The VCC Board of Governors has been working closely with VCC’s president, Ajay Patel, and the senior leadership team to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) began regular meetings in January 2020 when COVID-19 was first identified as a threat, and has implemented a proactive response plan ever since.

 

All decisions have been made in coordination with B.C.’s Provincial Health Authorities and other government leadership, including the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. 

 

VCC continues to remain open, although with limited in-person access, to support quality learning and training in alternative ways. We also remain open in order to support our community and the provincial response to this pandemic, and we will be part of the ecosystem that helps rebuild and shape our collective future.

 

VCC’s actions are consistent with the B.C. government’s objectives to balance health and safety with access to educational programs. Almost all VCC programs and services are now being provided through alternative (non-face-to-face) methods. This tremendous undertaking has been a collaborative effort across the college and has included: 

• all curriculum being converted to online and alternative learning modes within one week,
• all supports for students and employees being converted to online and telephone-based systems, and
• the identification and continuation of essential services at VCC’s campuses, including: Cleaning Services, IT, Facilities, Security, Finance, and Human Resources. 

 

Please be assured that everyone at VCC is working hard to keep our community healthy while continuing to support student learning and services during this unprecedented time.  

 

We ask that you do your part by following the direction of our health authorities:  

• Self-isolate if you have travelled, been exposed to COVID-19, or are experiencing any symptoms at all.
• When you do go out, practice physical distancing by staying two metres away from others.
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day, or use alcohol cleaners.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

 

We also encourage you to stay “virtually” connected with friends and loved ones, and to take advantage of the supports available through VCC, the government, and the community.  

 

Thank you for your leadership and assistance as we all do our collective best every day. Be kind and generous in spirit and action, and we look forward to the day when we can again come together in person. 

 

With gratitude, 

 

 

Joey Hartman, Chair

On behalf of the VCC Board of Governors