2020 Niagara University in Ontario - Vince Rinaldo, Ph. D. Niagara University 11/3/2020 11-03-2020
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2020
Niagara University in Ontario
Vince Rinaldo, Ph. D.
Niagara University
11/3/2020
1
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Procedures for the scaling up and scaling down of operations in Ontario
These models have been designed in accordance with the provincial guidelines provided in “A
Framework for Re-opening our Province” Stage 2 and Stage 3. Specifically, these address Phase 2:
Restart of the document.
The government will take a careful, stage-by-stage approach to loosening emergency measures
and reopening Ontario’s economy. Public health and workplace safety will remain the top
priority, while balancing the needs of people and businesses. Public health officials will carefully
monitor each stage for two-to-four weeks, as they assess the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak
to determine if it is necessary to change course to maintain public health. The government will
also continue to issue guidelines for workplace safety.
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
They have also been designed in accordance with recommendations for reopening Higher Education
Institutions as put forth in:
• ACHA Guidelines: Considerations for Reopening Institutions of Higher Education in the COVID-19
Era (May 7, 2020),
• Creating Safe and Resilient Campuses: Suggestions for Reopening and Reimagining Colleges and
Universities in New York (CICU, May 15, 2020)
The following University models are subject to the appropriate approvals of the University and
government as applicable through the Offices of the: Minister of Colleges and Universities (MCU),
Postsecondary Educational Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB), and Ontario Student Assistance Program
(OSAP). In addition, approvals must be received from program accreditors including the Ontario College
of teachers (OCT), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
2
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Table of Contents
Purple Pledge
Health and Safety
• PPE
• Screening
• Social Distancing
• COVID-19 Symptoms
• Contact Tracing
• Food
Room Configuration
• Meetings and Advisement
• Common Spaces
Facilities
• Work Space
• HVAC
• Cleaning
• Work from Home Plan
Academics
• Program of Study Plan
Technology
• AReveryware Technology
• Flex Classrooms (Rooms 104 and 113)
Visitors
Partnerships
Government
Entering and Exiting the Building Procedures
Proposed Class Schedules
o BPS - Hybrid
o Master’s Programs
MBA (Approved Hybrid)
MS Finance (Approved Hybrid)
MS ISDF (Approved Hybrid)
Appendices
Policies3
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Purple Pledge
We have put measures in place to protect the health and safety of the entire Niagara University
community to the extent possible, but their effectiveness depends upon everyone taking these
measures seriously. To encourage all members of the NU community to do their part in keeping our
campus safe, we have developed the “Niagara University Community Responsibility Purple Pledge.”
Students, faculty, staff, and administration will be able to read and sign this pledge online prior to their
arrival to campus.
Health and Safety
PPE
• All students will be provided with two three-ply, 100% cotton masks. These masks contain
copper and silver, which provide antimicrobial properties and can be washed up to 15 times.
• All faculty will be provided with one three-ply, 100% cotton mask. This masks contains copper
and silver, which provide antimicrobial properties and can be washed up to 15 times.
• Masks must be worn by students, faculty, staff, administration, and visitors at all times within
the building regardless of the ability to remain 2-metres apart. This applies to classrooms,
washrooms, and common areas etc. Masks are not a substitute for social distancing.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be situated in various locations on site.
• All BPS students will be required to complete a daily screening. Graduate students will complete
screening on the days they have classes.
• Sanitizing wipes will be made available by hand sanitizing stations
• Cleaning kits have been created and are located in all classrooms
Screening
• All BPS students/staff/administration will be required to complete a daily screening.
• Graduate students and faculty will complete screening on the days they have classes.
• In addition, planned visitors, and third-party employees will also be required to complete a
screening prior to gaining entrance to the building
• The University will be using the Medicat App for screening. The screening will provide a green
badge that is time stamped on the individual’s phone, which will show that they have completed
the screening and have confirmed that they are symptom free.
• Those who have completed the screening will be able to show this information to faculty upon
entering the classroom or the staff upon entering the building.
