In December 2019, a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in Wuhan, China. Common coronaviruses that infect humans usually cause mild symptoms similar to the common cold. COVID-19 is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans.

The COVID-19 virus can be spread through close contact (within six feet or two metres) with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. You can also get COVID-19 by touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

COVID-19 symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Fever/chills
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat/hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath/breathing difficulties
• Loss of taste or smell
• Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Poor feeding if an infant
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Skin rash of unknown cause

• World Health Organization
• Government of Canada Coronavirus site
• Province of Manitoba COVID-19 site
• Shared Health Manitoba COVID-19 site
  • Screening Tool

No. If you have even minor symptoms of cold or flu, you must:

1. Go home immediately, or remain at home
2. Complete the self-screening tool through Shared Health
3. Follow all public health proper protocols
4. Contact the RRC Health Centre at 204-632-2238

A nurse from the Health Centre will advise you on when you can return to campus.

If you’re a student, contact your instructor or program coordinator about accommodations that may be available to help you continue your studies.

If you’re a College employee, and your symptoms and duties allow you to work from home, please work with your supervisor/manager to make arrangements to do so. Sick leave or another form of approved leave may also be considered.

If you have even minor symptoms of COVID-19, you must:

1. Go home immediately, or remain at home
2. Complete the self-screening tool through Shared Health
3. Follow all public health proper protocols
4. Contact the RRC Health Centre at 204-632-2238

A nurse from the Health Centre will advise you on when you can return to campus.

If you’re a student, contact your instructor or program coordinator about accommodations that may be available to help you continue your studies.

If you’re a College employee, and your symptoms and duties allow you to work from home, please work with your supervisor/manager to make arrangements to do so. Sick leave or another form of approved leave may also be considered.

If you learn you are a close contact to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, or to someone waiting for test results, but you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you must:

1. Go home immediately, or remain at home
2. Complete the self-screening tool through Shared Health
3. Follow all public health proper protocols
4. Contact the RRC Health Centre at 204-632-2238

A nurse from the Health Centre will advise you on when you can return to campus.

If you’re a student, contact your instructor or program coordinator about accommodations that may be available to help you continue your studies.

If you’re a College employee, and your symptoms and duties allow you to work from home, please work with your supervisor/manager to make arrangements to do so. Sick leave or another form of approved leave may also be considered.

You should self-monitor for symptoms, but you can continue to attend campus if you are not symptomatic.

If you become symptomatic:

1. Go home immediately, or remain at home
2. Complete the self-screening tool through Shared Health
3. Follow all public health proper protocols
4. Contact the RRC Health Centre at 204-632-2238

A nurse from the Health Centre will advise you on when you can return to campus.

Anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis must:

1. Go home immediately, or remain at home
2. Complete the self-screening tool through Shared Health
3. Follow all public health proper protocols
4. Contact the RRC Health Centre at 204-632-2238

A nurse from the Health Centre will advise you on when you can return to campus.

If you’re a student, contact your instructor or program coordinator about accommodations that may be available to help you continue your studies.

If you’re a College employee, and your symptoms and duties allow you to work from home, please work with your supervisor/manager to make arrangements to do so. Sick leave or another form of approved leave may also be considered.

Your manager will then follow the COVID-19 notification protocol.

The Government of Canada recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently in order to reduce the risk of spreading disease and infection. Use a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with warm soapy water to clean the surface of your phone. Ensure moisture doesn’t enter any openings. Cleaning products and disinfectants may scratch your cellphone and can diminish the screen’s protective coating.

Please check with your phone’s manufacturer for specific instructions on how to clean your particular phone model.

During this time of uncertainty, it’s natural that our stress response will kick in.

Click here for a full listing of Mental Health and Counselling Resources at Red River College as well as some immediate actions that can be helpful at this time.

Be sure to subscribe to the Wellness newsletter to receive a variety of resources to support you through this difficult time.

