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Campus opening and current activities
This week on campus (week of Aug. 10)
Students on campus
| School | Program(s) | Building(s) | Students |
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| MacPhail School of Energy | Pre-Employment Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technology | Mayland Heights Campus, Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre | 124 |
| School of Health and Public Safety | Advanced Care Paramedic, Dental Assisting | Senator Burns Building | 317 |
| School of Information and Communications Technologies | Film and Video Production | Stan Grad Centre | 32 |
| School of Manufacturing and Automation | Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Mechanical Engineering Technology, Non-Destructive Testing Foundations, Welding Technician | Aldred Centre, Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre, Thomas Riley Building | 140 |
| School of Transportation | Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology, Aircraft Structures Technician, Automotive Service Technology, Avionics Technology | Art Smith Aero Centre, Clayton Carroll Automotive Centre | 444 |
What's open?
Bookstore — not open to the general population but open for online orders
Residences — open for bookings for students in the fall and winter
Health Services Clinic — open for booked appointments only
Parking ($6 per entry per day)
Lots P1, P2, P3 and P6 — open with credit card access
Lot P5 — open with the Honk app
Safety highlight
Masks are mandatory inside SAIT buildings.
Minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infections is a shared responsibility. Students, staff and visitors are all accountable for their actions. We are only as safe as our weakest link. SAIT follows all Government of Alberta public health directives and expects students and staff will comply with these COVID-19 orders and legislative requirements. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
This page will continue to be updated as the pandemic situation evolves and following the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS) directives.
COVID-19 safety in the workplace
COVID-19 spreads through droplets generated by infected individuals. These droplets can either infect others directly or can settle on surrounding surfaces and infect others indirectly.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all employees and students working on campus must be vigilant and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms the week before coming on campus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, difficulty breathing, muscle aches and soreness and any other new or worsening symptoms. Visit Alberta Health Services for a list of all COVID-19 symptoms.
You are legally required to isolate for 10 days or until symptoms resolve whichever is long if there are any symptoms not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition Additional information on isolation requirements is provided by the Government of Alberta.
Remaining symptom-free while on campus
If you are sick but tested negative for COVID-19 and have no known exposure to the virus, then you must still stay at home until your symptoms resolve, regardless if they are due to seasonal allergies or a cold.
International travel
When you arrive in Alberta after a period of time away in another country, including the U.S., Government of Alberta public health directives require the following:
- self-isolate for 14 days
- self-monitor for respiratory or flu-like symptoms for 14 days
Returning travellers must not come to campus until they have gone through the 14-day isolation period.
If you become sick with a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat during this time, then you must isolate for a further 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until you are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
What to do before entering campus
In response to COVID-19, SAIT is restricting on-campus activities. SAIT buildings are operating under restricted access and capacity is reduced. You must receive prior approval to access campus — please contact your supervisor to learn more.
Once you receive approval to access campus, you are required to follow these steps:
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SAIT is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for the entire campus community. Employees, students and visitors must complete a general COVID-19 orientation upon returning to SAIT physical work locations. Training orientation aligns with public health directives, raising awareness about COVID-19 safety and informing all individuals of their responsibilities and requirements upon returning to SAIT. Directions on delivery of the general orientation will be communicated by departments and schools. In addition to completion of the general COVID-19 orientation before returning to SAIT, a site-specific orientation is required by the school or department. This site-specific orientation must discuss topics such as break areas, emergency exits, movement within the workspace, sharing tools, etc. Departments or schools will provide students and staff with this important information. |
| During the campus shutdown, SAIT suspended electronic access using ID cards for most staff. Employees (including instructors) who can return to campus must request for new access. Staff must send an email to helpline@sait.ca requesting entry into SAITWorks. |