• The screening tool will be implemented through Health Services, who will monitor
recommendations from the CDC, PHO, and PHAC to ensure the instrument and questions are
up-to-date and appropriate.
• In addition to the University screening tool, all staff and faculty will complete the Ontario
Workplace Screening tool in accordance with WSIB regulatory change.
• University and Workplace Screening tools are available through the Ontario website COVID page
• Signage for self-monitoring will be included as part of AReveryware
Social Distancing
• All individuals, while on the premises will be required to maintain a 2-metre distance at all
times.4
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
• We recommend that students come equipped with the materials that they will need such as
pens, pencils, paper as sharing these among people may be met with some resistance.
• Out of concern for classmates and the faculty and staff at Niagara University, please follow
government guidelines and refrain from gathering in large groups.
COVID-19 Symptoms
• We ask that out of concern for your colleagues the faculty, staff, or anyone who has flu-like
symptoms not come to the site. Please contact your supervisor or in cases of faculty, the
department chair and Associate Dean to apprise them of the situation so that they can work
with you on an accommodated plan. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated
with COVID-19, the Province recommends that you get tested. For testing information please
visit York Region.
• We ask that out of concern from your classmates and instructors, students who have flu-like
symptoms not attend classes. Please contact your instructors and apprise them of the situation
so that they can work with you on a accommodated plan. If you are experiencing any of the
symptoms associated with COVID-19, the Province recommends that you get tested. For testing
information please visit York Region.
• Students who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during the semester will be referred for
testing through York Region Health. Niagara University Health Services will work in partnership
with York Region Health and the Province in the contact tracing of COVID -19.
• Students who meet any of the following criteria: travel outside of Canada, test positive for
COVID-19, or who have come into close contact with a person who has tested positive, will be
required to isolate for 14 days prior to returning to the site. Please contact your professors to
make alternate arrangements.
• The University will ensure attention to appropriate arrangements for those who are vulnerable.
Physical, mental, and emotional needs will be met with appropriate measures from across
student services.
• Health Services will adapt student support services like telehealth and tele-counseling.
Contact Tracing
• Faculty will take attendance at the beginning of each class to enable contact tracing to be
reported to the regulatory bodies should a person test positive for COVID-19.
• The Medicat application further provides evidence for contract tracing.
• Upon entrance to the building individuals will scan the AReveryware sign which will further
record who was present on any given day.
• Niagara University Health Services will work in partnership with York Region Health and the
Province in the contact tracing of COVID -19.
Food
• During this time of uncertainty, catered functions will not be permitted on site?
• Students who wish to eat on site are required to eat at their seat in their classroom. Trash must
be disposed of into the appropriate container in the classroom. Students are also required to
use sanitizing wipes to clean their tables when they have finished eating.
• Students who use the microwave will be required to use a sanitary wipe to clean the keypad and
handle of the microwave after each use.5
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Room Configuration
1. Table and chair configurations in the classrooms will be arranged in accordance with regulations
established at the provincial and federal levels and in concert with best practices provided by
regulatory bodies in the health professions.
2. Rooms will be configured in accordance with the 2-metre (6-foot) social distancing requirement
to ensure the university is meeting and maintaining a safe environment.
a. The maximum number of tables and chairs, in any room will be fixed in accordance with
room sizes and suggested maximum capacities to allow for appropriate distancing.
b. Each table will seat a maximum of one student
c. Excess room furniture including tables and chairs will be collapsed and removed from
usable space.
d. Tables and chairs are to remain static and are not to be moved.
3. Once established, room configurations are to remain static and under no circumstances are they
to be reconfigured by staff, faculty or students.
4. Classroom doors will be propped open during the day to limit the touching of door handles.
Meetings and Advisement
• All meetings including those at the department, and faculty levels should be held virtually
• Student faculty meetings, including advisement, where possible, should be held virtually.
