Information of Fall 2021 Students and Staff
Vaccine policy for all students, employees, contractors and visitors
This message is being sent to all employees and students. Please also see the attached COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Frequently Asked Questions.
As announced last week, Appliance Technical Institute of Canada College is implementing a vaccine policy for all students, employees, contractors and visitors who attend any Appliance Technical Institute of Canada campus or affiliate locations. These policy requirements, summarized below, have a grace period until September 7, 2021.
All students, employees, contractors and visitors have until September 7 to be compliant with the policy. Those who are not fully vaccinated by September 7, 2021 and do not have an approved medical exemption will not be permitted on campus. The full policy will be finalized and posted online by September 7, 2021.
Some of the key requirements of the vaccine policy include:
- Anyone coming to campus must be fully vaccinated by September 7, 2021. “Fully vaccinated” means you have received a full series of doses of a Health Canada or Public Health Ontario approved COVID-19 vaccine and having reached the 14 day mark since the second dose (meaning you must receive your second dose by Friday, August 23 to be compliant with the policy).
- Fully vaccinated individuals will be required to register their vaccination status through a secure electronic registration system. The College will provide a detailed explanation of how to register your vaccination status in the next few weeks. You will only be required to register your full vaccination status once, unless new public health measures or government requirements are introduced. The College will not have access to personal health information, only confirmation of a person’s vaccination or medical accommodation approval.
- Individuals may apply for an exemption for medical reasons. Those with an approved medical exemption (after September 7, 2021) will be required to provide proof of a negative test result within the last 72 hours. The College will provide more information shortly about where and how you can get tested and provide those results.
- Based on direction from the Ontario Government, there are no faith-based or Human Rights Code related exemptions allowed.
- After September 7, 2021, those who are not fully vaccinated and do not have an approved exemption will not be permitted on campus.
- Before September 7, 2021, more information will be provided to employees who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and who will not have an approved exemption.
- After September 7, 2021, students who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and who do not have an approved exemption, will have their on campus studies deferred or transitioned to fully online delivery – if this method of delivery is available. Further information will be available when we have determined the process to implement this requirement.
Employees are reminded to complete the COVID-19 training module in advance of their first visit to campus this term, and the COVID-19 screening form each time you come to campus.
For more information about health and safety during the fall term, please watch the recording of the employee town hall that took place on August 25 in London, ON.
For more information about the vaccine policy, please see our FAQ below. The full policy will be posted and made effective September 7, 2021.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Appliance Technical Institute of Canada (ATIC) Vaccination Policy
What is ATIC’s policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination for access to campus for the fall semester?
Appliance Technical Institute of Canada is requiring full vaccination as a condition of accessing our campuses as of September 7th, 2021. Those who are not fully vaccinated by September 7, 2021 and do not have an approved medical exemption will not be permitted on campus. The full policy will be finalized and posted online by September 7, 2021.
Who does this policy apply to?
This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors and other visitors to all Appliance Technical Institute of Canada campuses and affiliated locations.
How soon do I need to provide proof of vaccination?
The College will provide a detailed explanation of how to register your vaccination status in the next few weeks.
I am not currently vaccinated – can I come to campus the week of September 7 to start my classes?
No. Appliance Technical Institute of Canada will provide further details about these requirements over the next week. In the meantime, we strongly encourage everyone to get your vaccinations as quickly as possible.
What do you mean by full vaccination?
“Fully vaccinated” means you have received a full series of doses of a Health Canada or Public Health Ontario approved COVID-19 vaccine and having reached the 14 day mark since the second dose.
Can I apply for an exemption?
Individuals may be granted an exemption for medical reasons. Those with an approved medical exemption (after September 7, 2021) will be required to provide proof of a negative test result within the last 72 hours. The College will provide more information shortly about where and how you can get tested and provide those results.
Are there exemptions for certain faiths or based on the Human Rights Code?
The Government of Ontario has advised that there are only two medical exemptions: severe reaction to a component of the vaccine or myocarditis or pericarditis.
What happens if I choose not to get vaccinated?
