Employee 2021/2022 Return to Campus Primer Ver 1
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Created on July 21, 2021
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Employee 2021/2022Return to Campus Primer
When you return to SLC, know that your health and safety are our highest priority. SLC employees have demonstrated dedication, resiliency, and hard work navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. This work supports the College’s vision, mission, values, and most importantly, supports our students. This primer contains valuable information regarding a safe welcome back to campus and directs you to credible and current information related to College processes and public health guidelines. Note: You must be logged into SLC.me to access the resources on the College’s intranet.
- Staying active
- Getting proper rest and sleep
- Take time for yourself (ex: fitness, meditation, meeting friends, having fun, etc.)
Taking Care of Your Emotional Wellbeing
- Seeking support
- Knowing yourself and your limits
- Seeking credible information
Several mental health supports are available to assist you with your transition back to campus. Details for these supports are included further in the training.
As we return to campus, you might feel ready to return, eager to see colleagues, while also apprehensive about your health and safety, or that of your family.Understand the fear and anxiety you may be feeling is normal. Please be kind to yourself and understanding to anyone experiencing elevated stress and anxiety. It is important to take care of yourself by:
Public Health Information
Our fall semester planning and decisions regarding academics and campus activities continue to follow public health and provincial requirements and advice, and it is important that we continue to review credible information.Additional information and resources are included in the links below:
KFL&A PUBLIC HEALTH
LEEDS, GREENVILLE, AND LANARK HEALTH UNIT
EASTERN ONTARIO HEALTH UNIT
ONTARIO COVID-19 WEBSITE
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA COVID-19 WEBSITE
Measures and Processes That Have Been Modified or Are No Longer Required
Since announcing SLC’s vaccination policy on August 12, we have seen Ontario make vaccine policies a requirement at all post-secondary institutions in the province. This requirement, along with ongoing progress of province wide vaccination rates has enabled us to gradually lift previous public health measures, increase activity on our campuses and is why post-secondary institutions have been given amended guidelines for social distancing in instructional settings.The following public health measure previously implemented by the College is no longer required:Physical Distancing: Previous requirements for maintaining a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) in indoor instructional spaces (areas such as classrooms; laboratories; libraries; Indigenous centres, counselling, accessibility and student success facilitator services, test centres, adaptive technology computer labs, bookable student meeting rooms) is no longer required by Public Health.Note: Physical distancing in non-instructional spaces (areas such as outdoor spaces, cafeterias; pub, lounges and waiting areas, washrooms; corridors; etc.) remains a requirement. Signage has been posted in the areas where physical distancing remains a requirement.
Measures and Processes That Have Been Modified or Are No Longer Required (Continued)
The following public health measure previously implemented by the College is no longer required:Classroom and lab capacity limits: Previous requirements for capacity limit permitted in indoor instructional spaces (areas such as classrooms; laboratories; libraries; Indigenous centres, counselling, accessibility and student success facilitator services, test centres, adaptive technology computer labs, bookable student meeting rooms) is no longer required by Public Health. Note: Capacity limits in non-instructional spaces (areas such as outdoor spaces, cafeterias; pub, lounges and waiting areas, washrooms; corridors; etc.) remains a requirement.
Previous Measures and Processes That Remain A Requirement
While some previously existing health and safety measures are no longer required, other health and safety measures remain in effect to protect our SLC community.
Vaccination Requirement
Daily Screening
Stay at Home if Feeling Unwell
Non-Medical Masks or Face Coverings
Reporting Illnesses and Absence
Frequent and Proper Hand Hygiene
Proper Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette
Daily Screening Prior to entering campus each day, all staff, students, contractors, tenants, and visitors will be required to review and complete the COVID-19 self-screening assessment on the SLC Safe app. Once the health screening questionnaire has been completed. verification in the form of a QR code is provided to the screened person and they are required to present this verification to a security guard posted at the single entry points of the campus. The health screening questionnaire needs to be completed each time a person enters the College. Additional information about coming to campus is found here.
Stay at Home if Feeling Unwell Do not come to campus or attend an off-campus activity:
- If you are feeling ill
- Have had close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days (without wearing proper personal protective equipment)
- Have received an exposure notification from the COVID ALERT app
- Currently living with anyone experiencing new COVID-19 symptoms or who is waiting for test results after experiencing symptoms
Reporting Illness and Absence The College has procedures in place to manage COVID-19-related illnesses, however, it is your responsibility to follow the steps outlined to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus. Follow the processes outlined here if you are reporting a COVID-19-related illness or absence.
Proper Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette You must continue to practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow/arm or using a tissue (and promptly throwing the tissue into a lined garbage container). Respiratory Etiquette
Vaccination Requirement The vaccination policy came into effect September 7, 2021. Information on booking a COVID-19 vaccination can be found here. The St. Lawrence College vaccination policy can be found here. Employees with a medical or creed/religious exemption to being vaccinated are to email employeevacc@sl.on.ca to begin the process of documenting your exemption. Regardless of where you are at in the exemption process, and after it is fully completed, you will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to coming to campus. The frequency and process for reporting test results will be shared directly with people who have documented an exemption.
Non-Medical Masks or Face Coverings Non-Medical Masks or Face Coverings continue to be required for indoor public settings. SLC’s mandatory mask policy can be viewed here.