• In situations where a faculty member is required to meet with a student privately, rather than in
the faculty member’s office, the meeting should take place in the conference room, where social
distancing of 2-metres (6-feet) can be maintained and where a table shield has been installed
for additional protection.
• The meeting room capacity will be capped at a maximum of three persons.
• Counseling Services will be provided through tele-counseling rather than face-to-face on the
premises.
Common Spaces
1. All gathering in common areas is discouraged during the COVID-19 crisis.
a. Common space will be closed. This will include lounge areas.
b. The area between the washrooms which includes seating and machines, and the table
and chairs outside of the electrical/LAN room will be removed as these areas cannot be
adjusted in a manner that enables 2-metre distancing
c. The faculty/staff meeting area will no longer be available as it is not possible to maintain
2-metre social distancing.
d. Hallways will remain out of bounds for gathering during breaks and over the lunch hour
as the requirement to maintain 2-metre social distancing is not possible.
Facilities
Workspace
1. Additional precautionary measures to be taken will include:
a. Clear plexiglass screens will be installed for front desk, in the meeting room and in
between sink areas in the men’s and women’s washrooms.
b. Washrooms will be limited to persons at a time in order to maintain social distancing of
2-metres.6
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
c. A total of seven (7) free standing hand sanitizer dispensers will be purchased and placed
by the front and rear doors, in each outer classroom, and in room 112/113
d. Hand sanitizer bottles will be placed in the administrative area.
e. A total of seven (7) wall-mounted dispensers for sanitizing wipes will be purchased and
placed by the front and rear doors, in each outer classroom, and in room 112/113
f. Sanitizing wipes will be placed in the administrative area.
g. The water fountain should be used only as a bottle filling station – all persons should
bring a water bottle that can be filled at the station so as to eliminate use of the drinking
fountain.
h. A microwave will be placed in classrooms 104 and 101.
i. Meetings with individuals whose offices are in the administrative area, will require
appointments as the space is limited and 2-metre social distancing needs to be assured.
j. Student will remain in their classrooms and instructors will move from class to class to
limit the number of people in the hallways between classes.
HVAC
• In addition to regular maintenance, the filters at the Vaughan site have been upgraded
and the HVAC units within the leased space adjusted to enable filtration at a MERV 13
level, in keeping with commercial purposes of the building.
Niagara University, in concert with Cortel Group and the YRSCC 1323 facilities
management team, will work diligently to make sure that air filters are replaced
consistent with a preventative maintenance program already in place.
Cleaning
1. The cleaning schedule will be adjusted in accordance with the following
a. Disinfecting of the premises including classrooms, washrooms and offices in the evening
and mid-day
b. Cleaning solutions will be adjusted to ensure standards that are in keeping with
protections against COVID-19
2. Additional protocols have been established for cleaning of washrooms
3. Our cleaning provider, Arelli Cleaning, offers exceptional skill and expertise in cleaning solutions.
Their Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocol was developed specifically in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic with a goal of providing an exceptionally pristine and healthy environment
that mitigates the risk of infection. The two-step process includes both cleaning and disinfection.
4. To provide the university community additional assurance of a healthy work environment,
cleaning supplies, such as disinfecting wipes, will be made available throughout the site for use,
as desired, in work spaces and on office equipment, desks, and classroom tables.
Work from Home Plan
Recommendation from Fed. Gov’t that employees who are part of a vulnerable population work from
home, where possible. If a person in a staff or faculty position is a member of a vulnerable population,
he or she should consult with his or her supervisor whether or not this option might be available, based
on the requirements of his or her job.
Academics7
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
● Regardless of the model of instruction posted, students will have the option to participate
virtually.
● Some of the courses that were previously delivered in a face-to-face format will preserve that
classroom experience, complemented with hybrid and virtual components.
● Courses that have been traditionally offered in an online format will continue to be offered that
way in fall 2020.
● Course attendance policies will be adapted to accommodate students who might have any
symptoms of illness. These policies will be enforced with an emphasis on empathy and
understanding, so that each student is able to progress in the fall 2020 semester.
