By Red Deer College

meeting the COVID-19 challenge

An open letter from RDC President Dr. Peter Nunoda

Mar 21, 2020 | 7:58 PM

Friends of Red Deer College,

This is a time that is unprecedented at RDC, not to mention provincially and globally. I know that many of us are feeling the impacts of COVID-19 related challenges on our families, our work, our businesses and our health. I’m inspired to see all the ways our community has come together to support each other.

The health and safety of our campus community is our primary responsibility, and we’re approaching it with the kind of attention and agility it deserves. We are following advice and directives from Alberta Health Services and our governments to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

All in-person classes have been cancelled effective March 16. Our faculty remain committed to find ways for our students to complete their courses. Where possible, instructors are now delivering their courses online. There is considerable work for our academic staff to find solutions regarding labs, hands-on learning and practicums and we are in direct communication with our students.

All RDC events scheduled until April 30 have been cancelled, and we are reviewing events beyond that timeline with the best information we have. We’ve closed our public facilities, including the Gary W. Harris Canada Winter Games Centre and the Library Information Common. However, RDC’s campuses remain open; albeit with altered or limited services in many areas.

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Our staff have been encouraged to work remotely where possible and are supported in addressing the needs of their families. Our dedicated team is continuing to do the excellent operational work they have always done, and are finding new, creative ways to connect with each other and with the community we serve.

You are an important part of our community, and we are in this together. As you, your family and your business adapt to our new reality, RDC is ready to engage and work with you on building solutions to support you. We want to hear from you; stay connected with us and be a part of our network so that our community can emerge stronger and more tightly knit than before. In the long term, we know that we can contribute to the solutions and strategies our region needs to address the impact of this situation and we’re prepared to serve our community in this way.

When I accepted the role of President at Red Deer College on the cusp of our University Transition, I knew that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something bold and transformative. I knew that central Albertans were known for their strong entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic, and resilience. I couldn’t have imagined the challenges we’re facing now, but I am glad to be facing this with you, as a proud member of this community. I know that together, we will find dynamic and innovative solutions to the challenges that lie ahead. My team looks forward to working with each of you to support our community to emerge from this even stronger than we were before.

Dr. Peter Nunoda
RDC President