Manager, Communications and Marketing
College of the Rockies
250-489-8258
jackson@cotr.bc.ca