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
• Province of Manitoba Vaccine site
• Protect Manitoba
• 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.

As of Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, the Province of Manitoba has amended public health orders to specify that anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes those entering from northern and Western Canada, and from west of Terrace Bay in Ontario, which under previous health orders did not require self-isolation.

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 medical grade 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. This includes meeting rooms and workspaces where individuals may be gathering or meeting – even if social distancing is attainable.

The policy has been expanded to require the use of masks for those who work in cubicles and open office spaces while sitting at their workspace. Individuals working alone in a private space with the door closed are permitted to remove their mask.

Additionally, if individuals are gathering outdoors on-campus for a meeting, break, or conversation, the wearing of masks outdoors will now be required.

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
• Meeting rooms, cubicles or open work spaces
• Outdoors on Campus property
• Any area where staff work within 2 meters of each other

Wearing a mask is optional in:

• Private staff work spaces with the door closed

 Safety Health Services and the Incident Management Team made this decision to continue to align our College-wide response and protocols with the current Public Health directives for K-12 and early childhood education centres.

The new masks will be provided by the College and departments can order them through Procurement & Logistics in order to distribute to staff and students.

Yes, the College will continue to allow students and staff to wear their own cloth masks on-campus. If you choose to wear a home-made or store-bought cloth mask, it must meet the following approved requirements by the Public Health Agency of Canada:

• It must be made of at least 3 layers:
  • 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen
  • the third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric, or a disposable filter inserted into a pocket on the mask
• be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping;
• it must allow for easy breathing;
• fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops;
• be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments;
• be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty; and
• maintain its shape after washing and drying.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work to keep your campuses safe. If you have any questions or are unsure if your cloth mask is safe to use, please don’t hesitate to contact Safety Health Services at safety@rrc.ca

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.

No, the policy has been expanded to require the use of masks at all times on Campus, including for those who work in cubicles and open office spaces while sitting at their workspace.

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.

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 medical grade 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 medical grade 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 medical grade 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 medical grade mask. Everyone on campus is required to wear a medical mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The College will provide one medical grade 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 medical grade 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  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 medical grade 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.

• The new medical grade masks that are being provided are fluid resistant and add an additional layer of protection for the wearer. They have a coating that acts as a barrier to better protect against large droplets, splashes or sprays of fluid.
• N95 Respirators form a tight seal to the face and require the user to have a respirator fit-test to ensure protection. N95 respirators are worn in healthcare settings to protect healthcare workers during specific medical procedures.

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.

There is a college wide mask mandate for students and faculty on campus and in class. Safety and Health Services has been working with faculty and students to offer a clear mask for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. We have ordered in masks and have distributed these to various programs. If you require this type of mask, it can be ordered through Procurement and Logistics COVID ordering form.

Students and staff who are on campus for labs, workshops, or any hands-on, practical learning environment will be required to wear College issued medical grade masks and eye protection.

We continuously monitor and align the college with best practices for personal protective equipment. Medical grade masks provide a protective barrier against droplet contact and eye protection adds additional droplet contact protection. The combination of a medical grade mask and eye protection significantly decreases the risk of exposure.

The program will be responsible for ordering supplies. Supplies are available through Procurement.

If your program required eye protection prior to Covid-19, students should continue to purchase their eye protection through the Campus Store. Departments can obtain eye protection through Procurement.

If eye protection is an additional item for staff and students due to Covid-19, then this cost will be covered by the Covid-19 budget. Eye protection for students and faculty can be obtained through Procurement.

Medical grade masks are available through Procurement in packages of 5 for students and faculty.

No, students and faculty will be required to wear College issued medical grade masks and eye protection while participating in labs, workshops, and other hands on learning settings. Personal cloth masks will not be permitted in these areas and must be removed before entering these spaces.

The College has made this decision to better protect the College community and reduce the risk of close contact transmission. A consistent approach is important, as it can be difficult to determine the type of cloth mask someone is wearing and whether it is an approved three-layer mask with a filter.

No. Eye protection must have side protection to ensure droplet contact precautions. Eye protection that can be worn over your prescription glasses can be ordered through Procurement.

