COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
CURRENT SITUATION: As of September 20, 2021
The government of Alberta has again declared a state of emergency in Alberta due to the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and the related increase in hospitalizations. As a private faith based post-secondary institution, Prairie College is required to:
Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination, medical exemption or negative test result every 72 hours, plus mandatory masking, to continue operating as usual, or
Comply with all public health restrictions as outlined in Order 42-2021.
Note: There is an exemption to Order 42-2021 for all faith-based ABHE and Transport Canada accredited programs that allows that physical distancing requirements in classrooms, laboratories, and dining halls be waived once the Restrictions Exemption Program is implemented.
Decision: Prairie College will operate with all restrictions as per Order 42-2021 through the end of Term 1 and will adopt the Restrictions Exemption Program for the start of Term 2 (November 1, 2021).
Why has Prairie made this decision? :
Prairie feels obligated to provide a variety of education delivery channels for students, options that will benefit as many students as possible. These include in-person attendance, hyflex class attendance, online attendance and prison attendance. Every student, regardless of the channel they choose, is important to us.
Heightened restrictions (increased physical spacing, take-out meals only for all residence students, closed lounges, no social gatherings, etc.) is suboptimal for good in-person community, but manageable on a short-term basis. When considering heightened restrictions for the entire upcoming year, we felt the need to find better options.
- Offering a vaccinated campus beginning with Term 2 of the Fall semester allows a greater freedom of movement for those who are vaccinated, have a medical exemption, or obtain a negative test every 72 hours.
- Offering Hyflex attendance allows those who do not wish to be vaccinated, or need to quarantine, to continue and complete their programs.
We have chosen to go with In-person or Hyflex attendance as the two options for students to choose between, based on their convictions. We are not trying to mandate for- or against- vaccinations, rather we are trying to provide viable options for all students.
Changes for Term 2: Term 2 begins on Monday November 1st, 2021. From our understanding of the Order and exemption provided at this point, implementing the Restrictions Exemption Program will greatly ease the in person restrictions, including a return to fully eating in the dining hall and the elimination of all distancing protocols for classroom and labs. Should Order 42-2021 be rescinded by the Government of Alberta prior to the start of Term 2, Prairie will revisit this decision. Withdrawal policies for Term 2 and details of Prairie College’s Restrictions Exemption Program are still under development at this time.
General information:
- If you require assistance , please call 403-443-3050 during business hours.
If you require emergency medical assistance, please call 911.
Latest Updates
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If you’re a prospective international student that has been hoping to study in Canada this year, you’ve been through more than your fair share of ambiguity, suspense, and waiting for
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact your Program Coordinator/Professors for all the details about completing your classes online.
If you require assistance with Online Classrooms, please email the Help Desk at helpdesk@prairie.edu.
Program Specific:
For some programs – like Practical Nursing, PCP, and Aviation – we are waiting upon instructions from education partners like Bow Valley College, PATC, and Professional Medical Associates. Thank you for your patience as we figure out the details.
If you have symptoms, stay at home and call Health Link 811 for instructions. Also, notify your DSD.
From Alberta Health Services:
Under public health order, you are legally required to isolate for:
- 14 days if you returned from international travel or are a close contact of a person with COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of symptoms, should they occur
- 10 days if you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition
In some cases, yes. In other cases, events have been moved online.
Refer to the Events tab for status details about previously scheduled events.
All students arriving from international locations will be expected to quarantine for a full 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
In some cases you may quarantine in a dedicated section of student housing. If you are participating in the Government of Canada’s pilot program, you will be required to quarantine off-campus.
Speak to your DSD or Admissions representative for details.
The facilities maintenance team will increase the frequency of its disinfection process in public spaces, which includes door handles, sinks and high traffic areas.
Cleaning kiosks with supplies will be made available in public areas
On campus students, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to continue and increase the practice of cleaning private spaces including dormitories, offices, study spaces and classrooms
Type of Question | Contact |
Google Classroom & IT Questions | helpdesk@prairie.edu |
If you need assistance with self-isolation, mental health, dorms/Davison, move-in/move-out | Your Director of Student Development: Women- gillian.blomsma@prairie.edu Men – michael.bookless@prairie.edu Family – kelly.steffen@prairie.edu |
Virus and other health related symptoms /questions | www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans or call Health Link at 811 |
Program related questions (practicum, clinical, graduation requirements, exams) | Speak to your Program Coordinator, if you do not know who that is, visit the website program page. |
Staying Healthy: From Alberta Health Services
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza or other respiratory illnesses. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- extreme tiredness
Symptom of serious illness include:
- difficulty breathing
- pneumonia
If you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions.
Prevent the Spread
Influenza and other common viruses remain the most likely cause of a respiratory infection.
To protect yourself and others:
- use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing
- cover coughs and sneezes
- avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- if you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions
Still Have Questions?
We will respond to your query during business hours.