Those who are not fully vaccinated by September 7, 2021 and do not have an approved medical exemption will not be permitted on campus.
- Before September 7, more information will be provided to employees who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and who will not have an approved
- After September 7, students who choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and who do not have an approved exemption, will have their on campus studies deferred or transitioned to fully online delivery – if this method of delivery is Further
information will be available, when we have determined the process to implement this requirement.
If I choose not to be vaccinated, can I withdraw from my program and receive a refund of the tuition/ancillary fees paid?
Further information will be available for students who choose to withdraw from their studies.
Why do I have to provide proof of my COVID-19 vaccination?
The Government of Ontario has mandated that all colleges and universities must require vaccination policies on campus, including obtaining proof of vaccination.
What constitutes proof of vaccination?
Proof of vaccination means a written vaccination record of your COVID-19 immunization date(s) issued by the provincial or territory government, or country, in which you were immunized.
When and how do I have to provide my proof of COVID-19 vaccination?
Fully vaccinated individuals will be required to register their vaccination status through a secure electronic registration system. The College will provide a detailed explanation of how to register your vaccination status in the next few weeks.
What is the timeline to get vaccinated?
We encourage you to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. The College will allow a grace period to give you time to be fully vaccinated. That grace period ends Tuesday, September 7. That includes a 14-day waiting period required to achieve vaccine protection, meaning you must receive your second dose by Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
The Government of Ontario is giving some businesses until September 22 to require proof of vaccination. Why is Appliance Technical Institute of Canada’s deadline until September 7?
The College wants to ensure that all staff, students and visitors to campus have enough time to be fully vaccinated.
Will any of the facilities operated on campus be impacted by the September 22 date for proof of vaccination?
Businesses and events that will welcome the public on campus will be required to comply with the September 22 deadline.
What happens during the grace period before proof of vaccination or testing are required?
The College’s existing screening protocols will remain in effect including mandatory COVID-19 online screening assessment each day before coming to the College. Faculty, campus security and College staff will be empowered to confirm students have completed the screening.
I am studying fully online. Do I still need to provide proof of my vaccination status?
The policy only applies to individuals who will attend any Appliance Technical Institute of campus.
I am currently on co-op/ placement off campus. Do I still need to provide proof of my vaccination status?
If you will be attending a co-op work term or participating in internship, clinical or field placements, be sure to confirm with your co-op consultant or program coordinator whether you will require a COVID-19 vaccination before you are permitted to enter the host’s facility. Some agencies and employers may require proof of a first or second dose and some may have a waiting period prior to entering the workplace. While on a work-integrated learning experience, you are expected to follow all policies and regulations that apply to your host agency or employer.
Is my personal information secure?
Yes. All proof of vaccination, requests for accommodation and supporting documents, and proof of negative COVID-19 test results will be collected, used and stored in accordance with the College’s obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O.
1990, c. F.31.
Can I get vaccinated on campus?
Appliance Technical Institute of Canada is not currently offering vaccinations on campus.
How else can I access a vaccine?
Ontario COVID Vaccine site – https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/Family physician
Local pharmacies
Where can I access rapid testing and what is the cost?
The College will provide more information shortly about how often, where and how you can get tested and provide those results.
How do I verify my negative COVID rapid test?
The College will provide more information shortly about how often, where and how you can get tested and provide those results.
What type of vaccine is available at the vaccination clinics?
The vaccination clinics will offer either the Moderna vaccine or the Pfizer vaccine depending on available supply.
Do I still need to wear a mask after I am fully vaccinated?
Yes. Anyone on campus will be required to wear a face covering at all times while indoors except when actively eating or drinking in publicly accessible places such as hallways, academic labs and classrooms, reception areas, food services, etc.
I’ve already had COVID-19. Does the proof of vaccination requirement apply to me?
Yes. Appliance Technical Institute of Canada is requiring proof of vaccination for all students and employees accessing any of our campuses.
Who do I contact for more information?
Please watch your email for more details on Appliance Technical Institute of Canada’s vaccination requirements.