Communications to Students

Dear St. Clair Staff and Students,

As the Ontario Ministry of Health relaxes pandemic requirements, St. Clair College will continue to evaluate those changes, update the applicable policies and communicate changes to the College community.

At this time, St. Clair College will continue to require active screening (daily questionnaire) through designated entrances, mandatory mask-wearing and enhanced cleaning to continue for all staff, students and visitors.

Please find below the link to the updated policies which reflect our most current protocols:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
• Pandemic Policy

Dear Students:

Like you, I have been deeply disturbed by the terrible developments in Ukraine.

We realize that some students and staff may have direct connections to the Russia/Ukraine region and may have family and friends in the midst of these currently chaotic circumstances. During the past several days, we have, on our own, attempted to identify such individuals; and to have our Human Resources, International Education and Counselling Offices reach out to them to offer the College's support, consolation and assistance.

We would now like to extend that offer of similar services to any student or staff member who has a connection to the troubled region - and to those who are simply depressed or stressed about the situation, and who feel that it would be personally helpful to talk about the matter.

Any students needing immediate help after hours can connect with our 24/7 virtual services offered through WeConnect (call/text 1-888-377-0002 or www.wespeakstudent.com) or Good2Talk (phone: 1-866-925-5454 or www.good2talk.ca).

Full-time employees of the College can confidentially access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 1-844-720-1212 or visiting https://www.fseap.ca/myfseap.

Our partners at CMHA Windsor Essex are also offering some informal education sessions on how you can show support and find resources if you are helping someone cope during these stressful times.

On-Campus Resources:

To book an in-person or virtual appointment with a St. Clair College Counsellor:

• Windsor Main Campus: Room 206, (519) 972-2727 ext. 4226, studentservices@stclaircollege.ca;
• Chatham Campus: Room 133, (519) 354-9100 ext. 3306, chathamstudentservices@stclaircollege.ca;
• Downtown Campuses at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts: Room 127, (519) 972-2727 ext. 4348, sccastudentservices@stclaircollege.ca

Or book an in-person or virtual appointment with a CMHA Mental Health Therapist on campus:

• Windsor Main Campus: Room 164, (519) 972-2727 ext. 4484;
• Chatham Campus: Room 133, call or text (519) 355-5568;

CMHA Windsor Essex and Mental Health Services Informal Education Sessions - Finding Support & Offering Support Virtual Sessions (no registration required):

• Wednesday, March 2, 2022 - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Join Zoom Meeting
• Friday, March 4, 2022 - 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  Join Zoom Meeting

Let's remember, too, that a sizeable number of St. Clair employees in upper - and mid-level managerial and supervisory positions have, during the past several years, received workshop training in some basic mental health counselling - or, at least, conversational - techniques. This includes most of our student leaders and the many of the full-time staff of our student organizations. Translation: If stress is getting the better of you - regarding the Ukraine crisis or any other matter - drop in to almost any office at the College, express your feelings and you'll probably find someone who will immediately spend some comforting and constructive time with you...and/or there will be someone who will be able to refer you to more intensive campus - or community-based assistance.

There's one more door that is always open to you: mine. I and my colleagues are prepared to provide whatever assistance we can, whenever we can, to students and staff in distress. If we can't provide the specific help needed, we'll find the person or agency that can.

As always, in times of crisis - any sort of crisis - the St. Clair Community will strive to support students and staff in any manner possible. That is certainly true in this instance, and so I urge you to make use of the services, offices and individuals mentioned above.

Stay well, Saints.

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

As announced by the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, many COVID-19 restrictions are being eliminated or reduced starting March 1, 2022.

As a result of this announcement, St. Clair College will implement the following changes starting tomorrow, March 1.

• Cafeterias will no longer be separated into vaccinated and unvaccinated areas and will resume full capacity.
• Due to the low incidence of COVID-19 in our community and at the College, there will no longer be a requirement to notify covidtracker of isolation/covid positive cases for staff or students. We ask all College community members to follow the Ministry of Health guidelines for testing and self-isolation. This is posted on our COVID-19 webpage (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/contact_mngmt/management_cases_contacts_omicron.pdf).

Please note that the College is reviewing its current Vaccination Policy and the Pandemic Policy and will communicate any further changes within the coming weeks. Designated entrances, masks and the daily screening questionnaire will remain in place until further notice.

Dear New First Semester Students,

I would like to communicate our plans for the delivery of the Spring 2022 curriculum.  Based on current admission statistics for Spring 2022, St. Clair College has 12 postsecondary programs that are primarily populated with international students who may not be able to arrive on campus by May 9, 2022, due to current COVID-19 restrictions and uncertainties.

St. Clair College has determined that all Spring 2022 first semester courses (AAL 01) will be delivered online.  For a complete list of all Spring 2022 first semester programs confirmed for online delivery, please see Appendix A below.

Please note that all Spring 2022 second to ninth-semester courses (AAL 02 to AAL 09) will continue to be delivered in a traditional face-to-face format.

Please ensure you check for further e-mails and posts on our website and social media outlets throughout the coming weeks regarding announcements and COVID-19 safety updates.  For further information regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our campuses, please refer to the College’s website: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/covid-19.

Michael Silvaggi
Associate Vice President, Student Services and Registrar

Appendix A

Spring 2022 Programs Confirmed for Online Delivery

1. Business (B604)
2. Computer Systems Technician - Networking (T860)
3. Construction Engineering Technician (T036)
4. Data Analytics for Business (B018)
5. Event Management (B908)
6. Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant (B940)
7. Human Resources Management (B804)
8. International Business Management - Logistics Systems (B999)
9. Mechanical Engineering Technician - Industrial (T855)
10. Mechanical Technician - CAD/CAM (T867)
11. Social Service Worker - Gerontology (B895)
12. Web Development and Internet Applications (B950)

Dear Staff and Students:

Welcome back to campus! We are delighted to see you in person.

With the already shortened Winter 2022 semester and the forecast of a snowstorm arriving this week, please note that if an inclement weather incident is declared by Senior Management (i.e., snowstorm), classes will not be cancelled. Instead, classes will pivot to online delivery. During such weather events, we ask that you monitor your college email, the St. Clair College website and all media outlets for up-to-date information regarding the delivery of classes.

