Mask Policy Update | May 12, 2022

Dear Alexander College Community;

As of Monday May 16, 2022, masks on campus will no longer be mandatory (except in all BIOL and CHEM labs where masks will continue to be mandatory until the end of the term, June 29). Masks will, however, be optional and highly recommended.

Please keep in mind that if we see a significant increase in hospitalizations in BC, Alexander College may reinstate a mask requirement.

• Please refer to the Alexander College COVID-19 website for the latest updates.
• Hand sanitization stations will continue to be provided around campus.
• The college has free rapid tests available for students, staff and faculty.
• If you are feeling ill, please refrain from coming to campus and follow the updated AC Health and Safety Student Guide.
• If you contract COVID 19, please connect with Student Advocacy to apply for a limited term accommodation to assist with your studies.
• To assess your symptoms, you can use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or call Health Link BC.

Thank you everyone, for your continued efforts and co-operation in following Alexander College COVID-19 policies.

Sincerely,
Alexander College Administration

Archived Announcements

• Mask Policy Update | Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Dear Alexander College Community;

  We are looking forward to the Spring term, and welcoming students back to classes on campus. As a large number of overseas travelers will come to campus at the start of the Spring term, we have decided to keep masks mandatory for the first 2 weeks of term. Masks are mandatory until Monday May 16, 2022.

  As of Monday May 16, 2022, masks on campus will no longer be mandatory. Masks will be optional and highly recommended. Please keep in mind that if we see a significant increase in hospitalizations in BC, Alexander College may reinstate a mask requirement.

  • Please refer to the Alexander College COVID-19 website for the latest updates.
  • We encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • Hand sanitization stations will continue to be provided around campus.
  • The college has free rapid tests available for students, staff and faculty.
  • If you are feeling ill, please refrain from coming to campus.
  • To assess your symptoms, you can use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool or call Health Link BC.

  Thank you everyone, for your continued efforts and co-operation in following Alexander College COVID-19 policies.

  Sincerely,

  Alexander College Administration

• Update: Mandatory Mask Policy extended to April 29, 2022 | Tuesday, April 12, 2022

  Dear Alexander College Community;

  As you may know already, the choice to maintain a mask mandate remains up to each individual organization. Alexander College has decided to extend its mandatory mask policy to 6:00 pm, April 29 2022.

  This means that all students, staff, and faculty must continue to wear masks on campus during final exams, during the 2- week period following the end of finals, and during the new student orientation event. All current COVID-19 precautions will remain in place.

  Thank you everyone, for your continued efforts and vigilance in following our mandatory mask policy. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the community, and we look forward to providing everyone with an update on the college’s mask policy, before the first day of Spring term, May 2, 2022.

  Sincerely,

  Alexander College Administration

• Important Notice Regarding Mandatory Masks on Campus | Thursday, March 10, 2022

  Dear Alexander College Community;

  On Thursday March 10, the BC Provincial Health Authority announced that masks will no longer be required for the majority of indoor public settings and workplaces, as of 12:01 on Friday March 11. However, the choice to maintain a mask mandate remains up to each individual organization.

  Alexander College administration will continue to maintain the mandatory mask policy until the end of the Winter 2022 semester, including final exams. This means that all students, staff, and faculty will continue to wear masks on campus until the end of final exams. All current COVID-19 precautions will remain in place.

  Thank you everyone, for your continued efforts and vigilance in following our mandatory mask policy, and we look forward to providing you with an update on our mask policy, prior to April 19, 2022.
  Sincerely,

  Alexander College Administration

• Government of Canada lightens border measures as part of transition of the pandemic response | February 15, 2022

  As of February 28, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. EST:

  • We will be easing the on-arrival testing for fully-vaccinated travellers. This means that travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing. Travellers selected will also no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.
  • Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.
  • Travellers will now have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result (taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) or a molecular test result (taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) to meet pre-entry requirements. Taking a rapid antigen test at home is not sufficient to meet the pre-entry requirement – it must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.

  For complete information: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2022/02/government-of-canada-lightens-border-measures-as-part-of-transition-of-the-pandemic-response.html

• Temporary border restrictions and measures to address COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern | Dec 7, 2021

  In effect: There are new requirements for all fully vaccinated travellers who have been in any country other than Canada and the United States in the 14 days prior to entry to Canada. Fully vaccinated travellers who are selected for arrival testing must quarantine in a suitable place until they receive a negative test result. The Government of Canada is increasing the number of fully vaccinated travellers being selected for testing to reach 100% of vaccinated travellers in the coming weeks.
  Requirements for unvaccinated travellers remain unchanged.

