Get ready! We encourage you to accept your offer. We are monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 situation and make whatever adjustments are necessary to programs and the status of our campus. We will communicate these to you as quickly as possible, through your myCambrian student account and the email you provide.

We encourage you to accept your offer as soon as possible because there’s no guarantee your spot will be saved for you.  Any changes to our plans will be communicated to you as soon as possible through your myCambrian student account and the email you provide.

We are planning to begin our fall semester with a hybrid model of delivery — meaning a combination of faculty-led remote teaching and learning for those components of our programs that can be delivered remotely, and in-person delivery of the hands-on learning experiences that must take place on campus.  On-campus instruction will increase as restrictions are lifted. If you decide that online learning is not the option you want, you will receive a refund. Refund applications will be processed through our Enrolment Centre.

We have taken a number of step to ensure a safe return to campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Those measures are outlined in our Campus Re-open Guide and Re-open Plan, at the top of the page. We are following all best practices to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. They controlled access to the campus, pre-screening for COVID symptoms prior to being allowed access to campus, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of the entire campus, in particular high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces, and reconfiguring lab and classrooms and closing common spaces to promote physical distancing.

Should you choose to enrol for September and start your studies online, you will be contacted by your faculty members, who will provide you with all the information you need to begin your studies. Your online learning will include live, interactive online classes (recorded so you can view them later on, if necessary) and assignments you can complete on your own.

All our student services and supports will continue to be offered online, including the Library, Learning Centre, Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility, Career Centre, and more. Details are here on our COVID landing page.

You do not have to be on campus to study online. You can study from your home community.

For the 2020 fall semester, we expect the campus will be open for in-person delivery of hands-on components of courses that can only be completed on site. Theory portions of your courses will continue to be offered through faculty-led remote learning.
In order to come onto campus for required hands-on learning, students, faculty, and employees will have to complete a mandatory training module. The module takes about 20 minutes. When you successfully finish the module, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you must present in order to come onto campus.
Here are the links for the module, which is found in Moodle. Use your Cambrian ID number and password to log-in.
Student link
Staff link

Our Enrolment Centre has that information for you, and it will be available soon on your myCambrian student portal. At this point, we would encourage you to pay your fees and deposits to ensure your spot in your program this September. We will communicate with you any changes as they occur.

We expect our Residence to be open for September, so if you are planning to stay on Residence, it would be wise to apply and secure your spot.

For more information regarding Residence, you can email our Residence management  info@cambrianresidence.ca.

Our Campus Re-open Guide has a section on Residence and what we are doing to ensure your safety.

There will be enhanced cleaning of common, high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces. We will provide our students in Residence with education on infection control best practices.

We fully intend to have our Residence open to students in September. If that changes, we will let you know as soon as possible, and work directly with students who intend to stay on Residence.

Contact our Enrolment Centre which can discuss your options with you.

You can learn more about OSAP and what it means for you at www.osap.gov.on.ca
The Government of Canada also has supports in place for post-secondary students. Click here to learn more.

• You are permitted to travel to Canada for classes beginning in the 2020 fall semester (September) if:
  *you have a valid study permit that was issued before March 18, 2020, and
  *your program requires hands-on learning (labs) that can only be completed on campus
  Click here to see if your program has hands-on learning labs in the fall semester that can only be completed on campus.
• If your study permit was issued before March 18, 2020, but your program does not require hands-on learning on campus for 2020 fall semester, we are requesting that you remain in your home country to begin your studies
• If your study permit was issued to you after March 18, 2020, you are not yet permitted to travel to Canada. Your studies will begin in your home country
• If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed to travel to Canada. Click here to learn more about COVID-19, including symptoms and how to stay safe
• If you do not have symptoms, upon arrival in Canada, you must still self-isolate for a period of 14 days, and you must have a self-isolation plan. That plan should include where you are going to be staying and how you are getting there, whether by yourself or if someone is picking you up. You should not come to Canada unless you have a self-isolation plan
• If you have not arranged a destination where you will be staying for your 14-day self-isolation period, Cambrian can provide you with a room at a designated hotel. Please let Cambrian’s International Department know what your plans are (international@cambriancollege.ca)
• If you intend to come to Sudbury for your self-isolation period, Cambrian can provide you with a room at a designated hotel in Sudbury. Please let Cambrian College International know what your plans are (international@cambriancollege.ca)
• If you have already been in Canada for more than 14 days and have completed your mandatory self-isolation with no symptoms, you do not need to undergo a further 14-day self-isolation period to begin your studies at Cambrian College.
• If however, you have developed symptoms of COVID-19 during or after your initial 14-day isolation period, or been in contact with someone who has, you will then have to undergo another 14-day isolation period from the onset of symptoms or potential contact

To learn more about COVID-19 as it relates to international students, visit the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, a ministry of the Government of Canada.

According to the website for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada:

“If your in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, you’re still eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
If you have a study permit, or been approved for a study permit for a program starting in the spring, summer or fall, but you can’t travel to Canada at this time due to travel restrictions, you’re also still eligible for the PGWPP.
If you’re in this situation, you may

• begin your classes while outside Canada, and
• complete up to 50% of your program while outside Canada, if you can’t travel to Canada sooner.

If you start your studies in fall 2020, you won’t have time deducted from the length of your post-graduation work permit for studies you complete while outside Canada between fall 2020 and December 31, 2020.”

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the IRCC website. You can also contact Cambrian’s International Department at international@cambriancollege.ca.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid@cambriancollege.ca.

We are planning to begin our fall semester with a hybrid model of delivery — meaning a combination of faculty-led remote teaching and learning for those components of our programs that can be delivered remotely, and in-person delivery of the hands-on learning experiences that must take place on campus.  On-campus instruction will increase as restrictions are lifted.

Student placements in community are resuming as our partners indicate that they are able to accept and support placement and co-op students. If you are an Employer interested in supporting a student on placement or co-op, please contact the Cambrian Career Centre for further information.

Apprenticeship delivery is suspended until further notice. We will provide updates as they become available.

If our campus is open as usual, we will follow our normal program schedules and requirements regarding evaluations and final exams. If our campus remains closed, we will put in place whatever contingency plans are necessary, and we will share those with you through your myCambrian student account email.

We fully intend to have returning students finish their programs on time and graduate. If there is any change to that plan, we will let you know right away.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid@cambriancollege.ca.

If you were a student in our Winter 2020 semester and have not yet retrieved the contents of your locker, please contact facilities@cambriancollege.ca and let us know your intentions. We will arrange with you a time for pick up.

Our campus remains closed. Starting in mid-July (subject to change), we are preparing to re-open our campus to students who will be eligible to graduate this semester if they complete components of their programs that can only be delivered through in-person instruction.

The campus will remain closed to all other students at this time. We are also currently working on re-opening plans for students from the Winter 2020 semester who have incomplete grades (I) and who need to complete hands-on components of their courses to advance to their next semester. We hope to have these students return to campus in early August, pending the further lifting of restrictions for on-campus activities.

We expect that our 2020 fall semester will begin with a hybrid model of delivery — meaning a combination of faculty-led remote teaching and learning for those components of our programs that can be delivered remotely, and in-person delivery of the hands-on learning experiences that must take place on campus.  On-campus instruction will increase as restrictions are lifted.

Please see our Campus Re-open Guide on this page for more information on what to expect when you return to campus.

Any student, faculty member or employee who is to return to campus, must first complete a mandatory training module. The module can be found on Moodle and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

When you successfully finish the module, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must produce in order to have access to campus.

Click on the appropriate link to access the module
Students
Staff

For information about the status of our Student Residence for the upcoming Fall Semester in September, please contact info@cambrianresidence.ca, or call 705-566-8101, or 1-800-461-7145 and ask for extension 7583.

