Update: Accommodations and COVID-19

Posted: January 28, 2022

RRC Polytech’s Winter 2022 Term includes blended learning within each program, offering online, essential, and enriched learning experiences. Limited on-campus activity will take place, with a focus on hands-on learning and industry training activities.

Student Accessibility Services is committed to providing reasonable academic accommodations to students with disabilities for all RRC Polytech classes, including those delivered in an online format.

During the Winter 2022 Term, Student Accessibility Services is providing services remotely via video conferencing (MS Teams or WebEx) with consideration for in-person appointment requests on a case-by-case basis.

Students New to RRC Polytech Student Accessibility Services

If you are not yet registered with Student Accessibility Services, and would like to request accommodations, please make an appointment with an Accessibility Specialist.

Please see below regarding our medical documentation requirements.

Current Students

If you are already registered with Student Accessibility Services and would like to request a telephone or online meeting with your Accessibility Specialist, please email your Accessibility Specialist directly.

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICES

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services will continue to provide ASL-English interpreting and computerized note taking for courses offered on-campus as well as through online delivery. To book an interpreter, please complete the booking form.

For more information, please contact Jill Patterson via email jpatterson@rrc.ca or call 204-795-2331.

EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS

Students currently eligible for exam accommodations are encouraged to review the Assessment Centre webpage for detailed information on how exam accommodations are being delivered for online/alternate delivery of courses.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ALTERNATE FORMAT MATERIAL

For assistance with assistive technology and alternate format material, please contact altformat@rrc.ca.

Medical Documentation and COVID-19

Students requesting academic accommodations are required to submit current medical documentation supporting their request. Please see the Disability Documentation Guide for detailed information.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the government has generally requested that organizations in the Province not stretch our health care system by requesting medical notes. As a result, on a temporary basis students may not need to provide new or updated medical documentation from their healthcare provider(s) for the sole purpose of supporting an accommodation request. Student Accessibility Services reserves the right to require documentation in some cases (e.g., when extraordinary accommodations are requested).

During this time, students should provide any medical documentation that may be available (medical report, high school IEP, letter from previous college/university). Additional documentation can be supplied at a later time. The approval of accommodations not based on current medical information may be granted on a temporary basis only.

Students should note the following:

When restrictions are lifted, the College reserves the right to:

1. Request that students provide updated medical information;
2. Review any new information and determine what accommodations are supported; and
3. Offer appropriate accommodations based on the medical information, even if they are different than the temporary accommodations a student received during the pandemic.

Keep up to date with the latest RRC Polytech information on rrc.ca/coronavirus

Changes to COVID-19 On-Campus Case Reporting

Posted: January 21, 2022

Beginning Monday, January 24 RRC Polytech is updating how it reports positive cases to the College community.

We will now provide weekly updates about on-campus cases, posted directly to the COVID-19 site on Friday afternoons, and shared to Staff News and Student News on Monday mornings. This change is being made to a consistent reporting structure, while maintaining our ongoing internal response to notify anyone who may be directly connected to any cases reported on-campus.  

Those who are close contacts to confirmed cases will be notified prior to the weekly update. If you have not been notified at that time, you are not a close contact.

This change in reporting only applies to cases of COVID-19 reported on-campus that are assessed as low-risk by Safety Health Services or Public Health.

Additional updates will be communicated to the College community by email if:

• A reported case is considered high risk
• Community transmission is present on campus and is considered high-risk
• Services, supports and/or programs are impacted

Thank you for your support as we continue to evolve and strengthen our processes to ensure students and staff remain informed and up to date.

Reporting Covid-19 Cases to the Health Centre – New Form

The Health Centre has created a new form for staff and students to report if they are symptomatic, have travelled, receive positive test results (including rapid-antigen tests) or are a close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19. Please note that you are only required to use the reporting form if you have been on campus or will be coming to campus.

Moving forward, please use this form in place of emailing or phoning the Health Centre.