  For more information: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/covid/menu-eng.html

• Update to IRCC Policy for Distance Education During the Pandemic | November 29, 2021

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy on distance education for international students studying online from inside or outside of Canada during the pandemic.
  
  Policy Wording (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html#outside)

  “Distance learning from outside of Canada

  You can complete up to 100% of your studies online from outside Canada between spring 2020 and August 31, 2022, because of a temporary COVID-19 policy. This policy is in place until August 31, 2022.

  You’re eligible for this temporary policy if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You’re enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program.
  • You were outside Canada and unable to travel to Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic but were still able to take online courses.
  • You began a program in any semester from spring 2020 to summer 2022, or your program was already in progress in March 2020.
  • You have a study permit or approval for a study permit, or you have applied for a study permit for which you are eventually approved prior to starting your program.
  • You meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.

  Distance learning from inside of Canada
  If your courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time you spend studying online from within Canada still counts toward the length of your PGWP. However, it’s highly recommended that you attend in-class options when offered.

  There is no specific end date to the temporary policy changes for in-Canada students.”

  If you are unsure of your eligibility to register for online courses during Winter 2022, please contact the Course Registration team, registration@alexandercollege.ca

• Updates to list of accepted vaccines for travel | November 25, 2021

  Effective Nov 30, 2021:
  The Government of Canada will expand the list of approved vaccines required for entry to and within Canada.

  The newly approved vaccines include:

  • Sinopharm (also known as Covilo)
  • Sinovac (also known as Coronavac)
  • COVAXIN

  For complete information, please visit this website:
  https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/domestic-travel

• Vaccination requirements to board a flight, train or ship, starting October 30, 2021.

  Starting October 30, 2021: if you are 12 years of age or older, you will need to be fully vaccinated (with a COVID-19 vaccine accepted by Canada) in order to board:

  • • Domestic or international flights departing from airports in Canada

    From October 30 to November 29, there will be a short transition period when travellers who don’t yet qualify as fully vaccinated will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test taken within 72 hours of travel.

    • • Starting November 30, all travellers must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated. More specific details on these exceptions will be provided, following consultation and engagement with stakeholders.
      • The Government of Canada advises all persons planning to travel to and within Canada to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Travellers should make plans now to ensure they are fully vaccinated before November 30. This will ensure they are able to travel by air, VIA rail or Rocky Mountaineer trains after their arrival in Canada.
      • Travellers entering Canada who don’t qualify as fully vaccinated should already have a negative molecular test result available to board a connecting flight. In the case of international arrivals and onward domestic flights, the pre-entry test result for arrival into Canada would remain valid until you board your final flight, as long as your layover in Canada is no longer than 24 hours.

      For complete information, please visit this website:
      https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/domestic-travel

• Direct flights from India to Canada have resumed | October 27, 2021

  Passengers eligible to enter Canada and travelling on those flights must:

  • • Obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located above the metro station in the Airport Connect Building (ACB) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport
    • Perform this test within 18 hours before their scheduled departure
    • Present the test report with a QR code issued by this laboratory to the air operator before boarding

    Alternatively, travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 can present a positive molecular test issued by a certified laboratory in India. The date of collection must have been between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure to Canada.

    Airlines will refuse boarding to any traveller who’s unable to meet these requirements.

    Indirect flights
    Passengers who travel from India to Canada via an indirect route still need to provide a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

    For complete information, please visit this website:
    https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india

• Update on Direct Flights from India to Canada | September 27, 2021

  As of September 27, 2021, direct flights from India to Canada will resume. After the restriction on direct flights expires, passengers eligible to enter Canada and travelling on those flights will need to:

  • • obtain a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from the Genestrings Laboratory, located above the metro station in the Airport Connect Building (ACB) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport
    • perform this test within 18 hours before their scheduled departure
    • present the test report with a QR code issued by this laboratory to the air operator before boarding

    Alternatively, travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 can present a positive molecular test issued by a certified laboratory in India. The date of collection must have been between 14 and 180 days before their scheduled departure to Canada. Airlines will refuse boarding to any traveller who’s unable to meet these requirements.

    See below for more information and details:
    https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india

• BC Vaccine Card | September 13, 2021

  COVID-19 Updates – September 13, 2021

  • • You will now need to show proof of vaccination along with a piece of valid government photo ID for non-essential services (though you will NOT be asked for proof of vaccination to enter Alexander College)
    • You can obtain your proof of vaccination in the form of a vaccine card through this link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html
    • You must continue to keep your mask on in all public indoor places

    See below for more information and details:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response

• New Provincial Health Orders | August 25, 2021

  The Provincial Health Officer has issued:

  • • new mandatory mask requirements in all indoor public areas effective August 25, 2021.
    • a proof of vaccination requirement to access a number of events and businesses, including gyms, restaurants, and movie theatres, effective September 13, 2021.

