NC to celebrate Fall 2020 grads with Virtual Convocation on October 30

More than1,000 students are expected to complete their extraordinary academic journey this fall – during what has been a year like no other – and Niagara College is planning a convocation to match.

Following the resounding success of Virtual Spring Convocation in June and continued restrictions on public gatherings due to COVID-19, the College will celebrate its Fall 2020 graduates with Virtual Fall Convocation on October 30.

Two ceremonies will be livestreamed from the Welland Campus – a morning ceremony at 10 a.m. and an afternoon ceremony at 2 p.m. The ceremonies will feature the treasured traditions of a typical NC convocation, combined with modern, interactive, digital elements to bring viewers #NCTogether in real time.

As graduates and their families watch the live formal ceremonies from the comfort of their homes, they will hear inspiring speeches from College officials and a special guest speaker (to be announced). They can cheer for their graduate as each name is called out, one by one, and will appear on screen.

As they view their ceremony, graduates can connect with their classmates and faculty through program Zoom parties. Select clips from the Zoom parties will be incorporated into the convocation livestream, enabling graduates to make an on-screen appearance during their ceremony for a virtual ‘crossing of the stage.’

The pomp and circumstance will be punctuated by a custom social media experience with photos, video well wishes and posted messages infused into the live events by using the NC convocation hashtag #NCGrad2020.

Through Virtual Convocation, the College continues its custom of celebrating this important academic milestone for graduates and their families in a safe and meaningful way, before they embark on the next chapter of their lives. The College also plans to invite the Class of 2020 back to campus for an in-person celebration in the future, once public health circumstances allow for large groups to gather safely.

Graduating students are encouraged to watch out for details regarding virtual convocation during the weeks ahead.

The planning team will reach out to staff and faculty with information on how to submit well wishes to graduates that will be shared during the live ceremonies.

Visit niagaracollege.ca/virtualconvocation for updates.

Niagara College joins charities and advisors to change charitable giving

A message from Development & Alumni Relations:

Niagara College has joined with more than 80 charities, financial advisors and legal services providers from across the Hamilton-Oakville-Niagara region to show Canadians the power they have to make a powerful impact through a gift in their will to charity.

Will Power™ is a public education effort aimed at empowering more Canadians to leave a charitable gift in their will, which could raise as much as $40 billion dollars to advance the causes Canadians care about. Imagine the impact we could all make!

At Niagara College, we know that many people are committed to helping others. We see this every day through our work fundraising to support student scholarships and bursaries, instructional equipment for our classrooms and labs, and to enhance our learning environments, and we hear this in conversations with our dedicated donors. We believe it is important for more people to be aware that a charitable gift in a will is another way to make a big difference.

Wills are not just a legal means to distribute your personal assets; they are powerful tools for social change and transforming lives. And it’s not an either/or proposition – you can leave a gift in your will to charity while still taking care of those you love.

The Will Power™ campaign has launched a website designed to make it easier for donors to plan their legacy giving. Here you can calculate the impact of your legacy gift while still taking care of loved ones, and connect with advisors to take your next steps.

As always, we encourage you to contact us to learn how your future gift will make a meaningful difference in the lives of students at Niagara College.

Niagara College 2020 Labour Day hours

On-campus activity and access is limited at this time due to measures related to COVID-19. However, Niagara College is offering many services virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are either open or offering curbside pickup.

Below is a list of what is open or closed for Labour Day on Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.

Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Retail store and patio will be open Sept. 7. Tasting, shopping, patio drinks and snack service is available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Products include NC wine, beer, cider and spirits. For curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping across Ontario, please call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.

NC Teaching Greenhouse: Closed Sept. 7. Open for curbside pickup resuming Tuesday, Sept. 8. Also open for a limited time for on-site sales during the Fall Garden Mum Sale, Thursdays to Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.

Community Employment Services: (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed Sept. 7. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the CES office is now open for in-person visits Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Visit the CES website for more information.

Residence: All residences are open on Sept. 7.

Enrolment Services: Closed Tuesday, Sept. 7. Students may continue to submit requests online via email and student portal, which will be reviewed in priority sequence when Enrolment Services reopens on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

ncLibraries and Learning Commons: Student support, academic drop-ins and peer tutoring services will be closed on Sept. 7. Virtual services will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.

