Employee Information

On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines.  Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes.

As of March 1, the provincial “work from home mandate” will be lifted and Keyano College employees can return to on-campus work.  The College will be taking a transitional approach to return to our campus locations.  All employees which means employees will have until the beginning of the Spring semester (May 2) to transition back to on-campus work. 

The Protocol FAQs sheet is intended to answer any questions you may have.  If you have additional questions not on the sheet, please send them to Suzie.johnson@keyano.ca

In addition, as of March 1, Keyano College will not require a “proof of vaccination” QR code to enter the campuses.  We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and while restrictions are relaxing and lifting, the health and safety of our Students and Employees are always our top priority. We continue to encourage the use of hand sanitizer, masks, and social distancing.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation and for respecting people’s masking choices.

As part of the College’s return to Campus initiative, we are in the process of reducing our contracted security team to pre-COVID staffing levels.  Also effective March 1, we will no longer have five (5) guards and will reduce to a four (4) guard compliment.  The College is working with our provider to ensure that we optimize our security coverage within our current contract.

Thanks for your understanding as we begin our transition back to normal operations.

IMPORTANT:  These decisions are as of March 1.  We are subject to provincial and municipal bylaws and guidelines and these decisions may change pending further direction from the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, Alberta Health Services, and other provincial guidelines.

On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines.  Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes.

After consultation with students, faculty, and deans, we have determined that a mixed delivery is warranted at this time.  This only applies to the completion of the Winter semester.  Delivery methods for the Spring and Fall semesters will be determined over the next few weeks as we continue to closely monitor this situation.  We will make those decisions closer to the Spring and Fall semester start dates.

Therefore, as of March 1, Keyano College will continue with several delivery modes to accommodate all learners. 

• Some programming will return to in-person delivery. 
• Please connect with your faculty and instructors to understand how the delivery for your courses will proceed on March 1 and for the remainder of the Winter term.
• Students who are unable to return to in-person delivery will be accommodated.

In addition, as of March 1, Keyano College will not require a “proof of vaccination” QR code to enter the campuses.  Pending the relaxing of the masking guidelines, we will continue to encourage the use of masks and social distancing, however, they will not be mandatory.  We do however require you to be respectful of people’s choices.

It is our intention to continue to make informed decisions regarding the method of delivery that is best for the health and safety of our students and staff.

Further communication regarding a plan for employees’ return to campus will be shared next week.

IMPORTANT:  These decisions are as of March 1.  We are subject to provincial and municipal bylaws and guidelines and these decisions may change pending further direction from the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, Alberta Health Services, and other provincial guidelines.

Important Notice

On Tuesday, February 8, the Government of Alberta (GOA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) presented their “path to easing restrictions” plan and guidelines. 

Please visit the Alberta Health Services website for the full list of changes.

As for returning to on-campus learning and working, the Government of Alberta has not lifted restrictions regarding the “mandatory work-from-home” order. Alberta Health Services will be closely monitoring hospitalizations and if they continue to trend downward, more restrictions will be lifted as of March 1. 

Keyano College Executive and the COVID Senior Leadership Team are closely monitoring the AHS guidelines and are in consultation with Student and Faculty Associations, as well as CUPE, and other post-secondary institutions around the province.  It is our intention to make informed decisions regarding the method of delivery that is best for the health and safety of our students and staff.

We ask that you remain patient as this situation unfolds and we will have answers as soon as possible.  

Please be advised, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, Keyano College will continue to offer programming in an online/blended delivery until further notice. We encourage all staff and faculty to check their Keyano email regularly and the College Coronavirus webpage for ongoing updates.

• Keyano classes will be continuing to use the blended model; meaning, the theory portion will be delivered online, and required labs, practical, shop, etc., will be delivered face-to-face.

• Working from home is still mandated. Unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be at the College, we expect to see a minimal number of employees on Campus.

• Only faculty members that are required for labs, shops, and practicums are to be on Campus, and you must strictly observe AHS COVID-19 Guidelines.

• Programs and services that will require on-campus access may continue in-person, such as Continuing Education programs, Welder Recertification, 200-hour Power Lab course, Driver Training, etc.)

