Coronavirus Updates
Please note that the main office is accessible by appointment only Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
Winter Semester FAQs
1. Masks are mandatory in all indoor workplaces across the province, except:
When working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or a barrier is in place.
2. Staff/faculty must wear masks at all times and during meetings, except when teaching with 2m distance from others or working alone at your office desk.
3. Virtual meetings only including practicum and small groups
4. Student lounge capacity reduced to 15% of firecode.
5. Library is currently closed until further notice. Hold pickups by appointment only.
6. High touch areas like washrooms and door handles disinfected three times during the day
7. Vanguard College social events cancelled at this time.
8. No shared travel with students and/or staff.
There are two main delivery options: First, you can take in-person courses on our campus which are protected by several Covid-19 safety protocols. Second, if you are uncomfortable with coming on campus then you can register to take your courses through Vanguard College Online which offers a correspondence style of distance education.
Dec. 14 - Jan. 8 open by appointment only from 9am-3pm, Mon-Fri.
First day of regular classes is January 11 and the last day of semester is April 29.
As we navigate the guidelines and restrictions in place by the college, AHS and our Provincial Government we look forward to engaging in a variety of small group and virtual community connections such as Virtual prayer meetings, Chapel Life Groups, and other student council and campus life initiatives. We believe that God will continue to work in our community and as we grow in relationship to God we will grow in relationship and community with one another.
a) In the same way the early church met in the temple [large gathering] and house to house [small gathering] we are wanting to go the same. We will be having 4 large evening gatherings held at a church in the city and weekly ‘Chapel Life Groups’.
b) Chapel Life groups will be weekly gatherings, will approximately be 7-8 in size and will be a mix of all years. There will be a check in moment followed by a 15 min pre-recorded video. This video will include both worship elements and teaching of the word. At the end of each chapel video there will be 3-4 response questions to engage with as a Life Group and an opportunity to pray together in conclusion.
c) These Life Groups will be led by either student council members, student care pastors and/or staff. We strongly believe in the potential of this format to strengthen our community, connection, and engagement during this season.
1. Please limit the amount of time spent with your mask off to eat and drink. Please be responsible, as this activity increases the risk of spread and exposure.
2. Please note that eating and drinking are limited to when you are seated at your desk.
In addition to the mandatory isolation period, anyone who is a close contact of a confirmed case must present a negative test prior to returning to campus
1. You are still responsible to keep up with missed class time and can do so with the following options:
a) Connect with one of your classmates to get their notes.
b) Have one of your peers call you in so you can listen to the lecture.
c) Read through the lecture notes/powerpoint slides provided by your professor.
d) Some professors have pre-recorded their lectures so you can watch/listen to them.
e) You are required to complete your assignments on time while self-isolating.
2. You are also required to connect with all of your professors to:
a) Inform them that you have filled out the absence forms.
b) Let them know the expected time period you will be away.
Textbook store is online only: https://vanguardcollege.populiweb.com/router/bookstore/home
Make an appointment to pick up your purchases:
vangd.ca/lib/appointment
a) The Library is currently closed. If you need to borrow materials, please place holds at https://catalogue.neoslibraries.ca/?lib=vanguard and make an appointment to pick them up: vangd.ca/lib/appointment. For more information please see the Library Support Group on Populi.
b) Research Assistance - Virtual meeting with Karina: vangd.ca/lib/research
c) Tutoring is still available! Please see: https://www.vanguardcollege.com/services/student-success-centre/
Archived Updates
Good morning Vanguard Community,
Today marks an important day and reality: the Lord helped us finish the Fall semester with great success! And for this, we say, "Thank you, Lord!"
This past week we had two new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the student body, with few close contacts.
We want to say thank you for being vigilant with the guidelines on and off-campus this semester. We recognize that this was not easy but because of your efforts, we were able to finish classes in person.
In saying this we want to remind everyone to continue to be mindful of their actions over the holidays and be careful to follow all AHS guidelines so that you can all return healthy and prepared to start classes in the new year. Some students have asked why we continue to offer in-person classes. First, I will say that Vanguard College has commissioned a COVID-19 Response Team who meet weekly and sometimes bi-weekly to implement, monitor, and update all requirements and guidelines enforced by AHS that affect the health and safety of operations and the community at Vanguard College. The COVID-19 Response team has acted swiftly, with everyone's health and safety as a top priority. Our very low COVID-19 number cases, and zero spread, this past semester have shown the positive effect of everyone's combined efforts and we can say with confidence Vanguard is a safe place to be.
