Robertson is closely monitoring COVID-19 updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), Canada Public Health, and Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living. We advise all our staff and students to follow all precautions to slow down the spread. We have included some resources below to help you stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 developments.
Latest Updates
March 7, 2022 Update
Robertson has updated our COVID-19 policy in response to the loosening of public health restrictions in Manitoba and Alberta.
Review the updated policy here.
February 28, 2022 Update
Given the loosening of public health restrictions in Manitoba and Alberta, the below is an update to our COVID and Vaccination Policy.
Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton Campus Locations – Effective Immediately
- Effectively immediately, proof of vaccinations will no longer be required for learners to attend campus; however, they are still highly encouraged.
- Learners in most School of Health programs will still require proof of vaccination to attend their practicum placements. Please email the Robertson Workforce Team at [email protected] if you have questions.
Calgary Campus – Effective immediately
- Learners will no longer be required to wear masks in public spaces while on campus. Public spaces can be defined as campus reception, hallways, rest rooms and study rooms. Massage usage is still highly encouraged.
- Learners will be required to wear masks in laboratory settings and classrooms on campus at all times.
Edmonton Campus – Effective immediately
- Masks will continue to be mandatory in all campus spaces as per the city of Edmonton’s face covering by-law.
Winnipeg Campus – Effective March 15
- Effective March 15, learners will no longer be required to wear masks in public spaces while on campus. Public spaces can be defined as campus reception, hallways, rest rooms and study rooms. Massage usage is still highly encouraged.
- Learners will be required to wear masks in laboratory and classroom settings at all times.
We will continue to keep learners informed of any changes and appreciate your assistance in ensuring a safe, on-campus learning environment for all.
-Robertson Leadership Team
October 25, 2021 Update
September 20, 2021 Update
Robertson continues to be committed to protecting the health and safety of the Robertson community by reducing the spread of COVID-19. We encourage all members of the community to be vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Following are some updates about policy and program delivery for fall, 2021:
Policy Changes and Updates
Following public health guidelines and information from the Alberta and Manitoba governments, Robertson has implemented the following policies:
- REVISED: COVID-19 policy for Students, Staff, and Instructors – Alberta
- REVISED: COVID-19 policy for Students, Staff, and Instructors – Manitoba
- NEW: On-campus Vaccination Policy
- NEW: School of Health Vaccination Policy
Frequently asked questions about the vaccine policies are available here.
On-Campus Protocols
On-campus protocols continue to include:
- Upon entry to the campus building, individuals must sign in using the contactless QR code sign-in system
- Individuals should maintain physical distancing of two metres whenever possible.
- Masks are mandatory on campus, including when coming into the main entrance of the building, walking in hallways, in classrooms and common areas, and while going to washrooms. Students and staff in some programs will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 numbers and follow public health guidelines. This means that the policy and protocols may change frequently based on changes in circumstance or in response to evolving guidance, regulations, and/or directives of federal, provincial, or local health authorities for fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated individuals.
Program Delivery
School of Health
Programs in the School of Health will continue in a blended modality. This means that there is no change in the delivery of these programs:
- Daily scheduled virtual classroom sessions continue
- There are some activities that are to be completed outside of the virtual classroom
- Lab and clinical sessions continue to be on-campus
Schools of Business, Technology, and Community Services
There is no change to the delivery of these programs. Programs in these schools will continue in a primarily non-real-time modality that is instructor-guided. This means:
- Students will work on course content, activities, and assessments on their own time.
- Instructors will hold 3 real-time sessions each week. These sessions are optional for students.
- Real-time sessions will be recorded and posted in the Brightspace.
May 13, 2021 Update
Learners;
As you may know, the Premier of Manitoba announced heightened restrictions for the province due to COVID-19. Although post-secondary institutions were not included in the new health order, Robertson’s leadership is taking a proactive approach to hands-on learning at the Winnipeg campus.
What does this mean for you?
Virtual and Complementary Learning – Not affected by the new restrictions.
Alberta Hands-On Classes – No change at this time. Learners and staff remain off the campus and in a virtual setting. We will keep you updated on any changes to the province of Alberta’s COVID-19 response measures.
Manitoba Hands-On Classes – For the safety of Robertson learners and staff, hands-on classes at the Winnipeg campus will begin to transition to a virtual environment starting Monday, May 17, 2021. Instructors will be contacting you with a specific timeline regarding the continuation of your classes in a virtual setting.
