Consistent with current Provincial Health Office and Ministry guidelines, BCIT will be returning to in-person learning and teaching at our campuses on Monday, January 10, 2022. Whether you’re coming to campus for the first time, or have already been back, we welcome you to the Winter term and wish you a safe and productive 2022.
Below is a reminder of the ongoing COVID-19 measures BCIT has in place to support our community, as well as some of the things you need to know if you’re coming to campus in Winter 2022.
The most important thing you can do to keep yourself and our community protected is to get fully vaccinated, perform a daily self-assessment (health check), and wear a mask.
Before you arrive on campus:
- Do a daily self-assessment (health check) and do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell.
BCIT strongly recommends all staff, faculty, and students be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Masks are required in all indoor public areas on all BCIT campuses including classrooms, labs, shops, washrooms, study areas, hallways, lobbies, and stairwells. - Review and complete the steps on the information for students, information for faculty and staff, or information for visitors pages
Review the COVID-19 Return-to-Campus Guidelines. - Check the BCIT COVID-19 website regularly for updates.
What to do if you suspect you have COVID-19, have tested positive, or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive:
- Consult the BC Centre for Disease Control guidance.
Students should report to Early Assist if the following applies:
Students who are unwell or have tested positive are encouraged to submit an Early Assist referral in either of the following situations:
- The student lives in student housing; or
- The student or instructor need assistance with academic accommodations.
Students who are unwell or test positive are also welcome to contact Early Assist if they are looking for general support, resources, or referrals.
For more information regarding what a student should do if feeling unwell or has tested positive for COVID-19, students may visit the BCCDC website or the FAQs on the Information for Students portion of BCIT COVID-19 website.
Mask guidance:
Masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces in BC, including post-secondary spaces, by anyone ages five and older including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This includes, but is not limited to:
- all public indoor public spaces of post-secondary institutions – this includes lecture theatres, classrooms, teaching laboratories, and other indoor instructional settings
- common areas of buildings open to the public, including in on-campus housing and office buildings (eg, lobbies, hallways, bathrooms)
common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity - coffee shops, cafeterias, restaurants, pubs, and bars when not seated at a table
Learn more about PHO mask guidance for BC post-secondary.
Safety and wellness:
- All members of the community are encouraged to make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccines at the Burnaby Campus Vaccination site.
Mental and physical wellness resources are available for students. - Download the BCIT Safety Wise app for easy access to campus maps, the self-assessment (health check) portal, and instant safety notifications to your mobile device in the event of a campus emergency.
Transportation and parking:
- In consideration of the BCIT Burnaby Testing and Immunization site, we ask the community to please avoid entering campus from Carey Avenue, if possible.
- Check Translink Alerts for updates on route changes, delays, or cancellations.
Campus resources:
- Many food services have been open on BCIT campuses as of January 4, 2022. See the full offerings and operating hours for dining on campus (including Tim Hortons, the Habitat Pub, Poke Pick, and more).
- Under the December 30 order released by the PHO, BCIT Recreation Services, including the Fitness Centre and the gym, are closed until January 18. Check their website for Healthy at Home workouts, tips, and new hours as they become available.
Winter preparedness:
When there has been significant overnight snowfall, campus conditions will be posted to our Breaking News page and social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) each morning by 5:30 am. If conditions warrant, BCIT will post again by 2:30 pm to update those in evening courses. If the decision is made to close campuses, notifications will also be sent via BCIT Alert and the Safety Wise app.
For the latest information on the BCIT COVID-19 response, please continue to check the BCIT COVID-19 website. We continue to add Frequently Asked Questions/Answers and information to these spaces as additional information becomes available.
Stay safe and well.
Lisa Collins, Vice President, Students
Glen Magel, Director, Safety, Security and Emergency Management