In the event we are notified by Public Health that a student, employee or visitor to one of our campuses has a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis:

1. As soon as we are notified, the College will contact anyone who shared a space with the person who received the COVID diagnosis to advise them on steps they need to take, which may include using the self-screening tool, testing, and/or self-isolating. These steps will be guided by Public Health. Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).
2. The College community will be notified immediately about the exposure along with any impacts to the delivery of programs and services. This information will include the specific campus and building if applicable. The College will provide regular updates via email and through our website regarding our response.
3. A cleaning crew will immediately close and disinfect any impacted spaces. Those spaces will remain closed for 24 to 48 hours, based on guidance from Public Health. If the situation permits, we will provide an alternate learning or working space until the regular space is ready to be occupied again.
4. The College will provide Manitoba Public Health with as much information as we can to help with their investigation – for example, class contact lists, sign-in sheets and schedules. The appropriate workplace safety and health committees will also be advised.
5. A representative from Manitoba Public Health will contact anyone they identify as a close contact to this case to request more information, or provide additional recommendations for your safety.
6. If necessary, and following the advice or directives of public health authorities, we will close additional areas, buildings or campuses.

RRC Safety and Health Services has worked closely with Manitoba Public Health to develop our response plans. As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, we will communicate any information vital to the health and safety of all members of our College community via RRC email, emergency notification, our website, and our social media channels.

If you have any questions, please contact safety@rrc.ca.

Students, employees and visitors, including vendors and contractors, are required to wear non-medical face masks at all times while on any RRC campus.

The protocol, part of RRC’s COVID-19 Policy, requires that masks be worn in all indoor spaces and facilities, including classrooms, labs, workrooms, areas where staff work within 2 meters of each other, washrooms, hallways, elevators, and public spaces.

Masks can be removed while eating/drinking, but individuals should take measures to ensure physical distancing during meal and snack breaks, and should not walk around public spaces while eating/drinking.

Wearing a mask is not optional in:

• Classrooms, labs, workrooms
• Washrooms, hallways, elevators
• Any area where staff work within 2 meters of each other

Wearing a mask is optional in:

• Staff work spaces where physical distancing can be maintained, ie. meeting rooms or personal offices

The primary benefit of covering your nose and mouth with a mask is that you help protect others from the spread of COVID-19. The virus is spread through coughs, sneezes, and other respiratory secretions. Pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals may spread the virus for up to 48 hours before showing symptoms.

The College has prepared its campuses to safely accommodate students and employees for hands-on learning this fall by installing physical distancing measures, signage, and hand hygiene stations throughout its spaces.

Combined with social distancing and good hand hygiene, wearing a mask – even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19 – adds an additional layer of precaution, and helps protect those around you from the spread of infection, according to public health experts.

Yes, as long as you are still able to maintain a safe physical distance from coworkers. As soon as a customer arrives, or you need to leave your work station to access a shared space, please put your mask on immediately.

Masks can be removed while eating, but you should take measures to ensure physical distancing during meal and snack breaks. You must be seated to eat and/or drink on campus, and you must wear a mask any other time you are in a public space. Please do not walk around/through public spaces while eating or drinking.

The College will provide one disposable mask each day for all students and employees coming to campus for hands-on training or work. Programs will designate someone to hand out masks on campus, and masks will also be available from Security Services. Students and employees may also wear their own personal cloth masks that cover the nose, mouth, and chin.

No. Everyone on campus is required to wear a non-medical mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This requirement is follows specific direction from the Medical Officer of Health, who advises Red River College on all safety and health matters related to COVID-19.

The College will provide one disposable mask each day for all students and employees coming to campus for hands-on training or work. Programs will designate someone to hand out masks on campus, and masks will also be available from Security Services.

