COVID-19 – Looking ahead to Summer and Fall 2020

 Watch an American Sign Language (ASL) version of this message 

Dear VCC students,

The past two months have been challenging for all of us in so many ways, but I am extremely proud of what VCC, and especially you, our students, have accomplished in this time. You have adapted, persevered, and most importantly, you have helped limit the spread of COVID-19. Today, I am writing to ensure you that VCC will continue to support your learning and progress in the year ahead.

VCC is working very hard alongside the B.C. Government and the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) to envision and plan how programs and courses will continue into the Spring/Summer and Fall 2020 terms while respecting the important, ongoing restrictions meant to keep our community safe. 

Our instructors are redesigning curriculums, our technicians are building new online systems, and our service staff are wholly transforming the way they support your learning success in order to continue providing you the fullest VCC experience possible.

Spring/Summer 2020 term

For Spring/Summer 2020, course and program delivery will continue online and by alternative delivery modes wherever possible. Programs and courses that absolutely require in-person learning will be assessed for limited, in-person delivery options that follow all PHO safety directives and any other requirements from educational regulators (e.g. physical distancing, gathering size, etc.)

Most VCC service team members will continue to work remotely, and student services will remain accessible primarily by phone, email, and online options, with limited exceptions following all PHO guidelines.

Fall 2020 term

VCC is also planning for physical distancing requirements to continue into the Fall 2020 term. Currently, we are not anticipating a full “return to normal” in September, so please be prepared to continue with online and alternative delivery of programs, with in-person instruction and services only when safe and essential. 

As the situation progresses and we receive guidance from health authorities and government, VCC is committed to communicating decisions as quickly as possible. All important updates will be sent by email to you and posted to VCC’s COVID-19 information site as well as our official social media accounts, so please stay connected.

Please visit VCC’s COVID-19 information site regularly for updates.

Finally, I want to acknowledge this year’s high school grads and other newly admitted VCC students starting programs at VCC this September. To you, I want to offer a heartfelt welcome. While we may not be shaking hands, I want to assure you that you have a place in the VCC community – a community like no other – and I sincerely hope you recognize this when you meet your new instructors and classmates online.

In the meantime, as we continue to support each other on this journey, please keep listening to our health authorities. We are proof that physical distancing works. Keep your hands clean and your loved ones safe. Only our combined efforts will save lives.

Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College