NCSAC Student Centres and Offices: Virtual offices are closed Sept. 7. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

For a comprehensive list of services and resources available to assist students, visit:

Virtual Campus: Remote Services
Resources for Students

Transit

Please check with individual transit providers for the most up-to-date information and schedules.

Niagara Region Transit
St. Catharines Transit Commission
Welland Transit (including Port Colborne)
Niagara Falls Transit

Important note: The student U-Pass has been suspended for the Spring and Fall term during COVID-19. All student riders are required to pay the adult fare as of July 1, 2020. Monthly passes are available for purchase at the Welland, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls terminals and some transit providers offer a mobile Transit App.

For fare information and the latest updates, visit the transit websites listed above.

Visit yourncsac.ca/yourtransit for more information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.

Wine industry, construction sector leaders elected chair and vice chair of Niagara College Board of Governors

Niagara College is pleased to announce the election of Del Rollo, vice president of industry and government relations for Arterra Wines Canada, as the new chair of NC’s Board of Governors and Wendy Wing, senior vice-president of finance and administration for Rankin Construction Inc. and Port Colborne Quarries Inc., and president of Rankin Renewable Power Inc., as the new vice-chair. The pair will lead the College’s committed group of volunteer Governors through the 2020-2021 academic year effective September 1.

Rollo has served on NC’s Board of Governors since 2015 and was vice-chair from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020. He is a leader in Canada’s wine industry who discovered his passion for food and wine while attending Ryerson University’s Hospitality and Tourism program, and has held several service and management positions at dining establishments throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including the Four Seasons Hotel.

In 2001, Rollo played a pivotal role in seeing the doors to Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate open with enormous success after receiving a personal invitation from the founders to help launch the estate winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In 2013, he was the recipient of an honorary degree in Hospitality Operations Management from Niagara College, acknowledging his vast experience and expertise in the hospitality industry. Today, Rollo and his wife, Lisa, enjoy a busy family life with their three sons Connor, Walker and Sean, who is currently studying at Niagara College.

“As I enter my sixth and final year on the Board of Governors, I am excited to take on the role of Chair and continue working with the exceptional leaders, faculty, staff and students of Niagara College, alongside our governors who commit their time and expertise to help guide the strategic directions of NC,” said Rollo. “We are excited to leverage the incredible work that has occurred to adapt to the pandemic this year to take Niagara College into the future, as a leader in the recovery efforts of the Niagara region. We’ll also look to extend our work and support globally in the communities where we operate around the world.”

Wing, who joined NC’s Board of Governors in 2016, is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business at Western University. She has more than 25 years of experience and leadership in construction finance and administration and has been involved in the development and financing of renewable energy projects including wind and hydro. Wing is also a proud supporter of the Rankin Cancer Run, an annual fundraising event for local cancer care in Niagara, and has two children with her husband, Chris.

“I am delighted to take on this leadership opportunity with the Board of Governors and to continue working with the welcoming, passionate, and trailblazing faculty, staff and students of Niagara College,” said Wing. “I am proud of the great work the board has undertaken in the past few years and I’m eager to see where the Board and the College will go as we look ahead to the post-pandemic recovery and revitalization of our economy.”

Rollo succeeds John F. T. Scott, who served as chair of NC’s Board of Governors from September 2017 to August 2020. During Scott’s tenure, the College completed several campus redevelopment projects, opened Canada’s first teaching distillery, introduced Canada’s first post-secondary Commercial Cannabis Production program, and recruited the college’s first new president in almost 25 years.

“It is my pleasure to thank our outgoing chair, John Scott, for his service to the College, and to welcome our new chair, Del Rollo, and vice-chair, Wendy Wing, to their leadership roles with the Board of Governors,” said Niagara College president Sean Kennedy. “Our Governors all commit an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and expert advice to Niagara College and are dedicated to our mission, vision, and values. We are grateful to have an exceptional group of community leaders around our governance table and we look forward to the year ahead.”

Niagara College offers more than 150 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, spirits, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Important parking update: Changes improve convenience, flexibility

With the introduction of HonkMobile to support cashless parking at both Niagara College campuses, students, employees and visitors will have improved convenience and flexibility for on-campus parking this fall.

