Covid-19 Response and Updates

We are actively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring to follow directions from the Government and focus on the safety of all of us. This page will be updated frequently so please check back to review the most current information.

Thank you to all of our students, staff, faculty, and community.

We have seen a lot of change since March 2020 and are all trying to find our balance. We are proud that our faculty and staff have been flexible and innovative and our students have been patient and motivated to begin or continue their education.

Please note, as future environmental factors change, it may demand changes to how we work together and deliver our services. Be assured, the health and safety of our College community will remain a top priority. Columbia College community members are expected to be supportive and respectful to those choosing to wear a mask after it is no longer mandatory. With these precautions, and a highly vaccinated community, we believe that our campus will remain to be a safe place to work and learn. 

If you have questions about medical accommodations as it relates to COVID-19, the Accessibility Services area can support you.

As always, Columbia College strives to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, faculty, and community. We will continue to provide the best education and support that we are able to, whether it be in person or at a distance.

Updated Covid-19 Protocols

 

Columbia College Capacity Restrictions College has lifted campus capacity restrictions.
Columbia College Campus Face Coverings Protocol Masks are no longer required, but we ask everyone to be respectful to anyone that chooses to wear or not to wear a mask.
Columbia College and Social Gatherings and Social Distancing There are no restrictions in place at the college.
Columbia College Proof of Vaccination and Screening Policy Although Columbia College does not require full Covid-19 vaccination or disclosure of vaccination status to attend on-campus, being vaccinated is strongly recommended.
Columbia College Lock Door Protocols Columbia College will unlock the main door in the building 802 admin building during regular office hours. Due to the low number of individuals expected to return in other buildings at this time, Building 4, 805, 803, and 801 will remain locked until further notice.
Hand Sanitizer Hand sanitizer will continue to be available inside on entry to the College, and departments, on the first table in each classroom, and in common areas
Self Assessment We ask that you self-assess symptoms before coming to the college. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and follow the current Alberta Health Isolation requirements here.
Exceptions to Protocols Each department will conduct their own health and safety risk assessment and review whether COVID-19 vaccination protocols will remain as part of that program’s admission or practicum requirements following March 1st. This will be determined by reviewing guidelines from a program’s governing or accreditation body, as well as the expectations from the industry that will be providing practicum placements.

Staying Engaged at Home: Fun & Productive Ideas

Columbia College compiled this list to help you stay engaged, active, and positive while spending extended time at home. Whether you’re looking to boost your skills, connect with others, or just have some fun, there’s something for everyone here!

Have an idea to add? Email us at columbia@columbia.ab.ca.

  • Free Online Courses – Platforms like Coursera and edX offer thousands of free courses from top universities.
  • New Language – Use Duolingo, BBC Languages, or Mango Languages to start learning a new language.
  • DIY & Tutorials – YouTube is full of guides for everything from coding to playing an instrument.
  • Try a New Recipe – Experiment with dishes you never had time to try before.
  • Art & Crafts Challenges – Try daily sketch prompts, digital painting, or DIY home decor projects.
  • Write Something New – Start a short story, poetry collection, or even a screenplay!
  • Declutter Your Space – Take a Marie Kondo approach and create a calming home environment.
  • Digital Detox – Clean up your phone or computer: organize files, delete old apps, and refresh playlists.
  • Spa at Home – Take a long bath, practice skincare, or try meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
  • Video Calls – Keep in touch with family and friends via Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet.
  • Netflix Watch Parties – Sync shows with friends using Netflix Party (now Teleparty).
  • Online Game Nights – Play virtual games like Jackbox, Codenames, or Among Us with friends.
  • Virtual Field Trips – Visit museums, zoos, space stations, or even Disneyland online.
  • Board & Card Games – Dust off classics or try new games like Catan or Exploding Kittens.
  • Music & Dance – Create themed playlists or have a spontaneous family dance party.
  • Puzzles & Brain Games – Work on a jigsaw puzzle, crossword, Sudoku, or logic game.
  • Book Club – Start a family or virtual book club and discuss your favorite reads.
  • Memory & Trivia Nights – Test your knowledge with trivia or memory challenges.