Announcements are normally posted on the College's website, social media pages, and local media stations no later than 6:00 AM in the morning.

This protocol will continue for the remainder of the Winter 2022 semester to ensure we do not miss any valuable classroom time.

Wishing you a safe and healthy semester.

Please visit the following link for more information: www.stclair-src.org/services/transportation

Eating Areas: With the announcement from the Provincial Government on the gradual re-opening plans, starting January 31, 2022, the College will re-open our designated eating areas with additional seating as outlined in the Communication dated September 28, 2021. The higher capacity areas will continue to be areas designated for those who are fully vaccinated. Other areas will be set up for eating for those who choose to maintain 2 metres distance while eating and for those unvaccinated. In addition, there will continue to be lounge areas where eating is not permitted. All areas are signed and we ask all students to follow the rules as posted.

Vaccines on Campus: This is a reminder that the College continues to offer vaccines at the Campus Health Centre located at the South Windsor Campus. You can book an appointment for a first, second or third dose by clicking on tile "COVID 19 Vaccine Appointment" in MYST.CLAIR.

Dear Student:

As communicated to you on January 17, 2022, advising that the College will invoke our Emergency Alternative Delivery Plans for the week of January 24, 2022, with plans to resume in-person classes for everyone on January 31, 2022, we wanted to specifically address those students on placement in healthcare facilities (see programs impacted below).

As communicated on Blackboard, due to the recent surge in COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, all healthcare facilities in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent will likely experience a higher number of patients who are COVID-19 positive over the next few weeks.

If you have a clinical placement in a healthcare setting, please be advised that there is potential for exposure to patients with the COVID-19 virus or direct contact. If you would prefer to defer your placement, the College will attempt to provide you with an alternative placement opportunity as soon as your feel safe and the healthcare facility provides us time for our students to attend. This could potentially happen later in the semester, or in the worst-case scenario, in a future semester. Future placement opportunities will depend on availability in the healthcare facility and your comfort level to return. Should you have concerns related to exposure in your placement, please contact your program Coordinator. Students in the Windsor Nursing Program (Practical Nursing & Collaborative Nursing), please contact your Clinical Instructor.

For students who may have potential implications regarding financial aid (ie. OSAP), please contact the Financial Aid Office.

I can assure you that the College will continue to monitor trends and obtain recommendations from all public health authorities on a regular basis to ensure your safety.

Sincerely,

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

Impacted programs:

• Nursing – Windsor & Chatham
• Practical Nursing – Windsor & Chatham
• Paramedic – Windsor & Chatham
• Personal Support Worker – Windsor & Chatham
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Respiratory Therapy
• Dental Hygiene
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant

Prior to the holidays, the College communicated its intentions to resume in-person instruction for almost all programs on Monday, January 24, 2022, and that the first week of classes, commencing January 17, 2022, would be online.

Like all of you, we do remain concerned about the pandemic. And we assure you that we will revise our plans if public health authorities advise us to do so. We have received significant input, feedback and requests from those that want to remain face-to-face and those that wish to proceed online. It is a divisive topic. It is not possible, for many reasons, for the College to offer thousands of students, an individual personal choice of delivery for thousands of courses.  

As previously communicated in September, "Emergency Alternative Delivery Plans" (online, hybrid or in-person) have been created and are currently posted on the website for Winter 2022 in the event the College must move in that direction if advised by public health agencies. Based on current information, we will invoke these Emergency Plans for the week of January 24, 2022, with plans to resume in-person classes for everyone on January 31, 2022. Please access your Emergency Alternate Delivery Plans found on your program webpage.

Apprenticeship students will be receiving a separate communication.

Please be assured that the College continues to follow all public health regulations and consults with all public health authorities on a regular basis - with all our existing COVID precautions still firmly in place. The school's administration will continue to monitor trends and obtain recommendations from those agencies as January 24, 2022 approaches (and afterwards as well).

To support your academic needs and provide flexibility on when you attend classes, your faculty members will continue posting their lecture notes and other classroom materials on Blackboard throughout the semester. We hope this will accommodate some of the unique circumstances of our students while limiting gaps due to missed classes. This has been communicated to your faculty. They will also stay home if they are not feeling well.

The following information is to help all of you who need to access our campuses and continue to navigate the requirements that are in place to help keep everyone safe.  

1. Designated Entrances/Campus Access

You will be required to show your Granted Access email from the College as well as your College or Government-issued photo ID to gain access to campus. There are designated entrances set up at all campuses with door screeners. Maps are available on the College website under COVID-19.

If you are new to coming on campus this semester, please reference the campus access instructions on the College website under COVID-19.

You will need to ensure that you complete your vaccine election before you have access to any other requirements.  Please reference Policy #5.25 COVID-19 Vaccine Policy. This policy is also on the College website under COVID-19 for reference.

2. Rapid Tests

If you elect option 2 - 5 on your vaccine election, you will need to rapid test every 72 hours (or 72 hours before coming on campus, each time you come on campus). You will need to attest to your result in the SIS. Instructions for doing so are on the College COVID-19 website. Only after you have completed your attestation will you have access to the Screening Questionnaire.

Security has a list of those eligible to pick up rapid tests (your vaccine election is not shared).  Please pick up your rapid test (after you make your vaccine election on the SIS) from Security at the South Windsor campus main security desk, St. Clair College Centre for the Arts security desk or the Chatham Campus main security desk. They can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.  Please let the door screener know that you need to pick up a rapid test.  