Permits and passes are available for purchase for Fall term and beyond through HonkMobile, with a variety of options to choose from. The array of options are designed to suit the diverse parking needs of the College community as students, staff and visitors plan for varying degrees of on-campus activity starting in September, while others will study or work remotely.

Long-term permits may be purchased monthly (for one month or up to 12 months, ending August 31, 2021). Shorter-term options are also available for hourly, daily or weekly passes. Those who intend to purchase parking more than two days a week will find it more cost effective to purchase a permit.

On-campus parking enforcement will resume on the first day of classes for Fall term (September 9).

View 2020-2021 parking rates here to select the option that’s right for you.

Cashless, paperless parking

No matter which option you choose, HonkMobile is now the only way to pay for all on-campus parking for permits/passes beginning September 1 at Niagara College.

Convenient, cashless, and paperless, purchasing parking through HonkMobile will replace physical hanging parking permits or paper receipts that were previously required to be displayed in vehicles. No need to worry about lost or stolen permits or transferring permits from one vehicle to another.

Purchase parking through HonkMobile

For detailed instructions and information about purchasing parking through HonkMobile:

To purchase parking through HonkMobile visit the website at honkmobile.com, download the HonkMobile app for iOS or Android devices, or tap your mobile device at one of the HonkMobile tap meter locations located in the parking lots and designated entrances and throughout the campus.

Select a zone for either campus:

    • Welland Campus: The app will display two Zone IDs for the Welland Campus.

Select Zone 2600 for Lot A (daily paid parking only), or 2601 for Lots B, C, D, E, F and G, (permit and daily paid parking).

    • Niagara-on-the-Lake campus: The app will display one Zone ID for the NOTL campus. Select Zone 2607 (permit and daily paid parking).

For those who travel between campuses, parking purchased for one Niagara College campus will be valid at the other campus (excluding Welland Lot A).

Honk will require vehicle information and payment. It is vital to ensure the licence plate information provided to Honk is correct (an incorrect licence plate will result in a parking ticket). Up to three licence plates may be registered for each parking permit/pass. Only one vehicle registered to the pass will be allowed on campus at any given time.

Students, staff and visitors without a mobile device can also pay for hourly, daily, and weekly parking at a HonkMobile tablet kiosk. Locations at the Welland Campus include the Applied Health Main Entrance and the Rankin Technology Centre – West Entrance (near Lot D).  At the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus, a tablet kiosk will be available near the main entrance (front).

Unsure about how much time you need to purchase? No problem! Those who pay for parking will receive a notification 15 minutes before their parking is scheduled to expire, allowing users to add extra time, if needed.

Parking FAQs

Which parking option is right for you?

Those who intend to purchase parking more than two days a week will find it more cost effective to purchase a permit.

Can I register more than one vehicle for my parking permit?

Up to three licence plates may be registered for each parking permit. Only one registered vehicle will be permitted to park at one of the campuses at any given time.

What if I travel between campuses?

Purchasing a parking permit for the Welland Campus (Zone 2601) will also allow you to park at the NOTL Campus (Zone 2607) – and vice versa (excluding Lot A at the Welland Campus, Zone 2600). Only one licence plate registered to the parking pass is permitted on campus any given time.

Do I need a physical parking permit or a receipt to display on my dashboard?

No physical pay-and-display ticket or permit will be issued. Digital parking permits are now issued through the HonkMobile app and at HonkMobile pay kiosks on campus.

Is visitor parking available on campus?

There are a limited number of 30-minute courtesy visitor parking spaces available at each campus. Parking spaces are clearly marked with signs and are patrolled.

Courtesy parking is available to visitors to Welland Campus Dental Clinic, as well as Niagara-on-the-Lake Teaching Brewery Retail Store, Wine Visitor + Education Centre, Teaching Greenhouse, and Teaching Spa.

Ticketing/Towing

Vehicles may be ticketed and/or towed if they are parked illegally, blocking laneways, or improperly parked. Tickets are issued by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (Niagara-on-the-lake Campus) and the City of Welland (Welland Campus). Vehicle owners are responsible for their own vehicles and payments towards parking tickets and/or towing.

What if I wish to dispute a ticket?

Questions regarding ticketing should be directed to HonkMobile and/or the municipality that issued the ticket (Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake or City of Welland).

