Coronavirus update: September 10, 2020 - 3:30 p.m

September 10, 2020

The sweet mist of autumn air earlier today is a sure sign that our campuses will soon be ablaze in fall colours. It’s one of the most beautiful seasons and also a reminder that classes are in full swing. I trust everyone is enjoying their first week back, invigorated by the quest for knowledge that the beginning of every semester brings. 

In today’s update:

COVID Alert App

Many of you have probably already heard about COVID Alert, Canada’s free exposure notification app. Developed by the Government of Canada, the app is designed to protect your privacy, while notifying you if you’ve been in physical proximity of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Although it is not yet possible to report a diagnosis through the app in British Columbia, the app will notify you if you’ve been in contact with someone from other jurisdictions.  
COVID Alert is one part of the public health effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. It is still important to follow all other public health.  
If you are interested in downloading the app to your Bluetooth-enabled device, you can find it in the Apple App Store or in Google Play.

Learning Commons

Learning Commons is a virtual one-stop-shop for students who wish to access academic and other supports in an online environment. It includes Academic Success Centre tutoring, online versions of the Mathematical Academic Centre for Excellence (MACE), and other online drop-in services

If you, or a student you know, have questions about any of the software you’re using for online learning, be sure to ask the Student Technology Troubleshooters. They can help you navigate the Office suite of software, how to submit assignments through Blackboard, how to prepare remote presentations and much more. 

The Learning Commons hub also includes links to other campus supports, including the always helpful research desk at the Geoffrey R. Weller Library and to our excellent team of academic advisors. 

Learning Commons is available to all our students on the https://learn.unbc.ca platform. 

Virtual Club Days 

Our student-led organizations play a vital role in the social life at UNBC. Every year I’m amazed by the diversity in the clubs. There truly is something for everyone!

This year, the Northern Undergraduate Student Society is transitioning its annual Club Days to an online format through the Society’s Facebook page. Students can log on to the NUGSS Facebook page on Sept. 16 and 17 to interact with some of the many student-led organizations and learn more about how to get involved this year. 

Creating Safer Spaces 

NUGSS and Student Life are partnering on a special training opportunity for our students. Creating Safer Spaces is an online anti-oppression training session facilitated by the Canadian Federation of Students.
During Creating Safer Spaces students will learn about systems of power and oppression, including different types of oppression students may experience. 

The online session will take place on Sept. 16 at noon. Students can RSVP by visiting the UNBC events page and selecting the Creating Safer Spaces event.  

Our Coronavirus (COVID-19) website has the latest information about our ongoing response. If you have questions, please keep sending them to unbccommand@unbc.ca
If you feel there is information is missing from this site, please let us know and we’ll add it where appropriate.

Stay safe, and thank you! 

Geoff Payne,
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor