Dear Faculty, Staff and Students
The past week has been one filled with uncertainty as a result of the continued concerns regarding COVID and the Omicron variant.
Yesterday the BC Public Health Officer, Dr Bonny Henry made an announcement introducing a number of new restrictions that are in place from today until January 18, 2022. These primarily relate to social gatherings and interactions. The federal government has also introduced an advisory regarding international travel for people in Canada planning to travel overseas.
We have consulted with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and on the recommendation of Dr. Henry, Acsenda School of Management will continue with our plans to reopen our campus and resume classes in person on January 10th. The following is the recommendation issued yesterday by Dr Henry in a letter to all Post secondary institutions.
“At this time, public health experts in B.C. strongly recommend continuation of on-campus instruction for post-secondary institutions in January 2022. Public health continues to monitor Covid-19 to ensure that safety measures are informed by evolving evidence. In the event that the recommendations need to change, the PHO will discuss with post-secondary institutions immediately. However given the importance of maintaining in person and on campus education of post secondary students, Public Health Leadership will work with post secondary institutions to provide guidance, support and assistance to ensure that students are able to continue learning in place.”
We will continue to work with local health authorities and monitor the situation. If there is any change over the next two weeks, we will issue a further update on our website and send an email to all faculty, staff and students in the first week of January.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
2021 has been a very challenging year and together we have all done an incredible job in making it a successful one. As I reflect back, we have continued to see outstanding student academic achievement and engagement. We have had many great events, both virtually and also the opportunity for students to some in person professional events. We introduced and enhanced an exceptional Career Services department including a professional Career Coaching program and a Job Board. We introduced a student leader scholarship. We held a very successful Convocation Ceremony in person with close to 900 people attending and hundreds more joining us online. Our student clubs have grown significantly and take an active leadership role in organizing programs and community service projects. We have introduced two new concentrations to the BBA program. We have a lot to celebrate and to be thankful for.
As we move into a new year, I am optimistic of a new and exciting time for our Acsenda community as we continue to grow and develop.
I thank each and everyone of you for your contributions, your ongoing enthusiasm, initiative and positive outlook.
I want to wish you the very best for the holiday season and a very Happy New Year.
– President Neil Mort