Honk Mobile: email [email protected]

Town of NOTL Paying-Disputing Penalty Notices

City of Welland – Parking Tickets

For more info

Visit NC’s Parking Services website, call 905-735-2211 ext. 7407, or email [email protected].

Niagara College 2020 Civic Holiday hours

While there is limited activity and restricted access to campuses at this time, due to measures related to COVID-19, Niagara College is offering many services virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are either open or offering curbside pickup.

Below is a list of what will be open or closed for the Civic holiday on Monday, August 3.

Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Retail store and patio will be open August 3. Tasting, shopping, patio drinks and snack service is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Products include NC wine, beer, cider and spirits. For curbside pickup, local delivery and shipping across Ontario, please call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.

Community Employment Services: (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed August 3. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, August 4 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the CES office is now open for in-person visits Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Visit the CES website for more information.

Enrolment Services:
Closed August 3. Students may continue to submit requests online via email and student portal, which will be reviewed in priority sequence when Enrolment Services reopens on Tuesday, August 4.

NC Teaching Greenhouse:
Closed August 3. Open for curbside pickup only resuming Tuesday, August 4. Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.

ncLibraries and Learning Commons:
Student support, academic drop-ins and peer tutoring services will be closed on August 3. Virtual services will resume on Tuesday, August 4 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.

Student centres and NCSAC offices:
Closed August 3. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, August 4.

For a comprehensive list of services and resources available to assist students, visit:
Virtual Campus: Remote Services, Resources for Students

Transit

Please check with individual transit providers for the most up-to-date information and schedules.

Niagara Region Transit
St. Catharines Transit Commission
Welland Transit (including Port Colborne)
Niagara Falls Transit

Important note: The student U-Pass has been suspended for the Spring and Fall term during COVID-19. All student riders are required to pay the adult fare as of July 1, 2020. Monthly passes are available for purchase at the Welland, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls terminals and some transit providers offer a mobile Transit App.

For fare information and the latest updates, visit the transit websites listed above.

Visit yourncsac.ca/yourtransit for more information and Frequently Asked Questions related to student transit.

Niagara College 2020 Victoria Day hours

While Niagara College campuses remain closed until further notice due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, some services are operating virtually, or via alternative delivery, and NC’s learning enterprises are offering curbside pickup.

What’s open on Victoria Day?

Retail store at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre: Open Monday, May 18. Curbside pickup is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wine, Visitor + Education Centre for online orders of products from the Teaching Winery, Teaching Distillery and Teaching Brewery. To place an order, call 905-641-2252 ext. 4070 or visit niagaracollegewine.ca.

Here is a list of services being offered virtually, or via curbside pickup, that are closed on the Victoria Day statutory holiday but resume May 19.

Community Employment Services (43 Church St. in St. Catharines): Closed Monday. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, May 19 and are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the CES website for more information.
Enrolment Services: Closed Monday. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, May 19.
NC Teaching Greenhouse: Closed Monday. Open for curbside pickup daily resuming on Tuesday, May 19. Visit the Teaching Greenhouse’s online store to place an order and learn more.
ncLibraries and Learning Commons: Virtual services will resume on Tuesday, May 19 and online resources are available 24-7 at niagaracollege.ca/library.
Student Centres and NCSAC offices: Closed Monday. Virtual services resume on Tuesday, May 19.
For a comprehensive list of services and resources available remotely or virtually to assist students during this unprecedented time, visit: Virtual Campus: Remote Services, Resources for Students. Please check this page frequently as additional services and resources will continue to be updated until campuses reopen for classes.

Transit
Reduced schedules to provide essential travel only service with some transit providers not operating on Monday, May 18. Please check with individual transit providers for adjusted schedules and closures.

Niagara Region Transit
St. Catharines Transit Commission
Welland Transit (including Port Colborne)
Niagara Falls Transit

NC to celebrate Class of 2020 with Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies

NC’s Class of 2020 is unlike any other in our  history and the College is planning convocation celebrations to match.

Plans are underway for NC’s first-ever Virtual Spring Convocation Ceremonies to be held during the week of June 15.  View ceremony schedule here. Graduating students will be able to mark the milestone #ncTogether with their classmates, professors and the college community, and invite their friends and families to celebrate along with them.