3. Safety Protocols

All students should read through Policy #3.35 Pandemic Policy – Safety Procedures to Mitigate the Impact on Campus. This is also posted on the College website under COVID-19 for a complete review of safety protocols on campus. A brief synopsis is included here:

• If you are ill, please stay home. There are new isolation rules in place from the Ministry of Health. These are included in the above policy. Please inform your faculty of your illness and faculty will assist you with making up the time missed. We are committed to supporting and accommodating students, where necessary, due to COVID absenteeism.  
• Masks must be worn at all times.  Procedure masks are encouraged as fabric masks do not provide the same level of protection. If you require a KN95 mask, please connect with our health and safety team through covidtracker@stclaircollege.ca.
• Eating areas have been set up in certain areas of each campus and are clearly marked. For the start of the semester, one person per table is required per the current public health rules.  Once seated, this is the only acceptable time to remove your mask. Our vendors will be available for take-out service and hours of operation will be posted on the website.  This will greatly limit the capacity of current eating areas and we ask that once you eat, you vacate your seat so that others can eat as well. Once restaurants are permitted to open again by the government, we will revert back to our designated eating areas and add seating capacity.
• Cleaning materials are located in all labs, shops, classrooms, lounges, eating areas, etc. While the College cleaning staff are working hard to clean all areas frequently, shared equipment and tools must be cleaned between use.  We encourage everyone to use the cleaning materials to clean their workstation before they start.  
• Your faculty will continue to establish seating plans to help identify close contacts if needed by Public Health.

Dear Students:

Pursuant to my memo in Fall 2021 regarding Academic Emergency Delivery Plans, in the event that an emergency lockdown is initiated by the local or provincial Public Health due to COVID-19 during the Winter 2022 semester, St. Clair College has already prepared an emergency delivery plan which will include fully online or hybrid delivery of your program. The Winter 2022 Emergency Delivery Plans are posted on your program webpage.

You are encouraged to review the plans now, so you are prepared. The following process will take effect in the event that St. Clair College must invoke the emergency remote delivery plans:

1. An email communication will be sent by the Vice President, Academic to all St. Clair College staff (part-time and full-time) identifying the date that the emergency delivery plans will commence.
2. An email communication will be sent by the Vice President, Academic to all students (via St. Clair College email or preferred email) identifying the date that the emergency delivery plans will commence.
3. Faculty will post an announcement on the Blackboard course site to inform students. The communication from your professor will confirm the delivery of your course as per the plan whether it will be in-person, online or in a hybrid format.
4. A formal communication will be sent to all media outlets from the Marketing and Recruitment Department.
5. A copy of the communication will be sent to all St. Clair College stakeholders including Board of Governors, Student Representative Council, Thames Students Inc., Saints Student Athletic Association Inc., etc.
6. St. Clair College's Marketing and Recruitment Department will utilize social media to make the above announcements.
7. St. Clair College's website will be updated with all information and communications.
8. Students can opt into our emergency broadcast system, Alertus, which is utilized by the College to communicate all disruptions to course delivery. For further opt-in information, please visit: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/security

Please note:

• If your course is converted to 100% online delivery, your professor will deliver the course material via video conferencing and record the session utilizing Blackboard at the same time your course was scheduled face-to-face.
• If your course is converted to hybrid delivery, your professor will advise you via a Blackboard announcement when to attend the face-to-face portion of your course. However, your scheduled time and date of your course for both the face-to-face delivery and online delivery will not change.
• If your course is to remain in the face-to-face format, please attend the campus as per your scheduled date and time.

As we navigate through the next coming weeks, we ask that you are diligent in keeping yourselves informed of all announcements and communications by monitoring your St. Clair College email and the College’s website for all up-to-date information.

Thank you,

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

Winter 2022 Emergency Alternative Deliver Plans

Winter 2022 "Emergency Alternate Delivery Plan" for all programs/AAL (Academic Achievement Levels) have been posted to the College’s website under the appropriate program as shown above.

Sample Plan for Autism and Behavioural Science is shown below:

Dear Saints:

We hope this letter finds you well, as you enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

St. Clair College is thankful for your efforts in following the safety protocols that were in place throughout the Fall semester. These efforts have allowed us to successfully complete the semester on campus. We continue to ensure compliance with all public health regulations and protocols. The same amount of preparation and strategy has gone into planning your Winter semester.

Unfortunately, our intentions have now been complicated by the outbreak of COVID's new Omicron variant. Its high degree of transmissibility merits a temporary pause in our in-person gathering on campuses, until vaccinations (particularly boosters) and other control methods help to bring this current outbreak under control.

In St. Clair’s case, that pause will be two weeks in duration. For all returning post-secondary students, please note that classes will be delayed one week and commence on January 17, 2022; however, in-person classes and labs will be delayed until January 24, 2022. To be clear, all post-secondary classes and labs between January 17 to January 23, 2022, will be held online synchronously following the course schedules that have been posted on your SIS. During this period all online classes will be recorded and posted to Blackboard.

At this time, March Break will continue as planned and the Winter semester will end on April 29, 2022.

Please note that all placements will continue, as scheduled, unless otherwise communicated. In addition, all faculty will continue to upload their teaching materials to Blackboard and will ensure it is posted for the duration of the semester.

For all first year, first semester post-secondary students, your start date will also commence on January 17, 2022. As communicated to you on December 3, 2021, your program will continue to remain online for the entire semester, with the exception of the first semester courses in the following five (5) programs due to the nature of their delivery:

• Architectural Technology (T020);
• Electrical Techniques (T947);
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP);
• Personal Support Worker (H932 and K933);
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (C904).

The St. Clair website will continue to be updated regularly as information becomes available. We ask all of you to please review the College’s policies to ensure that you continue your efforts in following the health and safety protocols while on campus.

As a reminder, we are advising all staff and students that if you are feeling unwell, to please stay home.

Thank you for your efforts and we look forward to seeing you all safely back on campus on January 24, 2022.

With thanks – and, again, the College's best wishes for a happy holiday,

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

Dear Faculty:

We hope this letter finds you well, as you prepare to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends.

St. Clair College is thankful for your efforts in following the safety protocols that were in place throughout the Fall semester. These efforts have allowed us to successfully complete the semester on campus.

Unfortunately, our plans for the Winter semester have now been complicated by the outbreak of COVID's new Omicron variant. Its high degree of transmissibility merits a temporary pause in our in-person gathering on campuses, until vaccinations (particularly boosters) and other control methods help to bring this current outbreak under control.

In St. Clair’s case, that pause will be two weeks in duration. For all returning post-secondary students, please note that classes will be delayed one week and commence on January 17, 2022; however, in-person classes and labs will be delayed until January 24, 2022. To be clear, all post-secondary classes/labs between January 17 to January 23, 2022, will be held online synchronously following the course schedules that have been posted on the SIS. During this period all online classes will be recorded and posted to Blackboard.