Please contact Safety and Health Services for an assessment of your face shield to determine if it meets public health requirements.

No. You do not need to replace them. The eye protection that has been designated for the program meets the public health guidelines.

Each faculty and student will have their own eyewear. They can be worn for the duration of the program unless they become damaged. All surfaces of the eye protection should be cleaned on a daily basis with the approved cleaners available through procurement.

Faculty will be responsible for communicating and enforcing the new protocol.

As current public health orders continue to evolve and adapt to the pandemic’s pressures, we won’t have all the answers about what we can expect in 2021. However, what we do know is that Public Health has told us that physical distancing and a blended approach – combining both remote and in-person working and learning – will continue to be part of our College’s operations for the rest of the calendar year – including the fall 2021 academic term.

However, our approach will remain flexible and responsive in order to expand on-campus services and supports, should public health restrictions loosen further and allow such activities to take place. Our goal is to increase opportunities for all students to access on-campus activities to ensure quality learning, successful student outcomes and sufficient student engagement within a safe learning environment.

For a listing of program delivery methods for Fall 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 Fall 2021 term.

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.

Our Fall 2021 academic approach will be a blended learning approach, which involves a combination of online and on-campus (face-to-face) delivery within a program. However, our goal is to increase opportunities for all students to access on-campus activities to ensure quality learning, successful student outcomes and sufficient student engagement within a safe learning environment.

When determining what to offer on campuses, we’ll be prioritizing Essential learning, which involves hands-on, experiential learning and classes that cannot be delivered in alternative forms and/or are required to meet external regulations or accreditation, or to meet needs of at-risk populations. These are programs or courses in which students must be able to attend on-campus delivery.

We also acknowledge that the opportunities for enriched, face-to-face on-campus activities will significantly improve student engagement, achievement of learning outcomes, and retention. We will also be looking for more opportunities expand enriched learning opportunities for all students.

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, and we will continue to follow the advice of public health and will not be opening the school gyms for the fall. We will be continuing to use the gym for academic reasons – such as examinations, and not for recreation at this time.

Find out more about which RRC spaces, supports and facilities are reopening and when on our Operational Response Levels 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).

Many safety barriers and plans to control and reduce traffic flow are already in place across the College campuses, and are working effectively. We would encourage any staff who have not yet had the opportunity to return to campus yet, to think about scheduling some time with their manager or coordinator to come for a tour to see all of the safety measures that are already in place to keep the College community safe.

Safety and Health Services continues to provide assessments for all staff and faculty who request for a workstation to be evaluated. Please email safety@rrc.ca to speak with the SHS team who will work with you and the leadership team to determine what safety measures may need to be implemented in that area. 

Yes, exploring models that enhance flexibility in working arrangements. We are a hands-on, applied learning institution and students, staff and faculty require our supports on campus. Part of the work currently underway is to develop a work from home policy which will help define in which areas, roles and functions we may have the ability to provide that increased flexibility in the work arrangements, while balancing this with our operational needs.

The College has adopted a blended learning model for the Fall Term. Blended learning involves a combination of online and on-campus (face-to-face) delivery within a program.

In most programs, the majority of learning will continue to take place online, and many courses will be fully online. Online learning will enable students and faculty to learn safely and be in compliance with distancing requirements that limit on-campus capacity.

Online learning can include theory, simulation, virtual labs, and virtual group work. Programs that are fully online with no on-campus activity at all are listed as Online in the delivery method table.

Programs that require students to be on-campus for at least some activities are listed as Essential. Essential learning includes outcomes that can’t be delivered in alternative forms and/or is required to meet external regulations/accreditation and/or is due to specific needs of students in the program. Examples of essential learning include hands-on activities, physical labs, and other practical applications.

The majority of programs will also provide some on-campus Enriched learning. These activities are meant to reinforce complex ideas that are being taught online, give students opportunities to safely meet with other students and instructors, and in some cases provide additional hands-on time in shops, labs, or other learning spaces. These are recommended but not requiredactivities, and alternative ways to meet these same learning outcomes online or by other means will be provided.

The amount of Enriched and Essential learning will vary by program. It may be limited to a few activities or it could be an entire course. Since each program is different, students are encouraged to contact their program if they have questions regarding how much on-campus learning is expected to take place.

