The College will continue its blended learning model into the Spring Term and Intersession. Blended learning involves a combination of online and on-campus (face-to-face) delivery within a program. While program delivery remains unchanged from the Winter Term, we will begin to plan for increased events and activities on campus.

RRC Polytech will maintain its current blended learning model into Spring and Intersession 2022 for all programs. For most programs, the majority of learning will continue to take place online, with opportunities for enriched on-campus learning. With phased re-entry to campus for Fall 2022, we are planning for increased on-campus events and activities.

This decision has been made to reduce the disruptions for students and faculty who have already committed to the blended, online and essential experiential (hands-on) training delivery methods for the upcoming term.

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 required activities, 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.

As of March 1, staff and students are not required to provide proof of vaccination to attend RRC Polytech campuses. The College is proud to acknowledge that more than 90% of staff and students are fully vaccinated. Our high vaccination rate is a primary reason we remain confident that our campuses are safe places to learn and work. The Health Centre will continue to host vaccine clinics for first, second, and booster doses.

Physical distancing requirements will remain in classrooms, labs, and workspaces until the end of the Winter Term, April 29, 2022.

Yes. We recognize that some students who are on campus for extended periods of time, i.e., to complete their in-person labs and hands-on learning, will require time and space to eat meals.

We are currently providing food services at our Notre Dame Campus, Roblin Centre, and select regional campuses.

Students, employees and visitors, including vendors and contractors, are required to wear a College-supplied medical grade face mask while on any RRC Polytech campus, until June 17, 2022, except when:

• Outdoors on campus
• Actively eating/drinking in designated dining spaces
• While seated in class, where physical distancing can be maintained

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.

Yes. For more information about locker availability, please visit the Campus Store webpage.

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 can be provided to students in advance.

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

The Notre Dame Campus and Roblin Centre fitness centres are open. Click here for more information, including hours and fees.

We anticipate that for the Fall 2022 Term, RRC Polytech will operate on-campus program delivery, work, and events with no public health restrictions in place. The following health and safety measures will be in place:

• Staff and students will continue to stay home when sick
• Staff and students will self-monitor and screen for symptoms daily
• Hand sanitizer will be available at entrances and spaces throughout all campuses
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of all spaces will remain an essential part of our campus operations

As of March 1, 2022, RRC Polytech students and employees, and visitors are not required to provide proof of vaccination. The College is proud to acknowledge that more than 90% of staff and students are fully vaccinated. Our high vaccination rate is a primary reason we remain confident that our campuses are safe places to learn and work. The Health Centre will continue to host vaccine clinics for first, second, and booster doses.

Over the last two years, we’ve successfully incorporated a balance of online and in-person learning to create more flexibility for our learners as they pursue their studies. As we move forward, on-campus experiences and in-person learning are ideal to the success of our programs.

We anticipate that for the Fall 2022 Term, RRC Polytech will operate on-campus program delivery, work, and events with no public health restrictions in place. Many programs will be delivered through our Flexible Delivery Model, ensuring that they offer experiential (hands-on) and in-person learning.

Yes. Students, employees and visitors, including vendors and contractors, are required to wear medical-grade face masks (Level 3 or KN95) while on any RRC Polytech campus until June 17, 2022.

The following mask wearing changes are effective as of March 15, 2022:

• No longer required to wear outdoors
• No longer required while seated in class, where physical distancing can be maintained
• No longer required to be worn while seated in an open office environment where physical distancing can be maintained
• No longer required when attending meetings in offices and boardrooms where physical distancing can be maintained
• No longer required while exercising at NDC and EDC fitness facilities
• Masks can be removed while seated and actively eating. Individuals should not walk around campus while eating/drinking

The changes to the on-campus mask requirement align with recommendations from Manitoba Public Health while also recognizing the need to take a gradual approach. We will continue to monitor the situation and guidance from public health, remaining flexible should we need to adjust our COVID-19 health and safety measures.