Rent

• Tenants who can pay their rent must do so, to the best of their abilities. Tenants who are having challenges paying rent should speak with their landlords about possibly deferring their rent or other payment arrangements.

Evictions

• No new eviction orders will be issued until further notice and offices will postpone any scheduled enforcement of current eviction orders. Tenants must pay rent while an eviction order is not being enforced.
• Landlords can still give eviction notices, however landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together to explore options satisfactory to both sides, including rent deferral or other payment options.

Click here to learn more about tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.

For questions about TSSA testing, please contact your program coordinator.

• Most student services are available online.
• Further details are available at below.

Our team of Academic Advisors are available virtually and are conducting advising sessions using Zoom. Please contact the appropriate Advisor for your program:

School	Student Success Advisor	Generic Email Address
Business, IT; Creative Arts, Design & Music; & Hospitality	TBA	Bus.inquiry@cambriancollege.ca
Health Sciences, Nursing & Emergency Services	Elizabeth Holmes	Hses.inquiry@cambriancollege.ca
Justice, Community Services, & General Studies	Angela Smith	Jacs.inquiry@cambriancollege.ca
Skills Training & Engineering Technology & Environmental Studies	Jennifer Christakos Mike Caruso	STT.inquiry@cambriancollege.ca

Closed.

Although the bookstore is currently closed, arrangements have been made to support the requirement for textbooks.  The bookstore continues to monitor email and can be contacted at cambrian@bkstr.com

Students should go to the Cambrian College online bookstore at cambrianshop.ca to order their textbooks and placement packages.

For non-digital materials and other items, our bookstore vendor (Follett) is offering free ground shipping on domestic orders over $100.

Curbside pickup is also available at the College and can be accessed by adding a note in the special instructions box at checkout requesting your materials be provided curbside.  Bookstore staff will connect with you via email to set up a time to arrive at the college.  Pick up can take place between 9-12 Monday-Friday.

No. On-campus computer labs are closed.

If you have concerns about your ability to access online or remote learning from home, please contact your program leadership.

Our Career Centre is moving to virtual delivery of services. To request career advising by phone or virtually, book through the myCambrian portal or contact careercentre@cambriancollege.ca.

Employers can contact the Career Centre at careercentre@cambriancollege.ca. Students and employers can also contact their Placement/Co-Op Coordinator via phone or email, or contact the Director of Student Success and Recruitment, Renee Scott, at renee.scott@cambriancollege.ca.

Students within the Rainbow District School Board can continue communication with Dana Kinsella at kinseld@rscloud.ca. Dana will be in communication with you as well to let you know her availability times during the week for students to connect with her.

Students within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board can continue communication with Kevin Villeneuve at kevin.villeneuve@sudburycatholicschools.ca. Kevin will be in communication with you as well to let you know his availability times during the week for students to connect with him.

If you cannot remember your Student # to login to myCambrian portal and did not get your Cambrian College Student ID card from the Enrolment Centre prior to March Break, you can contact Diane Boyce to obtain your student ID # diane.boyce@cambriancollege.ca.

Students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) that have registered with the Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility at Cambrian College can access the services by going to Cambrian College’s special COVID-19 information webpage, and use the FAQ search tool to find the Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility.

For all other inquiries, students can contact Chantale Roy, Dual Credit Coordinator, at chantale.roy@cambriancollege.ca.

To better assist us in meeting your needs virtually or remotely, please update your contact information in your myCambrian portal. This information is found on your student tab, under your personal checklist section.

Please ensure to keep up to date:

• Your e-mail address
• Your mailing address
• Your phone number
• Any Emergency contacts

If relevant, please also complete a release of information authorizations if you wish to grant someone access to your student account. If you have any questions, please contact us at enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca or by phone at 705-566-8101, ext 3003.

Please allow for delays in response time given the extraordinary circumstances and volume of requests.

Students in financial crisis can apply for emergency hardship funds. Please email hardship@cambriancollege.ca (applies for both Canadian and international students). Please allow up to seven business days from the time you submit your application to the time your application is reviewed, plus mail delivery time, if approved.

For questions about the new federal and provincial 6-month, interest-free moratorium on student loan repayments, please visit nslsc.ca for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information. For OSAP questions, please contact enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca.

Students who were working and laid off as a result of COVID-19, and wondering about their eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits, should go to the Government of Canada website, click here.

Please also check the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website, click here.

For additional questions about scholarships and bursaries, contact the Cambrian Foundation, c/o brandi.braithwaite@cambriancollege.ca.

If you have earned $5,000 in the last year, you qualify for the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit). If you have student loans, payments are deferred for six months, interest free.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a Canadian government support program for Canadians facing unemployment due to the Covid-19 emergency. It provides a taxable benefit of up to $2000 CAD per month, for up to four months.

Click here for more information.

Our First Step Centre is moving to virtual delivery of client services.

For more information about the First Step Centre, please contact Mary-Liz Warwick, First Step Centre Coordinator at maryliz.warwick@cambriancollege.ca.

The Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility provides counselling, accessibility advisor services, and learning strategies to support our students who require special supports and accommodations. 

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability and require academic accommodations, please e-mail accessibility services at accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca .  An accessibility advisor will contact you to arrange a meeting to begin the process.

Orientation for Students with Disabilities – Head Start

Spring/Summer 2020 Semester: to request an orientation session specific to students with disabilities please e-mail accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca.   A meeting will be arranged by our department to provide you information on transitioning to post-secondary education.  Please put in the subject line of your e-mail Head Start.

Fall Semester 2020: this orientation session will occur during the week of August 31^st– September 4^th. We are currently transitioning from an on-campus format to a virtual orientation.

Click here to register.

Student counselling services at Cambrian College

Counselling services for all students are located at the Glenn Crombie Center for Wellness and Accessibility.  We provide short-term supports for students who may be encountering academic stressors, personal difficulties or mental health related difficulties.

Please contact counsellingservices@cambriancollege.ca for an appointment.  One of our staff will set up a virtual meeting with you.

To book an appointment with a counsellor, accessibility advisor or learning strategist, you can also use your Clockwork portlet in myCambrian. You can do this in 4 easy steps:

• At the Clockwork portlet, select the Student’s Home Page link
• Click on Schedule An Appointment
• Use the drop-down menu to select the appointment type.
• Once selected, click on calendar view to select a time and confirm your appointment.

The worker will then send you an invitation for that date and time with further instructions.

You can contact at HelpDesk@cambriancollege.ca.

Students, faculty, or staff needing help with Moodle, Zoom, or tutoring topics, connect with Learning Centre Staff by email at learning.centre@cambriancollege.ca.  You can also book a remote Staff Tutor appointment following the Booking Advice on our Learning Centre page, cambriancollege.ca/academic-services/learning-centre.

The Library is closed. Most library services are available through the library website, cambriancollege.libguides.com/libraryhomepage and live-chat is available.

Registered Students

For courses hosted through Ontario Learn please refer to your student dashboard on Ontario Learn by logging into https://olportal.ontariolearn.com/login.php  for the most up to date information.  Your facilitator (teacher) will also communicate to you any changes specific to your course.

Dates and Deadlines

Key dates regarding registration, drop dates, and withdrawal dates for Lifelong Learning courses still apply.  If you would like to withdraw please email continuing@cambriancollege.ca for further information.

New Courses

Course catalogues for the spring/summer will be updated to our website once available.

https://cambriancollege.ca/lifelong-learning/

In order to make sure that our resources are going to the students with the most immediate need we have merged our food bank efforts with the hardship bursary process. If you are in need of emergency food assistance, please email hardship@cambriancollege.ca. We would also recommend that you contact one of the community food banks which may also be able to assist you.

Closed.

Academic upgrading is being offered online. Contact madison.brown@cambriancollege.ca.