On the Alberta.ca website for Post-secondary learning during COVID-19, it says, "We are confident in the work of our post-secondary institutions as they put their response plans into action." It is also important to mention that there have been no new or specific measures directed at Post-secondary institutions; therefore, we continue to move forward under the stronger and enhanced guidelines laid out by the province for everyone.
For some, the wisdom of moving forward with in-person classes may have seemed questionable; however, we are told in scripture that the only way to please God is by faith and that the fruit of our actions will be tested and judged someday. I personally heard stories of the work and transformation in the lives of the students in my Life Group and I rest in the decisions made in the knowledge that God is at work changing hearts and lives. Faith does not mean we don't have to act with prudence, but if we fail to live by faith, we cannot please God.
I pray the Lord will comfort and bless you and your family this Christmas.
Greetings Vanguard Community,
We want to keep you updated on what your fall experience will look like this year. Rest assured, our team remains committed to providing you with the best and safest possible experience given the current climate. Please watch this space as further updates will be released. Please scroll down to the bottom and read the June 24th Update for any details not covered here.
Masks
Please respect social distance requirements (2m) to the best of your ability. Masks are required in the hallways, washrooms, and when moving around in the classroom. Please put your mask on before entering the building. You may remove it when seated at your desk during class. We recommend following proper AHS procedures for putting them on and off How to Wear a Mask
Entrance
We have installed a new door control panel at the main entrance. You will be able to enter the facility on the first day of class, but the main entrance will remain locked after the first week. You will receive your student ID card for tap access to the building.
Chapel/Spiritual Life
We are committed to your overall spiritual development and recognize that Chapels, Gatherings, and prayer meetings have a significant and essential role in our tradition. Therefore, we want you to know that Chapels, Gatherings, and Prayer meetings will continue to happen this fall. Once a month Monday and Tuesday chapels will be replaced with a single evening chapel held at North Pointe Community Church, dates and times will be announced at the beginning of the semester.
Fusion: All School Retreat
We are excited about Fusion (Fall Kick Off), being held Tuesday Sept. 8 at North Pointe Community Church (14025 167 ave NW Edmonton, AB). We will be meeting at North Pointe at 9:15am, if you are needing transportation buses will be leaving from Vanguard College at 8:45am. All students will need to register for Fusion: Click Here
New Student Orientation
Orientation will be held on Monday Sept. 7th, 2020 at Vanguard College and all incoming students are required to attend. Orientation will be by program. Please see the email from Pastor Mikel sent on Aug. 6th for the time of your orientation.
Retreats
We will not be running our fall program retreats this year. Program connection points may be scheduled. More information will follow.
Library
The Library will be available in a limited capacity to students of Vanguard College, Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm. There may be a later evening or two/week added later in the term. Seating is reduced and physical distancing will be required by all studiers, regardless of relationship outside the college. Please check in at the desk as soon as you enter the library to be assigned a seat. Wear your mask in the main areas of the library. You can remove it once you are seated. Please do not change study spaces. The Library will be closed 11am-12pm Mondays & Tuesdays and 12pm-1pm Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday for cleaning.
Textbooks
The BookNook will have textbooks available in a limited capacity for online purchase and in-library pickup through the Populi Bookstore. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their books ahead of time through other means. We have ensured that the required books are listed in your courses. Please see the detailed textbook list, including suggestions of where to purchase certain titles under Academics > Fall Textbooks 2020 on the Vanguard College website.
Lockers
Lockers will not be available this semester.
Cleaning
We are carefully building a cleaning schedule to ensure our facility is kept clean and safe for all users. During the switchover from morning to afternoon students, the college will undergo a full cleaning of all high-touch areas and desks in each classroom. Students are expected to leave campus or find space in the Student Lounge or Library which will have staggered cleaning hour(s) scheduled. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exits, as well as in every classroom space.
Timetable/Classes
Just a reminder, We will offer the majority of our fall classes on campus with an adjusted timetable. Our timetable for the fall divides each day into morning sessions and afternoon sessions. The new schedule means most students are in class each day, either morning or afternoon. The timetable is accessible under Academics > Fall Timetable 2020 on the Vanguard College Website.