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All SAIT staff, students and visitors must complete the daily campus access formevery day before accessing campus. The daily campus access form is intended to protect the SAIT community from the transmission of COVID-19 and create a record of individuals who are accessing campus in the event contact tracing is required. Anyone intending to access the SAIT campus must first complete the online COVID-19 Alberta Health Services daily checklist. This helps prevent both the symptomatic and asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the questions on the checklist, you cannot enter campus and are expected to visit Alberta Health Services’ website to complete the formal online assessment tool and follow their recommendations to get tested and/or self-isolate. Please also notify your supervisor or instructor that you will not be accessing campus. Anyone who must self-isolate based on assessment results must remain at home or in his or her room in residence. The daily campus access form asks the following:
Information gathered in this form is kept confidential and only shared for purposes of building access and contact tracing if requested from Alberta Health Services. Individuals who have not completed this form before entering campus will be denied entry to campus buildings. |
What to expect when arriving on campus
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Individuals should park near their workplaces or classrooms to avoid walking across campus. Try to park away from other vehicles to avoid possible human contact. Reducing the potential for foot traffic congestion and maintaining two-metre physical (social) distancing is key to combating COVID-19. Beginning Aug. 1, 2020, each designated parking stall will cost $6 per day (lots P1, P2, P3 and P6). Gates at the exit will open automatically. This method will remain contactless with parking equipment. Signage will be placed at open and closed lots. Contact SAIT Parking Services ( campus.parking@sait.ca or 403.210.4494) for on-campus parking information. |
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If students and workers are using public transportation, appropriate precautions (i.e., wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene and maintaining physical distancing) are key. Calgary Transit continues to provide directions to all riders on how to remain safe while using public transportation. Individuals travelling by C-train and/or bus must wash hands as soon as possible upon arriving on campus and before entering shared spaces. Individuals wearing disposable PPE (i.e., gloves or masks) must remove and discard these items into designated garbage bins before entering classrooms, labs, offices or work spaces. You will be required to wear a mask inside campus buildings, so please bring a clean cloth mask or new disposable mask. |
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As part of its continued response to COVID-19, SAIT will continue its UPass suspension for the fall term – September to December. See our UPass page for specific instructions and updates for parking and the UPass. |
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Students, staff and visitors should not hold or prop open exterior doors for any other person. Schools and departments will work with Facilities Management and Health, Safety and Environment Services to identify building entry and exit points. Schools and departments will coordinate individuals’ arrival and departure times to reduce congestion to and from buildings. Building occupants will follow traffic-flow signage through building entrances (main corridors) and exits. These areas will have arrows to help direct traffic in a safe and orderly manner. As individuals enter a building, they will enter in a single file order with two metres between the person in front of them. |
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Safety ambassadors will be on campus to support the return to campus activities. They will be posted at building access points to ensure the daily campus access form has been completed and provide directions. |
Becoming ill: students or colleagues showing symptoms of COVID-19 while on campus
If someone becomes ill on campus, SAIT will take several steps to ensure care for the ill individual.
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If a student or worker becomes ill while on campus with COVID-19 symptoms, they must notify their instructor or supervisor immediately. A designated first aider will escort the person to designated isolation space for privacy and safety. The ill individual must wear a mask while in the space and will not be left alone. Once isolated, the person must complete the Alberta Health Services online COVID-19 self-assessment tool. |
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While in isolation, the ill individual must make transportation arrangements to go home. Public transit must be avoided. If the person is well enough, then they may drive their private vehicle home if the vehicle is located on campus. Otherwise, a member of their household should provide transportation. If neither option is available, then Campus Security can arrange for a taxi service. If the student or staff member lives in residence, then they must return to their room to self-isolate. The ill individual must report their illness to SAIT Residence. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate at home as per Alberta Health Services Orders and instructions. All spaces must be cleaned and disinfected in the event an individual becomes ill. The instructor or supervisor will contact the Helpline for assistance and report the event to Campus Security. |
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In the event anyone presents respiratory or medical distress, call 911. If no first aider is present and assistance is required, call Campus Security at 403.284.8000 for first aid. Ill individuals with respiratory distress should not wear a mask during medical emergencies. |
What to do while on campus
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Being on campus will look and feel very different than before the pandemic as access to buildings and amenities will be very limited. Most services for the summer and fall of 2020 will remain online. Students and staff will be provided with specific instructions from their schools and departments on areas they may access while attending class or working on campus. Access to closed areas on campus is prohibited as SAIT is trying to reduce the contact between people and minimize the footprint of occupants. |
