As the end of our fall 2020 semester approaches, I wanted to share an update with our community regarding Lakeland College's winter 2021 semester.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Government of Alberta announced new COVID-19 restrictions. I received an update from Advanced Education stating that post-secondary institutions may start the winter semester as originally scheduled.

However, with COVID-19 remaining a prevalent part of our day-to-day life, we will stagger our students' return to on-campus activities to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. The start date of classes has not changed. Our energy and foundational learning programs will begin on Monday, Jan. 4. The rest of our programs will start on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

We will gradually allow on-campus labs, lectures and other activities to resume in January. Students were notified by email about next semester's gradual return to on-campus activities by their respective deans last week. This information is also available at lakelandcollege.ca/covid19 under the January Class Schedule tile.

After reviewing the new Government of Alberta restrictions, we implemented the following enhanced measures that will be in effect at least until Jan. 12, 2021.

• Face coverings must be worn in all indoor public places unless you are working alone in an office.
• Indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited.
• As of Sunday, Dec. 13, our recreation facilities and libraries at both campuses closed. 

As of Dec. 16, there are two active COVID-19 cases at Lakeland. We wish everyone a safe and speedy recovery.

Our campuses will be closed from Dec. 21 to Jan. 3, reopening on Jan. 4.

Together with the Students' Association, we will share some holiday cheer with students who cannot return home for the holidays due to COVID-19 restrictions. We will provide them with a holiday wellness package and invite them to participate in some online festive activities.

This semester has truly been unlike any other for our campus community. I've always been grateful to work at Lakeland and belong to a community that is focused on student success. But in my 38 years at the college, I've never been prouder of our people and the teamwork done to conclude this unprecedented year of program delivery successfully. Everyone made sacrifices, tackled new ways of teaching and delivering services, and went above and beyond to look after Lakeland and our community. I am humbled by their commitment and extend my deepest thanks.

On behalf of Lakeland College, I wish our community a safe and restful holiday.

Thank you,

Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart
President and CEO
Lakeland College