Keeping the RRC Polytech Community Safe

RRC Polytech’s COVID-19 response plan has been developed with the guidance and approval of Manitoba Public Health, and continues to adapt to the evolving situation. A mainstay of the College’s response plan is our robust contact tracing system, which includes direct contact case management.

In the event that a member of the College community reports a confirmed case of COVID-19 to our Health Centre, Safety and Health Services will assess the case and anyone who is considered a close contact will immediately be notified about next steps.

With all cases, Safety and Health Services will review indivduals’ activity on campus, confirm whether it was limited to one area of the College and if they were wearing proper PPE. Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols are completed to affected spaces and surrounding areas connected to all cases.

Click here to review confirmed cases on campus

Update to Designated Campus Entrances

Posted: January 19, 2022

As of Monday, January 24, there are changes to designated entrances at the Notre Dame and Exchange District Campuses. Some locations will no longer be designated as key entrances or have updated hours.

Before arriving on Campus for essential hands-on learning or work requirements, please ensure you review the updated Designated Entrances list.

For students and employees who require the use of a specific entrance for accessibility, please email safety@rrc.ca to make arrangements. 

A reminder that all students and employees are required to provide proof of vaccination along with a piece of valid photo identification at designated entrances. Refer to the Campus Access Checklist for more information about the vaccination requirement and on-campus safety protocols.

How to put on a KN95/N95 mask

Posted: January 17, 2022

The following video created by RRC Polytech Safety and Health Services gives step-by-step instructions on how to properly don and doff (put on and take off) a KN95 or an N95 mask.

Putting on your mask:

• Wash or sanitize your hands
• Take your mask by the straps and put them behind your ears
• Ensure the bottom of the mask fully covers your chin
• Once your mask is in place, gently press the nose piece so it fits snug against your face

How to remove your mask:

• Hold the straps to remove the mask, avoiding contact with the front of your mask
• Discard the mask
• Wash or sanitize your hands

For more information about RRC Polytech’s mask requirement, visit rrc.ca/coronavirus or refer to the Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any questions not covered on the website, please contact Safety and Health Services at safety@rrc.ca.

Five confirmed cases of COVID-19 at NDC

Posted: January 13, 2022

Red River College Polytechnic was advised that five members of our community have tested positive for COVID-19. We wish them, and everyone else at the College affected by this virus a quick recovery.

Due to the stringent safety measures in place, RRC Polytech Safety and Health Services advises that all cases are considered low risk. At this time, we can share the following information:

Notre Dame Campus – Five Confirmed Cases

Case Number	Date Reported	Last On Campus
Case 1	Jan 12	Jan 11
Case 2	Jan 12	Jan 11
Case 3	Jan 12	Jan 11
Case 4	Jan 12	Jan 11
Case 5	Jan 13	Jan 10

For all five cases, Safety and Health Services has reviewed the individual’s activity while on-campus, and confirmed it was limited to one area of the College and they were wearing all appropriate PPE. Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols have been completed to affected spaces and surrounding areas.

There are no close contacts associated with any of the cases.

We understand that receiving this update with multiple confirmed cases can be distressing to some. It is important to acknowledge that the five reported cases at NDC are not connected.

With the recent increase in community transmission within the province, it is imperative that we all continue to focus on the fundamentals and follow all COVID-19 health and safety measures before arriving and while on campus.

The Notre Dame Campus remains open, and programs and services have not been impacted. 

A reminder that if you are experiencing symptoms that could be COVID-19, use the Online COVID-19 Screening Tool to self-screen and get tested if that is what is recommended and notify the Health Centre by email at HealthServices@rrc.ca

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep each other and our community safe.

Updates, if required, will be provided via email and will be shared online at rrc.ca/coronavirus

Two confirmed cases of COVID-19

Posted: January 10, 2022

Red River College Polytechnic was advised that two members of our community have tested positive for COVID-19. We wish them, and everyone else at the College affected by this virus a quick recovery.

