Red Deer College is tackling the huge challenge of taking dozens of classes online.
In a detailed update posted on the college’s website Tuesday afternoon, the college indicated efforts are still underway to find online solutions for students who were notified on Sunday that college classes were suspended because of the COVID-19 virus.
The Donald School of Business, and the college’s schools for education, health sciences and arts and sciences, are all pursuing online options. The same goes for creative arts students and those enrolled in trades and technology programs.
In some programs, practicums have been cancelled or will be done online.
Online course delivery will continue at least until September, says the college.
Beginning on Wednesday, college counsellors will be offering virtual or phone-in services. Face-to-face appointments have been stopped.
While the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre remains open, all of the sports and recreation facilities inside have been closed.
Students in residence are allowed to stay. If they want to go, early termination fees have been waived and their residence rate will be pro-rated based on when they leave.
On campus, the store has reduced hours and The Pulse is closed. Starbucks at all post-secondary institutions, including Red Deer College, have also been closed.
Public gathering spaces have been closed and all events have been cancelled until at least April 30 to encourage social distancing. Information on refunds for those who already paid for events will be coming out soon.
Students are encouraged to email their instructors and to get other information through the Blackboard online system.
Students are also being warned to look out for scams and phishing emails that have already started circulating worldwide.
Don’t click on suspicious hyperlinks and make sure the email is legitimate, says the college’s information technology services department.