The on-campus office is closed. For assistance, contact Ron Sarazin, Wabnode, Director, at ron.sarazin@cambriancollege.ca or 705-561-4539 if needed.

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD policy to ensure a rich and flexible learning experience. Learn more about BYOD by clicking here.

We are preparing to re-open our campus to students who will be eligible to graduate this semester if they complete components of their programs that can only be delivered through in-person instruction.
We hope to re-open the campus for them by mid July (subject to change). The campus will remain closed to all other students at this time.

We are also currently working on re-opening plans for students from the Winter 2020 semester who have incomplete grades (I) and who need to complete hands-on components of their courses to advance to their next semester. We hope to have these students return to campus in early August, pending the further lifting of restrictions for on-campus activities.

Placements in community will only be able to resume once emergency measures have been lifted and our placement partners indicate that they can once again begin accepting placement students.

The minimum technology requirements you will need for online learning are found on each individual program page. See also our BYOD tab in this section.

Students within the Rainbow District School Board can continue communication with Dana Kinsella at kinseld@rscloud.ca. Dana will be in communication with you as well to let you know her availability times during the week for students to connect with her.

Students within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board can continue communication with Kevin Villeneuve at kevin.villeneuve@sudburycatholicschools.ca. Kevin will be in communication with you as well to let you know his availability times during the week for students to connect with him.

If you cannot remember your Student # to login to myCambrian portal and did not get your Cambrian College Student ID card from the Enrolment Centre prior to March Break, you can contact Diane Boyce to obtain your student ID # diane.boyce@cambriancollege.ca.

Students with IEPs (Individual Education Plans) that have registered with the Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility at Cambrian College can access the services by going to Cambrian College’s special COVID-19 information webpage, and use the FAQ search tool to find the Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility.

For all other inquiries, students can contact Chantale Roy, Dual Credit Coordinator, at chantale.roy@cambriancollege.ca.

Student placements in community are resuming as our partners indicate that they are able to accept and support placement and co-op students. If you are an Employer interested in supporting a student on placement or co-op, please contact the Cambrian Career Centre for further information.

Apprenticeship delivery is suspended until further notice. We will provide updates as they become available.

We encourage you to stay and continue your studies as we are confident you will be able to complete this semester.

Contact the Enrolment Centre if you have any questions, enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca or 705-566-8101, ext 3003 or1-800-461-7145, ext 3003.

Academic upgrading is being offered online. Contact madison.brown@cambriancollege.ca.

Classes for the Spring Semester are being delivered through faculty-led remote learning. Labs will continue when our campus reopens. We will inform you when that occurs, through myCambrian and your email on file. We have put in place alternative means of assessing student progress in place of in-person exams.

If you have questions,  please ask your faculty or program coordinator.

DO NOT drop them off at the college. Instead, send your completed assignments electronically to your professors. If you have questions, contact your professor.

They will continue as usual.

We’re confident you will be able to complete your studies, and receive the learning you need to graduate or advance to the next academic year in your programs.

The federal government has announced a number of initiatives to provide financial support to both domestic and international students.

Click here for details.

The federal and provincial governments have announced a 6-month, interest-free moratorium on the repayment of student loans for people already in the process of paying back their loans. To see a list of other financial measures to assist both international and domestic students, go to the question “What support is the Federal Government offering students?” found on this page.

If you have questions about OSAP, please contact our Enrolment Centre at enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca

Treatment of CERB and CESB on OSAP Application

Canada has announced two programs to provide temporary income support for individuals who have lost income due to COVID-19 and are unable to work. These are the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).

• The CERB is available to support students who made at least $5,000 (before taxes) in the last year, but only if they had been working and lost their source of income when the pandemic struck. More information can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/questions.html#eligibility
• The CESB is available to support students and new graduates who are not eligible for the CERB. More information can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/04/support-for-students-and-recent-graduates-impacted-by-covid-19.html

Reporting Income on OSAP Applications

For students with an OSAP application, the CESB and CERB are to be reported in the same way as employment and other non-employment income.  Therefore, only report CESB and/or CERB in the following scenarios:

• 1-term study period (12-20 weeks): income received over $5,600
• 2-term study period (21-40 weeks): income received over $11,200
• 3-term study period (41-52 weeks): income received over $16,800

Only report income on your OSAP application if it exceeds the threshold above for the length of your study period from the following sources:

1.  Employment Income
2.  Teaching or Research Assistantships
3.  Child support and/or spousal support
4.  Foster parent payments
5.  Rental income
6.  Investment income including interest and dividends
7.  CERB
8.  CESB

Do not report CERB or CESB as government income.  Continue to report EI as you normally would as government income.

Here is a link to the Government of Canada webpage outlining their support for workers affected by COVID-19.

For updates from the Government of Canada, continue to check this link and the website for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html.

If you have earned $5,000 in the last year, you qualify for the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit). If you have student loans, payments are deferred for six months, interest free.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is a Canadian government support program for Canadians facing unemployment due to the Covid-19 emergency. It provides a taxable benefit of up to $2000 CAD per month, for up to four months.

Click here for more information.

The federal government has announced a number of initiatives to provide financial support to both domestic and international students.

Click here for details.

No it will not. For more details, please visit the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, a ministry of the Government of Canada.

The Canadian government is advising against all international travel. It has also closed the border to all international visitors, including non-essential travel between Canada and the United States.

It would be wise to stay informed of any travel advisories in Canada and your home country.

For updates on the situation in Canada, visit www.canada.ca/coronavirus, and search under Travel Advice and Canada’s Response.

To discuss your individual circumstances and options, please contact international@cambriancollege.ca or internationaladvising@cambriancollege.ca.

IRCC states, “All temporary residents who are already in Canada and unable to depart are encouraged to apply for an extension so that they may maintain their temporary resident status in Canada.  Once the application is submitted, the client will benefit from implied status and may remain in Canada until a decision is rendered on their application, or the required documents can be submitted.”

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Last updated March 20, 2020

The Canadian government has closed the border to all international visitors, including non-essential travel across the Canada – U.S. border.

So, it may not be possible or wise for family members to come and visit you.

For updates on the situation in Canada, visit www.canada.ca/coronavirus, and search under Travel Advice and Canada’s Response.

To discuss your individual circumstances and options, please contact international@cambriancollege.ca or internationaladvising@cambriancollege.ca.

We have no indication that your student permit will be affected should you test positive for COVID-19 and are currently in Canada.

If you suspect you have COVID-19, isolate yourself from other people as much as you can.

Contact your local public health unit (In Sudbury, it is Public Health Sudbury & District, 705-522-9200) and tell them your symptoms and travel history in the last month. We would also encourage you to contact International Student Services so they can support you.

You have medical coverage through your international student health insurance.

Please make sure that you have logged into WeSpeak to access your benefit card. Here are the steps:

1. Log in and register with WeSpeak student
2. Click on “Student Medical Card”
3. Enter your date of birth and student ID #
4. Print your card and keep it with you at all times

Through WeSpeak you can access information regarding what is included in your plan (under Plan Overview) as well as forms to submit a claim. If you didn’t make changes to your plan you are automatically enrolled in Plan 1.

To receive reimbursement for medical expenses covered under your plan, claim forms can be completed and submitted online through We Speak Student.

If you have any questions they offer a Live Chat feature to assist you.

No, we will work with you and Public Health Sudbury & Districts to support you.

You can contact International Student Services at international@cambriancollege.ca or internationaladvising@cambriancollege.ca.

You can access most services of the Enrolment Centre through the myCambrian portal. You can also contact the Centre via email at enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca.

Please allow for delays in response time given the extraordinary circumstances and volume of requests.

IRCC states,  “All temporary residents who are already in Canada and unable to depart are encouraged to apply for an extension so that they may maintain their temporary resident status in Canada.  Once the application is submitted, the client will benefit from implied status and may remain in Canada until a decision is rendered on their application, or the required documents can be submitted.”