At this time, we can share the following information:

NDC

• This case involves an individual at the Notre Dame Campus, the last time they were on campus was Thursday, January 6, 2022. The individual was asymptomatic at that time. 
• Safety Health Services has reviewed the individual’s activity while on-campus. Their activity was limited to one area of the College and they were wearing all appropriate PPE. 
• There were no close contacts associated with this case.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols have been completed to the affected space and surrounding areas.

EDC

• This case involves an individual at Exchange District Campus, the last time they were on campus was Thursday, January 6, 2022. The individual was asymptomatic at that time. 
• Safety Health Services has reviewed the individual’s activity while on-campus. Their activity was limited to one area of the College and they were wearing all appropriate PPE. 
• There were no close contacts associated with this case.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols have been completed to the affected space and surrounding areas.

These case are not related and both campuses remain open and no programs or services are impacted. 

We want to remind everyone – on and off campus – to continue to follow the advice from Public Health including, getting vaccinated, limiting close contacts outside of the home, practice physical distancing, and staying home when sick, no matter how mild the symptoms are to limit the spread of the virus. 

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19, use the Online COVID-19 Screening Tool to self-screen and get tested if that is what is recommended and notify the Health Centre by email at HealthServices@rrc.ca

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep each other safe. 

Updates, if required, will be provided via email and will be shared online at rrc.ca/coronavirus

What to do before arriving on campus

Posted: January 7, 2022

Heading to campus this Winter Term? Before you arrive to any of RRC Polytech’s campuses for essential hands-on learning and work requirements, you must take the following required steps. These requirements have been implemented by the College in guidance with Manitoba Public Health to help ensure a safe learning, teaching, and work environment, and protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.

Complete the COVID-19 Safety Orientation

RRC Polytech students and employees are required to complete the mandatory COVID-19 safety orientation on LEARN. Click here to take the course on LEARN (note that you must be signed in).

Self-Screen for Symptoms

Every time you come to campus, but before you arrive, you must use Shared Health’s screening tool. You are permitted to come to campus if the screening tool does not advise you to get tested for COVID-19. A reminder that if you are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms do not come to campus.

Provide an On-Site Check In

Staff and faculty who will be attending campus must provide an on-site check in through HUB. Click the blue “Add Onsite Check-in” button on your homepage of HUB, and include the timeframe as well as locations you’ll be at on campus.

Provide Proof of Vaccination

All students and staff are required to provide proof of vaccination (having received two doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine) or an approved exemption to attend campus. The RRC Polytech Mobile Safety App is used as a consistent, secure solution to provide proof of vaccination at designated campus entrances.

See step-by-step directions on how to add your proof of vaccination (or approved exemption) to the Mobile Safety App.

When you arrive at a designated campus entrance, you must provide a piece of valid photo ID alongside your verified QR code generated from the Mobile Safety App.

Note: Provincial Immunization cards and a piece of valid photo ID may also be presented at entrances to access campus.

For more information about approved exemptions to the vaccination policy, including the requirement to participate in asymptomatic rapid-antigen testing, see the COVID-19 blog.

While You’re On Campus

Once you’re on campus, you are required to adhere to the College’s mask requirement and maintain physical distancing. Note that as of January 4, 2022, all students and employees are required to wear a College supplied medical-grade mask or KN95/N95 mask. Cloth masks, including those that are three layers, are no longer permitted on campus.

A reminder that if you are on campus and begin to feel unwell or experience any symptoms of COVID-19, leave campus immediately and contact RRC Polytech Health Services at HealthServices@rrc.ca.

For additional information about attending campus, refer to the Campus Access Checklist.

What to do when you are self-isolating, experiencing symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.

Posted: January 6, 2022

Post updated: 01/25/2022

RRC Polytech maintains a robust contact tracing system as part of the College’s COVID-19 health and safety measures to ensure a safe learning, teaching and working environment across our campuses.

A reminder that all students and employees must contact RRC Polytech’s Health Centre when self-isolating, experiencing symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or are a close contact to a confirmed case.

Note that a positive case of COVID-19 includes a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at a designated provincial testing site or a positive self-administered rapid-antigen test.

