COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery

The K-12 Education Recovery Plan (English, French) assists schools and districts in preparing for the 2021/22 school year. The plan focuses on implementing ongoing health & safety measures, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on learning & well-being, and providing supports for Indigenous students, students with disabilities/diverse abilities and students requiring additional assistance.

Key Principles and Strategies for K-12 Mental Health Promotion in Schools is a companion resource to the K-12 Education Recovery Plan and offers recommended actions and resources to support the mental health and well-being of K-12 students and staff.

COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines and Protocol

The BC Centre for Disease Control’s Public Health Guidance for K-12 School Settings supports K-12 sector planning for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and maintaining safe and healthy environments for students, families and staff. The guidance document identifies key infection prevention and exposure control practices, and a detailed COVID-19 evidence summary.

The Provincial COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines for K-12 (English, French) outline the principles and requirements for prioritizing safe learning environments. The guidelines outline key health and safety requirements for B.C. K-12 schools and address topics including cleaning and disinfecting, illness and daily health check policies, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, personal protective equipment and student transportation.

Note: The COVID-19 Communicable Disease Guidelines are designed to build on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s public health guidance for K-12 and address a broader range of content and requirements for schools and school districts. In case of any discrepancy between these two guidance documents, school districts and independent school authorities should follow the Communicable Disease Guidelines.COVID-19 Protocols for School & District Administrators and Staff (English, French) provides key information on the processes, roles and responsibilities involved in managing symptoms of illness among students and staff and responding to COVID-19 exposures within the school community.

Covid-19 planning resource mask exemptions (PDF)

COVID-19: BC Post-Secondary and Government updates

Updated: November 29, 2021

Please use the links below to find current information about COVID-19 responses from all 25 BC public post-secondary institutions (Universities, Colleges, and Institutes) as well as information on each institutions' current course delivery method.

Contact post-secondary institution(s) admissions departments by email or through their website if you require further assistance or information. As post-secondary institutions want to ensure a safe environment for their communities while remaining accessible, many have shifted their service to online supports at this time for applicants, students, and the community.

Review the Ministry of Education (K-12) updates regarding COVID-19: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/safe-caring-and-orderly-schools

For updates regarding Covid-19 impacts on ITA trades and apprenticeship training, please visit: https://www.itabc.ca/covid-19

STUDENT SERVICES

ACADEMIC ADVISING. Advisors can help you plan your education, select courses, track your progress, and make a graduation plan. Advisors are your "go-to" person so if you have any questions just make an appointment, drop-in, or send an email. Get the office hours and contact information for the Advising department from your institution's website.

ATHLETICS AND FITNESS. Most institutions have a gym, fitness rooms, and sports clubs (e.g., hiking, basketball, yoga, golf, soccer) so you can stay active. Participate just for fun or play competitively!

CAMPUS ORIENTATION PROGRAMS. Attend info sessions and events that connect you to the campus and services available there. Learn where everything is and what opportunities there are to get involved or to work on campus. These orientations often have a social element and sometimes have food, so you might meet new friends while enjoying a free snack! What could be better?

CAREER SERVICES. There are career services available to you to help you with your resume, interview skills and job search. There are job postings specifically for current students as well as for graduates. Check out the Work-Study program. There are usually a number of positions each year for students to work on campus in paid positions. Get work experience, earn money, and coordinate your study schedule.

COMPUTER LABS & WI-FI. Each institution has up-to-date computer labs. If your course requires a specific program or software, chances are the campus computer lab will have it. Each institution has a Help Desk or IT Support Department to assist you with technical issues and logging into your student accounts. Wi-Fi and device charging stations are available throughout all campuses.

COUNSELLING. Feeling stressed or faced with a personal challenge? Counsellors on campus are professionally trained and can help with a wide variety of issues. Look for wellness programs and related resources on campus and don't hesitate to book an appointment with a counsellor if you need to. Also check if your school has a medical clinic on campus or can refer you to other programs and services.

DISABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES. All institutions are working to make education accessible to everyone through services, facilities and equipment. They will help you with registration and program planning around your individual needs so make sure you contact their office to discuss your situation.

FINANCIAL AID. Get help with planning how to finance your education. The Financial Aid office can teach you about the BC Student Loan program and how to complete a loan application. They have information about scholarships and bursaries and can help you estimate what your program will cost.

INDIGENOUS SERVICES. Most institutions have an Indigenous student support office or gathering centre that provides culturally appropriate services and programs to support Metis, First Nations, and Inuit students. They also help connect you to other services on and off-campus.

LIBRARY ORIENTATION PROGRAMS. Google is great – but these orientations will teach you how to use the physical and online library.  There are many things in your school's library that will help save you time and effort when you need to put together essays and reference lists. Librarians are a great resource!

STUDENT HOUSING. Many institutions have on-campus accommodations. If you live on-campus then get to know your student housing life program and staff. Find opportunities to either volunteer or work there. Getting involved in student housing life helps you develop leadership skills and grow your network of friends and colleagues.

STUDENT LIFE PROGRAMS. Post-secondary is not just about attending class, it's about growing as a person outside of the classroom. There are a wide variety of clubs and student organizations to get involved with.  There's usually something for everyone, but if you don't find what you're looking for then start your own club!  Student life programs and clubs offer opportunities to gain valuable leadership skills as well as volunteer or work experience.  You can have a social life and still manage your study time!

WRITING AND MATH. Some institutions have separate writing and math help centres. Others have everything in one place. Either way, there is help available for you. Math centres can help you with everything from refreshing your high school skills to understanding advanced formulas. Writing centres will help you learn how to outline, draft, and format your paper so you will be confident in submitting your best original work. Many institutions provide online tutoring through WriteAway, an online service. Look for free help where you can get it!