Student Guidelines
A full document with specific details including a rapid response plan will be provided by August 25th. Please read this document thoroughly and be prepared to comply with requirements and restrictions. By attending classes at Vanguard College, you are agreeing to abide by these guidelines.
Be advised this is subject to change, as we adhere to restrictions and guidelines from Alberta Health Services. For questions, concerns or further information related to our plans for the fall, please email:
Dear Students,
Please be advised that all Academic Policies will resume as per normal for the upcoming Academic Year of 2020-2021. Effective immediately, any previous temporary policies that were implemented in Winter 2020 because of the unexpected impact COVID-19 had on course delivery changes and student learning will no longer continue. This means that grades of CR or NCR, or the reprieve from negative Academic Standings are no longer available.
Because COVID-19 continues to have daily impact and tends to be unpredictable, it is strongly recommended that you choose wisely when it comes to making decisions about your Fall registration and course load. Also, please pay special attention to the course drop dates. New or revised Policies may come into place as circumstances warrant.
If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact me, our Academic Dean, Dr. Rob Lindemann, or our Dean of Online Studies, Dr. Ron Powell.
We very much look forward to your registration for the Fall 2020 semester!
Sincerely,
Denise Lucyshyn
Registrar
Greeting students and Vanguard community:
We want to clearly communicate our plan for the fall semester in as much detail as is available at this time to our students and to the greater Vanguard College community. We are planning for on campus classes this fall. We are working closely with Alberta Advanced Education and we are following the Alberta Health guidelines for post-secondary schools, and the General Workplace Guidance for Business Owners. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students, staff, faculty and visitors. As a post-secondary institution with smaller classes and a larger facility, we are able to offer the majority of our classes in person with appropriate physical distancing. Here is our current plan:
Timetable/Classes (Updated June 24, 2020)
We will offer the majority of our fall classes on campus with an adjusted timetable. We have made a couple of significant scheduling changes to our fall operating plan since our most recent update. We received some really good feedback on our initial plan that scheduled 1st and 4th year classes all day Tuesday and Thursday and 2nd and 3rd year classes all day on Monday and Wednesday. After further consideration, we developed a better way to schedule fall classes that will give students a greater sense of connection and a better rhythm in their class times.
We also deeply felt a need to find room for a day-time chapel in the timetable; a chapel that would be streamed live to three or four different rooms in the building; a central time to pause, gather together, and meet with the Lord.
As such, our timetable for the fall divides each day into morning sessions and afternoon sessions:. First and fourth year classes will alternate days between mornings and afternoons; second and third year classes will alternate days between mornings and afternoons. There will be a break in the middle of the day where morning students leave and afternoon students arrive. During this break, all high-touch surfaces in the building will be cleaned. The new schedule means most students are in class each day, either morning or afternoon.
Chapel times have also been added to allow second and third years to participate in a Monday chapel, and first and fourth years in a Tuesday chapel. We feel this schedule change will be much more beneficial to the student body. We will continue to update you as we finalize planning for the fall.
Practicum classes will continue to run on Fridays. We will make adjustments to our classroom spaces to ensure all rooms are set up to allow two metres of separation between students. We will include the use of our chapel and gym as learning spaces for some classes. A timetable for the fall will be released in the coming days. By adjusting our schedule to an alternate day strategy, we will effectively operate on any given day at only 50% of normal capacity. Alongside directional signage throughout the facility, this reduced capacity will ensure safe distancing in the hallways, the library and in student areas. Please note, some on campus courses may be capped in order to uphold safety guidelines with respect of room size limitations.
Vanguard Online
Our program and course availability through Vanguard Online continues to grow. For students who do not feel comfortable coming to the campus this fall, Vanguard Online is an excellent option for you to consider. For incoming students, please contact the Enrolment department, and returning students, please contact the Academic department.
Chapel/Spiritual Life
We are committed to your overall spiritual development and recognize that Chapels, Gatherings, and prayer meetings have a significant and essential role in our tradition. Therefore, we want you to know that Chapels, Gatherings, and Prayer meetings will continue to happen this fall. We are hopeful that we will be able to meet together in some format, but it may look different in terms of when and how. Stayed tuned for more information.
Campus Life
We are looking forward to having you back on campus, rest assured, we are taking steps to prepare for your arrival. How we facilitate community may vary and look different, but we will continue to be socially connected, while maintaining physical distance. It is important that we cooperate and work together to ensure health and safety for all (students, faculty and staff). More information and specific guidelines will be sent to you prior to returning to school, and it is essential that you read and abide by them, as an on campus student.