Frequent and Proper Hand Hygiene You must continue to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 20 seconds. For additional information regarding the proper handwashing procedure and proper use of hand sanitizer, follow the steps below. Proper Hand Washing: 1. Wet hands with warm water 2. Apply soap 3. For at least 20 seconds, make sure to wash: • palm and back of each hand • between fingers • under nails • thumbs 4. Rinse well 5. Dry hands
Previous Measures and Processes That Remain A Requirement (Continued)
Role of Joint Health and Safety Committee
COVID-19 Signage
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Virtual Meetings
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
“The pandemic is not over, and we must all remain vigilant and continue following the measures and advice in place...” –Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario
Role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee There are three Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC) at St. Lawrence College to raise awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace, recognize and identify workplace hazards and associated risks, and to develop recommendations for the employer to address these risks. If you have a health and safety-related concern, identify an actual or potential hazard, experience a near miss—no injury, report this immediately to your manager and submit a report using the College’s online reporting system found here. If your concern is not addressed in a timely fashion, please follow up with a member of your respective JHSC by navigating to the JHSC membership list and contact information found here. Note: You must be logged into SLC.me to access these resources on the College's Intranet.
COVID-19 Signage COVID-19 information signage continues to be located throughout the campus. The signage is posted to remind the College community of the current Public Health measures.
Cleaning and Disinfecting SLC has enhanced daily cleaning of common touchpoints such as door handles, elevator buttons, stair rails, etc. along with other recommendations provided by Public Health. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed in key areas. An adequate supply of liquid soap, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and waste receptacles are located throughout the campuses. Please keep your desk and table surfaces clear to aid in thorough cleaning and sanitizing performed by our housekeeping staff.
Virtual Meetings The College community is encouraged to continue to hold virtual meetings where possible.
Right to Refuse Unsafe Work During COVID‐19, the provisions of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act continue to apply, including the employee’s right to refuse unsafe work. Although the College has implemented measures that meet public health requirements and ensures employee health and safety, an employee who feels unsafe may initiate a work refusal. If an employee believes that a condition in the workplace is likely to endanger their health or safety and the employee refuses to work, they must immediately notify their manager and report the circumstance of their work refusal so the work refusal process can begin.
SLC COVID-19 InformationSelect the link below for information regarding:
- Coming to Campus
- Mandatory Vaccine Information
- Proof of Vaccination
- Exposure to COVID-19 Processes
- Updates on COVID-19 from Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO
Access to Current SLC Resources
HR and Organizational Development InformationSelect the link below for information regarding:
- Telework Policy
- Employee Absence Form
- Workplace Accommodation and Return to Work
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
HR AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INFO
SLC COVID-19 INFO
SLC Social Media
@stlawrencecollege
@stlawrencecollege.ca
@whatsinsideslc
Mental Health Supports
SLC HR&OD Learning Sessions
TAO: Therapy Assistance Online
mindyourmind
Emergency Support
Primary Care Provider
Employee & Family Assistance Program
ConnexOntario
Wellness Together
BounceBack
TAO: Therapy Assistance Online TAO: Therapy Assistance Online is a digital platform with a mobile app designed to support your well-being. This is a completely confidential resource accessible through your SLC email account. Log in here to register your TAO account. Enter Group Enrolment Key "SLCEmployees" in your account setting.
mindyourmind mindyourmind is a mental health website with interactive tools and resources to build capacity and resilience for youth and young adults. Visit the website here.
SLC HR&OD Learning Sessions OD Learning Pathways for Employees – Professional Development Opportunities as seen in the weekly HR&OD Tips and Tricks emails. Please reach out to odlearning@sl.on.ca to access past session recordings.
Emergency Support If you are experiencing an urgent or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Campus security can be reached at (613) 544-5400 ext. 5555. More information regarding security and emergency procedures can be found here.
Primary Care Provider Your primary care provider may be able to provide treatment and support or provide a referral to local mental health and addictions supports over the phone.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers all employees and their immediate family members confidential support services to help manage work, health, and life concerns. Visit the website here, call 1-844-880-9137, or download the mobile app. EFAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ConnexOntario ConnexOntario is an information and referral service focused on mental health, addiction, and problematic gambling services in the province. They are here to support Ontarians via phone, web-chat and email 24/7. Their knowledgeable and experienced staff offer supportive listening to help you discover the resources you need. Whether you are searching for yourself or a loved one, ConnexOntario is here to provide you with the right information, at the right time. Visit the website here, or call 1-866-531-2600.
Wellness Together Wellness Together Canada is a free, live counselling, mental health and substance use support that is completely private and confidential. It is available 24/7 to people in Canada and Canadians abroad. Visit the website here, call, or text to connect with a trained crisis responder for support: Phone: 1-866-585-0445 (Adults)Phone: 1-888-668-6810 (Youth)Text (SMS): WELLNESS to 741741 (Adults)Text (SMS): WELLNESS to 686868 (Youth)
BounceBack BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program for individuals who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry. BounceBack is not a crisis service, psychotherapy or counselling, but a life-skills program that participants work with to develop coping techniques so they can overcome challenges now or in the future. Typically, participants take three to six months to complete the program. Visit the website here.
Closing Remarks
We hope that you have found this training helpful. Please watch your email and review SLC’s COVID-19 updates found in the following link.
If you have questions, please contact your manager or your Human Resources Consultant directly.SLC will continue to prioritize your health and safety. In the words of Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO:“We have a collective responsibility to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our community against becoming ill from COVID-19. The best, proven way to do that is through vaccinations. We want to encourage everyone, unless you have a medical exemption, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We are approaching the other side of this pandemic. Let’s ensure we get there together, doing our part to preserve the health and safety of our community.”
SLC COVID-19 UPDATES