For those who are self-isolating, experiencing symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or are a close contact of a confirmed case, contact Health Services by using the Reporting Form regarding next steps. Individuals are responsible for contacting their instructor or supervisor to advise of their leave. Additionally, Health Services will follow up with the program/department to confirm that the individual has been directed to remain off campus for a health-related matter.

Students and employees are not permitted to return to campus, other than their residence suite if a resident, unless they are symptom free for 24 hours and authorized by RRC Polytech Health Services to do so.

In the event that you are on campus and become symptomatic, follow the directives below:

• Contact your instructor/supervisor to advise of your departure.
• Please leave campus immediately by the most direct route possible.
• Once home, complete the Shared Health personal screening tool and follow directions.
• Contact the Health Centre by using the COVID-19 Reporting Form

For additional information about RRC Polytech Health Services, visit rrc.ca/health. Refer to rrc.ca for more information about the College’s COVID-19 policy.

Confirmed case of COVID-19 at NDC

Posted: January 6, 2022

Red River College Polytechnic was advised that a member of our community has tested positive for COVID-19. We wish them, and everyone else at the College affected by this virus a quick recovery.

At this time, we can share the following information:

• This case involves an individual at the Notre Dame Campus, the last time they were on campus was Tuesday, January 4, 2022. The individual was symptomatic at that time. 
• Safety Health Services has reviewed the individual’s activity while on-campus. Their activity was limited to one area of the College and they were wearing all appropriate PPE, including the use of eye-protection. 
• Everyone connected to this case has been contacted by the College. They have all been advised to follow Public Health advice to self-monitor or self-isolate and have been instructed to contact the Health Centre should their condition change.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection protocols have been completed to the affected space and surrounding areas.

NDC remains open and no programs or services are impacted. 

We want to remind everyone – on and off campus – to continue to follow the advice from Public Health including, getting vaccinated, limiting close contacts outside of the home, practice physical distancing, and staying home when sick, no matter how mild the symptoms are to limit the spread of the virus. 

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19, use the Online COVID-19 Screening Tool to self-screen and get tested if that is what is recommended and notify the Health Centre at 204.632.2238 or by email at HealthServices@rrc.ca

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep each other safe. 

Updates, if required, will be provided via email and will be shared online at rrc.ca/coronavirus

Response to K-12 Winter Break Announcement

Posted: December 23, 2021

Yesterday, the Province of Manitoba announced a delay in the return to school after winter break to January 10, 2022 for the K-12 school system. 

This new update will not change the start of our Winter 2022 academic term, however we acknowledge this decision may have an impact to those staff, faculty and students who have child care needs.

We recognize that the changing nature of the pandemic continues to be stressful for many of us as we try to balance the health and safety of our families and our work and learning at the College.  

We will continue to work with staff, faculty and students who have been impacted by the evolving health requirements in response to the pandemic. We ask employees to continue to work with their managers and students to work with their Instructors to determine solutions to balance work and childcare needs at this time.  We have been successful in finding this flexibility throughout the pandemic and we will continue to do so.  

The response to the omicron variant has been rapid and ever-changing and we will regularly  monitor and follow all public health guidance and advice and adjust our response as appropriate over the Winter Break.   

I encourage everyone to make informed decisions about vaccination and continue to follow updates on eligibility for second and third -dose appointments.

I want to thank all of you for your support and patience as we work together to address the regular changes that we are facing. It has been a challenging year, but know we will continue to work together to support each other.

Staff Supports

I encourage you to access resources available to support all of us through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. You can connect with EFAP services online or by calling their 24-hour toll-free number at 1.800.663.1142.

Student Supports

The College provides a range of services to support your wellbeing and success at RRC Polytech. Learn more about wellness and counselling services available for students.

We will continue to keep you informed and share updates through your College email, Staff Forum and Staff News, and the COVID-19 blog.

If you have questions please contact Safety and Health Services at safety@rrc.ca

** Please note the College will be closed over Winter Break so there will be a delay in response during this time. **

Melanie Gudmundson
Chief Human Resource Officer