● Students who are unable to attend face-to-face offerings because of health issues will be
provided opportunities to progress in an exclusively online environment.
● Practica and internships will continue as required based on guidance from the Ministry of
Education, Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Ontario College of Teachers, and expectations
of the partnerships for placements.
● To ensure the safety of both faculty and students, academic advisement and office hours will be
offered remotely.
● Plexiglass screens have been constructed for the main reception area. Portable screens are
available for use by staff. Administration, and faculty as needed.
Distancing and Real-time Updates
• The university has launched the NUAR network, which uses augmented reality to provide real-
time physical distancing information through a unique smartphone app.
• All faculty, staff, and students will download the Areveryware application to scan signage that is
being installed in strategic locations, including hallways and common areas.
• The videos will provide key safety instructions, including entrance, exit, and traffic flow
information, and real-time occupancy and distancing updates.
Faculty Training
• A two-day retreat on online teaching will be offered by the CCTL and the Office of Faculty
Development July 14-15. Topics include utilizing Canvas in any course and best practices in
delivering hybrid and online courses. The sessions will be provided in a non-concurrent format;
the full schedule is available here: https://www.niagara.edu/summer-2020-retreat-schedule/
• Multiple resources, including individual appointments, are available through the Office of
Faculty Development: https://www.niagara.edu/is/
Technology
AReveryware technology
• AReveryware technology will provide real-time, 10-15-second videos reminding students of
COVID-19 classroom etiquette, as well as other safety protocols in place for the building they are
entering.
Flex Classroom Technology
• Rooms 104 and 113 have been equipped with a Vaddio system which enables flex teaching.8
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
• In addition to the video system, an audio component has been implemented for the spring
session which enables two-way communication between students in the room and students
who are participating virtually.
• Dedicated desktop computers have been added to each room to ensure consistency of delivery.
• Details available in Appendix A: Flex Classroom.
Academic Calendar
• Sat., Aug 29: Graduate class work begins
• Mon., Aug. 31: BPS class work begins
• Mon., Sept. 7: Labour Day holiday
• Mon., Oct. 12- Tues., Oct. 13: Canadian Thanksgiving holiday and Indigenous People’s Day
• Tues., Nov. 24: Thanksgiving recess begins after the last class
• Mon., Nov. 30: Classes resume
• Thurs., Dec. 10: Reading Day
• Fri., Dec. 11 Examination week begins
• Thurs., Dec. 17: Last day of fall semester
• Tues. Dec. 22: Final grade due date
Program of Study
Based on the recommendation from Fed. Gov’t that those who are part of a vulnerable population may
have an increased risk, if a student is a member of a vulnerable population, he or she should consult
with the Associate Dean to discuss the options that might be available to him or her.
Visitors
1. For the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, all in-person campus tours and visits by prospective
applicants and families will be suspended.
2. Visitors will be approved by the Office of the Vice President for Ontario Administration in
advance of their visit to ensure that they are aware of protocols and procedures.
o Staff who are expecting a visitor must clear this through their supervisor who will
notify the office manager.
o Faculty who are expecting a visitor must clear this through the department chair
and Associate Dean who will notify the office manager
o In all cases, the VP Ontario Administration must provide approval for visitors prior
to their visit
3. All visitors will receive a copy of protocols and procedures for the site.
4. All visitors will be required to complete screening prior to gaining admittance to the
building
5. For the purpose of contact tracing all visitors will be required to scan a QR-based app upon
entrance to the premises.
6. All visitors will be provided a safety kit upon arrival that includes gloves and a mask.
Partnerships
The Office Manager is currently working with our neighboring pharmacy on the purchasing of PPE.
Students can. The University will make known to students the hours of operation of the pharmacy as
well as a list of services that they provide.9
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Government
The VP for Ontario Administration will be responsibility for overseeing compliance with consent,
accreditation, and OSAP.
