Between now and March 30, 2022, many Willis College programs will be delivered using a hybrid learning model. This means you will have the opportunity to learn in person at our campus or remotely during scheduled classroom hours. Further updates will be given as we are advised by the ministry of colleges and universities.
We are available to help you with your career goals and you don’t need to worry about how you are going to plan your future education. We are conducting all of our Admissions Meetings and School Information Sessions virtually or in-person to help you start your career training this year!
The Ontario government is requiring all universities and colleges within Ontario to have a mandatory vaccination policy created and put in place by September 7, 2021, with specific requirements. Willis College fully supports the government health policy during this global pandemic. Willis College also respects the rights of individuals to keep private their medical records and personal medical choices. While no policy or plan can be perfect and balance everyone’s concerns and desires; we believe that this policy helps us to create a safe environment to study and work.
This policy explains who is allowed to be on campus and under what conditions. This policy is different than the policy for wearing masks on campus and different from the policies on the rules of social distancing. This policy may be changed and updated at any time as directed by municipal, provincial, and federal health guidelines.
As required by the Government of Ontario order, this policy equally applies to students, potential students (visiting admissions, finances, or doing testing), on-campus staff, and contractors. Essentially, anyone who will be on campus must follow this policy. Visitors who only come onto campus to visit the front desk and then leave are exempt from this policy.
As explained by the Order, on-campus students, potential students, staff, and contractors must have documents proving that they meet one of three following conditions to come onto campus:
a) They must submit proof of full vaccination. Full vaccination means that an individual has received two doses of a two-dose vaccine series approved by Health Canada, or one dose of a single-dose series (Johnson and Johnson). The last vaccination must have been received at least 14 days before.
b) They must submit written proof of a medical reason, provided by a physician or registered nurse that explains i) a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and ii) the effective time period for the medical reason. They must also submit to mandatory COVID testing at a minimum of once a week.
c) They must submit proof of completing an educational session approved by Willis College about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination prior to declining vaccination for any reason other than a medical reason. They must also submit to mandatory COVID testing at a minimum of once a week.
As ordered by the Government of Ontario, anyone who comes onto campus using the medical exemption or by completing an educational seminar approved by Willis College; must provide an eternal negative COVID test (from the last 24 hours) or undergo a COVID rapid screening test at a minimum of once every 7 days.
Willis College will offer a comprehensive educational seminar that covers all topics from the Ontario government order. The order allows but does not require, Willis College to accept seminars offered by other organizations. To create a consistent message, Willis College will require all individuals wanting an educational seminar exemption to take the Willis College seminar. In an exceptional circumstance, the National Compliance Manager reserves the right to approve an alternative seminar.
Your privacy is of great importance to us. Your personal information, including vaccine status, will be stored in a secure location that only selected administrative staff will have access to. Any staff member who discloses personal health information may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal. Student Services staff arranging practicums will be required to communicate directly with the student about their vaccine status and will not have access to this stored information.
Willis College only wants to keep the minimum amount of information as possible in your files. The government order tells us that we will be required to send them NON-identifiable information; although we are still waiting for the government to explain exactly what information they will ask for. We will keep on file the following information: your vaccination status, medical exemption status, or educational seminar status; and testing dates with results.
The safety, health and well-being of our students is our top priority. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. The public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.
Our organization is closely monitoring the local, national and international occurrence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will provide updated policies as the situation evolves.
Students are asked to review the following college policies and guidance. The organization’s priorities in setting these workspace policies are to:
Ontario
What if I need to stay home with sick family members?
The college can, at its discretion, apply for an extension of the contract, as needed.
What if that time missed causes me to become noncompliant with attendance?
The college can, at its discretion, apply for an extension of the contract, as needed, and or request the student complete extra hours to complete course/program requirements within the originally contracted timeframe.
What if that time impacts graduation dates?
The college can request a contract extension
What if employers are adjusting hours of work and that impacts practicum hours?
As above for amendment of the contract and extension of the end date.
What if the college needs to reschedule classes due to an Instructor’s illness?
If it happens within the period of the existing contract and requires a situational reordering of course delivery, options will be addressed on a case by case basis. This may include prolonged study days or an extension of the end date.
Students at higher risk: Students that are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions are urged to consult their physician about steps they can take to protect their health. These may include the implementation of additional protective measures to reduce their exposure to others or the chances of being infected.
If a student is at risk for complications from COVID-19 and their physician agrees that increased social distancing in the workspace is prudent, the student should contact their Faculty Head or Campus Manager to formally request a leave. Management will confidentially evaluate the request, explore alternatives, and attempt to appropriately address the student’s health concerns while maintaining school operations. A doctor’s note may be required.
Please read the following information on how to preventing COVID-19