Dear Centennial College Student Community,

I find that each message I send contains increasingly heavy news and, perhaps, creates
more questions than answers.

However, I hope you know that I care deeply for our community’s wellbeing and your
academic success – and one of the best ways I know how to accomplish this is to be as
communicative as possible and make decisions based on the advice of experts during
these troubling times.

Which brings me to the point of this message.

Toronto’s medical officer recommended yesterday that venues that bring people
together (e.g., restaurants, bars, clubs, and theatres) close and further statements
have been made this morning to that effect. Dr. Eileen de Villa made this
recommendation, based on the rise of cases in Ontario and lessons learned from other
countries and because of the likelihood of community transmission (meaning COVID-19
is being shared between people who haven’t traveled abroad). For these reasons, social
distancing is critical right now.

Because we are experiencing an unprecedented situation and “the time to act is now,”
it is with a heavy, yet realistic, heart that I have decided to close all Centennial College
facilities (except for the Student Residence and the Safety and Security department) as
of Tuesday, March 17 at 12 noon and until further notice. We will reassess the situation
on April 3, if not sooner.

Let me stress, however, that this is not a College closure.

Beginning on Monday, March 23, we will be “teaching at a distance” and underpinning

that delivery with virtual services and teleworking operations. This will last (at least)
until Sunday, April 5 when we will reassess our situation with regard to our in-class
labs, clinical and field placements, and other face-to-face learning.

While learning at a distance will continue until at least the end of the semester, in
regards to all other college operations the hope is to resume normal functions on
Monday, April 6 to the extent possible, but it will dependent on the public health
context of COVID-19 at the time.

Specifically:

 All Centennial College campuses and learning sites (including libraries and
computer labs – which were initially going to remain open) will be closed for the
health and safety of our community and to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19.

 “Learning at a distance” (for courses being in transition from classroom-based

teaching and also regularly scheduled online courses) will resume as planned,
beginning Monday, March 23 for the remainder of the academic term – which is
currently Friday, April 17. We are committed to getting you through the Winter
semester.

 Virtual student services, including success advising and student counselling and
accessibility services, will also be available as of March 23, and contact
information will be communicated by the end of the week.

 Co-op placements are being determined on an individual basis and very much
with student safety in mind.

 In-class labs, clinical and field placements, and other face-to-face learning will be
reassessed by Sunday, April 5 with semester recovery and completion plans
being communicated once there is more certainty and clarity.

 The residence will remain open and residence students will be receiving more
information from the Residence Life team in the near future.

More details regarding your academic courses, placements and co-op, a modified laptop
borrowing program (we have ordered a large number of new laptops), and contact
information for the multitude of services that will be offered virtually (including Success
Advisors, Career and Co-op Advisors, International Advisors and Counsellors) will be
circulated by the end of the week as teams finalize details. In addition, you can expect
more clarity and detailed contact information to address your individual enquiries by the
end of the week, as well. Please also review our website for the most current
information.

I’m certain you still have many more questions – and I would, too.

Please know that my team and I are working around the clock to provide much more
clarity for your needs and planning – but wanted to communicate this important
decision for your health and safety quickly.

Thank you for the retweets, likes, and messages of support as I’ve appreciated them
more than you know.

In times like these, we need to be kind, understanding and comfortable with

uncertainty – you’ve demonstrated these qualities already and, because of that, I’m
confident in the power of our community to move through this.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Craig Stephenson

President and CEO, Centennial College