No. Masks with ventilation pieces are not allowed. According to the Government of Manitoba, “Holes or valves allow respiratory droplets to escape from the non-medical mask and decreases its ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

No. According to the Medical Officer of Health, who advises Red River College on all safety and health matters related to COVID-19, a face shield does not replace a non-medical mask. Everyone on campus is required to wear a non-medical mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The College will provide one disposable mask each day for all students and employees coming to campus for hands-on training or work. Programs will designate someone to hand out masks on campus, and masks will also be available from Security Services.

It is the expectation that students and employees will wear a mask that covers the nose, mouth, and chin for personal use each day they are on campus. If you choose to wear your own personal cloth mask but forget it at home, the College will provide a disposable mask for you.

If you realize you’ve forgotten your mask while in a public space on campus, please exit the building and take an outdoor route to the nearest Security Services kiosk to get a mask.

Special considerations may be required for students or employees with health issues or who have a permanent or ongoing condition where an accommodation to wearing a mask may be required. If you require a medical accommodation, please contact Safety and Health Services at safety@rrc.ca for more information.

Everyone on campus is required to wear a mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19. If you refuse to wear a mask, you will not be permitted on campus. Our protocol, part of RRC’s COVID-19 Policy, requires the use of a mask on campus, with the exception of a medical accommodation. The requirement to wear masks was made as part of the College’s precautions to support student and employee safety while on campus.

How to wear:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
2. Hold your mask by the straps or ear loops and position it over your nose and mouth.
3. Pull your mask from the top and bottom to fully open the folds, and adjust it around your face.
4. If your mask has a wire, gently shape it over the bridge of the nose and make any facial adjustments.

How to remove:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
2. Without touching the front of the mask, grasp the ear loops to gently pull it off.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.

Tips:

• Disposable masks should be thrown in the garbage at the end of the day.
• Reusable masks should be laundered at the end of each day.

The primary benefit of covering your nose and mouth with a mask is that you help protect others from the spread of COVID-19. The virus is spread through coughs, sneezes, and other respiratory secretions. Pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals may spread the virus for up to 48 hours before showing symptoms. When used in combination with social distancing and good hand hygiene, wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Red River College will deliver all possible programs and services through online delivery for the full term in Fall 2020 and Winter 2021. However, campuses are now open on a limited basis for essential hands-on learning.

For a listing of program delivery methods for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, please visit rrc.ca/coronavirus/return-to-campus/delivery-methods/

We will continue to monitor the situation closely to determine what our plans will be for the Winter 2020 term. Our ultimate goal is to slowly re-integrate our staff and students to campus in a manner that is consistent with advice from public health officials.

The health and safety of our staff and students remains our top priority. Our Operational Response Plans follow the regulations outlined in the Province of Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services Plan.

When determining what to offer on campuses, we’ll be prioritizing hands-on, experiential learning and classes that were delayed, and in serving students who are close to graduation.

While being attentive to our unique situation and making the right choices for our programs, students, industry partners, and college community, we will work to respond with other post-secondary institutions, synchronizing our approaches and aligning with government.

In general, if a component of a course can be delivered in online form, it will be delivered in online form.

In-person delivery of programs or parts of programs will be defined as essential where:

1. The physical use of tools or equipment is required and alternatives are not possible;
2. Learning outcomes cannot be delivered in alternative forms, and the learning outcome is required for graduation, is a critical piece of the program, or required for accreditation;
3. Barriers to education exist that can only be addressed through in-person delivery.

Find out more about the principles, guidelines and definitions behind our Fall 2020 planning.

The fitness facilities at both the Notre Dame Campus and Exchange District Campus are closed at this time.

Find out more about which RRC spaces, supports and facilities are reopening and when on our Return to Campus page.

