Niagara College students, faculty and staff set the tone for a successful school year with a smooth and safe start to the Fall Term this week.

September marks an increase in on-campus learning for NC, with more than 5,000 students experiencing on-campus classes or labs as part of their program this term. On-campus student services, supports and amenities will also see a gradual return over the course of the Fall term.

“We’re thrilled to welcome students on campus and in hybrid and remote studies, and our teams have been working tirelessly to ensure that new and returning students have a positive experience and every opportunity to succeed,” said President Sean Kennedy. “It’s been a unique and challenging time to get to this point, but we are excited to safely and gradually grow our on-campus activity.”

The term kicked off Tuesday with virtual Orientation to provide more than 4,800 first-year students with a warm welcome and a strong start to campus life. In-person and remote classes started Wednesday.

“This semester start is beginning to provide a sense of normality as we begin to welcome larger groups of students back to campus,” said Samantha Jemison, president of the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC). “This said, we’re continuing to deliver our services and events in a safe and virtual capacity, while still getting some key orientation swag into students’ hands through the distribution of our frosh week kits.”

The Fall 2021 term will see the continuation of comprehensive health and safety measures that have kept college campus safe over the past three terms. This includes physical distancing, mandatory masks, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in classes and labs where physical distancing can’t be maintained, modified spaces and enhanced cleaning. More than half of Niagara College students have had at least some on campus classes since the Fall 2020 term, with no cases of on-campus transmission of COVID-19.

To further protect the college community, and as required by the province of Ontario, Niagara College has also implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. All students, employees, visitors and contractors who are learning or working on campus this fall must be vaccinated against COVID-19. As of this week, more than 6,000 students and 1,000 employees have provided proof of vaccination. 

The start of the Fall 2021 term also marks the first intake for the new Massage Therapy advanced degree program at the Welland Campus. This is the first time NC has offered massage therapy, with 27 students enrolling in the two-year program dedicated to training professionals for an industry projected to grow significantly at the provincial and local levels in the next few years. 

“Despite the challenging times, Niagara College continues to enhance and expand its programming, offering opportunities for students to prepare for satisfying and impactful careers,” Kennedy said. 

In addition, the new school year brings with it the gradual return of athletics and recreation activities. The season has already started with tryouts for the men’s and women’s Knights soccer and golf teams. Niagara College is thrilled to take to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. for its season opener against Sheridan College at Young’s Sportsplex. The College’s Athletics & Recreation department is also working on a plan for fitness classes, open gym time and recreational activities to start later in the term. 

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced-level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

Photo captions:

Niagara College President Sean Kennedy greets students as they return to the Welland Campus and Fall Term classes this week. More than 5,000 students will experience on-campus classes or labs as part of their program this term.

Samantha Jemison, President of the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC), assists a student during the first week of classes at the Welland Campus.  

Chef-Professor Scott Baechler speaks with culinary students at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus at Niagara-on-the-Lake. In-person classes and labs resumed for more than 5,000 students with the start of the Fall Term this week.