You may have additional questions about how this proactive shift to temporary remote learning for hands-on classes will affect you. We want to assure you that the Robertson team is here to assist you. Working together, we can ensure your education continues as smoothly as possible throughout the temporary transition to virtual learning.
The Winnipeg campus will be open on Mondays and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm for textbook distribution and payments.
-Robertson Leadership Team
May 5, 2021 Update
- Update: Edmonton and Calgary campuses will now ONLY be open to students for the following times:
- Monday- 8:00am to 2:00pm
- Friday- 8:00am to 2:00pm
-Robertson Leadership Team
June 1, 2020 Update
A phased approach for the re–opening of our campuses is now in effect. Specific return dates will be dependent on the student’s program end date and whether hands-on training is required for program completion. We will be notifying students individually if and when they are scheduled to return to campus for on-site classes. Students who are not scheduled to return will continue to learn virtually through Brightspace.
April 3, 2020 Update
All scheduled events (on and off-campus) and including our upcoming Graduation Ceremonies have been canceled or postponed until further notice. The College is currently exploring other options and will notify students with further details and specific dates as the information becomes available.
March 23, 2020 Update
Current and upcoming on-campus classes have been moved to our Virtual Campus for the time being. The virtual classroom allows students to continue their education on the regular class schedule, attending instructor-led classes remotely in real-time. Learn more about the virtual classroom.
March 14, 2020 Update – Winnipeg Campus
Effective Monday, March 16, and until further notice, our Winnipeg campus will also be moving to Virtual Campus. On-campus classes will no longer be meeting in person. Instruction via virtual classrooms in Brightspace will begin on Tuesday, March 17 for students from our Winnipeg campus. Robertson student and career services will remain available during this time, offering assistance remotely.
March 14, 2020 Update – Calgary Campus
Effective Monday, March 16, and until further notice, our Calgary campus will be moving to Virtual Campus. On-campus classes will no longer be meeting in person. Instruction via virtual classrooms in Brightspace will begin on Tuesday, March 17 for students from our Calgary campus. Robertson student and career services will remain available during this time, offering assistance remotely.
March 13, 2020 Update – Edmonton Campus
The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority. We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to adjust our response plan as necessary.
Three individuals from our Edmonton campus are currently in self-isolation after members of their households showed symptoms of the flu and are being tested as a precaution.
The individuals did not test positive themselves and are in self-isolation as a precautionary measure.
Effectively Monday, March 16, the Edmonton location will be moving to the Virtual Campus.
Starting Monday, classes at our Edmonton campus will no longer be meeting in person. Instructors will be conducting classes remotely through Brightspace, our online learning platform through virtual classrooms during regular class hours. Robertson student and career services will remain available during this time, offering assistance remotely.
Learning through Virtual Classroom
All current and upcoming on-campus classes are being held remotely through virtual classrooms. We use a platform called Brightspace to host Robertson Online and our virtual classrooms. Brightspace allows our students to access everything they need in one place including video conferencing with their instructors and peers, study materials, class notes/ presentations, discussion boards, assignments, and quizzes.
Learn more about the virtual classroom learning experience.
Preparing to Work Remotely
At Robertson, the health and safety of our community is our number one priority. As our students and staff shift to a virtual landscape, it is critical to maintain productivity while studying or working from home.
To help with this transition, Robertson has launched a new Work From Home Course to help you navigate the realities of remote work or study. This 8-hour course is free to take and will provide tips and insight on how to stay productive while working from home, develop a healthy work-life balance and how to balance remote work and parenting.
How to Protect Yourself
Anyone who has travelled internationally and domestically should observe a 14-day self-quarantine after they or anyone in their home, has travelled to any of those countries. The 14-day quarantine starts upon entry back into their home province.
Staff who must observe a 14-day quarantine based on the above policy must contact the Campus Director to self-identify and discuss their particular situation.
TIPS FOR SELF QUARANTINE
Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
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- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. You should also monitor for any coughing or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school during this 14-day period. Discuss your situation with your Campus Director before returning to school.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis or any ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theatres) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
General Resources
- Alberta Health Services
- Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living
- Government of Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Global Affairs Canada
- World Health Organization
Prevention
To minimize the spread of any respiratory virus (including the flu/influenza and COVID-19), the WHO suggests:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer where soap and water are not readily available
- Practice social distancing (6 feet from others) while out in public, especially from anyone displaying flu-like symptoms
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Do not shake hands
- Follow good respiratory hygiene, such as using your elbow or tissue to cover a cough or sneeze
- Seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
- Stay home if you are sick
- Stay informed