The live-streamed virtual ceremonies will feature many of the treasured traditional elements of the in-person convocation ceremonies. Participants will be able to hear each graduate’s name read aloud, and listen to inspiring speeches from College officials and special guest speakers. Student awards will be announced and well wishes from faculty and staff will be shared in the moment.

A custom social media experience will be incorporated into the virtual events featuring live reactions, photos and messages to connect graduating students with their classmates, professors and loved ones.

More details regarding virtual convocation will be available in the weeks ahead.

The College also plans to invite the Class of 2020 back to campus for an in-person celebration in the future, once public health circumstances allow large groups to gather safely.

Please view the video message from College president Sean Kennedy and NC Student Administrative Council president Tom Price above or click here.

Message from NC President Sean Kennedy: evolution of the COVID-19 situation

I am writing with regard to today’s COVID-19 developments, including the World Health Organization’s declaration of a pandemic, and Laurentian University’s decision to temporarily suspend classes due to a positive case in their community. While Ontario public health authorities still consider our risk to be low, I know that awareness and concern is rising, and I want to assure you that Niagara College is well positioned to respond should the situation or level of risk escalate locally.

As we have shared through regular updates and our dedicated webpage, we have been actively monitoring COVID-19 since late January, while liaising with public health authorities at all levels. We have assembled our Incident Management Team (IMT) under the leadership of senior vice president of Corporate Services Pam Skinner, and have been meeting regularly for over a month to review updates and implement recommendations and directives from public health, identify current and future risks and take college-wide action to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees and visitors.

Since the beginning of February, we have increased the number of hand-sanitizer stations college-wide, enhanced our education campaign, sharing preventative measures such as hand-washing and cough etiquette, and enhanced our cleaning services, including the use of hospital-grade disinfectant for cleaning all common areas and touchpoints on our campuses.

We have also followed the directives of Global Affairs Canada with regard to college travel, and cancelled upcoming work/study trips to countries that have been identified as being high risk.

We’ll be sharing more detailed information with regard to college contingency planning over the next few days. In the meantime, I want to emphasize the importance of following the recommendations from public health to help prevent the spread of infection:

  • Stay home if you are sick. Return when you are well;
  • Wash your hands. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer;
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your sleeve;
  • Avoid shaking hands and close contact with people who are sick;
  • Avoid sharing personal items and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information, including specific recommendations for travelers to impacted countries, and resources from public health, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage at https://www.niagaracollege.ca/healthservices/coronavirus/.

 

 

College hours and operations during mid-term break

Please note the following hours for College operations during the mid-term break, February 24 to 28:

Reduced transit schedules will be in effect for mid-term break. Visit yourncsac.ca/transitschedules

NCSAC Offices will be open regular hours.

Rise and Shine breakfast program will not be operating during the mid-term break.

The Undergrounds at the NOTL Campus and The Shack at the Welland Campus will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Core at the Welland Campus and The Armoury at the NOTL Campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cafeteria hours will be adjusted during the mid-term break:

  • Welland Campus dining hall will be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tim Hortons Welland Campus (Secord) will be open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (breakfast program open)
  • Pizza Pizza will be open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Nourish/On the Go will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Chef Inspired will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Market Grill will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Subway Welland Campus will be open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tim Hortons AHI will be closed.
  • Tech Building Café will be closed.
  • NOTL Campus dining hall will be closed.
  • Tim Hortons NOTL Campus will be open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (breakfast program all day)
  • Subway NOTL Campus will be open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NC Libraries will be open regular hours on the weekends before, after and during the mid-term break.

Bookstores will be open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed for inventory at both campuses on February 25.

In Student Services, Health Wellness and Accessibility Services will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Test centres will be open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Centre for Student Engagement, Career Services and Academic Advising offices will be open regular hours during the mid-term break, 8:30 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m.

Enrolment Services will be open regular hours at both campuses, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday’s from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NC International (Welland and NOTL campuses) will be open regular hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NC Athletics (Welland and NOTL campuses) will be open regular hours Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed Saturday and Sunday (weekends before and after). Fitness classes are cancelled during mid-term break. The regular fitness class schedule will resume on March 2.

NC Winery and Brewery retail stores (NOTL Campus) will be open regular hours, Sunday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bench To Go (NOTL Campus) will be open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The NC Greenhouse will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Niagara College Community Employment Services, located at 43 Church Street in St. Catharines will maintain regular hours.