We have made the following modifications to our HVAC systems:

• Cleaning the interior of the HVAC units, particularly the heating and cooling coils. This will increase airflow through the units and minimize the amount of particulate that can gather inside the unit.
• Changing the programming of the HVAC systems to introduce as much fresh air into buildings as the design of the systems can accommodate.
• Working with filter suppliers and air balancing contractors to increase the efficiency of the filter systems, where possible. This may also include:
  • Upgrades to the filter housings built into the HVAC units
  • Upgrading the filters from a rating of MERV 8 to a higher (more efficient) rating, as high as MERV 14 if the system can operate at this level
  • In some cases, increasing the speed of the fan to offset the new filter requirements
  • Upgrading the filters in Student Residence rooms from a residential quality to a commercial filter (MERV 8)
• Programming HVAC system controls to introduce a Pre- and Post Purge. This will cause the systems to begin operation approximately 2 hours prior to normal occupancy and 2 hours after normal shutdown, ensuring adequate air exchange prior to occupancy.

Most of these measures are recommended by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers).

• Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris
• Disinfection stops the spread of viruses by killing pathogens
• Sanitation reduces the number of germs on a surface

We follow a comprehensive scope of work that is customized to different spaces (classrooms, labs, washrooms) on campus. Every day, our staff clean and disinfect all kinds of spaces on campus.

While every RRC campus has its own unique cleaning requirements, our cleaning staff and partner janitorial contract companies follow the same cleaning and disinfection protocols. The products we use to disinfect campus spaces are proven by Health Canada to be effective against viruses like COVID-19.

Our Building Services team keeps our spaces clean and disinfected by:

• Following normal daily cleaning routines
• Manually disinfecting using disinfectants approved by Health Canada
• Closely following the recommended usage of each disinfectant, such as mixing ratio, and the contact time required on various types of surfaces
• Using our Clorox 360 Electrostatic Sprayer Systems
• Frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects regularly touched by multiple people, including:
  • shared tables
  • doorknobs
  • light switches
  • reception area countertops
  • handles
  • shared desks
  • public phones
  • shared keyboards
  • toilets
  • faucets and sinks
  • microwaves
  • vending machines

Our electrostatic sprayers release a mist that is drawn to nearby surfaces, preventing the mist from being suspended into the air or carried through a ventilation system. The mist sits on a surface and is able to reach difficult spots. Spaces are safe to re-enter after the mist air dries, which is almost immediately. Our electrostatic sprayers are an efficient alternative to manual disinfection as they’re capable of disinfecting up to 18,000 square feet per hour.

Yes, the disinfectant released through the mist is proven by Health Canada to be effective against COVID-19. In fact, this disinfectant has been used for years in health care and food service areas. While Clorox is widely known for producing bleach-based chemicals, the Clorox disinfectant we use does not contain any bleach in its ingredients.

Yes. The safety of our students and employees is our top priority, and over the past several months, our Safety and Health Services, Building Services and Procurement teams worked together to choose a safe disinfection system.

Yes. We are committed to delivering the same level of service across our entire College community. Our Building Services team works with the cleaning teams at each RRC campus, providing guidance, support and access to the most updated cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

Every washroom at every campus is manually cleaned and disinfected every day.

• At the Notre Dame Campus, washrooms are manually cleaned and disinfected with the Clorox 360 System twice a day. Washrooms also receive an extra round of cleaning and disinfecting in the evening.
• At PGI, washrooms are manually cleaned and disinfected every two hours. Washrooms also receive an extra round of cleaning and disinfecting with the Clorox 360 System during the evening.
• At the Roblin Centre, washrooms are manually cleaned and disinfected twice a day. Washrooms also receive an extra round of cleaning and disinfecting with the Clorox 360 System during the evening.

How often a space is cleaned depends on the size of the campus and occupancy levels. Each campus receives at least one full round of cleaning and disinfection per day in all common areas, as well as any areas reported as occupied or pre-booked.

