Covid-19 Updates
Quest is planning a progressive return to in-person teaching, learning, and living for Fall 2021.
The last year has been challenging for the staff, faculty, and students of Quest University. The evolution of the pandemic has required tremendous flexibility, resilience, and creativity. We recognize the toll these changes have taken on all members of our community.
The University’s top priorities remain ensuring a high-quality academic and student experience and safeguarding the health and wellness of our community members. With the knowledge that many are eager to return to in-person modalities when it is safe to do so, Quest University Canada is planning a progressive return to on-campus operations for the Fall 2021 academic term.
COVID-19 will remain part of our lives, and precautions will still be necessary. Public health restrictions are likely to still be in place at that time, including mandatory mask orders and physical distancing requirements. Following the COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines for B.C.’s Post-Secondary Sector and in consultation with local public health officials and our staff and faculty, Quest has designed prevention and response measures to support the re-opening of campus residences and the gradual increase of in-person teaching, learning, and administrative and support services.
Quest will continue to demonstrate flexibility. We will be responsive to the needs of those students who may face barriers to returning to campus and we will continue to adapt our planning to align with the evolving COVID-19 public health information and direction. The timeline for B.C.’s vaccination program roll-out, the presence of COVID-19 variants, and local transmission rates continue to pose unknowns that will have to be monitored and continuously assessed.
In the weeks and months to come, we will communicate with students about what this planning means for such areas as residence operations, our meal hall, and more. We look forward to working with students, staff, faculty, and families in the coming months, as we continue to plan for this gradual return.
Quest will continue with remote teaching and learning for the 2021 Spring and Summer Terms.
Quest University COVID-19 Safety Plan (March 2021)
- Quest is planning a progressive return to campus for Fall 2021.
- Quest is in Level II of Campus Operations, with the campus closed to all but essential staff.
- On March 29th, 2021, the B.C. government introduced new “circuit breaker” measures as a result of the exponential growth in new cases, hospitalizations, and more people requiring critical care support.
- In accordance with the recommendations of the Provincial Health Officer, non-essential staff and faculty to continue to work from home
- On November 19, 2020, the B.C. government introduced new measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, including a new mandatory mask policy.
- Quest requires everyone to wear a mask while on the campus, unless they are alone in their private work space.
- See our updated COVID-19 Safety Plan for more details on measures being implemented on Quest’s campus.
ACADEMICS AND EVENTS
- We will transition to in-person learning when it’s safe to do so, in accordance with public health advice.
- Field Studies and lab activities will resume once we return to on-campus learning.
- The Learning Commons space will be closed while classes are remote, but academic support will be available.
- Counselling, career advising, and international student support will be offered remotely.
- International exchange programs will also be offered remotely for the time being.
- With some exceptions, campus housing will not be available during remote learning; there will also be no meal services on campus during that time.
- Students should monitor their Quest email account for important updates from the CAO, Dean of Student Life, and other areas.
RESIDENCES AND CAMPUS
- The RecPlex is closed.
- The Academic Building is not accessible to students. The Services Building is closed. The Library Building is accessible to students during limited hours for mail (10am-2pm).
- There is no meal service or retail food available on campus.
- We understand that some students cannot safely move, and have made exceptions for students who continue to require on-campus housing.
- If you remain at Quest, do not bring guests to campus.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- Canada has issued travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Quest is on the list of Designated Learning Institutions with an approved COVID-19 Readiness Plan; Quest’s international students with valid study permits may be exempt from the travel restrictions if they can show that their travel to Canada is non-discretionary (i.e. essential).
- International students entering Canada are subject to a 14–day mandatory quarantine.
- Under new requirements for air travel that took effect on February 22, 2021, when a student arrives in Canada, they must take a COVID-19 test before leaving the airport and spend 3 days in quarantine at a federal government-authorized hotel. With a clear test result, the student can proceed to the quaratine site identified in their quarantine plan. Ten days into their quarantine, the student will use a take-home test provided at their arrival in Canada. A further clear result is required before leaving quarantine at 14 days.
- Quest will assist students with their quarantine period if students are travelling to Canada for non-discretionary (i.e. essential) reasons.
- Given the current public health orders and measures, Quest does not recommend that students travel at this time.
- We advise international students to stay up-to-date on travel restrictions and Canada’s mandatory quarantine.
- Starting 11:59 (EST) January 6, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. More information may be found here.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility will not be affected for international students whose courses are completed remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- New international students may begin their classes while outside Canada and must still apply for a study permit in preparation for an eventual return to in-person studies.
- For more information about COVID-19 and its impact on study permits, post-graduation work permit eligibility, and more, visit the IRCC website.
- For questions, email the New and International Student Coordinator.
STAFF AND FACULTY
- For support during a challenging time Quest offers the LifeWorks program. Have a look at the LifeWorks FAQ and the LifeWorks Contact and Overview page.
- We ask that you try not to have packages shipped to campus, as we have limited ability to sort.
- Staff are telecommuting. We will transition to more on-campus work when it’s safe to do so, but will be respectful of individual circumstances.
- If you are planning to work in your office, please let HR know by Monday of that week. This is to prevent any high density workspaces and to determine cleaning requirements.
- Please monitor your Quest email for updates from HR and Operations.
ADDITIONAL
- We will email the Quest community with updates.
- Please bookmark this page. We will do our best to keep it current, but things can change quickly.
- For information about COVID-19, prevention, and provincial and federal public health measures, please visit:
Covid-19 symptoms include a dry cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If you have symptoms, or suspect you’ve been exposed:
- Isolate immediately.
- Testing is available at Squamish Hospital, and at a drive-through site at the old Shady Tree Pub location. Follow the Squamish Coronavirus Info Group on Facebook for daily updates about this option, including opening hours.
- Use BC’s self-assessment tool before proceeding to either test site.
- After using the assessment tool, follow the instructions. If you are still unsure of how to proceed call 811 (HealthLinkBC).
- Please fill out the confidential form on the Portal.
Government of Canada COVID-19 page
Covid-19 self-assessment tool
Info sheet for students with a guard.me policy
For employee support LifeWorks FAQ and LifeWorks Contact and Overview page.
Toll-free Government of Canada info line: 1.833.784.4397