A few programs will be delivered entirely face-to-face if the approach was determined to be the best delivery method for meeting the needs of students and the program. If you have any questions about this form of delivery, please contact your program directly.

No, rooms will not be cleaned in between each class use. Safety protocols approved by Public Health are that each student and staff member is to wash or sanitize their hands before entering the classroom, and then once again once they leave.

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.

Yes, Red River College consults regularly with Public Health on the latest research supported health and safety measures. The research shows that there is low transmission of the virus on hard surfaces, and with students and staff following the fundamentals – including staying home if you or anyone in your household is feeling ill – and ensuring hands are washed or sanitized prior to entry and once again upon leaving the classroom, we can all do our part to continue to keep the College community safe.

Yes, we recognize that some students who are on campus for extended periods of time to complete their in-person labs and hands-on learning will require time and space to eat meals. In order to keep the College community safe, we have created designated learning locations for students to access and eat in these spaces while on Campus.

RRC uses a colour-coded approach to share our current operational status. Our response levels range from green (limited risk) to yellow (caution) to orange (restricted) to red (critical). Right now our level is orange, which indicates community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring but there is low risk at RRC campuses. Learn what each level means.

Students who are on Campus to complete hands-on learning, labs, or any other approved activities will not have time limitations placed around access to campus services – so long as these are within the hours of operation.

All employees, students, and visitors must follow certain steps before arriving at, and upon entering, any RRC campus. This includes, but is not limited to, completing the self-screening tool through Shared Health, entering campus through a designated entrance, and more. Review the steps/campus access checklist so you’re prepared.

Yes, students are able to see more than one faculty member in the same day and are reminded to follow the fundamentals and health and safety protocols we have in place at all times, including:

• stay home if you or someone in your household is are ill
• wear a medical grade mask on campus and eye protection in all labs and workshops
• practice good hand hygiene
• cough etiquette
• physical distancing
• reduce your contact with those outside of your immediate household

No, at this time cohorts are an important safety measure that we have in place to ensure that if there has been a positive case identified on Campus it is limited to one cohort and can quick and accurate contact tracing can be successfully completed.

As a College community, we have done a great job following the advice and best practices of public health in order to prevent the spread of the virus on campus. Following the health and safety measures we have in place – including cohorting helps ensure we can continue to limit the spread and protect one another.

We recognize that as Public Health restrictions loosen and staff and students continue to spend more time on Campus, there is an interest in providing food services options and we are in the process of exploring what options may be available for fall 2021.

Students, employees and visitors, including vendors and contractors, are required to wear medical grade 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, meeting rooms, cubicles and open workspaces, and public spaces.

Additionally, if individuals are gathering outdoors on-campus for a meeting, break, or conversation, the wearing of masks outdoors is also required.

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.

RRC Safety and Health Services has worked closely with Manitoba Public Health to develop our response plans. RRC has an established positive COVID on campus protocol. Health Centre staff complete the contract tracing for staff, faculty, and students on campus.

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.

Yes, groups can request rooms and spaces for their students but are asked to connect with Christine Siewert who will coordinate these requests and communicate with Building Services team.

If you have questions about the capacity of a room, please email safety@rrc.ca or call 204-632-2511

No, students who are on Campus to complete hands-on learning, labs, or any other approved activities do not need to be supervised.

All employees, students, and visitors must follow certain steps before arriving at, and upon entering, any RRC campus. This includes, but is not limited to, completing the self-screening tool through Shared Health, entering campus through a designated entrance, and more. Review the steps/campus access checklist so you’re prepared.

Yes, Red River College’s Fall Academic Term will be blended, which incorporates a mix of online and in-person learning, to ensure that our students continue to have access to the necessary high-quality education and training that they expect from the College.

Our approach will remain flexible and responsive in order to expand on-campus services and supports, should public health restrictions loosen further and allow such activities to take place without disrupting the blended delivery of our programs.

Yes, we are still in the process of finalizing our academic and operational plans for fall 2021 and once we determined who will be on campus and where, lockers will then be made available for student rentals.