  More details to come. See below for more details.
  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001665
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof

• Government of Canada announces extension of travel ban | July 19, 2021

  The Government of Canada has announced that effective August 9, 2021, the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement will be eliminated for all travellers arriving by air. All travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

  For more information on the new measures, please see here: www.canada.ca

• The Government of Canada announces extension of travel ban | August 10, 2021

  The Government of Canada announces extension of travel ban – August 10, 2021
  The Government of Canada has suspended flights from India until September 21, 2021

  For further information regarding this travel suspension, please visit the government of Canada website.
  https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india

• Government of Canada announces extension of travel ban | July 19, 2021

  The Government of Canada has announced that effective August 9, 2021, the three-night government authorized hotel stay requirement will be eliminated for all travellers arriving by air. All travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements.

  For more information on the new measures, please see here: www.canada.ca

• Government of Canada announces extension of travel ban | July 19, 2021
  • The Government of Canada has suspended flights from India until August 21, 2021.For further information regarding this travel suspension please visit the government of Canada website. https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
  • Canadian Government Announces Travel Updates | July 8, 2021
    • On July 5, the Federal Government implemented the first phase of its approach to ease border restrictions for travellers entering Canada by easing quarantine requirements for certain travellers.

    Please note the following updates:

    • • • All incoming students need a quarantine plan, whether they’re vaccinated or not, in case their arrival test returns positive and they need to isolate in accordance with public health requirements.
        • As part of pre-arrival information, ensure you are using the BC COVID-19 Support App as well as the ArriveCAN app.

    The Government of Canada is expected to announce further stages of border reopening in the coming weeks. Be sure to refer to their website http://travel.gc.ca  for the most up-to-date information.

    • Canadian Government announces travel restrictions | June 21, 2021

      Government of Canada’s first phase to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada

      • Beginning July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8.

      In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.

      To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada.

      Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

      Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.

      For more information, please visit Public Health Agency of Canada – New release

    • Canadian Government announces travel restrictions | May 26, 2021

      The Government of Canada has suspended flights from India and Pakistan until June 21, 2021.
      For further information regarding this travel suspension please visit the government of Canada website.
      https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
      https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/pakistan

    • Canadian Government announces travel restrictions | April 22, 2021

      The Government of Canada will suspend flights from India and Pakistan for a period of 30 days. For further information regarding this travel suspension please visit the government of Canada website.
      https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
      https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/pakistan

Alexander College’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Plans and Protocols

• • • • • • Alexander College’s Student Health and Safety Guide for Spring 2022 [PDF] (April 26, 2022)
          • Alexander College’s Communicable Disease Safety Plan [PDF] (July 2021)
          • Alexander College’s Mask Policy [PDF]
          • Alexander College Hotel Recommendations

Important Government Guidelines

• • • • • • BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool
          • BC COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
          • Post Secondary studies during COVID-19
          • COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
          • ArriveCAN

Travel and Quarantine FAQs

• • • • • What steps has Alexander College taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19?

          Read the documents listed under Alexander College’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Plans and Protocols (above) for more information on steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

        • I’m an international student. How can I safely travel to Canada?

          Follow the government’s guidelines on COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders and the ArriveCAN instructions.

        • I tested positive for COVID-19. What do I do?
          • If you get a positive test result, you should follow the BC Centre for Disease Control Guidelines for COVID-19
          • Most people can safely manage their symptoms with home treatment, such as drinking plenty of fluids, rest, and using a humidifier or hot shower to ease a cough or sore throat. If you have a fever, you can use non-prescription medicine like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to help with some of the symptoms of COVID-19.
          • You can call 8-1-1 anytime to talk to a nurse at HealthLinkBC. This service is free of charge. This service is available in 130 languages. If your symptoms worsen, or if you do not improve after five or six days, call 8-1-1, your family doctor or an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC), so they can determine if you need to be assessed again.
          • Go to an emergency department or call 911 if you:
          • find it hard to breathe
          • have chest pain
          • can’t drink anything
          • feel very sick
          • feel confused
          • Alexander College requires that anyone positive for COVID-19 must stay off campus for 10 calendar days, from the date of your test result.
          • Please notify the Office of Student Affairs immediately at studentaffairs@alexandercollege.ca. See here for accommodation and support plans available for students: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/office-of-student-affairs/accommodation/#1

Campus Services FAQs

• • Is Alexander College open?
    • Yes, the college is open. Please see the Contact Us page for hours of operation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• • • • • • • • What student support services are available virtually and how can I contact them?