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible before your study permit expires. Please note IRCC states that, “Once the application is submitted, the client will benefit from implied status and may remain in Canada until a decision is rendered on their application, or the required documents can be submitted.”

IRCC states that “In regards to working on or off-campus, given that COVID-19 is beyond a student’s control, international students who were eligible to work on or off-campus can continue to work on or off-campus even if they have been forced to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies.

However, these students are still subject to the authorized number of hours they would have been permitted had they been full-time students. Therefore, they can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) off-campus during an academic session and full-time during a regularly scheduled break.

DLIs should be prepared to provide letters of support in the event that a student is questioned regarding how COVID-19 impacted their full-time status.”

Studying or working from home shouldn’t be a pain in the neck!

Set up for success!

• Pick an area where distractions can be minimized, clear any clutter.
• The couch is not an ergonomic option.
• Feet flat on the floor – if the chair is too tall, you can use a book or box to rest your feet on.
• Thighs parallel to the floor, or hips slightly elevated (use a pillow if needed).
• Back supported with a pillow or rolled up towel if necessary.
• With a laptop, use a separate keyboard and mouse, and raise the unit up on a stack of books or boxes, so the top of the screen is about eye height.
• Position your screen 40–75 cm away (about arm’s length), and make the top of the screen about eye height.
• Give 5–8 cm (2–3 fingers) clearance between edge of seat and back of knees.
• Keep your neck straight (not forward or backward).
• Elbows should be at a 90–110º angle.

Don’t forget!

• Take a 5 minute break every hour, away from the computer, and a lunch break.
• Eye breaks every 20 minutes (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
• Build a little activity into your day!

For more tips on ergonomics, watch this video and download a copy of our checklist as a quick reference.

Click here to see tips on stretching from Canadian Injury Management Services

Employees have access to counselling and other supports through our EAP. You can find the link in your Employee Self-Serve portal, or visit our EAP provider website at www.workhealthlife.com.

The Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness and Accessibility provides counselling, accessibility advisor services, and learning strategies to support our students who require special supports and accommodations.

 Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability and require academic accommodations, please e-mail accessibility services at accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca .  An accessibility advisor will contact you to arrange a meeting to begin the process.

Orientation for Students with Disabilities – Head Start

Spring/Summer 2020 Semester: to request an orientation session specific to students with disabilities please e-mail accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca.   A meeting will be arranged by our department to provide you information on transitioning to post-secondary education.  Please put in the subject line of your e-mail Head Start.

Fall Semester 2020: this orientation session will occur during the week of August 31^st– September 4^th. We are currently transitioning from an on-campus format to a virtual orientation.

Click here to register

Student counselling services at Cambrian College

Counselling services for all students are located at the Glenn Crombie Center for Wellness and Accessibility.  We provide short-term supports for students who may be encountering academic stressors, personal difficulties or mental health related difficulties.

Please contact counsellingservices@cambriancollege.ca for an appointment.  One of our staff will set up a virtual meeting with you.

To book an appointment with a counsellor, accessibility advisor or learning strategist, you can also use your Clockwork portlet in myCambrian. You can do this in 4 easy steps:

• At the Clockwork portlet, select the Student’s Home Page link
• Click on Schedule An Appointment
• Use the drop-down menu to select the appointment type.
• Once selected, click on calendar view to select a time and confirm your appointment.

The worker will then send you an invitation for that date and time with further instructions.

Offers support to students who self-identify as Indigenous.

You can reach Wabnode c/o Ron Sarazin, Wabnode, Director, at ron.sarazin@cambriancollege.ca or 705-561-4539.

Our Wellness Team is comprised of employees, faculty, and students who have received special training to support their fellow employees, faculty, and students, through special initiatives and events throughout the year. Follow the activities of our Wellness Team on facebook.com/beingwellatcambrian.

Click here for a list of Wellness Team activities.

• Big White Wall. Online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues, bigwhitewall.ca.
• Bridging the Distance: A website designed for the northern Colleges that provides mental health support for postsecondary students. http://www.bridgingthedistance.ca
• Campus Mental Health, www.campusmentalhealth.ca
• Canadian Mental Health Association. The Canadian Mental Health Association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. http://www.cmha.ca
• Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454
• Health Sciences North (HSN) EN | FR
• The Learning Portal – College Libraries Ontario: modules on Resilience, Stress Management, and Time Management all with great tips and tools https://tlp-lpa.ca/home/study-skills
• Supporting Students in Times of Uncertainty, http://collegetransitioncollaborative.org/covid-19-response-supporting-students-in-times-of-uncertainty/
• University of Toronto: Caring for your mental health, https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/news/caring-your-mental-health

• Big White Wall. Online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues, bigwhitewall.ca
• Canadian Mental Health Association. http://www.cmha.ca
• Conference Board of Canada. Mental Health and COVID-19. Join the conversation with Dr. Bill Howatt, Chief of Research, Workplace Productivity, https://www.conferenceboard.ca/insights/covid-19#videos.
• Mental Health Commission of Canada -The Working Mind COVID-19 Self-care & Resilience Guide https://www.espritautravail.ca/sites/default/files/twm_self-care-resilience-guide.pdf
• Mental Health Commission of Canada – Mental Health First Aid COVID-19 Self-Care & Resilience Guide pdf – https://www.mhfa.ca/sites/default/files/mhfa_self-care-resilience-guide.pdf
• Mental Health Works. Webinar series to help employees and employers address the impact these circumstances may have on our work and well-being. Webinars fill up quickly! http://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/mental-health-works-provide-webinars-workplace-mental-health-amid-covid-19-concerns/
• Health Sciences North (HSN) EN | FR

• Art for Kids on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/user/ArtforKidsHub
• Health Sciences North (HSN) EN | FR

Hello folks,  

Welcome to Spring semester…I think. Apart from the unexpected snow storm, our new semester is off to a strong start all things considered. 

We begin much like the last ended, with academic programming and student services offered remotely, and our campus remains closed. We are doing our best to ensure that the expectations students have about the quality of a Cambrian education are met. All of our students this semester, particularly those starting their first term with us, are reminded that we have ample student support services available, as well as activities organized by our Wellness Team to help build relationships.  All are encouraged to visit our COVID-19 landing page for up-to-date information. 

Though we had to cancel the spring convocation, we will be delivering a special, virtual celebratory address to our graduates June 17th, 11 a.m.  This year’s graduates will receive electronic and paper versions of their diplomas and certificates and they will be invited to join their fellow graduates at our next available in-person convocation ceremony. We will have more details about the June 17^th event soon, as we are doing our best to be creative and ensure our graduates are recognized and celebrated for all they have accomplished. 

We do not know at this time when we will be able to reopen our campus. Like you, I am anxious for the day when we are again all under one roof. The Cambrian experience that is shared by our students, staff and faculty is an amazing one. When we do re-open the campus, it will not be all at once, as I have shared.  This week, we continued our internal and external consultations, including the Chairs of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety team, Union Executives, along with Public Health, Sudbury and Districts.  I am happy to share with you that we are leading our sector, both in our level of planning and consultations to date.  

Lastly, this is Mother’s Day weekend, so be sure to take the time to virtually connect with family and loved ones.   

Stay safe, and if you feel up to it, go play in the snow. 

All the best! 

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

Hi Cambrian students, staff and faculty.

Welcome to Day 1 and Week 1 of our 2020 Spring Semester!

It is great to have you with us, even if it is virtually. We don’t know how long our semester is going to be delivered this way. That will depend on factors beyond our control.

But just because we’re at a distance, it doesn’t mean we have to be remote from each other.

We have a wonderful Wellness Team here at Cambrian that has prepared a number of online activities that you can enjoy through Zoom.