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To avoid congestion and congregation, always take the most direct route that is open and permitted. Walk on the “right side of the path,” maintain a two-metre distance and yield to oncoming traffic. Signage and directional markings should be followed. |
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Only access designated washrooms. Follow all signage indicating sink and stall closures to maintain proper distancing. Ensure to practise good hand hygiene while using any washroom. |
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Changerooms will be limited to students and staff who are required to change for their work or classroom activities. Changerooms will be altered from regular operations to accommodate physical distancing. Schools and departments will provide these details. All non-essential changes will be discouraged and facilities such as locker rooms and showers will not be available. |
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Students and workers will be provided space to eat their lunch and take scheduled breaks. These spaces may differ from regular operations to accommodate reduced occupancy and physical distancing. Fridges, microwaves and food preparation spaces will not be available in most circumstances. Individuals are encouraged to bring bagged lunches that can be consumed without refrigeration or heating. |
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Access to water fountains during the summer will not be available. Potable water will be available in some locations on campus and those locations will be communicated by departments and schools. Water bottles should not be filled in laboratory or workshop spaces for health and safety reasons. They should only be filled in break spaces such as kitchens. Students and staff are encouraged to bring a supply of water for the day from home as vending machines and food services will be strictly limited or not available. |
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Smoking on campus is prohibited at this time to help reduce the movement of people on campus. |
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Students will not have access to their regular lockers and are encouraged to bring only essential items to campus in a backpack. Each program will provide a designated “day storage” area for students to leave their belongings. Leave valuables at home, but don’t forget to bring ID. |
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The number of occupants in classrooms will be reduced to accommodate physical distancing. Activities within classrooms and labs may also be modified to reduce the interactions between students, instructors and support staff. The use of shared tools will be discouraged, and cleaning and disinfecting will be required of all commonly shared materials, tools, equipment and surfaces. Students can expect to participate in the cleaning and disinfecting of their tools and equipment. In addition to regularly worn PPE, special PPE to protect against viral transmissions, such as masks, may be required. Instructions and guidance will be provided by schools on these protective measures. |
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SAIT staff may not have access to their regular office space while working on campus. Work and instructional prep spaces will be assigned by schools and departments in consultation with Facilities Management. While working in offices, staff will always be required to maintain a two-metre distance. Any shared equipment must be cleaned and disinfected in between users. |
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Food services will be unavailable for most of summer 2020, but some limited food services will be available in the fall. Check back for updates. |
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Unfortunately, there will be no on-campus workspaces available through the summer for SAIT personnel who are currently working at home. SAIT will be re-evaluated and options are being considered for the fall. This will also be revisited for students. |
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SAIT encourages all students, workers and visitors to take the stairs to classrooms, laboratories or other workspaces. If this is not possible due to health or mobility issues, or because one must move materials between floors, then please comply with signage posted outside the elevator, wall and floor inside the elevator car (i.e., guides where to stand inside the car) and elevator etiquette. Each SAIT elevator capacity is reduced to two occupants. Within the cab, please:
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Masks are required
SAIT requires (clean cloth, procedural or surgical mask) for all indoor activity on campus. All students, staff, contractors and visitors will be required to bring a mask from home.
Use and care of clean cloth, procedural or surgical mask
Putting on the mask:
- Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer prior to handling the mask and when taking it off.
- Ensure the mask fits over the nose and under the chin.
- Situate the face mask properly with nose wire snug against the nose (where applicable).
- Tie straps behind the head and neck or loop around the ears.
- Throughout the process, avoid touching the front of the face mask.
Disposal and care of masks:
- Disposable masks must be thrown away in lined garbage receptacles located throughout campus.
- Store cloth and reusable masksin a sealed bag until it can be washed in hot, soapy water.
- Wet, torn or dirty masks should be thrown away. Masks should be changed regularly and changed when it becomes damp.
Additional information on mask usage and where to obtain them is available from the Government of Alberta.
