Fall 2021 – Safety Policy

Purpose

Sterling College has a corporate social responsibility to keep Canada and our school communities safe. Sterling College’s Vaccination Policy was developed in response to the ongoing risks posed by the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. This policy will promote a safe learning environment and help protect the health and well-being of our staff, faculty, and students.

Scope

This policy applies to all Sterling College employees, faculty, students, and visitors attending campuses in Toronto and Vancouver (Canadian Tourism College, Sterling College).

Policy Statement

Sterling College will require all staff, faculty, and students to present proof of vaccination in order to access on-campus classes and activities, effective September 13^th, 2021.

This policy, and all on-campus activities, continue to be subject to federal, provincial, and local public health regulations and guidance on vaccination measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy is in effect as of September 13^th, 2021, and may be amended as required, or as recommended, by federal, provincial, and local public health authorities.

Proof of Vaccination

Individuals accessing in-person classes or activities will be required to provide proof of vaccination in order to enter an Sterling College (see details below for partial COVID-19 vaccination grace period). Once proof of vaccination has been received, a vaccine passport will be issued. Students who do not have a vaccine passport will not be permitted to enter Sterling College premises.

Personal health information collected by Canadian Tourism College (CTC) or Sterling College (SC) will be stored in accordance with the institution’s Privacy Policies found in the CTC Student Handbook and SC Student Handbook. Individual private health information will not be disclosed alongside any other identifying data.

Providing false documents or attestations related to being vaccinated may be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including removal/restriction from campus, expulsion, and/or termination. Individuals could also be at risk of criminal liability.

Accepted Vaccines

Sterling College will accept the COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada and/or the World Health Organization (WHO). Individuals who have received a vaccine not currently recognized by Health Canada or the WHO will be considered partially vaccinated and will be subject to the vaccination grace period.

Partial COVID-19 Vaccination Grace Period

Individuals who have received the first dose of an accepted two-dose vaccine or have received a vaccine not recognized by Health Canada will be able to participate in on-campus activities after submitting proof of vaccination. Individuals must submit proof of their second dose (if a double-dose vaccine), or completion of vaccination within 42 days (6 weeks) of their first dose. At the end of the grace period, individuals will not be permitted on campus until they submit proof of their second dose of an accepted vaccine.

Accommodations for Students and Employees

Students and employees may be considered for an accommodation if appropriate documentation is provided, and legal thresholds are met. Individuals may submit a request for an accommodation by email to  (include full name and student number, if applicable).

For more information, please see the Sterling College COVID-19 Vaccination Policy FAQs or contact Canadian Tourism College or Sterling College representative.

Sterling College COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why did Sterling College create this policy?

A: Sterling College created the Sterling College COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in response to the ongoing risks posed by the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. The policy will promote a safe learning environment and help protect the health and well-being of our staff, faculty, students, and communities.

Q: Where can I view the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and when does it take effect?

A: The policy is available on the Canadian Tourism College, and Sterling College health and safety portals. The policy is effective September 13th, 2021.

Q: Do I need a vaccine to come on campus?

A: You must be at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend on-campus classes and activities.

Q: What do I need to show to come on campus?

A: Individuals who submit proof of vaccination will receive a vaccine passport to enter any Sterling College building.

Q: What is a vaccine passport?

A: A vaccine passport is a document or electronic certificate that verifies you have been vaccinated. Your student ID card, accessible through Student Login will be utilized as your Canadian Tourism College (CTC)/Sterling College (SC) vaccine passport.

Q: How do I submit proof of vaccination?

A: Details on how to submit proof of vaccination will be communicated directly to staff, faculty, and students. Please note that any personal health information collected by  will be stored in accordance with CTC and SC’s policies found in the Student Handbook. Individual private health information will not be disclosed alongside any other identifying data.

Q: Which vaccines will be accepted at CTC and SC?

A: CTC & SC will accept the COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. Individuals who have received a vaccine not recognized by Health Canada or the WHO will be considered partially vaccinated.

Q: I am a current student. How can I get a vaccine?

A: All residents of BC who are 12 years of age or older are eligible to register for a free, COVID-19 vaccine (first and second dose).  You must know your Canadian address before your register. If you live in BC, call 1-833-838-2323 (toll-free) to register. Language support is available in over 110 languages. If you need help from a CTC/SC representative to book your appointment (in English or your first language), please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Q: I have only received my first dose (of a two-dose vaccine). Can partially vaccinated individuals attend on-campus classes and activities?

A: Yes, partially vaccinated individuals can attend on-campus classes and activities after receiving their first dose of a two-dose vaccine. Individuals have a grace period of 42 days (6 weeks) to receive their second dose.

Q: What is accepted as proof of vaccination?

A: All individuals receive a physical immunization card and/or digital immunization record. Sterling College accepts both forms of records. Please note that international students travelling to Canada will need a certified translated copy of their immunization record (in English or French).

Q: I received my first dose in another country. Can I get my second dose in Canada?

A: Yes. Partially vaccinated residents are eligible to receive their second dose in Canada.

Q: I am partially or fully vaccinated, but my vaccine is not recognized by Health Canada or the WHO. Can I join on-campus classes and activities?

A: Yes, you will be considered partially vaccinated and will be able to attend on-campus classes. Individuals have a grace period of 42 days (6 weeks) to receive their second dose.

Q: What if I am not vaccinated?

A: Students that do not provide proof of vaccination will have access to online classes.

Q: How do I request accommodation?

Students and employees may be considered for an accommodation if appropriate documentation is provided, and legal thresholds are met. To submit a request for an accommodation, individuals should email [email protected] or [email protected]  (include full name and student number, if applicable).

Q: Will Sterling College support students travelling to Canada to get vaccinated?

A: Yes. Sterling College will support international students every step of the way. As soon as students register for classes at an Sterling College, they will be assisted with making an appointment to get vaccinated. Student’s should email [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance.

Q: If I am fully vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask on campus?

A:  Vaccination is the best way individuals can protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19. All other COVID-19 protocols and safety measures will continue to apply. For more details see CTC and Sterling COVID-19 Safety Plans and Safety Guides available on our websites health and safety portals.

For more information, please see the Sterling College COVID-19 Vaccination Policy or contact your Canadian Tourism College or Sterling College representative.