                Some administrative student support services (e.g. Office of Student Affairs, Library, Writing and Learning Centre, Health and Wellness Counseling, etc.) continue to operate remotely.

                By Email
                Each department is monitoring their emails as usual. You can find department emails on department web pages or you can find staff contacts through the Staff Directory also on our web page.

                For general inquiries by email, our reception team is available to assist you. Please email frontdesk@alexandercollege.ca with your inquiry.

                By Phone
                We have established a Student Information Line, which can be reached at (604) 435-5815. The Student Information Line is open during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. By calling the Student Information Line, you will be able to select from available services and be transferred to a staff representative.

                By Video Conferencing
                Some services, such as Academic Advising and Writing & Learning Centre, will also be available by appointment through video conferencing.

              • Where can I get help with Zoom and Canvas?

                Zoom
                https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/writing-and-learning-centre/zoom/If you have any questions about using Zoom, please email zoomsupport@alexandercollege.ca or book an appointment with the Writing & Learning Centre on the WCOnline.

                Canvas
                Please visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/canvas/Contact the Canvas Help Desk at: canvashelp@alexandercollege.ca or call: 604-558-6195. Please make sure your message contains the following information.

                For students: Your full name; Your student number; Your birth date; a brief description of your problem.
                For Faculty: Your name, course name and number and a brief description of your problem.

                Phone calls will be responded to during regular business hours, usually within 24 hours of receiving your message.

                IT Helpdesk for General Computer Issues
                Please visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-success/writing-and-learning-centre/it-helpdesk-support/

                The IT Helpdesk supports Alexander College students with basic troubleshooting questions about their computers and software issues.

                To get in touch with the IT HelpDesk, you may phone or email during regular business hours.

                Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm PST.

                By Phone: 604-558-6198

                By Email: ithelpdesk@alexandercollege.ca

              • How can I pay my tuition fees?

                Option 1: Online Banking bill payment
                Allow at least 3 business days for Online Banking payment to be received by Alexander College. For detailed instructions on how to pay tuition fees by online banking, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/bookstore/

                Option 2: Western Union
                Allow at least 5 business days for Western Union payment to be received by Alexander College. For detailed instructions on how to pay tuition fees by online banking, visit: https://alexandercollege.ca/bookstore/

                Option 3: Bank Draft. The Student Financial Services office at the new Burnaby campus is open.
              • How can I pick up or drop off my original documents

                The Registrar and Enrolment Services counter at the new Burnaby campus, 4805 Kingsway, Burnaby, is now open to see students in-person.

                Students are welcome to drop off or request to pick-up documentation from the Student Records Officer at the Registrar and Enrolment Services counter. The counter is open Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:30pm. This schedule is subject to change depending on health and safety conditions and the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer.

              • Can I still order my official Alexander College transcript?

                Yes, transcript ordering is available as usual, however students will need to select mailing options as in-person pick-up is unavailable during this time. Express courier service is also unavailable, however transcripts can be mailed to student’s homes or to other institutions through regular mail service.

                In-person transcript pick ]-up service and express mailing service will resume September 20, 2021.

              • I feel anxious, stressed or angry about the COVID-19 situation, is there anyone I can talk to?

                Alexander College is very proud to announce its acquisition of the MySSP Counselling App, part of the KeepMeSafe program for students. Keep.meSAFE is a mental health counselling service that specializes in student mental health support and provides access to: live 24/7/365 immediate and unlimited access to licensed counsellors through telephone and mobile chat, even when travelling abroad. Most importantly, it provides mental health care in over 60 languages, including all the primary languages our students speak.

                For more information and to download the MySSP app, please follow this link: https://alexandercollege.ca/student-life/myssp/

                Additionally, all students have continued access to our Health and Wellness Counselor, Kerry Anne Holloway. Please contact by phone 604-780-1799 or by email at hollowaycounselling@gmail.com. All students are eligible for up to 10 free sessions a year.

              • As a current student attending classes, if I get a positive test result for COVID-19, what support services are available to me?

                Please refer to the Limited Time Accommodation due to COVID-19

Contact Us

• • • • Contact Information

        Email us at covid19safety@alexandercollege.ca if you have any additional questions or concerns and we will get back to you as soon as possible.