Belleville, Ontario, June 11, 2020 –The Ontario government’s announcement that in-person education and training at colleges will resume next month on a limited basis will enable 174 Loyalist College students in the final semester of their program to return to campus to complete hands-on learning experiences through face-to-face course, lab or field placement work required to graduate. The academic schools are reaching out directly to their students to arrange dates and times for small classes with physical distancing measures in place.
“We are so proud of our students, and how they’ve persevered and achieved their learning goals through the last few months,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “We care about their success and are here to support them every step of the way as they complete their programs and prepare for careers, which will help drive Ontario’s economic recovery. We’re very pleased with the government’s ongoing commitment to our students’ success and to the colleges’ continued delivery of high-quality programs.”
Loyalist’s COVID-19 Pandemic Planning Committee has planned a phased return for students, including those from the Winter and Spring terms who will complete outstanding in-person requirements on campus in July and August. The in-person instructions are in programs that are critical to the current economy such as paramedic, practical nursing, engineering, building construction and welding.
Ontario’s colleges cancelled in-person classes in March and shifted to more online delivery to protect students, faculty, employees and others from COVID-19. Due to the dedication and tremendous efforts of faculty and staff, the transition to remote learning was very successful. Colleges found a range of innovative ways to ensure students continued to receive high-quality programs.
This Fall, Loyalist will offer blended program delivery including a combination of in-person classes for some programs, as permitted by health care officials, and robust remote delivery for other programs. On Wednesday, June 17, Loyalist will announce program-by-program Fall delivery details, interim measures until it is safe for all students to return to campus.
“We’ve drawn on our rich history as a leader in distance studies to make our remote classes as engaging and interactive online as they are in person,” said President Vaughan. “We have also redesigned and enhanced our online student support services. At Loyalist College, the student is at the centre of everything we do and that will continue regardless of the way in which our programs are delivered.”
Colleges have continued to collaborate with Minister Romano and public health officials on the safe return of in-person classes. Loyalist College has developed a plan that includes guidelines for physical distancing, protocols for cleaning and rules for using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ontario’s colleges are also pleased the government has announced plans to develop a framework to modernize post-secondary education.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 5.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $465 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2018 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.
– 30 –
Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536