Student Supports
The Library will be available as a study space in a limited capacity. Seating is reduced and physical distancing will be required by all studiers, regardless of relationship outside the college. Watch this space for a final decision about fall library hours later this summer. We are currently available by appointment, Mon - Fri 9am-3pm.
Students will have full access to borrow from Vanguard College Library’s collection, but the NEOS Connect (delivery service) remains closed. There is the possibility of making appointments at our partner Libraries to borrow directly from them.
We have increased our digital collections and database subscriptions. Explore https://www.vanguardcollege.com/library-4/ and note that a search for journal articles will also now yield eBook results!
Tutoring and proofreading will still be available online and through one-on-one appointments, but the Academic Success Center will not be available for drop-in services. Don’t forget to connect with us in the Library Support Group on Populi!
The BookNook will have textbooks available in a limited capacity for online purchase and in-library pickup through the Populi Bookstore. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their books ahead of time through other means. We will ensure that the required books are listed in your courses once you’ve registered.
Student Housing/Roommates
Once you move into student housing, or place of residency, for the semester it is important to know a single unit (housing, apartment…) is considered a household/cohort, meaning you’re required to physically distance from everyone outside of your roommates. In saying this, while on campus, we are asking everyone to maintain physical distancing. Visitation with friends/family will need to happen outside of the student housing with physical distancing measures. In response to the current restrictions, regarding cohorts, we would ask that during this semester you refrain from travelling to and from home until Christmas break. This will limit possible transmission to your roommates and college. More information and specifics will be provided in the coming weeks.
Kick-off / Retreats/ Orientation
We are hopeful that health guidelines in September will allow us to run our all school kick off, Fusion. It is most likely this will be hosted off site at a larger facility in the Edmonton area. More information on this will follow. For our incoming students, we plan to adjust our regular orientation day (normally held on the Friday before classes start) to either a different day, or spread over numerous days in small ‘pods’ of no more than 15 students. Again, please check this site for updates on this. It is with regret we will not be running our normal fall program retreats this year. However, we are in discussions about ways we can build healthy and safe program connection points that reflect current health guidelines in the first few days of the semester. We will have more updates on this in the coming weeks.
Travel
We are hopeful there will be opportunities for local travel during the fall; however, we will monitor health guidelines closely and make a final decision later in the summer. We do not expect any out of province travel during the fall semester, and we do not expect any out of country travel for the entire school year. We are hopeful that there will be opportunities for some out of province travel, within Canada, in the winter semester.
Cleaning
We are carefully building a cleaning schedule to ensure our facility is kept clean and safe for all users. In addition to a full facility cleaning each evening, all high-touch areas such as (desks, door handles, washrooms, handrails, etc.) will be cleaned and disinfected at various intervals throughout the day. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exits, as well as in every classroom space.
Pursue Program
We are excited for the second year of our Pursue Discipleship program. This year, we are exploring some engaging ministry, discipleship and community experience in a local setting, that will be in compliance with current health guidelines.
Tuition and Fees
There will be no tuition credit hour increase this coming fall. Student fees may be adjusted based on services that are not offered. Course fees will be adjusted if trips originally planned do not run.
Screening
We will track attendance in the facility each day, and ask students, staff and faculty to screen for symptoms each day prior to arrival.
Field Ed (Practicums/Internships)
Practicum classes and placements will resume in the fall. How placements function may vary depending on restrictions and the placement site (church/organization).
Chapel times have also been added to allow second and third years to participate in a Monday chapel, and first and fourth years in a Tuesday chapel. We feel this schedule change will be much more beneficial to the student body. We will continue to update you as we finalize planning for the fall.