Maintain physical distancing at all times
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, all individuals must maintain a separation of two metres at all times while on campus, including while moving within and between locations on campus (see details below). Maintaining distance between individuals is one of the best ways to avoid COVID-19 exposure and to slow its spread. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to avoid close contact with others whenever possible. Physical distancing is important for everyone, especially to help protect individuals who are at higher risk of getting very sick from the disease.
Physical distancing involves steps to limit the number of people with whom you come into close contact.
- Avoid handshakes and any other physical contact with others.
- Remain two metres apart from others whenever possible.
- Do not leave assigned workspaces for walks throughout buildings.
When physical distancing is not possible, engineering controls such as physical barriers may be required in conjunction with required PPE (i.e., mask) as determined by the job hazard assessment. Control measures are identified by Facilities Management and Health, Safety and Environment Services.
Limit gatherings, meetings and non-essential movement
Convening in groups means a higher risk of viral transmission. When possible, use video conferencing or online collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom). If meeting in-person, then restrict gathering size so individuals can maintain two-metre separation. Note: SAIT will be a non-smoking campus during the pandemic.
Practice proper hand hygiene
- Wash hands regularly after removing PPE and before leaving the classroom, laboratory or office, as well as before eating or drinking and after using the washroom. Use soap and water and wash for a minimum of 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces of hands, including backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails.
- Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
- Only use hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (Look for a DIN or NPN number on the bottle).
- Avoid touching your face — mouth, nose and eyes.
- Wash hands after touching communal surfaces, computers, doorknobs, pens, etc..
Use proper respiratory hygiene
- Cough and sneeze into your arm and then wash hands with soap and water.
Surface disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces are a collective responsibility for all staff and students during this pandemic.
There has been an increase in cleaning and disinfection of washrooms, common areas and touchpoints (e.g., handrails elevator buttons, doorknobs) by custodial staff. Staff and students are required to clean and disinfect their work areas (e.g. benches, countertops) and tools and equipment they use before and after final use.
Each school or department will be required to determine the extent of classroom and workspace cleaning based upon the number of students using a classroom or workspace and how often the classrooms are rotated during a 24-hour period. Schools and departments must communicate their cleaning requirements to BGIS/Bee Clean. Requests for custodial services must be made through the Helpline at helpline@sait.ca.
Contact Tracing
The Government of Alberta has introduced a voluntary app that can be downloaded for both Apple and Android phones. The ABTraceTogether app provides information if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you have exposed others while protecting your privacy.
Mental and emotional wellbeing – help is here
COVID-19 has changed daily routines and adjusting has not been easy. If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope during this stressful period, help is available.
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This is a very disruptive time and you, along with many other students, may be experiencing heightened anxiety or stress. SAIT resources are available if you or someone you know is struggling or needs a little extra support:
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Employees can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program by telephone (1-844-671-3327) or online ( sait.lifeworks.com) at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program provides the free WellCan app for mental wellness. Further, SAIT has partnered with headversity, a mobile wellness and resilience app designed to help employees handle challenges in the face of adversity. Find tips for managing your mental health while keeping social distance. |
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Accommodations for Students and Staff
Everyone is different and has unique needs coming to campus during a pandemic. As a student, you might have a pre-existing condition or perhaps if you get sick it will be difficult to complete your coursework. Talk to your school or contact Accessibility Services for more information on what accommodations might be available to you. SAIT staff members should talk to their supervisor about accommodations they might require coming back to campus.
Additional Resources
- COVID-19 information: guidance for post-secondary institutions
- Government of Alberta COVID-19 info for Albertans
- Government of Canada COVID-19
- Government of Canada physical distancing
Terms and Definitions
Physical (social) Distancing: Physically interacting with as few people as possible and creating more space (at least two metres) between yourself and others to effectively limit the spread of infection.
Self-isolation: Self-isolation is an important way to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. It means staying at home or in your room and avoiding situations where there is a potential to spread the infection to others (i.e., work, school, sporting events, social, cultural and religious gatherings, as well as public places such as restaurants and malls). You should avoid public transportation. If you have an emergency and must leave home, then please wear a surgical or homemade face covering while you are out.