Red River College is moving forward with the transition to alternative delivery models for programs and services starting Mon., March 23.

This means education and training will continue for RRC students, who are currently on a study break. However, no classes will be held on campus until the end of the winter term (up to and including May 1). All practicums are being cancelled for this term as a result of widespread disruption in workplaces across the province.

This approach will help bring greater consistency and certainty to the operational planning that is underway, and will meet the directive for social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Developing alternative delivery models for our many diverse programs is a significant undertaking that can only be done on a program-by-program basis. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach that we can adopt in this unprecedented situation,” says Dr. Christine Watson, interim president and CEO of RRC.

“We are working very hard to find the balance. We want to protect our students, faculty and staff and meet public health guidelines for reducing the number of people on campus. We also want to support students so they can continue their studies.”

Watson says RRC faculty and staff have pulled together quickly to work on transition plans.

“I cannot say enough about the hard work, dedication and creativity of our workforce here at Red River College. This is a very difficult and stressful time for everyone and it is incredible to see so many people rise to the challenge before us. We are very fortunate to have such a strong College community to rely upon during trying times.”

Watson notes the transition to alternative delivery methods will require patience and flexibility. Because each program is unique, no two transition plans will look exactly alike. All options are being explored, including using online learning, simulated training, overlapping terms, and adjusting curricula to delay practicum and lab work.

While academic programs will resume next week, all RRC campuses remain closed for in-person classes and public events. Faculty and staff are either working remotely or in small numbers on campus in order to practice social distancing and help slow the transmission of COVID-19.

As news and information regarding the virus becomes available, the College will continually update faculty, staff and students. The latest information will always be available at rrc.ca/coronavirus.