For questions, concerns or further information related to our plans for the fall, please email: fall2020@vanguardcollege.com
We want to clearly communicate our plan for the fall semester in as much detail as is available at this time to our students and to the greater Vanguard College community. We are planning for on campus classes this fall. We are working closely with Alberta Advanced Education and we are following the Alberta Health guidelines for post-secondary schools, and the General Workplace Guidance for Business Owners. We are committed to providing a safe environment for our students, staff, faculty and visitors. As a post-secondary institution with smaller classes and a larger facility, we are able to offer the majority of our classes in person with appropriate physical distancing. Here is our current plan:
Timetable/Classes
We will offer the majority of our fall classes on campus with an adjusted timetable. The majority of the first and fourth year classes will run on Tuesday and Thursdays, and the majority of the second and third year classes will run on Monday and Wednesdays. Practicum classes will continue to run on Fridays. We will make adjustments to our classroom spaces to ensure all rooms are set up to allow two metres of separation between students. We will include the use of our chapel and gym as learning spaces for some classes. A timetable for the fall will be released in the coming days. By adjusting our schedule to an alternate day strategy, we will effectively operate on any given day at only 50% of normal capacity. Alongside directional signage throughout the facility, this reduced capacity will ensure safe distancing in the hallways, the library and in student areas. Please note, some on campus courses may be capped in order to uphold safety guidelines with respect of room size limitations.
Vanguard Online
Our program and course availability through Vanguard Online continues to grow. For students who do not feel comfortable coming to the campus this fall, Vanguard Online is an excellent option for you to consider. For incoming students, please contact the Enrolment department, and returning students, please contact the Academic department.
Chapel/Spiritual Life
We are committed to your overall spiritual development and recognize that Chapels, Gatherings, and prayer meetings have a significant and essential role in our tradition. Therefore, we want you to know that Chapels, Gatherings, and Prayer meetings will continue to happen this fall. We are hopeful that we will be able to meet together in some format, but it may look different in terms of when and how. Stayed tuned for more information.
Campus Life
We are looking forward to having you back on campus, rest assured, we are taking steps to prepare for your arrival. How we facilitate community may vary and look different, but we will continue to be socially connected, while maintaining physical distance. It is important that we cooperate and work together to ensure health and safety for all (students, faculty and staff). More information and specific guidelines will be sent to you prior to returning to school, and it is essential that you read and abide by them, as an on campus student.
Student Supports
The Library will be available as a study space in a limited capacity. Seating is reduced and physical distancing will be required by all studiers, regardless of relationship outside the college. Watch this space for a final decision about fall library hours later this summer. We are currently available by appointment, Mon - Fri 9am-3pm.
Students will have full access to borrow from Vanguard College Library’s collection, but the NEOS Connect (delivery service) remains closed. There is the possibility of making appointments at our partner Libraries to borrow directly from them.
We have increased our digital collections and database subscriptions. Explore https://www.vanguardcollege.com/library-4/ and note that a search for journal articles will also now yield eBook results!
Tutoring and proofreading will still be available online and through one-on-one appointments, but the Academic Success Center will not be available for drop-in services. Don’t forget to connect with us in the Library Support Group on Populi!
The BookNook will have textbooks available in a limited capacity for online purchase and in-library pickup through the Populi Bookstore. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase their books ahead of time through other means. We will ensure that the required books are listed in your courses once you’ve registered.
Student Housing/Roommates
Once you move into student housing, or place of residency, for the semester it is important to know a single unit (housing, apartment…) is considered a household/cohort, meaning you’re required to physically distance from everyone outside of your roommates. In saying this, while on campus, we are asking everyone to maintain physical distancing. Visitation with friends/family will need to happen outside of the student housing with physical distancing measures. In response to the current restrictions, regarding cohorts, we would ask that during this semester you refrain from travelling to and from home until Christmas break. This will limit possible transmission to your roommates and college. More information and specifics will be provided in the coming weeks.
Kick-off / Retreats/ Orientation
We are hopeful that health guidelines in September will allow us to run our all school kick off, Fusion. It is most likely this will be hosted off site at a larger facility in the Edmonton area. More information on this will follow. For our incoming students, we plan to adjust our regular orientation day (normally held on the Friday before classes start) to either a different day, or spread over numerous days in small ‘pods’ of no more than 15 students. Again, please check this site for updates on this. It is with regret we will not be running our normal fall program retreats this year. However, we are in discussions about ways we can build healthy and safe program connection points that reflect current health guidelines in the first few days of the semester. We will have more updates on this in the coming weeks.
Travel
We are hopeful there will be opportunities for local travel during the fall; however, we will monitor health guidelines closely and make a final decision later in the summer. We do not expect any out of province travel during the fall semester, and we do not expect any out of country travel for the entire school year. We are hopeful that there will be opportunities for some out of province travel, within Canada, in the winter semester.