These activities will help you make new friendships and stay connected to each other as our semester progresses.

Every Monday, I will be sharing these activities with you. I’ve included this week’s list of activities below. You will also find them on our special COVID-19 webpage, which is updated regularly. The events will be listed under the section Wellness-Cambrian Resources, and Wellness Team Activities.

In addition to these activities, our Athletic Centre has put together a series of videos to help you exercise at home, with little or no equipment. Click here to watch the videos.

We also have posted to our special COVID-19 landing page a list of other resources to help promote your wellness. Be sure to look under the section Wellness at Cambrian.

Here is one resource I love, and it’s from someone who knows a thing or two about being in isolation.

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield has prepared a short YouTube video on how to prepare for extended periods of time in self-isolation. I encourage you to watch this video.

If you need special academic accommodations, have special accessibility needs, or would like some mental health counselling, you can also request those services through our Glenn Crombie Centre for Wellness. Look for the Glenn Crombie section on our COVID-19 landing page.

Welcome to the Spring Semester. It’s great to have you with us.

Have a wonderful week, and May the 4^th be with you.

Alison DeLuisa
Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Student Services

Hi Cambrian students, staff and faculty.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Wellness This Week.

We have reached the final week of the semester. It’s been a semester like no other. Thank you for pushing through and sticking it out.

The last week of the semester can’t be all serious business. We have a number of Wellness Team activities for you down the home stretch, including a special 3 km walk or run, with prizes on the line. Full details on all events are listed below.

We are changing how you access our Wellness Team events, all in an effort to stop Zoombombing:

• All meetings will require a password;
• Only the host will be allowed to share their screen;
• Participants will only be allowed to chat with the host.

We will be posting the Zoom codes and passwords to myCambrian, so they will only be accessible to Cambrian employees and students. Hosts of Zoom sessions will also have the option to introduce a waiting room and lock the meeting so that once it starts, no one else can join.

In addition to the Wellness Team activities, our Athletic Centre has put together a series of videos to help you exercise at home, with little or no equipment. Click here to watch the videos.

We also have posted to our special COVID-19 landing page a list of resources to help promote your wellness. Be sure to look under the section Wellness at Cambrian. We’ve also added a new section about proper ergonomics at home.

Thank you again for staying safe, strong and connected during these unprecedented times. That family atmosphere is what truly sets Cambrian College apart. I want to wish all our students a safe and happy summer, and for our graduating students, congratulations on completing your studies. It’s been a pleasure to have you with us.

Take care.

Alison DeLuisa
Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Student Services

Hi Cambrian students, staff and faculty.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Wellness This Week.

I hope the Easter long weekend was restful and joyful for you and your loved ones. On the subject of Easter, thanks to everyone who took part in the Wellness Team Easter Scavenger Hunt. More than 60 teams signed up. It was a great way to have some fun, inside and outside, while respecting social distancing. Thank you, Wellness Team, for staging this event.

Every Monday, I will be sharing with you some of the special events and activities planned for you by our wonderful Wellness Team. These events, which are available on Zoom, will help keep you active and connected to the Cambrian family.

We know that working or studying at home, combined with the social distancing requirements, can be very stressful as the days and weeks roll on.

That’s why our Wellness Team is putting extra emphasis this week on events to help boost your mental health and resiliency.

Our Wellness Coordinator Catherine Poulton will be presenting special sessions on resiliency.

I encourage you to sign up.

We also have posted to our special COVID-19 landing page a list of resources to help promote your wellness. Be sure to look under the section Wellness at Cambrian.

We also know that working or studying at home can be challenging if you don’t have the right set-up. So we have added a new section to our COVID-19 webpage focusing on ergonomics, so that you can set up your home work or study space in a way that will be healthy and productive.

Don’t forget, our Athletic Centre has put together a series of videos to help you exercise at home, with little or no equipment. Click here to watch the videos.

Don’t forget to send us photos of how you are staying busy while you work or study from home. We’d love to see some of things you are doing. We’ll feature your pics right here on Wellness This Week.

Have a great week, and remember to stay safe and stay connected

Alison DeLuisa
Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Student Services

Hi Cambrian staff and faculty.

Welcome to the first edition of Wellness This Week. Every Monday I will be sharing with you some of the special events and activities planned for you by our wonderful Wellness Team. These events – which are available on Zoom – will keep you active and connected to the Cambrian family.

I also want to let you know that we have created a new Wellness at Cambrian section on our special COVID-19 landing page. There, you will find a list of wellness activities plus resources within Cambrian and in the community to help promote wellness.

The page also includes a link to a series of videos created by our Athletic Centre to help you exercise at home.

I would also love to see your photos of how you are staying well at home. Check out our photo gallery section for this week’s photo. You can email your photos to our Wellness Team and we’ll include them in Wellness This Week.

Before I get to this week’s wellness activities, I want to thank everyone who had a role in this past weekend’s Virtual Open House. We had a fantastic response with people from around the province joining us live for tours of campus and Residence, and program information sessions. It was completely new territory for us and I want to congratulate everyone who made this event such a success.

I encourage you to join in.  Stay safe, well and stay connected.

Stay well, Cambrian.
Alison

Dear Cambrian students:

We have completed the first week of our “virtual campus.” Studying away from the College campus takes some adjustment, especially as physical distancing measures increase and we truly begin to feel a greater sense of isolation. These are indeed precedent-setting times as the world struggles with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

I would like to assure you that Cambrian is here to support you as best we can.

As you know, our campus is closed. However, you may still need access to retrieve personal effects and learning supplies. You can access the campus for these purposes only if you have yet to do so. Please call ahead and make arrangements with Security, 705-566-8101 or 1-800-461-7145, ext. 7298

If you are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, you can apply for emergency hardship funds. Please email our Hardship Fund (hardship@cambriancollege.ca, applies for both Canadian and international students). Also, for those looking to access the Emergency Student Food Bank please visit www.cambriancollege.ca/covid

We have a variety of other supports readily available to you:

For counselling services, please contact the Glenn Crombie Centre at counselling@cambriancollege.ca.  You can also contact RealCampus at 1-877-390-7325 or hello@realcampus.ca.

For accessibility services, contact accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca.

Our Learning Centre is also operating on-line at learning.centre@cambriancollege.ca. 

The Library is available online at cambriancollege.libguides.com/libraryhomepage. 

The Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Students Services can be reached through Ron Sarazin, Director, at ron.sarazin@cambriancollege.ca or 705-561-4539 if needed. 

International students, our International Student Services department continues to be available to you. You can contact them via email (internationaladvising@cambriancollege).

Visit www.cambriancollege.ca/covid for a complete listing of the services and supports available to you, and continue to check it daily as we are posting updates regularly.

Please continue to take good care of yourself and continue to follow the principles of social distancing.

I also encourage you to stay as connected as possible with your circle of friends and loved ones whether they live locally or far away.

We are here for you and I look forward to resuming the campus life we all enjoy here at Cambrian once life gets back to normal.

Thank you and be well.

Alison De Luisa

Associate Vice-President, Human Resources and Student Services

Cambrian students,

I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as the Cambrian team works through the details of your semester completion plans and adjusts to online program delivery.  COVID-19 has certainly changed how we have had to operate, and I appreciate your efforts to continue to pursue your studies with diligence.

While we continue to strive to answer the questions you may have regarding completion of the current semester, and for many of you the completion of your programs, I know that there are many of you anxious to learn more about our plans for the Spring/Summer semester, beginning in May.

First of all, I want to share with you that our Spring semester will proceed. It is not being cancelled, but there will be changes.  Here are the key highlights:

• Semester start and end dates will be staggered to serve the needs of particular programs;
• The semester will feature a combination of online learning and on-campus labs and instruction timed in a way to ensure appropriate physical distancing;
• Deferral options will be available in a very limited number of programs that were scheduled to begin in  May but that will now be deferred to September; and,
• Accommodation of Spring/Summer semester students for whom the new academic schedule does not work.

