The following message was distributed to all Conestoga employees on behalf of Shelley Schenk, associate vice-president, Human Resources, on August 12.
It has been an incredibly busy summer as Conestoga employees work through the implications of COVID-19 and the re-opening of a limited number of campus facilities. Most of you have worked remotely over the last few months while others have been part of our small on-campus team that has kept essential services for employees and students operating. We genuinely appreciate the work that each of you has done.
For fall 2020 (we will reassess in advance of winter 2021), only those employees who are required for in-person teaching or essential work purposes will work on-campus. All other employees will continue to work remotely. For employees wondering about the opportunity to claim employment expenses for the working remote period of 2020 and the completion of a T2200 form, we are waiting on an announcement from the CRA which is expected prior to the end of 2020. In the meantime, employees should retain any receipts associated with working remotely. We will provide further information once direction is provided by the CRA. Until such time we will not issue or sign T2200 forms.
If you are usually working remotely and require access to the campus you must complete the Campus Request Form and receive approval from your manager and Security Services. Stay at home if you are feeling unwell. If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, use this self-assessment tool to help determine how to seek further care.
As we re-open to students and more employees, we’ve added several new procedures to protect the health, safety and well-being of our college community. Our plan reflects research and the best guidance available from public health experts as well as government officials. For a better understanding of what to expect on campuses, please take the time to review the Campus Changes Summer/Fall 2020 document and watch the informative video. Our plans may evolve as conditions change; further updates will be provided as they become available.
All employees (and students) must always wear college-issued face masks while inside college facilities. Masks may be removed only while eating or drinking. Some employees may choose to wear personal face masks while approaching the entrance or waiting to enter the building, but a college-issued face mask must be worn inside and while performing college work. Employees and students will be provided with disposable face masks each day. We agree that wearing a face mask for an extended period is uncomfortable, but scientific evidence shows that wearing a mask is the best way to protect ourselves and others. These, and other measures, are designed to protect the health and well-being of the Conestoga community and will be strictly enforced at all campus locations. The effectiveness of these measures requires everyone to take them seriously. All employees are expected to comply. Employees with questions regarding accommodations should contact Aimee Gaunt in Human Resources or email hrinfo@conestogac.on.ca.
Employees returning to work on campus will be required to review and sign the Pandemic Working Policy V.2. The policy will be provided to you by your supervisor/designate or the Safety Office, but it is available for your review at any time.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Conestoga and our students. You have truly made a difference through this challenging time and we appreciate your efforts in keeping our campuses and our community safe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to hrinfo@conestogac.on.ca and we will ensure your questions are answered.
Take care,
Shelley