GEORGIAN CLOSES CLASSES, MOVES TO ONLINE COURSES

MUSKOKA — College students in Muskoka or who travel to Orillia and Barrie will be without in-house classes next week as they move to online studies.

Georgian College says due to COVID-19 they’ve suspended classes from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 to allow us the time to retool our programs to move to remote delivery where feasible.

Beginning Monday, March 23, all programs will be delivered through remote means.

Existing online courses will continue as usual.

Campuses — including libraries, student services and counselling, food services, the athletic centre and others — will remain open. Georgian Employment Ontario offices will also remain open.

Check with your teacher to see how assignments due this week will be handled.

Students are required to check Blackboard next week regarding their specific program delivery, as well as how we’ll address hands-on learning. Students are expected to attend their co-ops and placements unless otherwise notified.

A website post says they are focused on developing solutions that support the safety and wellbeing of staff and students and allow for the successful completion of their semester in a timely fashion.

Employees are expected to report for work however, we will be encouraging and implementing flexible work arrangements where we are able.

As well, they are adopting measures that support social distancing and minimize personal contact to create a safer work and learning environment.

The college reminds everyone the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for employees and counselling services for students.

Earlier this week they announced that all college events until June 1 are cancelled unless advised otherwise.