What Can I Expect?

Public health guidelines related to COVID-19, especially around physical distancing, have changed every aspect of our lives, including the way we learn. In accordance with the latest recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, physical distancing rules still apply, and we are committed to following them by limiting the number of people on our campuses.

With cases currently surging in jurisdictions all around us, it’s critical that our academic delivery model is built to withstand a potential shutdown. Here in New Brunswick, we’ve recently seen how quickly yellow phase can change to orange phase, and that only reinforces how important this is.

We must continue to balance public health requirements with the experiential and applied learning opportunities our students have come to expect. The entire NBCC team continues to make learners’ education a top priority even as we each do our part to support a global effort to respond to this unprecedented situation.

NBCC is a connected learning environment, meaning you must have a laptop computer and access to the internet to complete your program. Your computer should meet your program’s computer specifications to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively.

NBCC is following Health Canada’s recommendation to wear community face masks when physical distancing is not possible, such as in hallways or bathrooms. Students are expected to bring a community face mask with them any time they are on campus.

NBCC remains committed to ensuring our students can continue to learn by doing in environments that are designed to emulate their future workplaces. Practical instruction is still provided in dedicated classrooms, shops, and labs. Theoretical learning continues to be instructor-led, in virtual classrooms.

In this blended academic delivery model, we have invested in technology and training to give our instructors the tools to lead engaging, lively classes. Our dedicated instructors remain committed to ensuring you graduate with the skills and competencies you’ll need in the workplace.

Virtual delivery has not represented a cost savings as we are continuing to offer the same instruction and the same services. In fact, the blended delivery model has increased costs as we schedule multiple in-person classes to support the same number of students, and maintain our physical spaces with increased cleaning protocols per public health guidelines.

We continue to employ instructors, student services representatives, and facilities personnel. At the same time, we have made a considerable investment in technology to make virtual delivery more engaging.

NBCC recognizes that internet access is a concern for some students, and that is why we have made common areas of campus available for students to work. Students who do not have reliable wifi access at home can work in common areas such as the Library Learning Commons, cafeteria, or lobby of each campus. You are required to physical distance and wear masks while using these spaces. For more information, visit What Can I Expect?

We recognize that in-home distractions, such as children and other family members, may affect your ability to learn. Please reach out to a Learning Strategist for strategies to support your learning, and discuss with your instructor. Many of our instructors record their classes for review at a time when there are not as many distractions present.

If it’s just not possible to work productively from home, the campus areas described above could provide a better learning environment.

NBCC’s instructors are committed to providing you with every opportunity for success. If you need help, please reach out to your instructor to arrange a time when you can meet privately, either in person or virtually.

We recognize that many of you may be missing the social connections that students enjoy in a typical academic year. Many people are missing their friends and family at this time as well, but they have found new ways to engage virtually.

Your NBCC Student Union has been very creative and innovative in developing opportunities for connection, including online contests, trivia nights, and even a virtual car contest. We encourage you to participate in these activities so you can establish connections that can be reinforced when you are on campus.

We recognize that a different format of academic delivery can create uncertainty and concerns for many students. Please reach out to a Learning Strategist with any questions or concerns about your learning.

We are here to support you.  Our team can help you identify strategies to support your learning (including, but not limited to, time management, routines, study strategies, and test taking strategies).