Phased Pilot Reopening

Following our announcement on June 10, 2020 regarding the Ontario Government’s plan to reopen postsecondary education, we wanted to provide you with some further information.

While the announcement is positive news, there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
We acknowledge that many of you have children, families, friends and loved ones who you need to look after and keep safe. It is important to note that your return to the campus is not compulsory. This is simply an opportunity for you to complete the next phase of learning if you have completed all the theoretical portions of your program but could not complete practical training that requires in-person delivery.

We look forward to working with you to create a plan as to if and when you will return to the campus starting July. The Anderson College team is here to continue supporting you through every step of the way.

While we map out the plan to bring you back, we have prepared some frequently asked questions to provide you with some additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we being asked to come back to school?
The Ontario Government is allowing postsecondary institutions (which includes Anderson College) to provide training for students who have completed all the theoretical portions of their vocational programs but could not complete practical training that requires in-person delivery. This will mean these students can continue their education and progress on to their practicums/placements, if applicable. Note, you will continue learning from home if you are not scheduled for hands-on training or placement.

How will you determine which students will return to the campus?
We are developing a phased plan for students needing to return starting July (further details on the exact date are still to come). Please note, depending on your progress and program, the date for each student’s return to the in-person instruction may vary.

Will all students return at the same time?
No – we will bring students back in smaller groups to ensure everyone’s safety and to maintain socially distance.

Will it be compulsory for me to attend the campus?
No – at this stage you will have the choice as to when you will return to the campus. We will work with you to develop a plan. You will continue learning from home if you are not scheduled for hands-on training or placement.

How will Anderson College ensure I am safe and able to maintain socially distance when I’m attending classes?
Anderson College will be responsible for establishing our own plans for this limited pilot reopening in accordance with public health advice and ministry guidance. We will provide you with details as soon as we have further information.

What extra rules will be in place?
We are working on the specifics and will provide you with details as soon as possible.

Will Anderson College ensure we are able to keep distance from others in elevators, washrooms, classrooms, labs, shared spaces and kitchens?
Anderson College will ensure all health and safety requirements are met across every space at every campus. More details will be shared as soon as we have them.

Will I need to provide my own personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Anderson College will provide all personal protective equipment when you are on campus as per public health advice and ministry guidance to ensure your safety.

I’m worried about commuting to and from the campus – what should I do if I’m not comfortable using public transit?
We completely understand that many of you will be feeling worried about travelling to and from the campus to attend classes. You will have the choice about when you return to the campus – we will work with you on this. We are also working on options to potentially reducing the number of times you will need to travel to and from the campus.

Will we be able to attend our practicum/placement once we have completed the in-school training?
This will largely depend on our placement hosts and whether they can accept students. Anderson College will work with you and the placement hosts to secure your placements as soon as possible.