Red River College has taken every precaution to protect your health and safety. These include the addition of physical barriers, occupancy and traffic flow assessments, reduced class sizes, an increase in hygiene stations, and markers and signage to ensure physical distancing in hallways, classrooms, labs, offices and workshops. Staff and students will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day before coming to any campus, and wear masks while on campus.

If you are reluctant to return to work on campus, reach out to your supervisor, manager, or Human Resource Services to determine appropriate next steps.

Red River College has taken every precaution to protect your health and safety. These include the addition of physical barriers, occupancy and traffic flow assessments, reduced class sizes, an increase in hygiene stations, and markers and signage to ensure physical distancing in hallways, classrooms, labs, offices and workshops. Staff and students will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day before coming to any campus, and wear masks while on campus.

If you are reluctant to come onto campus to learn, please share your concerns with your instructor to determine the appropriate next steps. If the Instructor is not sure how to handle the concern(s) please call the Health Centre and ask to speak with one of the Nurses.

Red River College has developed a Flexible Online Delivery Model to ensure that in spite of the pandemic, the quality of our online teaching and learning continues to meet the high standards that set RRC apart.

We are encouraging all programs to think about learning opportunities and activities that can take place for all students on-campus. This does not mean that the entire program or course will be delivered on-campus, but we want faculty to consider opportunities for a minimum of one class or assignment to be offered on-campus if sufficient notice is provided in advance.

Faculty are encouraged to have conversations with their coordinators and deans to determine creative and feasible solutions to provide these opportunities.

We will be working collaboratively with Student Support Services and Academic Success Centre to ensure they have the information they need to have these conversations with students who may be concerned our unsure about returning to campus.

We also host Red River Ready prior to students beginning their classes and we are exploring activities that can be done both online and partially on campus in a safe way to help students feel more comfortable about the return to campus – for essential and enriched learning opportunities.

Yes, we would like all program areas to consider opportunities in which students can participate in enriched, face-to-face and on campus activities during the theory portion of their learning that is over and above that of their co-op or practical learning requirements. Not all co-op and practicum experiences are being delivered in a workplace right now – many are also being done in a simulated or online environment.

Our goal is to increase opportunities for all students to access on-campus activities to ensure quality learning, successful student outcomes and sufficient student engagement within a safe learning environment.

• 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
• Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine information and book your appointment as soon as you are eligible to do so. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, it helps protect you, your friends and family, and our community, and it will help everyone get back to a more normal way of life.

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.

As we move to course-based registration, we are already shifting our philosophy on how we deliver programs. Course-based registration is a starting point in how students will be able to plan their own schedules and take the courses at a time that works for them. One of the things we have committed to through CBR is looking at the optimum delivery method for any type of course we are delivering, and the benefits and value to the student of having a more blended approach where some learning is completed online and other parts are on-campus.

Beginning in 2018 with academic transformation, a number of investments have been made to support and advance teaching and learning at RRC, including teaching and learning in alternate delivery methods like blended and online. Here are a list of some of the key investments made over the last few years:

2018

• Establishment of Centre for Learning and Program Excellence
• Acquisition of LinkedInLearning for all staff and students

2019

• Course Based Registration – program design guidelines help provide consistency for quality across programs
• Educational Developer assigned as dedicated support for each academic school
• Addition of 3 positions to Learning Technologies team, providing training and support for LEARN and other technologies that facilitate learning (2019/2020)

2020

• Addition of Faculty Development Consultant and ongoing calendar of faculty development offerings (see upcoming and on demand offerings on the Faculty Development Sessions site)
• Flexible Online Delivery Model launched in May 2020 – this living resource has been updated a number of times, with notable additions in Academic Integrity, Accessibility, Assessment and more. We will continue to update FODM based on feedback, changing needs of instructors, and advances in blended and online teaching
• Book a teaching and learning consultation – available to any instructor, group of instructors, etc. to discuss any teaching and learning question

2021

• Instructor/Student Communication Protocols under development and soon to be released
  RED Forum May 20/21 – a number of teaching and learning sessions will be included, as well as wellness focused sessions, networking opportunities, and more
• Instructor PD Day June 2 – a day dedicated to providing PD for instructors – a steering committee of instructors, including an instructor co-chair, will ensure this day provides learning opportunities that are timely and applicable to instructors
• These are just some of the major initiatives that have been worked on to provide the support that is necessary for developing and delivering quality curriculum.