At this time, March Break will continue as planned and the semester will end on April 29, 2022.

For all first year, first semester post-secondary students, the start date will also commence on January 17, 2022. As per the Student Communication dated December 3, 2021, their programs will continue to remain online for the entire semester, with the exception of the first semester courses in the following five (5) programs due to the nature of their delivery:

• Architectural Technology (T020)
• Electrical Techniques (T947);
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP);
• Personal Support Worker (H932 and K933);
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (C904).

As of January 24, 2022, we are asking everyone to continue to comply with the following items to ensure the safest academic experience for all:

1. In keeping with past practice implemented during the pandemic, to support student learning, please upload your teaching material and information on to your Blackboard site for your students. This material should remain on the site for the duration of the semester.
2. Please contact your Supervisor if you are ill or have any concerns with the above.

Thank you for your assistance in minimizing risk to the St. Clair community. All public health requirements and safety protocols will continue to be followed.

With thanks – and, again, the administration's best wishes for a happy holiday,

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

Dear New First Semester Students,

I would like to communicate our plans for the delivery of the Winter 2022 curriculum. Based on current admission statistics for Winter 2022, St. Clair College has 24 postsecondary programs that are primarily populated with international students who may not be able to arrive on campus by January 10, 2022, based on current travel restrictions due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Due to the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus and the associated travel restrictions, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, just recently announced on November 26, 2021 further measures to support international students by allowing them to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

As a result of this new development, the College has decided that all Winter 2022 first semester courses will be delivered online with the exception of the first semester courses in the following four (4) programs due to the nature of their delivery:

• Electrical Techniques (T947);
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP);
• Personal Support Worker (H932 and K933);
• Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (C904).

The first semester courses in the four (4) programs listed above will be delivered in-person. For a complete list of all Winter 2022 first semester courses confirmed for online delivery, please see Appendix A below.

As previously communicated, all Winter 2022 second to sixth semester courses (AAL02 to AAL06) will continue to be delivered face-to-face.

Please look for further e-mails and posts on our website and social media outlets throughout the coming weeks regarding COVID-19 safety measures and precautions. A Q&A has been posted on the College’s website to help with answering questions. Please visit our webpage at: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/covid-19

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

Appendix A

Winter 2022 Programs Confirmed for Online Delivery

1. Architectural Technology (T020)
2. Business (B600, K600 & D600)
3. Business – Accounting (B010)
4. Business Administration – Accounting (B007)
5. Business Administration – Finance (B851)
6. Business Administration – Human Resources (B880)
7. Business Administration – Marketing (B009)
8. Business – Marketing (B012)
9. Computer Systems Technician – Networking (T860)
10. Construction Engineering Technician (T036)
11. Construction Project Management (T046)
12. Data Analytics for Business (B018)
13. Early Childhood Education (B101)
14. Electromechanical Engineering Technician - Robotics (T974)
15. Event Management (B908)
16. Hospitality - Hotel and Restaurant (B940)
17. Human Resources Management (B802)
18. International Business Management – Logistics Systems (B999)
19. Mechanical Engineering Technician - Industrial (T855)
20. Mechanical Technician – CAD/CAM (T867)
21. Office Administration – Executive (B226)
22. Office Administration – General (B227)
23. Office Administration – Health Services (B228)
24. Social Service Worker – Gerontology (B895)
25. Web Development and Internet Applications (B950)

Dear Saints:

It is with the greatest pleasure and excitement that we would like to remind you that all programs and courses will be running on campus in January 2022. We look forward to welcoming back all students who were studying online in the Fall semester as well as our new students joining us for the first time.

The face-to-face interaction between teacher-and-student and student-and-student is truly the ideal version of "The St. Clair Experience". We look forward to welcoming you all back to campus very soon!

Registrar's Office

Transit Windsor announced a rollback of services because a small percentage of drivers have not been vaccinated, as required by the City of Windsor. The staffing challenges at Transit will lead to service disruptions due to the significant number of operations and maintenance staff deemed to be non-compliant with the City of Windsor's vaccination policy, and this will force the service to move from its current full service to an enhanced Saturday service model effective November 21, 2021. This will apply to Express Route 518X, from St. Clair College to Devonshire Mall and Tecumseh Mall.

"Service will continue, but there will be fewer buses in rotation, and unfortunately delays should be expected," says Executive Director Tyson Cragg. "This will not apply to the school extra buses; those will remain a priority. We apologize for any impacts and thank residents and riders for their understanding."

Riders are urged to check transitwindsor.ca for updates and use the Transit App for real-time arrival information.

A friendly reminder to all St. Clair College students, for your health and safety, if you walk across our College entrance bridge above the Herb Gray Parkway, it is illegal and unsafe for any person to walk alongside the Herb Gray Parkway roads, outside of the marked pathways.

For the safety of each of our students, please do not disregard the Ontario Ministry of Transportation signage and stay on the marked paths for pedestrians only.

John Fairley
Vice President
College Communications and Community Relations

Dear Staff and Students,

This communication is to provide an update on allowable eating and drinking areas on campus as it relates to COVID-19 regulations.

At each campus, we are required to establish designated eating and drinking areas for vaccinated individuals only. Starting Thursday, September 30, we will implement this at our South Windsor and Downtown campuses. The designated areas will be clearly marked and adjacent to areas where food kiosks are located. Seating in these areas will allow for 4-6 individuals to share a table and tables will be spaced 2 metres apart. We ask that you use this space to eat or drink only and then move to another lounge space,  so others can use the tables. Please bring proof of vaccine and ID to enter into these areas starting Thursday. Areas included with this restriction are as follows:

South Windsor Campus - Main Building ONLY

• Main Cafeteria in the main building

Downtown Campus - St. Clair Centre for the Arts ONLY

• 2nd Floor Kiosk at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts

The College also recognizes that many staff and students are partially vaccinated or have chosen not to be vaccinated. We also recognize that many staff and students, vaccinated or not, bring their own lunch and would prefer to sit in an area which provides for physical distancing while eating. As such, we have set up other areas on each campus to allow for physical distancing for eating and drinking purposes. Seating in these areas will be one person per table and each table will be spaced 2 metres apart.   Areas included with these provisions include:

South Windsor Campus - Main Building ONLY

• Student Life Centre
• 1st Floor Lounge (by the bookstore)
• 2nd Floor Lounge (by International Offices)
• FCEM 1st Floor by Administration Offices

Downtown Campus - St. Clair Centre for the Arts ONLY

• 3rd Floor Lounge above Kiosk at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts

Food and drink are not permitted in any other lounge/study space.