Cleaning
We are carefully building a cleaning schedule to ensure our facility is kept clean and safe for all users. In addition to a full facility cleaning each evening, all high-touch areas such as (desks, door handles, washrooms, handrails, etc.) will be cleaned and disinfected at various intervals throughout the day. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and exits, as well as in every classroom space.
Pursue Program
We are excited for the second year of our Pursue Discipleship program. This year, we are exploring some engaging ministry, discipleship and community experience in a local setting, that will be in compliance with current health guidelines.
Tuition and Fees
There will be no tuition credit hour increase this coming fall. Student fees may be adjusted based on services that are not offered. Course fees will be adjusted if trips originally planned do not run.
Screening
We will track attendance in the facility each day, and ask students, staff and faculty to screen for symptoms each day prior to arrival.
Field Ed (Practicums/Internships)
Practicum classes and placements will resume in the fall. How placements function may vary depending on restrictions and the placement site (church/organization).
Be advised this document is subject to change, as we adhere to restrictions and guidelines from Alberta Health Services. For questions, concerns or further information related to our plans for the fall, please email:
Vanguard College 2020 Graduation Update
Good afternoon all,
We have some good news to share with you! As you know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic we had to postpone the 2020 Graduation Ceremony and Banquet which was scheduled for April 25, 2020. We are pleased to announce, presuming conditions permit, that we will hold our 73rd Graduation Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday, September 26, 2020.
We are excited to celebrate with all of our Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Post-Degree grads. We know you all have put in a lot of work to complete your program, particularly in these last several weeks. As Romans 8:28 says, “God truly does make all things work together for good and for His glory.” We also trust that God has a plan for your lives and ministry, and we are excited to see how He will continue to use you in the years to come.
We want to remind you of a few key dates that are upcoming:
- Last day of regular classes = April 23
- Last day of submitting assignments = May 8*
- Final grades completed on Populi = May 15
*Extensions are available until June 15, 2020 in cases of special circumstances. Contact the Registrar for more information.
More details will be released about the Graduation Ceremony and banquet in the months to come so you can plan accordingly. Once again congratulations and, presuming conditions permit, we look forward to celebrating with you on September 26, 2020.
Your partners in ministry,
The Vanguard Team
Update Friday, April 3, 2020
Message from Dr. Rob Lindemann
In response to the difficulties many students are facing due to the COVID-19 situation, the college is following suit with other post-secondary institutions in providing a grade option that alleviates the pressure of the extenuating circumstances. Providing this choice allows those who need final grades for their future plans, while also ensuring those whose performance has been affected by difficult circumstances are not penalized.
The Academic Council has approved the following policy:
Students must still complete the majority of their coursework, maintain the attendance policy, and achieve a passing grade (D- or above). Once their course is closed, they will be given the following two options:
- Take the letter grade earned which will count toward their GPA as per normal.
- Opt for Credit Received (CR) if they passed the course but performed poorly due to extenuating circumstances. This will not affect their term or cumulative GPA and will not require the student to retake the course.
If a student does not pass the course, they will receive a No Credit Received (NCR) grade. This will not affect their GPA, but they must retake the course. Students who choose option #2 must notify the Registrar before May 31 after their course is closed on May 15. At the end of the semester students may submit a request for an extension to the Registrar for incomplete work. The deadline for submitting extended assignments will be June 15.
Update Friday, March 27, 2020
Student Update Regarding Academic Work
The College leadership team recognizes that students feel new and different pressures during this season. We understand students can feel anxiety and even fear because of the uncertainty of the future, the loneliness of isolation, and the lack of routine. Not being able to physically come on campus and participate in the regular rhythm of the Vanguard community can have a significant impact. Life is just not normal for any of us right now. The Vanguard team is experiencing challenges as well.
So, If you feel overwhelmed, and are concerned about your academic success this semester, please contact Dr. Rob Lindemann (Academic Dean) at rob.lindemann@vanguardcollege.com or Aunge Goobie (Campus Pastor) at aunge.goobie@vanguardcollege.com . We want to know if you are struggling to keep up with your workload, fearful of not completing course requirements. This is particularly important for those who plan on graduating this spring.
As we navigate this new reality together let's keep taking steps forward and placing our hope in the Lord. This is a season, not a new normal, but it is going to take some adjustments. Campus Life did a “10 tips for motivation” video for Thursday Gathering (posted on Facebook), take a look and take note of tips you can put in place today. We want to assure you that the college leadership is committed to your success so keep pressing on, you can do this, and reach out if you need help.