Full details are available here on the COVID-19 page in the FAQ section.

I would like to thank you for your continued patience and consideration as we navigate through this unprecedented situation together.

Bill Best
President
Cambrian College

The Ontario government has made a significant announcement in the ongoing COVID-19 situation that will have considerable impact on the College, our students, and our families.  As of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, all non-essential business in Ontario must shut down.  At this juncture, the  shutdown will remain in place for at least 2 weeks.

Although we have not received the full details of the government’s plans, we feel that it is our responsibility to continue to do our part to flatten the curve along with other postsecondary institutions.  Therefore, in light of the pending provincial directive, Cambrian College has made the decision to completely close our campus, beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

After that time:

• Students will not be granted access to campus
• Employees will only be allowed on campus with the approval of their supervisor
• Similar to the holiday shutdown, urgent access must be coordinated through supervisors and security

It is therefore advisable that students and employees should retrieve whatever materials they require between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.

Despite the shutdown, online/remote delivery of classes WILL continue. However, this means that there will be no resumption of labs, and alternate arrangements regarding lab activity will be communicated to students.  Please note that students will not be penalized because of this decision, as we work to find alternate means of achieving necessary program outcomes.  Students whose placements have also been affected will not be penalized.

There will be some concerns around access to specific services, and we are trying to address as many student needs as we can.  Therefore, orders can be placed online with the bookstore and picked-up at Security, while requests from the Student Food Bank can still be applied for and picked-up at Security.  Also, students wishing to remain in residence can continue to do so, while those seeking to leave can do so by completing the move-out process.

I shared last week that we would make a determination around this year’s convocation ceremonies.  As a result of the growing need for physical distancing, and the increasing measures announced today by the provincial government, it is with sadness that I share with you that this year’s convocation ceremonies are cancelled.  Graduating student awards will still be granted, and we are working through a process to enable those to happen and will be in touch.  Though our ceremony is cancelled, Cambrian students will still graduate, and we continue to examine what options may be available to celebrate our graduates moving forward.

There will be further communication this week regarding details around the Spring semester, and we will continue to provide you with updates through all-staff emails, myCambrian, our main social media accounts, and our special landing page, www.cambriancollege.ca/covid.

If you have any questions that are not covered on our COVID-19 landing page, you can send us an email at covid@cambriancollege.ca.

We know these are very stressful times for everyone.  But even though we can’t be together as a Cambrian family, it is vital that we stay connected.  Students, do not hesitate to reach out for whatever support you need, from counselling to academic support to physical needs like food. You can find out what supports are available to you at www.cambriancollege.ca/covid or speak to your faculty.  Employees, we encourage you to stay connected to your colleagues and supervisors, and know that our Wellness Team and EFAP are here to help you.

We will get through this. No doubt it will be a challenge, but I’m confident that we will continue to rise to the occasion. Today marked our first day of online delivery.  My thanks to the substantial effort that you have all put forward to make this happen.  Some of the best lessons you will ever learn occur outside a classroom.  Today, this is more true than ever…in so many ways.

Please remember to look after yourselves and your loved ones.

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

It has been quite an eventful week since we announced the suspension of classes so that we could develop plans for you to complete your semester online, with no in-person classes or exams.

Much has happened in that time, and I wanted to thank you for your patience as we make changes to help us limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community and in Canada.

I’m sure that many of you have been reading messages from President Best, checking your messages on myCambrian, and following regular updates at  www.cambriancollege.ca/covid. There has certainly been plenty of information shared, so in case you haven’t had a chance to get through all of it, I wanted to give you a quick summary of what decisions have been made, and what you can expect when you begin classes next week:

• Classes will resume next week on March 23rd, 2020
• You will be receiving an email from your professors via Moodle, providing you with a semester completion plan for each of your courses
• Delivery will be entirely online – there will be no in-person activity
• There may be some IT issues as we transition to the new delivery format, so please be patient as we work through any issues that may arise
• Take some time to look through the Remote Learning Guide for Students and Zoom FAQs for Students as you prepare for your classes
• We will communicate further around our plan for lab instruction prior to April 3
• Plans for the summer semester will be communicated to you soon, including start dates, delivery method, etc.

It has been a very busy time for your professors, and if you have not yet heard from them, you will over the next few days.

I also want to remind you that the College remains open, though restrictions apply, and we have implemented the principles of social distancing. Please do NOT come to campus unless it is absolutely necessary.

To learn more about access to campus and other changes, please visit www.cambriancollege.ca/covid for up-to-date information.  This should be your ‘go to’ source for the latest updates, and I encourage you to bookmark this page.  This is where you will also find important information about student services now delivered online.  This includes everything from the library and peer tutoring to counselling services that remain available to you.

If you have left campus for home, we ask that you continue your online studies from there.  Please let your faculty know if you do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi so that we can work through these issues together.  I would like to assure you, that given these extreme circumstances, you won’t be penalized for continuing your studies at a distance.

Despite these unique circumstances, the Cambrian team wants to make sure that you have a positive experience studying online.

I know that COVID-19 has created an exceptional amount of uncertainty and stress.  Please know that we are here to help and support you along the way.

If you have any questions about any of the information contained in this letter, please send us an email at covid@cambriancollege.ca and we will make sure have the most appropriate person respond to your question.

Once again, thank you for your patience.

Paula Gouveia
Vice-President, Academic
Cambrian College

We are coming to the end of a very different week for Cambrian as we adjust to the circumstances our world is confronting.  Students, I want to thank you for your patience and understanding this past week. Employees and faculty, I especially want to thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty to prepare us for the resumption of classes on Monday.

We are in a new reality, but we are functioning. We are just functioning differently.

Perhaps the biggest change is our move to on-line and virtual delivery of classes as of this Monday. With so much more demand for online delivery of course materials, there might be systems issues on Monday. Our IT/HelpDesk team has anticipated this and is prepared to deal with any situations that arise.  Please be patient as we work our way through them if and when they happen.

The majority of our on-campus student supports and services have also moved on-line. You can again find details on services and other key information on our COVID landing page www.cambriancollege.ca/covid, which is constantly updated and redesigned as decisions are made.   If you haven’t gone to this address in the last couple of days please do so.   It is indeed a work in progress.

As a result of these changes, we have a very limited number of employees on campus, with access to the campus now limited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and for urgent or necessary visits only.  Campus will be completely closed this weekend, and starting Monday, we will also begin implementation of a ‘self-assessment’ process as you approach the main doors.

Given the changing nature of the situation, I also ask you to ensure that you have the information and materials you require with you now, in order to work, teach and learn from home for the foreseeable future.

I have started to receive some questions around convocation, and we know that family and friends of our students, domestic and international, may already be contemplating costly travel plans.  With restrictions on large gatherings, we have been considering how we move forward and will communicate a decision by the end of next week.  In the interim, I urge people to delay making any travel arrangements until that time.

We may be at a greater distance from each other, but we remain connected.  Now, more than ever, we need to remember that the Cambrian community truly is a community. It is what makes us special.  In times of uncertainty like this, community members look after each other.  Keep this in mind as we move into a new phase next week.  Serve each other, our students, and their advocates well.

We will continue to make whatever adjustments are necessary to our plans and will communicate these changes to you as quickly as possible.

Together, we will get through this. We are going to be ok.

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

We are at the halfway point of our week of postponed classes, and much has changed over the past few days as we work through the evolving nature of the pandemic. 

As you saw in yesterday afternoon’s update, we are reducing campus operating hours, and have reduced – and will continue to reduce – onsite staffing wherever possible.  The library is now closed, and the cafeteria will be closed as of Thursday.  Most of our services are available via email, telephone, or online.  As a result of these measures, onsite traffic and activity is considerably reduced today. 

