"We’re willing to do anything to keep our campus safe”
Once, attentive instructors, hands-on learning and a safe, supportive environment were almost all that was needed to help students meet their goals of gaining the skills and education that would see them on to rewarding careers.
Those remain the fundamentals, but the environment, as we all know, has changed. Helping to ensure the well-being of those on campus – including students, staff and visitors – is more complicated than it used to be.
“Our priority is health and safety on campus,” said Melanie Rogers, NAIT’s vice-president of external relations. “The efforts aren’t small, but we’re willing to do anything to keep our campus safe.”
That’s why NAIT has implemented a policy that, as of Nov. 8, staff and students coming to campus need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved accommodation. Students accepted into the winter term for blended or in-person learning will need to provide proof by Dec. 8. If accepted after that, proof must be provided within two business days of acceptance or by the start of the term, whichever comes first.
Vaccination is the single most effective public heath measure to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It’s an essential part of supporting a safe and healthy campus. NAIT’s vaccine policy plays a key role in helping classes continue without disruption and making sure that students are successful.
To make that happen, here are the seven things you need to do to meet our vaccine requirements.
1. Get vaccinated
To be on our campuses you must be fully vaccinated. This means you’ve had a second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before coming to NAIT.
NAIT will reasonably accommodate students and staff who cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine on protected grounds covered by the Alberta Human Rights Act. Given the time required to review accommodation requests, those requests should have already been initiated.
2. Upload proof to NAIT Alert
Once you have your vaccination record, verify it using the NAIT Alert app. Sign in with your NAIT credentials and, if approved, you’ll receive a green QR code within 48 hours (that is, don’t do this the night before you need to be on campus).
Also use the app if you’re submitting a negative test result as part of an approved accommodation. In this case, that green QR code is good for 72 hours from the date of the test.
Don’t do this the night before you need to be on campus.
Degree, diploma, certificate and upgrading students who have blended or in-person learning in winter term must provide proof of vaccination through NAIT Alert by Dec. 8 (staff do too). Apprentices who will be on campus must do so four weeks before the start of their program. Continuing Education students who are coming to NAIT must provide proof 24 hours before their first class.
3. Make time to show proof
NAIT Protective Services is rotating throughout campus entrances to check green QR codes in NAIT Alert. Give yourself extra time to open the app should you meet an officer on your way inside. You may also be asked to show your green QR code when entering a class, lab or shop.
4. Expect to wear a mask and physically distance
Vaccinated members of the campus community still need to wear masks indoors. Physical distancing is required in common areas but not in learning spaces.
Also, students and staff may now sit with people outside of their own household in cafeterias (though groups are limited to six).
5. Be prepared for consequences for non-compliance
For students who are not getting vaccinated, there are unavoidable consequences.
If you need to be on campus for in-person learning but cannot meet the safety requirements in time to meet the deadlines set by NAIT (see #2), you will be withdrawn from those in-person classes and any co-requisite online courses. you will not be provided with a refund and the withdrawal will be recorded on their academic record.
As of Jan. 2, 2022, all staff need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation, regardless of work location, or they will be placed on unpaid leave with possible termination to follow.
6. Stay informed
Since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, NAIT has adapted, modifying our approach as needed to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus low. We continue to assess emerging information and circumstances and respond as best we can.
Throughout, we have committed to keeping our community informed of developments. At any time, look for the latest news and guidance at nait.ca/covid19.
7. Be mindful of the power of cooperation and kindness
We are grateful for the cooperation, and for the support that so many staff and students have shown to the polytechnic and to each other so far, ensuring everyone is allowed to continue to pursue their own vision of success. Strong public health guidelines will help keep campus functioning as it should. Kindness will make it a community.
Just visiting?
Before dropping by campus, visit the Facilities and Services page to learn what's open and how to access services.
Visitors who need access to classrooms, shops or labs must be prepared to provide valid proof of full vaccination. These spaces include Ernest’s Dining Room, the Retail Meat Store, and the Dental and Denture Clinic.
Outside of classrooms, shops and labs, visitors must be prepared to provide proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test results that are no older than 72 hours. These include areas such as the arena and conference venues.
The only acceptable proof is the Alberta government QR code.
For all visitors to all spaces:
- stay home if you’re sick
- wear a mask on campus
- ensure you keep at least two metres of distance between yourself and others
- practice good hygiene by washing your hands