For example, here’s how often certain spaces are cleaned at the Notre Dame Campus:

• Booked classrooms: At least once a day (if more than one group needs to use the classroom, we clean and disinfect the space in between classes)
• Office areas: Once a day (this does not include cleaning or disinfecting furniture in personal spaces unless requested and arranged with our Building Services team)
• Booked boardrooms: Once before each booking
• Reflection room: Once a day
• Common areas (e.g. hallway fixtures and seating areas): Minimum twice a day
• Dining areas: Twice a day (before and after lunch)
• Library and study areas: Twice a day
• Gyms: Before and after exams

In the following spaces, you will be provided with disinfectant wipes and are expected to disinfect the surfaces before occupying them:

• Libraries
• Study spaces
• Designated lunch areas
• Reflection rooms
• Kitchen areas

Personal working spaces and furniture are also the responsibility of the user to disinfect (cleaning and disinfecting requests can be arranged with our Building Services team).

Submit a request to our Procurement team by logging into HUB, clicking Forms, and clicking Inventory Request.

Only common areas, spaces reported as being occupied (e.g. office areas), and pre-booked spaces (e.g. classrooms, boardrooms) are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Please ensure Safety and Health Services and Building Services have the most updated occupancy list for your area at all times – help us provide you with a safe environment!

• Do not enter unauthorized spaces (i.e. classrooms that are not booked, washrooms blocked or marked as out of service, etc.)
• Avoid touching unnecessary surfaces, especially the ones blocked with physical distancing signage
• Contact your supervisor if you need to use a space that was not previously booked for that day and time, or if you no longer need to use a previously booked space – our Building Services team needs to be aware of these changes as it impacts our cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Use the hand sanitizing stations located around campuses, wash your hands frequently, and wear a mask at all times

It varies depending on the campus size and needs. Our Building Services team provides cleaning services during extended hours at campuses with higher occupancy.

• At the Notre Dame Campus, cleaning services are provided Monday to Friday from 6:45 a.m. to midnight
• At the Roblin Centre, cleaning services are provided Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• At PGI, cleaning services are provided Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• At LTC Winnipeg, LTC Steinbach, Steinbach, Stevenson Winnipeg, Stevenson Southport, Portage La Prairie, Selkirk, and Winkler, cleaning services are provided during the evening

Our Building Services team is responsible for the cleaning services provided at all RRC campuses. If you have concerns or suggestions, please contact us:

• Patricia Thome, Building Services Manager: pthome@rrc.ca or 204-392-7116
• Rebecca Girard, Building Services Supervisor: rgirard@rrc.ca or 204-470-8952
• You can also email Facility Management at facilitymanagement@rrc.ca or Safety and Health Services at safety@rrc.ca

We know online learning may be new to you, and it may be a little scary. We are working hard to ensure that your courses and programs provide opportunities to engage with your instructors/fellow students and build those all-important class connections. We’re designing courses with flexibility in mind, so they fit your own schedule as much as possible, and developing assignments that are appropriate and fair in the online environment. Another priority we’ve committed to is ensuring you have easy access to strong academic supports such as tutoring, and non-academic supports such as counselling, for any help you need.

Find out more about flexible online delivery.

We recognize that some students won’t be able to carry out their studies from home over the coming months , and may benefit from being on campus.

Spaces at our Notre Dame Campus, Exchange District Campus, and some regional campuses have been designated for students who require a reliable high-speed internet connection, or need a dedicated space to study and/or learn online. These spaces have been set up to allow students to maintain proper physical distancing.

View spaces ›

Flexible, online program delivery will become a normal facet of most, if not all, Red River College programs and courses even after the pandemic ends.

That doesn’t mean in-person courses are going away. High-caliber hands-on, applied and experiential learning opportunities have always set Red River College apart. While this kind of learning poses unique challenges in the face of social distancing requirements, we’re exploring out nimble and innovative solutions to these challenges in an environment where public safety regulations may change at a moment’s notice.

We all miss campus life and the benefits of learning and collaborating together in person, but the reality is the workplace is changing fast and some of the impacts of the recent disruption are here to stay. So those training with us for careers will be well prepared to address this new reality that is affecting all industries and parts of our economy.