To ensure consistency throughout the College, only masks supplied by RRC Polytech will be permitted to be worn on campus.

No, all masks are provided free of charge to RRC Polytech staff, faculty and students as well as visitors to our campuses.

It is the expectation that students and employees will wear a College-issued medical grade mask or KN95/N95 mask, and ensure it covers the nose, mouth, and chin 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 to bring one of your College supplied masks 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.

All students, employees and visitors are required to wear College-issued level 3 masks or KN95/N95 masks. Cloth masks, including those that are three-layer, will no longer be permitted on RRC Polytech campuses.

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. 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 the virus.

Masks can be removed while seated and actively eating/drinking. Please do not walk around/through public spaces while eating or drinking.

No. Everyone on campus is required to wear a College-issued medical grade (level 3) mask or an KN95/N95 mask to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

The College will provide one approved mask each day for all students and employees coming to campus for in-person learning 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. All students, employees and visitors to RRC campuses must wear College-issued level 3 or KN95/N95 masks.

No. According to the Medical Officer of Health, who advises Red River College Polytechnic 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 College-issued mask.

The College will provide one medical grade mask or KN95/N95 mask each day for all students and employees coming to campus for in-person learning or work. Programs will designate someone to hand out masks on campus, and masks will also be available from Security Services.

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 until June 17, 2022. If you refuse to wear a mask, you will not be permitted on campus. Our protocol, part of RRC Polytech’s COVID-19 Policy, requires the use of a mask on campus, with the exception of a medical accommodation.

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.

This is a College-wide mask mandate that applies to all students, faculty, staff and visitors attending campus for in-person classes.

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 the 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 to the COVID-19 virus.

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 five 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, which is why only College-issued medical-grade masks or KN95/N95 masks will be permitted on campus as of January 4, 2022.

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.

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

For the Spring Term and Intersession 2022 RRC Polytech’s approach to program delivery includes online and essential hands-on learning, with the opportunity to include more in-person learning as we gradually increase on-campus activity.

Over the last two years, we’ve successfully incorporated a balance of online and in-person learning to create more flexibility for our learners as they pursue their studies. As we move forward, on-campus experiences and in-person learning are ideal to the success of our programs.

We anticipate that for the Fall 2022 Term, RRC Polytech will operate on-campus program delivery, work, and events with no public health restrictions in place.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will remain flexible and ready to pivot our approach to program delivery, pending public health directives.

The health and safety of our College community, while continuing to provide a high-quality educational experience that RRC Polytech students expect remain our top priorities.

RRC Polytech’s Spring Term and Intersession 2022 academic approach includes online delivery and prioritizing essential hands-on learning. At the core how we operate as a polytechnic is providing hands-on, in-person learning – we will continue to provide enriched learning activities as it’s safe to do so.

Our Operational Response Plans follow the regulations outlined in the Province of Manitoba’s Restoring Safe Services Plan, 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.

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).

Learn more about RRC Polytech’s HVAC systems by watching this short video.

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 Safety team who will work with you and the leadership team to determine what safety measures may need to be implemented in that area.

The College has launched an interim Remote Work Policy to support re-entry to campus for the Fall 2022 Term. However, Red River College Polytechnic is primarily a hands-on, applied learning institution, and students, staff and faculty require the presence of many of us on campus. Managers will work with their teams to develop flexible work arrangements, while balancing the College’s operational needs.

• 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 Polytech 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
  • 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 Polytech 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 Polytech 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.

Flexible, online program delivery will become a normal component of most Red River College Polytechnic programs and courses even after the pandemic ends.

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

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 Polytechnic apart. While it is anticipated that academic activity, services and supports will increase for the Fall 2022 Term, the College will remain flexible in the event that the pandemic causes any disruptions to program delivery plans.

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 Winter 2022 term, 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 Polytechnic and ensure students have the resources they need to be successful. The cost of education rises every year regardless of delivery method.

RRC Polytech 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 Winter 2022 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.