PEQAB/Ministerial Consent
The BPS program has consent to be offered using a fully face-to-face model of instruction unless the
Ontario government through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities invokes legislation that requires
public and private universities to utilize alternate methods of instruction. The current situation requires
that IHE use alternate methods. Niagara has been approved for their current method of instruction.
OCT
The BPS program has consent to be offered using a fully face-to-face model of instruction. Special
consideration has been obtained from the Director of Accreditation at OCT which allows Niagara
University to implement alternate models of deliver that include fully online. This permission is
contingent upon the regulatory change imposed by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities and
expires once the restrictions are lifted.
OSAP
The BPS has received written approval from our liaison officer which allows Niagara University to
implement alternate models of deliver that include fully online. This permission is contingent upon the
regulatory change imposed by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities and expires once the
restrictions are lifted.
The MBA, MS Finance, and MS ISDF are all approved under OSAP as hybrid programs. In order to
maintain eligibility each course offered as part of these programs must maintain 60 percent face-to-face
delivery – a maximum of 40% online delivery can be applied to any course.
Entering and Exiting the Building
Procedures
Entrance and exit of the building will now be as follows:
• All students, faculty and Staff will enter from the Maplecrete main doors and exit the
building from the main rear doors during regular business hours.
• Prior to entering the building students, faculty, and staff, must complete the screening
using the Medicat App
• Upon entering the building students, faculty, and staff, must scan the AReveryware
signage10
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Curriculum/Course Delivery Models
Capacity
Niagara University in Vaughan is currently comprised of 12,330 sf. Of this 141.31sf (13.12812858 m2 is
dedicated to classroom and meeting room space. All calculations of occupancy have been made in
accordance with the Ontario Building Code http://www.buildingcode.online/115.html
Room Room Size Max Original Current Max
Size sf Converter m2 Designation OBC Capacity Calculation Capacity Capacity
1097 0.09290304 101.9146349 Classroom 1.85 55.08899183 41 36 40
646 0.09290304 60.01536384 Classroom 1.85 32.44073721 24 24 24
1091 0.09290304 101.3572166 Classroom 1.85 54.78768467 41 40 40
892 0.09290304 82.86951168 Classroom 1.85 44.79433064 33 32 36
601 0.09290304 55.83472704 Classroom 1.85 30.18093354 22 24 28
515.5 0.09290304 47.89151712 Classroom 1.85 25.88730655 20 18 20
515.5 0.09290304 47.89151712 Classroom 1.85 25.88730655 19 16 20
141.31 0.09290304 13.12812858 Meeting Rm 1.85 7.09628572 7 7 7
Total 207 197 215
Based on room capacity calculations made in accordance with Ontario building code 50% room capacity
would be as follows:
Room Room Size Max Math Current
Size sf Converter m2 Designation OBC Capacity Capacity Capacity
1097 0.09290304 101.9146349 Classroom 1.85 55.08899183 21 20
646 0.09290304 60.01536384 Classroom 1.85 32.44073721 12 11
1091 0.09290304 101.3572166 Classroom 1.85 54.78768467 21 18
892 0.09290304 82.86951168 Classroom 1.85 44.79433064 17 16
601 0.09290304 55.83472704 Classroom 1.85 30.18093354 11 12
515.5 0.09290304 47.89151712 Classroom 1.85 25.88730655 10 10
515.5 0.09290304 47.89151712 Classroom 1.85 25.88730655 10 10
141.31 0.09290304 13.12812858 Meeting Rm 1.85 7.09628572 3 3
Total 105 100
This results in the loss of the meeting room and the requirement to combine Rooms 112 and 113 (each
of which allows for 10 students at 50% capacity) into a single room by opening the dividing soft wall that
currently separates them. The capacity for the facility by classroom space at any one time would be 100
persons. This would further reduce the number of usable classrooms from 7 to 5, with one of these
rooms, Room 103 being used for temporary storage and as an isolation room in the situation where an
individual exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.11
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Room Room Max Original Current Max
Number Size sf Designation Capacity Calculation Capacity Capacity
101 1097 Classroom 55.08899183 21 20 20
103 646 Classroom 32.44073721 12 0 11
104 1091 Classroom 54.78768467 21 18 18
105 892 Classroom 44.79433064 17 16 16
111 601 Classroom 30.18093354 11 12 12
112 515.5 Classroom 25.88730655 10 10 10
113 515.5 Classroom 25.88730655 10 10 10
114 141.31 Meeting Rm 7.09628572 3 3 3
Total 103.5 89 100
Class Schedules
Fall 2020
Master’s Programs
MBA/MS ISDF/MS Finance (Hybrid)
• Saturday classes will meet during second and third sessions in Room 101.