Update Friday, March 20, 2020
Dear students:
We are committed to supporting you through the next few weeks of classes.
- In light of ongoing developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and our desire to do all we can to keep our students, faculty and staff safe, and in compliance with Alberta Health Services recommendations, as of Monday March 23rd our facility will be closed except in the following circumstances:
- Library: Available by appointment only (appoint.ly/t/library)
- Faculty/Staff appointment: You have a scheduled appointment with a faculty or staff member.
- Personal belongings: You need to collect personal belongings or enter the facility for any other reason, please contact Pastor Mikel Cowie at mikel.cowie@vanguardcollege.
com
-
A word to our grads this year. We can’t begin to understand your disappointment about the postponement of your commencement ceremonies and the cancellation of your grad banquet. Please rest assured that over the next few weeks we will keep alternative graduation ceremonies in our mind and planning. In time, we will be asking you, our grads of 2020, to send us your ideas of how we can best celebrate your achievements.
Presidential Update Wednesday, March 18, 2020
- The faculty has been working hard and are very excited to re-engage with you through alternative course deliveries. All students are required to attend classes that are running virtually (Google Meet, Skype, etc.). Professors are taking attendance. For classes not running virtually, your professor will clearly communicate requirements
- The college will be open from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
- We will postpone Commencement. We are working on alternative arrangements for Commencement at this point. We have several options and need to wait to see what is permitted, and how we can offer Commencement for our graduates. We want all our grads to experience this.
- For the same reasons the Grad Banquet has been cancelled. Alternatives exist for some form of Grad celebration aligned with Commencement.
- We strongly encourage you to talk to your families, and consider going home at your earliest convenience. We remind you that you remain committed to the timetable when your class may meet virtually. This means you have to connect during Mountain Standard Time.
- Please be reminded that your Vanguard academic commitments, including online class participation, is a priority over your voluntary or ministry commitments.
CLASSES ARE RESUMING AT A DISTANCE ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18th
Dear students,
Update from President Eric, March 16th 2:30pm
Hi students and community! Please make sure you are limiting your social contacts as much as possible. Try to avoid public places (except groceries, doctor, pharmacy, etc) and enjoy the outdoors!
CLASSES WILL RESUME IN AN ALTERNATIVE FORMAT
UPDATES:
- Classes have been suspended but NOT CANCELLED. Classes will resume later this week in an alternative format. What this means is that some classes will meet electronically in their current timetable slot as currently scheduled. Some classes will have modified requirements if meeting electronically at the same time is not possible.
- Many of your course requirements will remain the same, and some will be modified. Your professors will make this clear and communicate with you this week.
- You are responsible to stay committed to the current timetable. Some professors will be available for chat on Populi or another platform during your normal timetable schedule.
- If you go home (wherever that is), and it is in another timezone, you are committed to be available for your classes in Mountain Standard Time.
- This webpage will provide general updates, the time and date when classes will resume in an alternative format, and other information.
Update from President Eric, March 15th 8:00pm
Good evening Vanguard Students, and Vanguard Community
In compliance with the provincial announcement that all schools, including post-secondary institutions, are closed until further notice, on-campus classes at Vanguard are suspended until further notice. Vanguard will move delivery of classes to an alternative form including online and directed study formats for the remainder of the semester or until further notice. The staff and faculty will need March 16-17 to arrange these alternative formats.
If at any point in the next days/weeks/months, you feel symptomatic, please immediately self-isolate, follow the protocols for self isolation. There is a link on the Alberta Health service COVID-19 site.
Use this website to complete a Self Assessment
Please inform Pastor Aunge on the results of your assessment. (aunge.goobie@vanguardcollege.com )
Student ministry teams will be cancelled until further notice. No overnight guests will be permitted in housing until further notice.
We will make a plan to ensure you finish your academic year successfully. This plan will take us some time to put together and ask you to be patient for a few days. Please do not worry. In the meantime, plan to be diligent to work at the assignments and papers that you know you have to do since you have time to work on it now.
Keep checking this link for any and all updates.
The offices of the College will remain open during this time unless otherwise instructed. You can come for a visit, make an appointment with Academics, your Program Director, Campus Life, Student Finance, or any other person.
The Library will remain open for now, under certain conditions, and we will notify you about the hours it will keep.
We appreciate your patience as we work to serve you. You are constantly in our hearts and we pray for you daily.
President Eric