• We will aim to reduce services and deliver online where possible as long as there is no significant impact on students.

• The library and bookstore will proceed with in-person services as required, strictly following AHS guidelines for space and the number of persons allowed.

• The COVID-19 Senior Leadership Response Team meets on a weekly basis to determine any new requirements around restrictions and assess the current local and provincial situation.

If you are sick or show any symptoms, STAY HOME AND DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS!

• Reminder: The Omicron variant is HIGHLY transmissible.  If you are required to be on Campus, masks are required in all indoor spaces and must completely cover your mouth and nostrils at all times. That means in the College, in the halls, classrooms, common areas, and buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas, and we encourage good hand hygiene.

• Masks should fit well and be of high quality. People at risk of severe outcomes should wear medical masks when in settings with people outside of their household.

Please contact vaccineinfo@keyano.ca if you have additional questions.

• All guidelines and protocols are subject to change based on the latest information from Municipal Bylaws and Alberta Health Services.

The health and safety of the College community are of utmost importance.

In response to the increasing COVID-19 cases with the new Omicron variant, Keyano College will be pivoting to online/blended delivery for January 4, 2022.

We encourage all staff and faculty to check their Keyano email and the College Coronavirus webpage for any updates.

• Keyano will be commencing classes on January 4 in a blended model; meaning, the theory portion will be delivered online and required labs, practical, shop, etc., will be delivered face-to-face.
• Working from home is still mandated. Unless it is absolutely necessary for you to be at the College, we expect to see a minimal number of employees on Campus.
• Only faculty members that are required for labs, shops, and practicums are to be on Campus and you must strictly observe AHS COVID-19 Guidelines.
• Programs and services that will require on-campus access may continue in-person such as Continuing Education programs, Welder Recertification, 200-hour Power Lab course, Driver Training, etc.)
• We will aim to reduce services and deliver online where possible as long as there is no significant impact on students.
• The library and bookstore will proceed with in-person services as required strictly following AHS guidelines for space and number of persons allowed.
• The COVID-19 Senior Leadership Response Team will meet next week to determine any new requirements around restrictions. Please be aware that restrictions or planned delivery may change next week, however, we wanted to ensure we are providing this communication to allow for adequate lead time to pivot to blended deliveries.

You are reminded that should we need to pivot to an online delivery model, we will notify you as soon as possible.

The onus will fall on faculty and students to follow all the AHS guidelines around masking, distancing, and hand hygiene.

The Omicron variant is extremely transmissible and we need to remain vigilant.

If you are sick or show any symptoms STAY HOME AND DO NOT COME ON CAMPUS!

• Reminder: Masks are required in all indoor spaces and must completely cover your mouth and nostrils at all times. That means in the College, in the halls, in the classrooms, in common areas, in the buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas and we encourage good hand hygiene.
• Masks should fit well and be of high quality. People at risk of severe outcomes should wear medical masks when in settings with people outside of their household.

Please contact vaccineinfo@keyano.ca if you have additional questions.

• All guidelines and protocols are subject to change based on the latest information from, Municipal Bylaws and Alberta Health Services.

The health and safety of our staff, students, and college community is of utmost importance. Please note the following guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and rapid testing:

All students coming to Keyano campuses are required to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption by November 30. Fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second dose. Additional information is available from Alberta Health Services.

Please review the following updates and reminders:

• If you have not been fully vaccinated, you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test every 72 hours. This will be accepted until the end of the Fall semester.

• Students in programs which were delivered in (1) a full online or (2) HyFlex where a student studies exclusively online, are exempt from the vaccine mandate requirement.

• Students must be able to provide their Campus Access Pass at all times to enter all Keyano College buildings. To obtain a Campus Access Pass, students must show proof of being fully vaccinated or an approved medical or religious exemption. Your Campus Access Pass can be picked up at the Registrar’s Office. Click here to upload proof of vaccination or exemption.

• Students who did not receive their second dose of vaccine by November 16 or those without an approved exemption may access campus with a privately paid for proof of a negative rapid test within 72 hours of accessing campus. Campus access with proof of a negative rapid test will be extended until the end of the Fall semester. For list of locations click here.

