Red Deer Polytechnic has announced some changes to its vaccination and rapid testing policy, including an exemption for online learners for the winter and spring terms of 2022.
From Jan. 1 to June 30, new students and staff at RDP must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or show a medical exemption no later than Jan. 1 to enroll in winter and spring classes.
New employees, scheduled to start after Jan. 1, must be fully vaccinated or show a valid medical exemption.
However, current and returning students, as well as current employees who are not fully vaccinated (or who choose not to disclose their vaccination status to RDP), must submit negative COVID-19 rapid tests that are privately paid for by these individuals.
An exemption to the vaccine/rapid testing policy will apply only to online learners who attest that they will do their courses “100 per cent online” and will not engage in any face-to-face contact at any of RDP’s campuses, learning centres or other non-RDP facilities.
“This includes any in-person contact for the purposes of assessment for admission, assessment of learning outcomes, research, work-integrated learning, practicum/clinical placements or otherwise.”
For the remainder of Fall 2021 Term, current protocols and processes with the vaccination program will continue. This means all individuals who are not fully vaccinated can continue to complete approved rapid tests within 72 hours before arrival at RDP campuses or learning centres.