MUENSTER — Students at St. Peter’s College are being given some flexibility in how they can take their classes when they return to school.
“St. Peter’s College will be offering a hybrid delivery model for this year,” said Matthew Washkowsky, a student services officer. “This means students are choosing either in-person or remote delivery. We are excited to continue offering our safe and small-sized educational experience to our students this year.”
The college will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 3 under a return to campus plan approved by the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Personal protective equipment such as sanitizer, masks, gloves will be provided by the college for all students, staff, instructors and visitors.
Those students that are on campus are expected to continually self-monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms, according to a 28-page handbook released by the college. Those that are symptomatic must leave campus and self-isolate, taking their courses remotely. They will be asked to get a test.
If the test is positive, any room and areas the person was in will be closed and disinfected. College staff will work with public health officials so they can undergo contact tracking and take any action necessary. The college will not name anybody that tests positive for the virus.
Hand sanitizer will be placed at the entrances. Students will be required to sign in. Hallways will be labeled with directional arrows aimed at maintaining social distancing. Students are asked to not congregate in the hallway or touch walls, railings (unless it is unsafe to do so), doorknobs and light switches.
The handbook said the college encourages students to use masks and other personal protective equipment if the student can’t socially distance or feels that they are needed.
Classrooms are being laid out to enable social distancing and will be disinfected between uses.
Bathrooms are limited to two students at a time. The library will be only open by appointment. Common areas are being set up to ensure social distancing. The fitness centre will be open to students once renovations are complete in October. Student events are limited to 30 people.
Students in residence are expected to disinfect their own rooms, said a 24-page handbook about the college residence's COVID policies. Only one other resident can visit at a time. Access is limited to students and staff. Shared bathrooms will be disinfected by trained staff.
Students using the cafeteria will be required to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer when entering and follow directional signage.
“We are happy to be welcoming people back to campus,” said a note from administration in the handbooks. “Although life may look and be different than in previous years, we aim to provide a great education and university experience.”
More details can be found on the college’s website.