• Keyano College will not be providing on-campus rapid testing or reimbursing students for rapid testing.

• Fully vaccinated, approved exemption, or a negative rapid test result are the only options for in-person learning.

• Students will be required to show proof of vaccination, approved exemption, or a negative test result to write exams. Security will be checking at all exam locations.

IMPORTANT: Please come at least 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled exam time and expect line ups to enter. Exam times will not be adjusted and will start and end at the scheduled times.

Reminder: Masks are required in all indoor spaces. That means in the College, in the halls, in the classrooms, in common areas, in the buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas.

Security will be checking for compliance at all entrances.

Exams can be stressful and COVID-19 protocols add another layer to the stress. Please be reminded that all students have access to Wellness Services and the Academic Success Centre for support.

*Non-credit students please follow the process in place through the School of Continuing Education.

**Updated Student FAQs are available click here.

***Keyano College policies and procedures are subject to change with limited notice as Alberta Health Services’ guidelines require and new information is provided.

The health and safety of our staff, students, and college community is of utmost importance. All protocols that have been in place since our last notice on October 18, regarding masks and social distancing are still in effect; however, until further notice, the following additional protocols will be in place effective November 1, 2021:

• All students are required to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption. Fully vaccinated means two weeks after your second dose. Additional information is available from Alberta Health Services.
• Students must be able to provide their Campus Access Pass at all times to enter all Keyano College buildings.
• To obtain a Campus Access Pass, students must show proof of being fully vaccinated or an approved medical or religious exemption. Your Campus Access Pass can be picked up at the Registrar’s Office. Click here to upload proof of vaccination or exemption.
• Students with a second vaccine scheduled on or before November 16 or those without an approved exemption may access campus with a   within 72 hours of accessing campus. Campus access with proof of a negative rapid test will be extended until November 30. Keyano College will not be providing on-campus rapid testing or reimbursing students for rapid testing.
• Students must have their second dose on or before November 16 to be fully vaccinated by November 30.
• Students who are non-compliant by November 30 will be withdrawn with no further refunds.
• Masks are required in all indoor spaces. That means in the College, in the halls, in the classrooms, in common areas, in the buildings. No exceptions. Social distancing is required in all common areas.

Please understand – All students still need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption. We are simply extending the deadline from October 31, 2021 to November 30, 2021.

Security will be checking for compliance at all entrances.

*Non-credit students please follow the process in place through the School of Continuing Education.

As you are aware, on September 15 the Government of Alberta announced new vaccine requirements and measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on the health care system. These measures took effect September 16 and 20. All employee and student communications were issued last week based on information available at the time.

Since Friday September 17, there have been new developments, specifically:

• a change to the Alberta Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) that categorizes post-secondary institutions as out-of-scope
• introduction of CMOH Order 042-2021 (attached) that gives Post-secondary institutions the authority to implement a student proof of vaccination program on September 20
• individuals can now access a convenient card-sized proof of vaccination on alberta.ca/CovidRecords

College leadership has reviewed CMOH Order 042-2021 and intends to implement a student proof of vaccination program that will permit resumption of in-class learning on October 4. Classes will continue to be delivered on-line for the next two weeks to allow for planning and implementation.

We have sought clarification from Advanced Education as to whether CMOH Order 042-2021 is applicable to employees of an institution as some language in the Order has created confusion. I want to stress that we cannot rule out that proof of vaccination for employees may be a requirement under CMOH 042-2021, albeit unlikely, or become a requirement at some future date via provincial measures or introduced by the College. However, I advise all faculty and staff to get vaccinated if they have not done so already. This is an important action that will enable the campus to remain open and protect our community.

Some students will refuse to get vaccinated and their options will be limited:

• get vaccinated
• obtaining a medical exemption or exemption on charter protected grounds
• withdrawal from program
• produce a COVID-19 negative test at their own expense
• produce a COVID-19 test at the College expense if the student received a first dose after September 20 and second dose on or before October 18. Students must be fully immunized by November 1

On Friday September 17, College Leadership approved implementation of a proof of vaccination program for SSWC recreation patrons and student athletes.  This will permit practices and competition to continue.