Signage will be posted in each area. Please comply with signage posted in each area. Tables and chairs are not to be moved. Also, when not actively eating or drinking, masks must be worn in all areas.

We will continue to evaluate this change and make adjustments as necessary. Please always abide by the signage posted.  

Rebecca Demchuk,
Associate Vice President
Safety, Security & Facilities Management

Dear Students,

At the end of our second week, we want to take the time to review some important messaging with you on safety protocols.

• DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS - This is by far the most important safety protocol. Do not make assumptions about your symptoms or assume it is not COIVD-19. If you have symptoms, do not come on campus until you are symptom-free. Communicate your absence to your Faculty and they will work with you. All faculty have been instructed to upload their delivery material to the course blackboard site. The College will endeavour to accommodate medical absences.
• Screening - Screening at designated entry doors will continue until further notice. Please ensure you have your "Granted Access" email and appropriate photo ID to gain entry. If you get a "Denied Access" email, follow the directions on the email provided. Students must receive clearance through the St. Clair College Health Centre before returning to class if the absence is COVID-19 related due to a positive PCR test result, Public Health isolation or quarantine direction, or travel. Please contact the Health Centre at 519-972-2727 extension 4484 to make an appointment.
• Designated Entrance Doors - Entry is only allowed through designated entrances that have screening personnel. If you allow people in through any other door, this is a violation of the safety protocols and will result in an interim suspension pending investigation. Such a violation can lead to dismissal or expulsion from St. Clair College.
• Masks/Personal Hygiene - Masks must be worn at all times while indoors and while outdoors whenever you are within 2 metres of another person. Eating areas are set up at each campus and are clearly marked. While in eating areas, masks may be removed ONLY when eating or drinking. Keep your mask on while in these areas when not actively eating or drinking. Do not congregate or move chairs to other tables. Lockers may be used. Students are not permitted to linger or sit on the floor in front of lockers. There is also an expectation that everyone on campus washes their hands thoroughly several times each day and/or sanitizes their hands several times each day. Proper cough/sneeze etiquette must also be adhered to.
• Rapid Testing - If you are not fully vaccinated, continue to rapid test at least 72 hours before coming on campus. You need to attest to a negative or positive result every day before you come on campus. If positive you must go for a PCR test to validate the result. This is College policy. We ask that all students disclose their positive test results in the interest of College safety. On-site rapid test availability will be posted weekly on the COVID19 College web page.
• Vaccination Status - If your vaccination status changes and you become fully vaccinated (14 days past the date of the second dose), please go back into SIS and change your vaccination election.
• Case Management - If you are affected by a case on campus, you will be notified by the College at the direction of the Public Health Unit. Follow the directions provided.

Please continue to follow these and all safety protocols on campus. The College is working hard at maintaining a safe environment while keeping classes on campus, but everyone’s actions contribute to this effort.

Rebecca Demchuk,
Associate Vice President
Safety, Security & Facilities Management

Dear Students:

Pursuant to my memo dated August 13, 2021 regarding emergency delivery plans, in the event that an emergency lockdown is initiated by the local or provincial Public Health due to COVID-19 during the Fall 2021 semester, St. Clair College has already prepared an emergency remote delivery plan which will include fully online or hybrid delivery of your program. The Fall 2021 Emergency Remote Delivery Plans are posted on your program webpage via the College website.

You are encouraged to review the plans now so you are prepared. The following process will take effect in the event that St. Clair College must invoke the emergency remote delivery plans:

1. An email communication will be sent by the Vice President, Academic to all St. Clair College staff (part-time and full-time) identifying the date that the emergency delivery plans will commence.
2. An email communication will be sent by the Vice President, Academic to all students (via St. Clair College email or preferred email) identifying the date that the emergency delivery plans will commence.
3. Faculty will post an announcement on the Blackboard course site to inform students. The communication from your professor will confirm the delivery of your course as per the plan whether it will be in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
4. A formal communication will be sent to all media outlets from the Marketing and Recruitment Department.
5. A copy of the communication will be sent to all St. Clair College stakeholders including Board of Governors, Student Representative Council, Thames Students Inc., Saints Student Athletic Association Inc., etc.
6. St. Clair College’s Marketing and Recruitment Department will utilize social media to make the above announcements.
7. St. Clair College’s website will be updated with all information and communication.
8. Students can opt into our emergency broadcast system, Alertus, which is utilized by the College to communicate all disruptions to course delivery. For further opt in information, please visit: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/security

Please note:

• Your course schedule will not change. This alternate delivery plan will remain in effect until the end of the semester.
• If your course is converted to 100% online delivery, your professor will deliver the course material via video conferencing and record the session utilizing Blackboard at the same time your course was scheduled face-to-face.
• If your course is converted to hybrid delivery, your professor will advise you via a Blackboard announcement when to attend the face-to-face portion of your course. However, your scheduled time and date of your course for both the face-to-face delivery and online delivery will not change.
• If your course is to remain in the face-to-face format, please attend the campus as per your scheduled date and time.

As we navigate through our first in-person semester since the start of the global pandemic in March 2020, we ask that you are diligent in keeping yourselves informed of all announcements and communications by monitoring your St. Clair College email and the College’s website for all up-to-date information.

Thank you,

Waseem Habash
Vice President, Academic

View this communication as a PDF

Dear Saints:

I wish to communicate that the Ministry of Colleges and Universities has finalized the Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021, and instructions have been issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMO) requiring every post-secondary institution to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy in place by no later than September 7, 2021. The instructions recognize the importance of keeping students in school to the fullest extent possible, and that vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19.

