Supporting each other in the coming weeks

From Dr. Lane Trotter, President

I hope you were able to take a break over the winter holidays and celebrate in a way that was meaningful to you. The holidays, for me, were a period of adjustment as my family made the move from the Lower Mainland back to Vancouver Island.

Taking on a new role as President, less than a week into the job, while managing the uncertainty around the current COVID-19 variant of concern in addition to a snow day was something no-one expected. However, one thing has been consistent, and that is colleges in B.C. continue to follow the direction and guidance of the Provincial Health Officer, B.C. Government, Island Health and WorkSafeBC to create a safe learning and work environment.

The Provincial Health Officer has maintained a strong recommendation for continued on-campus instruction and services. You can read the letter from the Provincial Health Officer to college and university presidents here. Our plans are still to open as normal to all students on Jan. 10. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep the college community updated on any changes.

Earlier this week, I was able to meet virtually with student, faculty and staff representatives, and also get out on campus to connect informally with some instructors at the Centre of Trades Education and Innovation on our Interurban campus. Meeting virtually with people and following safety protocols when in person was certainly not something I anticipated over the summer, but it is just one of the many ways this pandemic continues to force us to adapt.

I want to acknowledge everyone who has helped keep the college community safe. Students, faculty and staff at Camosun have shown resiliency and should be commended for continuing to observe public health guidelines during difficult times.

Please stay safe and I am looking forward to meeting as many of you that I can, in the safest way possible.

Lane Trotter, President
Camosun College