We want to thank Academic Leadership and Faculty for their quick pivot to get programs on-line for today. We also want to thank everyone involved in navigating the new measures thus far, knowing more work is to be done. We are committed to information sharing and answering employee and student questions. We are working on a frequently asked questions guide and messaging. Details are being worked and we will share information as soon as possible. 

Last evening, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency and introduced new public health measures that came into effect at 12:01 Thursday September 16 with additional measures coming into effect Monday September 20. As a result, we are taking steps to safely implement the new restrictions.  To do so, the following actions will be taken:

• Where necessary, for preparation purposes, most classes and learning activities will be cancelled the afternoon of Thursday, September 16 and all day Friday, September 17. Please check with your instructors.

• Where physical distancing is not possible, classes will shift to online delivery for a minimum of two weeks starting Monday, September 20. Please check with your instructor to determine the format your instruction.

• Social distancing and mask wearing is REQUIRED when on campus.

• Cancelling classes today and tomorrow where necessary will provide staff and faculty the opportunity to shift to online classes.  This is a temporary situation and we will be moving back to on-campus.

• We will be adopting the Government of Alberta’s vaccination exemption program where proof of vaccination will be required for in-class study. More detail will be provided as available.  It is in everyone’s best interest to get vaccinated in anticipation of implementation of this program.

• The health and safety of our students and employees remains our foremost concern and the College requires everyone to adhere to the mandated AHS restrictions.

We are taking this opportunity to remind our students and employees to be diligent about the day-to-day measures we can do to help prevent the spread. 

• Get vaccinated
• Mandatory masks in public spaces
• Hand hygiene
• Social distancing/2 metres apart
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue/or elbow
• Work and stay at home as much as possible

It is imperative that you follow these guidelines to help stop the spread and protect yourselves and those around you.  

The Alberta Government announced today that starting September 4 at 8 a.m. masks will be mandatory for all indoor public spaces and workplaces. This is due to increasing COVID-19 transmission and rising hospital admissions, overwhelmingly amongst unvaccinated Albertans, temporary measures are needed to reduce transmission and prevent the health-care system from being overwhelmed.

What does this mean for Keyano College?

• Wearing a mask will be required in all indoor spaces. This includes classrooms, common areas, and certain areas in residences. 
• Classes that are currently face-to-face delivery will continue that way.
• Staff that are currently working on campus can continue to do so but they must wear masks when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Staff that are still working remotely are encouraged to remain working remotely.
• At the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre wearing a mask will be required before and after your work out. Please adhere to posted signage.
• Masks will be made available to all employees free of charge.

As part of the returning to campus and your work areas, a hazard assessment should be conducted in accordance to the College safety program.  Please ensure this includes a COVID-19 risk assessment. 

The Province has initiated a new vaccine incentive program.  A one-time incentive of $100 is now available for all Albertans age 18 or older who receive a first or second dose of vaccine between September 3 and October 14. Click here to see more details.

Keyano College will be hosting another on-site vaccination clinic.  More details will be available shortly.

The health and safety of our students and employees remains our top priority and we are taking this opportunity to remind our students and employees to be diligent about adhering to the day-to-day measures. Let’s do all we can do to help prevent the spread. 

• Wearing a mask in public spaces
• Hand hygiene
• Social distancing/2 metres apart
• Coughing or sneezing into a tissue/or elbow
• Work and stay at home if you are not feeling well

For the latest information about COVID-19 and Alberta Health Services guidelines, please visit the AHS Website.

In response to resuming campus operations for Fall 2020, Keyano has created a COVID-19 operational planning committee.  This committee has worked tirelessly over the last few months to create a comprehensive COVID-19 Institutional Operational Relaunch Plan. 

Please view our re-entry plan page for all the information you need to know about returning back to the College. 

Dear Colleagues,

In this time of uncertainty and change, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Keyano College teams that continue to provide vital services to our staff, students, and community.