Our recently announced Vaccination Policy currently meets the requirements established in these directives, but the College will continue to monitor all provincial and local health regulations as safety protocols and guidelines continue to evolve to remain responsive during this pandemic. As a reminder, it is imperative that all students declare their vaccination status by selecting one of the five (5) categories noted in the previous letter provided on August 20, 2021. For reference, that letter can be found below.

Part of our overall pandemic control policy involves ongoing vigilance, on all of our parts; such as the wearing of masks by staff and students while on campus. Yes, the College has policies, protocols and procedures, developed in conjunction with public health authorities, to track trends and oversee our collective well-being. But you, as an individual student, also have a role – a simple but essential role – to play in COVID control.

To address your academic needs, your faculty members will be posting their lecture notes and other classroom materials on Blackboard throughout the year. We are endeavouring to provide flexibility to ensure you have the accessibility to course information to support you with the academic tools to be successful as we transition back to face-to-face. This includes faculty posting all course and lecture material on their Blackboard site for the duration of the semester. We hope this will accommodate some of the unique circumstances of our students, while limiting gaps due to missed classes. We have communicated this to your faculty, to ensure that they also stay home if they are not feeling well.

The provision of this online lecture material is not to be equated to your in-class instruction. It is merely a backup to it, in the case of illness/emergency.

We’re very hopeful that this supportive addition to our academic methods will give you a sense of security when/if you are ill, while it simultaneously protects the collective health of your classmates and the entire St. Clair community.

We thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding during these times and look forward to welcoming you to campus within the next few weeks.

Until then, Saints, stay well!

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

Pursuant to the President’s memo of August 16, 2021, St. Clair College we will be mandating vaccinations or regular testing for all staff and students effective September 7, 2021. Attached, please find the College’s Vaccination Policy (5.25).

St. Clair College recognizes the importance of immunization to reduce the risk of serious infection and transmission of infection to employees, students, volunteers, contractors and members of the public who physically wish to access College facilities, resources and campuses.

It is strongly recommended that all individuals who are on-site at St. Clair College receive the COVID-19 vaccine unless it is medically contraindicated. The College will provide information about the risks and benefits of the vaccine. All employees and students will have the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

St. Clair College will offer COVID-19 vaccinations to all St. Clair College staff and students free of charge through the campus Health Center.

The expectation is for anyone accessing the College facilities to have received their first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to the start of postsecondary classes (September 7, 2021). Second doses will be required within the required minimum period and provide proof that they have done so. All individuals who attend St. Clair College campuses and facilities must attest to their vaccination status through the Student Information System (SIS) or Synergy system.

Any St. Clair College employees or students who are unvaccinated or choose not to declare their vaccination status will be provided (free of charge) rapid testing kits that must be self-administered at home. These individuals will be required to complete a negative test every 72 hours and attest to this result through the SIS or Synergy systems.

All staff and students will be required to attest during entry screening that they have either been vaccinated or have completed a rapid test with a negative test result when coming on-site to work.

All St. Clair College employees and students will be asked to declare their vaccination status by selecting one of the five (5) categories listed below:

1. I am fully vaccinated. A fully vaccinated individual is defined as "a person who has received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (e.g., two doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine series); and having received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago". Fully vaccinated individuals are asked to voluntary upload a copy of their second vaccination dose receipt within the SIS self-service.
2. I have received at least one dose of the vaccine and will receive a second dose when offered or when able to do so, based on provincial criteria but no later than October 15, 2021. You will be required to rapid test until 14-days after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
3. I am unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.
4. I have chosen not to be vaccinated at this time.
5. I prefer not to provide St. Clair College with my vaccination status.

All individuals that select categories 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be required to watch an educational video (on the merits of vaccination) and attest to doing so. If vaccination is still not the choice, then regular rapid testing will be required.

Any person who attend on-campus Teaching and Learning activities will be required to be asymptomatic and have completed a negative test prior to entering the worksite.

St. Clair College STRONGLY encourages EVERYONE to get vaccinated and will offer vaccines through the following avenues:

• PharmaSave Pharmacy across from Windsor Crossing the weeks of August 16th and 23rd. Appointments can be made through the Health Centre.
• The Campus Health Centre starting the week of August 30. Vaccinations will take place Tuesdays at the Chatham Health Centre and Wednesdays at the Main Campus Health Centre. Appointments can be made through the Health Centre.
• The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be setting up a pop-up vaccine clinic at Main Campus on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Chatham Public Health will have a pop-up vaccine clinic on Thursday, September 9, 2021 in the TSI Study Lounge.

The College is creating a dedicated COVID-19 website and amendments to the current SIS to implement the above, which are currently under development, with an anticipated go-live date of the week of August 30, 2021. Additional information regarding the processes will be forthcoming.
 
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Sincerely,
Joe Sirianni
V.P. Human Resources, Safety & Facilities Management

Dear St. Clair Staff and Students:

The severity and extent of the most recent upward trend in COVID-19 occurrence and transmission has led the College – with the consultative advice of public health authorities – to join many postsecondary institutions and other Crown agencies in requiring that all staff and students attending our campuses for in-person employment/education must be vaccinated against the virus.

Following the leadership of Windsor Regional Hospital and the provincial government, we will be mandating vaccinations or regular testing for all staff and students.

We are currently finalizing our policy and procedure which will be forthcoming by the end of the week. It will include requesting our staff and students to voluntarily disclose their vaccination status within the St. Clair College Information System. There will be a section within the policy describing exclusionary grounds for unvaccinated individuals: health difficulties substantiated by a qualified medical practitioner, including allergy to the vaccine(s); and other grounds covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code; or for those who wish to not disclose. Arrangements will be made for such individuals to receive self-administered "rapid testing" for COVID-19 twice weekly and report their results.

To make vaccination more convenient for those among us who have not yet had their first or second shots, the College is currently endeavouring to have an inoculation clinic staged on campus in conjunction with public health authorities. Details about that will be publicized once the arrangements have been completed. In the meantime, please make a concerted effort to acquire the vaccine on your own: from your personal health practitioner, from pharmacies that are still providing the shots and/or from the public health clinics that are still operating.