You will have also seen media stories about students in residence and residence closures.  I would like to share that nearly 400 of our residents have temporarily moved out.  We continue to support those who remain with us, ensuring that they remain safe and looked after, while implementing social distancing. 

As we move through this week of suspended classes in anticipation of online delivery starting Monday, I assure you that our team is working diligently to provide as smooth a transition for our students as possible.  I am proud of your efforts.  As we approach next week, I know there will be more questions, from students and staff alike, and we’ll update you regularly as decisions are made. 

I encourage you to go to www.cambriancollege.ca/covid and read the full details of our latest measures.

We are updating that site as often as necessary and any changes to our situation will be posted there as quickly as possible. 

Yesterday’s announcement that the province has been placed in a state of emergency in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 may have you wondering what this means for your everyday life.  You may still conduct the necessary tasks of working, grocery shopping, or simply going outside for exercise and fresh air.  When doing so, however, I urge you all to follow best practices in infection control and social distancing.  At risk of repetition, these best practices include:

• Avoiding large groups
• Staying at least 2 metres (two arms’ length) from the person next to you
• Wash your hands before you leave and wash them the moment you return
• If available, take hand sanitizer with you and apply it often
• If you need to take public transit, UBER or a taxi, watch where you place your hands, sit apart from each other and be patient with the driver and other passengers

These seem like basic instructions, but we need to be keenly aware of old habits and be hyper-vigilant in our actions over the coming days. 

As members of the Cambrian family, we are known for being resilient, passionate and caring. 

Let’s work together to keep each other healthy and safe during these extraordinary times. 

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

I wanted to provide you with some additional details around access to campus, student services, operating hours, etc.  As you know, the country’s response to COVID-19 is very fluid, and we continue to adjust and put into place additional measures for the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and employees.  

With this in mind, our campuses are closed, with limited access to designated employees, students and contractors.  We have further limited the number of staff onsite moving forward, and those employees that are able to work from home will continue to do so.  Students and staff are encouraged not to come onto campus.

Changes to Hours of Operation:

As of tomorrow (Wednesday), access to the College will be through the main entrance only, and operating hours will be reduced to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  As of 4 p.m. Friday, the campus will be closed for the weekend through until 9 a.m. Monday morning.  As we do with holiday access, please advise your supervisor of your need to be on campus, and check-in with Security.

Access to Student Services:

Computer Labs

Labs have been reconfigured for social distancing.  Those available for student use include program-specific labs – 3501, 3502, 4084, 4042, 4076, 4077, and 1640, as well as open access labs 2640 and 2646. 

Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Student Services

The on-campus office of the Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Student Services is closed.  For assistance, contact Ron Sarazin, Wabnode, Director, at Ron.sarazin@cambriancollege.ca or 705-561-4539 if needed.

Student Food Bank

The Student Food Bank remains available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Room 1164 (Cambrian Student Council Office) Monday to Friday.  If students have questions regarding the Food Bank they can direct them to 705-566-8101 ext. 7525.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility services are available by emailing accessiblityservices@cambriancollege.ca

Counselling Services
Counselling is available remotely by contacting counsellingservices@cambriancollege.ca.

Other options include:

• Realcampus.ca  – 1-877-390-7325 or at hello@realcampus.ca
• Good2Talk – 1-866-925-5454
• HSN Crisis Intervention Program – (705) 675-4760 , 127 Cedar Street, Sudbury

Enrolment Centre

You can access most services of the Enrolment Centre through the myCambrian portal. You can also contact the Centre via email at enrolmentcentre@cambriancollege.ca or by calling the main office number at 705-566-8101 ext. 3003. 

Library Services

As of 4 p.m. today our library will be closed. Most library services are available through the library website, https:cambriancollege.libguides.com/libraryhomepage and live-chat is available.

Residence

Our Student Residence remains open for all students – domestic and international – who wish to stay. No guests will be permitted.

Cafeteria

Wednesday, March 18, the cafeteria will be closed to staff, but remain available to on-campus residents only, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for take-out only.  As of Thursday, the cafeteria will be closed, and we have a plan in place with our Residence to support those students requiring meal options.  We encourage those on campus to not eat in groups, as we continue to follow best practices in social distancing.

As a reminder, we encourage you to follow best practices in infection control and social distancing at all times, including:

• Avoid contact with other people and crowds where possible.
• Minimize as much as possible public outings to those that are necessary
• Try to maintain a distance of 2 metres from the person next to you
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap and/or hand sanitizer
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm
• Stay home if you are sick, and/or avoid other sick people
• If you think you may have COVID-19 (fever, persistent cough, difficulty breathing), contact your local public health authority for direction. Also call ahead before you plan any visit to a physician’s office, clinic, or hospital.

As well, please be advised that each university and college is reacting and implementing policies based on their unique situation. There are many individual factors to consider such as geography, proximity to outbreaks and vulnerable populations.  We are monitoring and considering the actions and best practices of our colleagues, but our focus is on what is appropriate for Cambrian College and that staff, faculty and students that make up our college family.

We will continue to provide you with updates on any of our COVID-19 contingency plans, through myCambrian, social media and www.cambriancollege.ca/covid.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Let us continue to support each other and work together to safeguard the health of the entire Cambrian community.

I want to provide you with an update of our current COVID-19 situation and how recent events and announcements this week, and earlier today are impacting the College.   I am personally committed to ensuring we share with you all of the information we have at hand in order to ensure that every member of the Cambrian community is updated as the situation unfolds.

This morning, the Government of Ontario announced a state of emergency, effective immediately. Measures include the banning of all public gatherings of 50 people or more, including worship services. Indoor recreational facilities, libraries, movie cinemas and live theatres are also closed. Bars and restaurants are also closed, except for takeout and delivery services.

On March 16^th the Government of Canada announced the closing of Canada’s borders in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. The border remains open to Canadian citizens, immediate family of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, diplomats, air crews and U.S. citizens. We have currently suspended all College travel for the time being and would recommend that our international students be aware of any potential relatives who were intending on visiting or if they had plans to return home.

On the municipal level, the City of Greater Sudbury has also canceled most non-essential city services.

Public transit (GOVA) is continuing. Though this will not have a direct effect on Cambrian College, it is a trend we are monitoring as various levels of government are taking direction from public health authorities.

We continue to meet daily with our pandemic planning response team and our provincial colleagues to allow us to respond quickly to the rapidly changing environment.  We believe the measures we have taken  and continue to implement, will safeguard your wellbeing while enabling us to continue to allow our students to receive a Cambrian College education and services, albeit in a modified form.

We will continue to provide you with updates at myCambrian, on social media, and our special landing page, www.cambriancollege.ca/covid, where you will also find links to credible public health agencies to help you personally prepare for COVID-19.  As each community and institution looks to address this evolving situation, I encourage you to continue to source Cambrian information from these platforms moving forward as this is where we will update you as quickly and frequently as possible.

Additional information will be forthcoming later today with regards to access to services, reduced hours of operation, and weekend closure, etc.

I again want to thank all of you for your patience, vigilance, and professionalism as we persevere — our caring, family approach to education and support through this period is what will carry us through.

Thank you

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

To help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Cambrian College is implementing a minimum staffing rotation schedule for key service areas, while non-essential areas will work remotely from home beginning Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, April 3.  Supervisors will provide you with a rotation schedule, technology needs, and working from home guidelines. The College will be closed to the public during this time.

The following essential services remain open with some potential alterations to hours:

• Residence
• Cafeteria
• Cambrian International
• Enrolment Centre
• Glenn Crombie Centre
• Student Food Bank
• Library and specialized computer labs
• Information Technology (HelpDesk)

With the implementation of this plan, we are minimizing on-campus traffic and activity while maintaining supports for Cambrian students.

