Staff and students at Red Deer Polytechnic will need to get vaccinated, the post-secondary institution announced Friday.
The vaccine requirement program aligns with other post-secondary institutions in Alberta, as well as with the government’s announcement of a provincial Restriction Exemption Program.
Full details regarding the program will be announced Sept. 27.
“This program will take time to implement as members of our campus community complete vaccinations and as our institution formulates logistical details relating to proof of vaccination,” RDP said in a statement Friday.
Given preliminary planning, staff and students should receive at least their first dose of vaccine no later than Oct. 13. RDP is working on details regarding specific exemptions that may apply to students and employees.
“This includes the option (Fall 2021 Term) for individuals to complete and show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test before attending classes or work in person. As per the government’s Restriction Exemption Program, tests must be privately-paid,” said RDP.
Also on Friday, RDP updated its course and service delivery.
Starting on Monday, the institution will offer online, blended and hy-flex class delivery, as outlined in the Fall 2021 timetable. All in-person classes, labs, shops and seminars will return to in-person delivery starting the same day.
Services will continue to be offered through a blend of in-person and online delivery, with the goal of continuing to provide appropriate services to students, faculty and staff who are on campus.
All in-person classes, labs, shops and seminars were cancelled from Thursday to Sunday, as RDP adjusted course and service delivery to the new COVID-19 restrictions, which were announced by the province on Wednesday.
RDP COVID-19 protocols will remain in place, including face coverings required within all indoor spaces on campus, physical distancing measures, use of a daily SAFE RDC COVID-19 check-in app, illness reporting, good hygiene and more.
Kylie Thomas, RDP Academic and Research vice-president, said the instituion recognizes the “strain that adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic presents to our learners and we sincerely appreciate their cooperation and patience as our polytechnic community strives to deliver a consistent and quality learning experience during these fluid circumstances.”
“Together, our campus community continues to demonstrate resilience as we come together to maintain a dynamic and safe environment for everyone,” said Thomas.
For more information on RDP’s COVID-19 rules, visit rdc.ab.ca.
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