We do regret notifying you at this late stage, as we are just weeks away from the launch of the Fall semester and its re-introduction of in-person attendance. But, as you no doubt know, the incidence of the virus (and its variants) has increased alarmingly during the past several weeks. In order to proceed with any resumption of in-person classes in as safe a manner as possible, this requirement for mandatory vaccination has become necessary.

This renewed effort on our part – and by our hospitals, our governments and many postsecondary institutions which are now requiring mandatory vaccinations – may, in fact, play a significant role in bringing the current outbreak (or "re-outbreak") under control, because it will specifically target the young-adult age group that is not substantially inoculated at the moment.

And, of course, it will help to protect our own little community of St. Clair staff and students, as we all strive to return to normality in our academic, professional, personal and social lives.

Thank you for your cooperation, and stay well until we see you in September.

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

St. Clair College will follow public health and government guidance related to COVID-19 safety protocols and measures. Due to the severity and extent of the most recent upward trend in COVID-19 occurrence and transmission, St. Clair College will be mandating vaccinations or regular testing for all staff and students. The College will request that our staff and students voluntarily disclose their vaccination status within the St. Clair College Information System. There will be a section within the policy describing exclusionary grounds for unvaccinated individuals: health difficulties substantiated by a qualified medical practitioner, including allergy to the vaccine(s); and other grounds covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code; or for those who wish to not disclose. Arrangements will be made for such individuals to receive self-administered "rapid testing" for COVID-19 twice weekly and report their results.

To make vaccination more convenient for those among us who have not yet had their first or second shots, the College is currently endeavouring to have an inoculation clinic staged on campus in conjunction with public health authorities. Details about that will be publicized once the arrangements have been completed. In the meantime, please make a concerted effort to acquire the vaccine on your own: from your personal health practitioner, from pharmacies that are still providing the shots and/or from the public health clinics that are still operating.

Please be advised that St. Clair College’s third-party partners (e.g. placement agencies, co-op employers and service providers) may have different standards and COVID-19 safety measures in place. St. Clair College has no oversight over its partners’ standards and COVID-19 safety measures. Compliance with those standards and COVID-19 safety measures will be the responsibility of the student.

On-Campus Residence Vaccination Policy:

The health and safety of our staff and students is of paramount concern to St. Clair College. To this end, St. Clair College, in cooperation with our third-party partners, developed a Vaccination Policy and is requiring all students living in residence to have received at least a first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to moving in (proof of vaccination is required). Students will also be required to receive their second dose of the vaccine within the required minimum period and provide proof that they have done so. Students who can receive a second dose of the vaccine prior to arriving on campus are strongly encouraged to do so.

Individuals who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an accommodation. Specific information on the process to request an accommodation will be mailed to those individuals confirming spots at the Windsor or Chatham residences.

Vaccination Policy for Varsity Athletics:

To ensure the health and safety of our student Varsity Athletes, coaches and staff, in consultation with local health authorities and the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, a Vaccination Policy has been developed that requires student varsity athletes and associated staff to be vaccinated in order to participate in varsity athletic activities at St. Clair College.

Individuals who cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an accommodation. Specific information on the process to request an accommodation will be provided to varsity student-athletes and applicable staff.

Dear Saints:

It is with the greatest pleasure that I share with you the basic recommendation contained in a letter that I received from the provincial Ministry of Colleges and Universities in mid-July, announcing that we can resume in-person classes at the outset of the Fall 2021 semester this September.

Since mid-March of 2020, when the COVID-19 virus first appeared in Canada, we have been operating in a “hybrid” fashion, of online lectures coupled with some on-campus presence for essential labs, clinics and workshops. That format certainly wasn’t the preference among either students or the College itself, because the face-to-face interaction between teacher-and-student and student-and-student is truly the ideal version of “The St. Clair Experience”.

But the pandemic made remote instruction a necessity … and faculty, staff and students made it a success. The ingenuity, adaptability and persistence of both teachers and learners allowed us to continue to deliver an excellent post-secondary education throughout the pandemic – perhaps best evidenced by the fact that during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years we staged Convocation ceremonies for the largest graduating classes in St. Clair’s half-century-long history.

During that past almost year-and-a-half, we did what we had to do. Now, we can joyfully return to doing what we want to do: namely, to teach and provide a host of services to students in face-to-face fashion, coupled with celebrating a social atmosphere of fun and friendship in the College’s non-academic activities.

Some programs (see accompanying document) will continue to be offered in a strictly online format, at least during the Fall semester. This is due to the fact that a substantial portion of their enrolment takes the form of international students who still cannot make their way to Canada at this time. In these programs, even domestic (Canadian) and international students who have already made their way to Canada will be receiving their lectures in an online manner. Please note, at this time, we are anticipating that the Winter 2022 Semester will be in-person, provided that international travel restrictions are eased throughout the coming months and students are able to travel.

For the students in virtually all other programs, “normality” will return when the Fall semester begins on September 7th …

… Or, at least, the “new normality”. The Ministry has advised us that we will, still (and reasonably), have to abide by the virus control-and-protection regulations and recommendations put forward by federal, provincial and regional health authorities. Among other mandatory practices, mask-wearing in almost all indoor settings at the College is required. The College will provide you with specific guidelines as they are more clearly defined in August.

While it is not, currently, our intention to demand proof-of-vaccination from students as a prerequisite for teaching and learning activities on campus, it is certainly the College’s desire that all students will receive such inoculations – for your own well-being, and that of your family, friends and fellow students.

Again, more detailed information about various facets of our method-of-operation in September will be forthcoming from the College, during the next few weeks.

But I wanted to share this preliminary news with you as soon as I could … not only because I recognize that you’re eager to know what is happening in the Fall, but also to express the sincere joy of all of St. Clair’s faculty and staff as we prepare to welcome you back.

Until then, dear Saints, stay well.

