The following message was distributed to all Conestoga employees on March 19 on behalf of President John Tibbits.
This week marks a significant milestone in efforts to stop the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now been more than a full year since our campuses were closed to face-to-face delivery of classes and services in March 2020. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all employees for your continued efforts to support our college community, move forward with strategic goals and priorities, and provide students with the best possible learning experience through very challenging circumstances.
Your resilience and cooperation have been instrumental in our success as we’ve been forced to adapt in an uncertain and ever-changing environment. I know this has been difficult at times, and I am grateful for your continued support.
More than 12,000 students have participated in on-campus learning activities since July 2020, when campus labs, studios and shops were re-opened under strict guidelines for protecting the health and safety of our community. I am proud to report that there continues to be no evidence of virus transmission on our campuses, in large part because of the protocols we’ve adopted for infection prevention and control, such as minimizing the number of people on-campus, screening and monitoring, physical distancing, mask-wearing and enhanced environmental cleaning.
Many of you are now planning your annual vacation breaks. While options for travel and social activities will continue to be restricted in the months ahead, taking breaks to relax and recharge will help us all prepare for what will no doubt be a very busy 2021-22 academic year.
This week, the college’s senior leadership team made the decision to provide all employees with an additional day of holidays on Friday, July 2. This additional day will not impact your annual vacation allotment.
Employees who are required to work on July 2 to meet institutional requirements will be contacted by their supervisors with more detailed information.
Thanks once again for your continued efforts to support Conestoga, our students and our college community.
John Tibbits, President