Online learning will also provide students with the tools they will need to succeed in industry and workplaces that are undergoing a digital transformation.

We’re continuing to work with our partners to keep delivering these opportunities as much as possible.

If you have specific questions regarding your practicums or co-ops, please reach out to your program for more information.

Tuition will not be reduced for the Fall, and we are only applying fees that are reasonable and necessary for delivering programs and services for the fall term.

There is, without question, a cost to delivering online education, and this may differ from the costs during an on-campus program offering. For example, lab fees may now go towards the cost of software for simulations that will be important for learning key concepts or skills. The College has also already refunded parking and rec fees to students, and the College will not charge rec fees until those services are available to students on-campus. Where appropriate, the College has also refunded other fees to students that can’t be used to support their online learning.

While this year’s budget does require a small increase in tuition, this decision was made to ensure we can support the delivery of our programs both through blended learning and online learning. The tuition increase allows us to maintain high-quality of education at Red River College and ensure students have the resources they need to be successful. The cost of education rises every year regardless of delivery method.

RRC remains one of the most affordable post-secondary institutions in Western Canada. However, we recognize that many students need extra financial support when going to college. This is why we provide nearly $4 million to students in scholarships and bursaries each year. You can also apply for student support here. If you would like help reviewing the support available, please email financialaid@rrc.ca for assistance. The federal government is also providing student aid and further details on that program can be found here.

We are only applying fees that are reasonable and necessary for delivering programs and services for the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 term. There is certainly a cost to delivering education online, and this may differ from the costs during an on-campus program offering (for example, lab fees may now go towards the cost of software for simulations that will be important for learning key concepts or skills).

Student Service Fee

Student services are still available to all students, including students who are learning online or on campus. This fee helps us ensure students have access to important services like academic advising, counselling, tutoring, career and employment services, library services, and more. These supports continue to be available to all new, returning, and prospective students.

Student’s Association Fees

The Student’s Association is continuing to provide services to their students. For more details on how they’re supporting you, please visit their website at rrcsa.ca where you can also contact them directly should you have more questions. The Student’s Association has also added a new live chat function to their website this year so that they can respond to student inquiries quickly to best support you.

Lab and Materials Fee

The lab fee covers small equipment costs associated with labs and shop spaces. The material fee covers costs directly associated with running the program, including materials and supplies, printing, and program specific licenses. Each program is applying these fees differently to support you in your learning. In some cases, it could mean acquiring new technology, and in others, it could be to ensure we have the right equipment and resources to support hands-on learning on campus. If you have more specific questions about your course lab and material fees, please reach out to your program directly.

Technology Infrastructure Fee

This fee helps us meet student needs for mobile technology access and technology support services. Many students are learning online, or through blended delivery, so access to technology support services continues to be crucial to student success.

You may apply for funding by filling out the online application form.

Through the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, support is available for students who are enrolled full-time or were enrolled full-time, in a full-time credit program that will graduate with a credential (excluding Apprenticeship programs), at the time of the transition to alternative delivery methods for courses and/or cancellation of practicum/clinical courses OR is a current Language Training Centre international student admitted to a credit program either now or in the fall or will be continuing at the Language Training Centre; who are maintaining academic eligibility to continue their program; and who can demonstrate the need for assistance resulting from the pandemic.

Please visit our online donation form and select ‘Covid-19 Emergency Student Support Fund’.

Yes. International students who meet the criteria may apply for financial support through this fund.

It is a bursary. You will not have to repay these funds.

Students must meet the listed criteria to receive support through this fund.

Red River College also offers a number of awards, scholarships and bursaries you may be eligible for.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Financial support will be available until the funds are depleted.

Our staff are working hard to ensure students in need of assistance can access funds as soon as possible. Due to the number of applications, we are unable to provide a specific timeline.

Funds will be dispersed by electronic fund transfer to their bank account, or by cheque, depending on the individual student’s preference.