March 12, 2021
Dear IAHLA Institutes,
The Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) is sharing this recent update from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training regarding the upcoming 2021/2022 school year. Please note that this notice is intended for the public post-secondary system and we are only sharing it with you for information as it may be useful information as you plan for next year.
IAHLA fully respects the authority of individual First Nations to make decisions about their post-secondary and adult institute operations in the best interests of their students, institutes, and communities. We further recognize that IAHLA institutes may opt to remain fully or partially closed to in-person instruction.
We will continue to support IAHLA institutes and First Nations throughout this process and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
For additional COVID-19 updates and resources, please visit www.fnesc.ca/covid19.
The forwarded update from the Ministry follows.
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update – March 10, 2021 – Return to On-Campus Teaching, Learning and Research in September 2021
September 2021 Return to Campus:
- On Monday March 8, 2021 the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), Dr. Bonnie Henry, advised the presidents of all public post-secondary institutions to prepare for a full return to on-campus teaching, learning and research in September 2021.
- The Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training also released a statement encouraging students and families to start planning for in-person instruction this Fall.
- The PHO will work in partnership with sector health and safety experts, WorkSafeBC, partners and stakeholders to update the post-secondary COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines to support the safe and complete resumption of on-campus activities.
- The updated Go-Forward Guidelines will be made available to support institutions as they work with their local medical health officers and WorkSafeBC to develop more detailed campus-level safety plans for the Fall.
Thank you for the important role you play in supporting the provincial COVID-19 response. Please share this update broadly within your respective institutions.
COVID-19 Resources:
- COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines for BC’s Post-secondary Sector are hosted on government’s public website.
- Guidance and recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer are available online at the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information website.
- If you require advice regarding a potential COVID-19 case, please contact your local Medical Health Officer.