Lambton College Expands Campus Services for Fall Semester
SARNIA, September 7, 2021 – The first day of school is always exciting. And on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, that excitement was palpable as students gathered in classes at Lambton College, eager and optimistic at the prospect of a semester that will see the majority of learning take place on campus.
While students have been attending hands-on labs in limited numbers since July 2020, the Fall 2021 semester marks the largest return to normal College operations since the onset of the pandemic.
President & CEO Rob Kardas said the energy was palpable as new and returning students entered the building to attend in-person classes for a variety of programs.
“It’s really quite exciting when I think of everything that’s been done to get us to this point,” he said. “We waited a long time for a return to this level of interaction on our campus and it’s an incredible feeling to see students walking the halls and filling our classroom and lab spaces.”
Kardas said the College is well prepared to safely welcome students back to the classroom, as per the guidelines and input provided by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Sarnia- Lambton Public Health Unit, and Chief Medical Officers at the provincial and federal levels.
Under the latest guidelines, a Vaccination Policy has been put in place for all individuals accessing the campus and masks are still required in public spaces. However, classroom capacities have increased and students are allowed to gather on campus in socially distanced settings.
Perhaps the most exciting update for fall is the return of student life activities and in-person services on campus. While many of these activities will be offered in limited capacities, it’s another step in the right direction.
Regular College offerings such as the Campus Shop, Cestar Group Athletics & Fitness Complex, The Learning Commons and Counselling and Wellness services have all reopened with social distancing plans in place.
Full Cafeteria services resume as of today with limited seating in place.
Students are once again able to book time at the Fitness Centre, which will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the Gymnasium is reopening for drop-in sports and intramural activities.
Varsity Athletics are also expected to make a full return for the coming school year, with try-outs scheduled to take place in the coming weeks and full seasons scheduled for most OCAA sports.
For Kardas, there’s nothing better than hearing the sounds of eager students fill the College hallways.
“There’s no question that our students and employees persevered through 18 months of online learning and remote work. But to be here in person today, and see students, employees and guests alike light up Lambton College again – it’s an indescribable feeling.”