• Evening classes will run Monday through Thursday in as flex classes in rooms 104 and 112/113.
MSED
• Classes will be delivered online
Post Baccalaureate Classes (BPS)
• Classes will be delivered using an online format with dedicated Flex days scheduled.
• Saturday classes will meet during first, second and third sessions in Rooms 104/105.
• Day and evening classes will run in Rooms 104/105 using a hybrid/flex model provided by the
Faculty of Education.
Class Schedules
Spring 2021
MBA/MS ISDF/MS Finance (Hybrid)
• Saturday classes will meet during first and third sessions in Room 104.
• Evening classes will run Monday through Thursday in as flex classes in rooms 104 and 112/113.
MSED
• Classes will be delivered online
Post Baccalaureate Classes (BPS)
• Classes will be delivered using an online format with dedicated Flex days scheduled.12
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
• Saturday classes will meet during first, second and third sessions in Rooms 104/105.
• Day and evening classes will be run using a hybrid/flex model provided by the Faculty of
Education.13
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
Appendix A:
Flex Classrooms
There are three components to this system:
• The Podium System
• The Television
• ShareLink
Process
Starting the System
1. The computer connected to the podium system should already be on. Please do not turn it off,
just log yourself out.
2. The Television should remain on at all times – Please do not turn it off.
a. The screen on the podium will be shared on the television
To get the camera working there are two options.
1. Access through Canvas
a. Open the browser and login to Canvas
b. Select your course
c. open your meeting preference and start the meeting
2. Access through Zoom
a. Start a Zoom Meeting from the Podium computer
b. Login to your account to start the meeting
c. Start the meeting
d. Turn on the Zoom camera
i. You will now see the ShareLink screen with the camera image of the room on
the bottom right side of the television screen
Next step after the camera is running
3. Once the system is running, unplug the Lanyard from the power jack – Please remember to plug
it back in at the end of your session so that it is ready for the next person.
4. Place the lanyard around your neck and turn it on by pressing the middle button
5. Walk to the front centre of the room so that the camera starts to follow you. This will calibrate
the camera.14
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
6. Adjusting the sound
a. Put on the Shure wireless lapel microphone and turn it on. Small button on the top
middle of the unit.
b. Make sure that your speaker and microphone are set to the following settings using the
Zoom microphone setting located on the bottom left of the screen.
i. Select a Microphone – Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (AV Bridge Matrix Pro)
ii. Select a Speaker – E65-E1 (Intel® Display Audio)
c. To adjust the sound either:
i. turn the speakers on the podium computer up or down or
ii. adjust the volume on the television – back left of TV15
COVID-19 Re-Start Niagara Vaughan Plan
d. Start your class by letting accepting your virtual students into your Zoom meeting. They
will hear you through the Shure lapel microphone and you will hear them through the
TV speakers.
Connect to ShareLink in the Classroom
1. Using your computer, login to the classroom system that enables you to project your lesson on
the screen.
a. Turn on the system from the wall plate
i. The screen will drop down and the cameral will turn on revealing the URL and
Code for the room
b. Open your browser and input the URL
c. When ShareLink opens put in the Code
d. Your screen will now be available in the room through the camera and to your virtual
students directly.
At the end of your session please remember:
1. Leave Computer on
2. Leave TV on
3. Plug in lanyard to charger cable
4. Turn off microphoneYou can also read