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

Fall 2021 – Alternate Delivery Accommodations

Due to challenges faced by students travelling to Canada, the following programs are confirmed for online delivery only:

1. Mechanical Engineering Technician – CAD/CAM (T867) Semester 1
2. Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Robotics (T974) Semester 1
3. Computer Systems Technician – Networking (T860) Semester 1 & Semester 2
4. International Business Management – Logistics Systems (B999) Semester 1 & Semester 2
5. Data Analytics (B018) Semester 1 & Semester 2
6. Web Development and Internet Applications (B949/B950) Semester 1 & Semester 2
7. Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant (B940) Semester 1 & Semester 2
8. Event Management (B908) Semester 1 & Semester 2
9. Construction Engineering Technician (T036) Semester 1
10. Human Resources Management (B802) Semester 1 & Semester 2
11. Tourism – Travel (B826) Semester 1
12. Electrical Techniques (K731) Semester 2
13. Pre-Health Sciences (K904) Semester 2
14. Public Relations (B791) Semester 1
15. Business – Accounting (K150) Semester 1 & Semester 2
16. Business (K600) Semester 1 & Semester 2

The following six (6) programs are primarily populated with international students but also have confirmations from domestic/in-country students. To support on-campus learning opportunities for these students, the College will offer the following programs in both face-to-face and online formats:

1. Mechanical Engineering Technician – Industrial (T855) Semester 1
2. Business – General (B600) Semester 1 & Semester 2
3. Fitness and Health Promotion (H879) Semester 1
4. Construction Engineering Technician (T036) Semester 2
5. Office Administration – General (B227) Semester 1
6. Social Service Worker – Gerontology (B895) Semester 1

Note: This is for Fall 2021 delivery only.

In our efforts to provide exceptional programming for our students, St. Clair College is hoping to return to a normal mode of delivery for Fall 2021. The College's preference for September is to deliver classes and labs in-person on all campuses for the majority of our programs. Popular international offerings will be offered completely online for the first year. A final decision will be made when the Province of Ontario announces its Step 3 reopening plan. If face-to-face classes are not possible, the College plans to incorporate an alternative delivery method involving a mixture of online classes and in-person labs. The College will communicate the final plan when the Provincial Government provides a roadmap for reopening Ontario.

A Message from President Patti France, to Students Returning to St. Clair in September, Students Who Have Confirmed to Enrol in September, and Those Considering Enrolment in September

Dear Saints - and Prospective Saints:

The May 20, 2021 announcement by the provincial government concerning the phased "re-opening of Ontario" as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of what I believe to be realistic optimism at St. Clair College. We are extremely hopeful that, by the launch of the 2021-22 academic year this September, the College should be in a position to resume its conventional "live and in-person" educational format.

Perhaps there will still be some precautionary controls and restrictions in place then, but it is the College's fervent desire to return to our customary educational format as soon and as fully as possible. We will develop firm plans in that regard as additional phases of the provincial re-opening are provided to us, and keep you updated throughout the coming weeks.

Remarkably, thanks to our exceptional faculty and staff - and to the adaptability and persistence of students - the 15 months of the pandemic saw St. Clair effectively educate approximately 15,000 students in a predominantly on-line manner and celebrate the convocations of some of the largest graduating-year classes in its history.

Nevertheless, despite being a necessity given the circumstances, I have stated repeatedly that this "remote" format was certainly not ideal and definitely not our preference. I believe the face-to-face interaction between teacher and student, and the social and athletic atmosphere of the "college experience", are essential elements of a St. Clair education. That's why I am so hopeful about returning to that environment at the outset of the Fall semester.

For those students currently studying out of country and for those considering enrolment starting out of country in September, the College plans to continue to offer those programs online for the Fall semester to allow for appropriate travel time for our students.

Again, please look for further emails and posts on our website and social media outlets throughout the coming months as (in conjunction with provincial guidelines) we develop our curriculum delivery plans and schedules for September. I am very much looking forward to seeing you, in-person, in St. Clair's hallways shortly after Labour Day.

Until then, stay well.

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President

Dear Saints, Both Staff and Students:

The past several weeks have been grim ones for Canada.  Despite encouraging trends in the battle against the pandemic, our hearts have been broken by the news of the discovery of an inconceivable number of mass graves at the Indigenous residential schools and the unspeakable and inexplicable recent deaths of four members of the Afzaal/Salman family in London.

It is completely appropriate and necessary for us to mourn the innocent victims of these vile episodes and to demand justice for them from those responsible for these tragedies.  And I suspect that, like me, many of you are feeling frustrated and disappointed with our society, expressing and sharing these thoughts with family and friends and even in our educational setting, whether teacher-to-student, student-to-counsellor and student-to-student.  It is through all of these conversations that we try to find some explanation – gain some understanding – try to find some reasoning – for what has occurred.  

St. Clair, I think, also has an important role to play in combatting such prejudice and malevolence in our society.  We are, after all, a microcosmic community of a truly global, multicultural, religiously diverse composition, with our thousands of students and staff representing over sixty of the world’s nations and several dozen faiths.

It should be our deliberate and conscientious task to celebrate that multicultural mosaic at every opportunity, both by casually striking up conversations and friendships with those from different backgrounds than our own, and by formally exploring one another’s cultures with awareness and entertainment events.  Our student organizations have done a great job of the latter, albeit this year it was done in a virtual format, seeking to teach us all a little something about our different cultures.  As we move back toward being in-person on campus, I have no doubt they will bring their in-person events back as well, which will allow us to celebrate our difference – and our similarities – together.

I hope what I'm suggesting is not too simplistic or naïve.  I truly do believe that St. Clair can be a shining example of Canada – of the world – as we desperately want it to be:  peaceful, respectful, accepting and, yes, loving.

Perhaps our efforts to strive toward that in our own community will help to ease the pain we experience when we view disturbing occurrences in the world-at-large.  And perhaps our efforts to develop and enhance harmony at the College will be a mindset that we can take into that world-at-large, as an ultimate cure for its destructive, mindless and all-too-frequent disunity.

As is true of almost every widespread problem, the solution begins with our own individual attitude, followed by a gradually expanding, community-by-community effort to simply “be better, to do better”.

As a spurring response to the recent incidents that have shocked and saddened us all, let that attitude and that effort begin today, in your lives and that of St. Clair College.

Stay well, Saints.

Patti

Patricia France, M.Ad.Ed.
President