University Canada West (UCW) is one of several Canadian post-secondary institutions to receive government approval to start welcoming new international students.
The Canadian government recently announced changes to its COVID-19 travel restrictions, including amendments allowing more international students into the country.
Starting October 20, 2020 international students who are currently outside of Canada and who will be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) that has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place will be provided entry into Canada. All international travelers arriving in Canada are still required to self-isolate for their first 14 days in the country.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada posted a list of DLIs with approved readiness plans on its website and UCW is one of several institutions in British Columbia on the list.
Post-secondary institutions across Canada had to prepare a COVID-19 readiness plan and submit it to their provincial or territorial government for approval. As part of the plan, schools were expected to provide specific information about how they will provide information to international students on health and travel requirements before the arrive in Canada, help students with their quarantine plans and provide guidance or assistance in getting necessities, such as food and medications, during their quarantine.
The readiness plans also must include protocols for students in the event there are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases at the school.
UCW’s plan was approved by the BC government in September.
“We were delighted to hear that our COVID-19 readiness plan was approved,” said UCW President Brock Dykeman. “Since the onset of COVID‐19, the safety of our students, staff and faculty have been at the forefront of our response, and with this plan in place we feel confident in reopening our campuses once again.”
UCW welcomed students back to campus for the first time since classes were moved online in March due to COVID-19.
Monday, October 19 marked the start of the Fall Term and UCW’s blended learning program delivery model with many students taking both online classes as well as limited on-campus learning.
This week also marked another milestone for UCW – the opening of its stunning new Vancouver House campus.
UCW Vancouver House comprises more than 90,000 sq. ft. of space in two of the podium buildings in the Vancouver House development. The first building opened for the term.
While the number of students on campus is currently limited due to COVID-19, UCW Vancouver House can accommodate more than 3,400 students.
UCW’s COVID-19 readiness plan and Pre-Arrival Package for students are posted online at ucanwest.ca.
Published on Oct. 21, 2020.