Yes, as part of our continued partnership with the Minor Illness and Injury Clinic, Red River College will host a COVID-19 vaccine pop-up site at our Notre Dame Campus located in the Voyageur Cafeteria.

Similar to the COVID-19 test site at NDC, the Minor Illness and Injury Clinic will operate and manage the pop-up vaccine site on-campus with additional support from various areas across the College, and students from various programs will have an opportunity to be involved.

Yes, once the NDC site is open, it is available to any Manitoban who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re eligible and the site has appointments available, you’re encouraged to take advantage of this vaccine site.

Under the College’s Collective Agreement, vaccine appointments are medical appointments. That means an employee can take up to two hours during their workday to get their vaccine.

If an employee may need additional time to attend their vaccine appointment, please ensure that you speak with your manager so we can support you.

No, the provincial government has prioritized vaccine eligibility so that those most at risk get it first. As the vaccine becomes more widely available, and as additional vaccines are approved by Health Canada, the Province of Manitoba will continue to expand the eligibility to ensure that all Manitobans can gain access to the vaccine.

Click here, to view the current eligibility for Manitobans.

Eligibility requirements can change at any time based on the number of doses and appointments available, so we encourage you to continue to check the Manitoba vaccine site or sign up for eligibility alerts through Doctors Manitoba.

No, the provincial government has prioritized vaccine eligibility so that those most at risk get it first. As the vaccine becomes more widely available, and as additional vaccines are approved by Health Canada, the Province of Manitoba will continue to expand the eligibility to ensure that all Manitobans can gain access to the vaccine.

The Province of Manitoba’s eligibility requirements for the vaccine are very detailed and restricted, so at this point in time we don’t have any indications that any specific job sectors or functions will be included in the eligibility – beyond those who are already working within a health care setting, community services setting or in a medical clinic or pharmacy, and have been clearly defined as high-priority within the vaccine rollout. At this point in time it is age based, and recently has been expanded to include those with some underlying health conditions.

Yes, like all vaccines, Health Canada will review the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines that will be used throughout the country. A vaccine must go through this process successfully before it can be used.

According to the Manitoba Government, it is possible that Manitoba will receive vaccines from several manufacturers and each vaccine will have to go through the same approval process. Since they are new, the COVID-19 vaccines will undergo more rigorous monitoring for adverse events.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine visit www.protectmb.ca

Doctor’s Manitoba has created a fantastic list of reasons why individuals should consider getting immunized. By getting immunized:

• You will be protected from COVID. Your risk of serious illness, hospitalization or dying from the disease will be dramatically lower.
• This is a new virus, and even younger and healthier people have become very ill. Some people have lasting effects even from a mild infection.
• You will help protect your family and friends from COVID, especially those who might be at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
• You will help everyone get back to a more normal way of life, because once enough people get immunized, it will be much harder for COVID to spread or mutate.

If you have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, you can contact Safety and Health Services at safety@rrc.ca 

Many of us are eager to receive the vaccine as soon as possible.

The Province of Manitoba and Doctor’s Manitoba have both created excellent resources to help keep Manitobans informed on the current eligibility criteria. This resource includes how to book appointments and where vaccines are available. We encourage the College community to explore this resource and sign-up for notifications, so you know when you’re eligible to receive the vaccine. The Province of Manitoba also has a lot of information about the immunization locations, eligibility and the different kinds of vaccines available.

More than one vaccine is being developed for COVID-19. In total, the federal government has agreements to access seven different COVID-19 vaccines. To learn more about the current vaccines available to Manitobans, along with current vaccine statistics and eligibility requirements visit www.protectmb.ca

No, we recognize that getting the vaccine is a personal choice and this is not something that can be mandated by the employer. However, we recommend that staff, faculty and students ensure they are accessing credible sources of information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and immunization to ensure they are making the right decision for themselves and for their family members.

More credible information about vaccines can be found here:

• Vaccine Safety
• How vaccines are developed
• ProtectMB
• Doctors Manitoba

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.