In response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to support our students through virtual means, with the goal of completing the Winter Semester. This important transition is proceeding through the use of online tools and through the hard work going on behind the scenes by faculty and staff.

This is a situation with many unknowns, but we are all learning together and as such, I appreciate your patience. I encourage you to continue to find new, creative ways to continue to serve our students and communities.

We don’t have many answers about the future as yet, but I very much look forward to a day when we can open our physical doors to students once again. In the meantime, please continue your good work, stay safe, continue practicing social distancing and healthy habits, and keep in touch with your colleagues through virtual means.

I encourage anyone struggling with this situation, to access available community resources and our EFAP (Employee and Family Assistance Program).

More information on the College’s response to COVID-19, including information for employees and students can also be found on our informational webpage. For official information on the COVID-19 outbreak please visit the Government of Alberta webpage.

Thank you,

Trent

Please note: Students and staff who need to retrieve belongings, will have access to the main campus on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Important: After Tuesday, March 24, staff (other than executive, facilities, and some IT) will require approval from their VP or an Executive Committee member for access. All will need to sign in and out with Security at Entrance F in the Main Clearwater Campus. Facilities will begin the process of shutting down buildings after Tuesday. 

Students requiring access to computers for course completion will be accommodated through Housing.

We apologize for any inconvenience. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our staff and students, as well as community. We encourage all to continue to practice social distancing and proper personal hygiene (proper and regular hand washing) at all times.

For the most up to date information on Keyano’s response to the pandemic, visit Keyano.ca/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada and Alberta Health websites.

Please also opt in to our messaging system, SchoolMessenger, for urgent and important messages. 

As Keyano College responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are now requiring all non-essential employees to work remotely.

Beginning tomorrow (Friday, March 20) access to College facilities will be limited to essential employees (those required for building maintenance and safety). We will provide more communication on Monday regarding access.

For all who work remotely, please follow the attached guide in detail as it outlines the requirement and expectations for remote work. Your supervisor is your first point of contact as you transition to remote work.

• As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our staff and students. We encourage all to continue to practice social distancing and proper personal hygiene (proper and regular hand washing) at all times.

For the most up to date information on Keyano’s response to the pandemic, visit Keyano.ca/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada and Alberta Health websites.

• Please also opt in to our messaging system, SchoolMessenger, for urgent and important messages. 

We understand this may be a difficult and uncertain time for employees. We hope employees who require it, will utilize our EFAP (Employee and Family Assistance Program)

• Homewood is our EFAP provider and provides health resources/supports. You can sign up to the platform via www.homeweb.ca . This is more than crisis counselling, and is a holistic approach with resources for legal, financial, health coaching, health promotion, and more.

More information on working remotely can be found here.

Please view this document to allow staff and faculty to remotely access college resources.

There are two methods of connecting:

• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Users with Keyano issued laptops will to be able to connect using VPN and use college resources.

•       VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure or just Virtual Desktops) Allows people with personal devices, including computers, laptops, and tablets, to be able to connect into college resources.  Most people will use this method to connect.

The quick instructions for connecting to the VDI are as follows:

• Go to https://desktop.keyano.ca
• Select the “VMware Horizon HTML Access”
• Log in using your normal credentials
• Select the “Keyano Staff Desktop”

If you have any questions please contact the ITS Helpdesk. 780-791-4965

In response to COVID-19 and to protect the health, safety and wellness of our College community, Keyano College is issuing an important update to its travel directive.
Effective March 18, 2020, rules on international travel for College employees are being changed. Employees who leave Canada after March 18 for any reason, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and will be on unpaid leave. Leave for self-isolation due to international travel can also be covered by vacation time or accumulated comp time.

Employees already returning from international travel, or those self-isolating now, will continue to receive pay and benefits without interruption.

• Also please note the important information for employees from our benefits provider about international travel.

• Home office ergonomic checklist to reduce body stress and tension
• Some Other Solutions - health and wellness services
• Online Drop-in Mindfulness virtual sessions
• Managing anxiety - COVID-19 and Your Mental Health 
• Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak - World Health Organization
• 3 Tips To Overcome Anxiety About The eLearning Environment