Student placements, co-ops and clinical activity are suspended through April 5.  Students will receive further information by end of day Monday.

Please note that all tests in the Testing Centre and Glenn Crombie Centre continue today, and are cancelled Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3.

Other services will remain available virtually, including The Hub, Wabnode, Career Services, Learning Centre, etc. with further details to follow.

In keeping with public health guidelines, employees that have travelled outside of the country and returned must self-isolate for 14 days and advise their supervisor of their circumstance.

Access to the College will be via main entrances.  Deep cleaning of the College will continue.

Given the highly evolving nature of the situation, some of this information is subject to change, and we will keep you apprised.  In the interim, please visit www.cambriancollege.ca/COVID

Thank you for your support as we work collectively to flatten the curve, and curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

Cambrian has taken a number of measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and safeguard your health and well-being:

• On-campus classes and labs March 16 through March 20 are suspended
• Online classes will continue as per usual
• Beginning March 23 all classes will move to online delivery
• Lab instruction will resume March 23, remaining mindful of social distancing
• Exam Week has been cancelled, and options are being explored for final student evaluations
• The semester will end as usual on April 24
• Campus remains open and student services and other supports will continue
• We are requesting that students limit access to the campus for academic purposes only this weekend
• Access will be at the main doors (flags)
• Social distancing is encouraged — stay at least 1 metre (arm’s length) from the nearest person and discourage large group gatherings

You can expect to hear further details from your program faculty in the coming days.

Thank you for support and cooperation as we work together to reduce the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19.

As a postsecondary system and as a society, we are dealing with a rapidly evolving global pandemic, and the health and safety of our campus community is our top priority.  Our plan is to finish the semester safely, albeit differently.

As you know, we have been actively monitoring and planning for the arrival of COVID-19 since January, working in collaboration with public health, and other postsecondary partners in the community and across the province.

With a goal of contributing to social distancing, and in keeping with the government’s decision to close Ontario’s public elementary and secondary schools until April 6, all in-person classes at Cambrian are suspended for one week, beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. Existing online courses will continue as usual.

Remote or alternate delivery of instruction will begin Monday, March 23, for all students, allowing us to work through the many implications of this decision.

We will be taking the next week to determine how to approach the practical delivery of lab instruction, keeping in mind the importance of social distancing.  Lab instruction will be re-introduced during the week of March 23.

By adopting this approach, students will be able to finish the semester on schedule by April 24, with no official exam week.  We will be developing alternate final assessments to ensure completion of program outcomes.

Additional communication will be sent to students from their academic areas and professors with details specific to their program.

Cambrian’s campuses — including our residence, library, student space, computer labs, food services, and other service areas — will remain open. The fitness centre and gym will be closed, except for academic purposes only.

While classes are suspended, the College remains open.

Staff and faculty members should continue to report to work as usual, though we will be reviewing our go-forward plan over the coming days, and will be implementing flexible work arrangements to the extent possible. In the interim, if you have extraordinary circumstances, please speak with your supervisor. If you are feeling sick, please do not come to campus, so as not to endanger others.

This weekend, we are also encouraging social distancing on campus and limiting access over weekends moving forward.  We are requesting that individuals seek alternate arrangements as possible, and limit visits for only essential library purposes.  Doors will be locked, save for the main doors, much like we do during the holiday closure.  This will also accommodate extra cleaning taking place, as well as the realignment of furniture in the library and labs.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to faculty and staff who have been preparing over the past number of weeks.  Your diligence and commitment is appreciated. Students, I recognize that you are living through a new and stressful situation.  We remain committed to you and to your studies, and continue to have supports available.

These are uncertain and rapidly changing times, and I appreciate that this decision will pose challenges to many.  We have taken these extraordinary measures to do our part in supporting the health and well-being of our campus and community.

Please accept my sincere thanks for your cooperation as we move forward together.

Bill Best
President, Cambrian College

Timeline of Events
Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20	All in-person classes suspended
Monday, March 23	Remote or alternative delivery of classes for students begins
Monday, March 23	Lab instruction will be re-introduced
Friday, April 24	Semester ends

Measures taken by Cambrian College to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19

• Cambrian College is implementing a minimum staffing rotation schedule for key service areas, while non-essential areas will work remotely from home beginning Tuesday, March 17 to Friday, April 3. The College will be closed to the public during this time.
• All placements, co-ops, and clinical activities are suspended through to April 5th. Students will be provided with additional information by their program leadership.
• On-campus classes and labs between March 16 through March 20 are suspended
• Online classes will continue as per usual and are not affected
• All tests in the Testing Centre and Glenn Crombie Centre are cancelled through to Friday, April 3
• Beginning March 23, all classes will move to online delivery
• Lab instruction will resume March 23, in-person, with smaller numbers, remaining mindful of social distancing
• Exam Week has been cancelled, and options are being explored for final student evaluations
• The semester will end as usual on April 24
• Campus, Student Residence and the cafeteria remain open. Other student supports will continue virtually, with more information to follow.
• The athletics centre and gym are closed to all activities except those necessary for academic programming (gym time as part of a program’s curriculum)
• Students are asking to limit access to the campus and library on weekends and after-hours for academic purposes only.
• Access to the campus after hours and on weekends will be at the main doors (flags)
• Social distancing is encouraged – try to stay at least 1 metre (arm’s length) from the nearest person and we discourage large group gatherings
• We have enhanced regular cleaning on our campus, particularly high-traffic areas, and high-contact/touch surfaces
• We have cancelled public events on campus

We will provide regular updates on this page.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the cold or flu. The average incubation period is 5 days, and symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Pneumonia in both lungs and kidney disease (in serious cases)

We also want you to know what you can do to safeguard your personal health.  Watch this video from the World Health Organization explaining COVID-19, how it spreads, and measures you can take.

Remember, to reduce the risk of the spread of infection, remember to:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, particularly after using the washroom, before and after eating and preparing food, after touching high contact surfaces, when entering or leaving a room
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the bend of your elbow. Dispose of used tissue immediately in a covered litter container.
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid other people who are sick

Social distancing is the act of reducing your potential exposure to COVID-19 by limiting close contact with others. Social isolation can include not attending events or space where there are lots of people, and keeping at least 2 metres from the person nearest to you.

Learn more about social distancing at Public Health Sudbury & Districts, www.phsd.ca.

Visit Public Health Sudbury & Districts (www.phsd.ca) for full details on what to do. Here are some key points:

• Monitor your health for the symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
• Once you develop these symptoms, isolate yourself as quickly as possible
• Call your local Public Health organization (in Sudbury, Public Health Sudbury & Districts, 705.522.9200  or toll-free 1.866.522.9200), and call ahead to a physician’s office, clinic, or hospital BEFORE you visit, so they can prepare for your arrival.
• Students can also choose to inform their program coordinators if they will be away from classes so we can help you with academic accommodation.

The federal government  is advising against all non-essential international travel.

The federal government has closed Canada’s borders to all international visitors, and the border between Canada and the United States is closed to non-essential travel.

Canadian citizens and their immediate family members, permanent residents, diplomats, and air crews will continue are still being allowed into Canada.

Anyone coming into Canada will also have to self-isolate for 14 days, and anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada

It would be therefore wise to avoid any international travel at this time.

Please check the latest travel advisories from the Government of Canada at www.canada.ca/coronavirus, and click on Travel Advice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rash of cyber attacks across the globe. The Information Technology Helpdesk warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts, or calls related to COVID-19.  Please refer to the material below provided by the Government of Canada regarding Cyber Hygiene to protect yourselves and your families.

Should you have any questions or concerns about cyber hygiene please contact the Helpdesk at extension 7370 from 9am to 4pm.

https://cyber.gc.ca/en/guidance/cyber-hygiene-covid-19