COVID Student Resources

If you are sick do not come to campus.

If you do not have any symptoms, please take the following measures at SAIT:

1. Increase space between yourself and others, to a minimum of two meters (six feet, more than most people’s height).
2. If physical distancing cannot be accomplished, wear a facial covering (paper mask, scarf, bandana) to protect others from your respiratory exhalation. 
3. Travel one at a time in the elevators. If using the stairs, also try to travel one at a time, stepping aside on landings to allow others to pass.  
4. Practice frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds; dry hands with paper towel and use the towel to open the door if necessary, before throwing it away. Use the hand sanitizer dispensers as a back-up measure, between more thorough hand-washings.
5. Cough into a tissue or your sleeve: place the used tissue immediately into the trash.  Always turn away from people when coughing or sneezing. If coughing persists, remove yourself from the building.
6. Do not shake hands. Please wave or nod to greet others. 

Things to know: 

• Please make note of which day and time access to your locker location will be made available.
• Bring ID and be prepared to show it to security on entering and exiting your building.
• Bring what you need to move your things, only you can enter the building, you can’t bring a friend.
• Please bring a mask to wear if possible.
• Please place recycling and waste in bins near your locker.
• Instructions for which door to access the building will be clearly marked.

Wellness Centre lockers in the Campus Centre can be accessed on any of the above dates after you empty your locker.

Please use the following entrances to enter the buildings:

• Thomas Riley – Southeast entrance closest to the 12^th Street roundabout.
• Aldred Centre – Southwest entrance closest to the 12^th Street roundabout.
• Johnson-Cobbe – Southeast entrance (under the giant egg)
• Clayton Carrol – Southeast Entrance 
• John Ware – Southwest entrance
• Senator Burns – NJ wing entrance 
• Stan Grad – East Entrance
• Cenovus Energy Center – South Entrance (beside security)
• Campus Center – East entrance (across from Cohos Commons soccer field)

In order to support our members through this challenging time, the Saitsa Board of Directors have made the decision to reduce Saitsa’s fee by 41% for the Summer and Fall 2020 semesters.

 The temporary suspension of fee collection for the Restricted Building Fund, which amounts to $60/semester/student, was made by the Saitsa Board of Directors on June 1^st, 2020. Your student leaders deliberated and agreed that the temporary suspension of the fee would help to alleviate some of the financial hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on SAIT Students. 

 The Students’ Association Fee, which amounts to $167.77/academic year/student, will remain intact as the General Operation Fund for Saitsa, and will be used to continue to support SAIT students through our advocacy efforts, online student programing & events, and student awards & grants. Your Health & Dental Benefits fee and services will not be impacted by the temporary suspension of the Restricted Building Fund fee.

 If you have any questions or concerns – we encourage you to reach out to your Executive Council:

• Ryan Morstad, President: saitsa.president@edu.sait.ca (for inquiries related to UPass, Tuition/Fees, General Information, and more)
• Jasmin K. Bhatti, VP Academic: saitsa.vpacademic@edu.sait.ca  (for academic or financial concerns or questions)
• Liam Hunter, VP External: saitsa.vpexternal@edu.sait.ca  (municipal, provincial or federal policy concern or questions)
• Jessi Leippi, VP Student Life: saitsa.vpstudentlife@edu.sait.ca  (access, equality, mental health, or student life concerns or question

SAIT has made the decision to deliver the majority of Fall 2020 programming online. The health and safety of the SAIT community remains the top priority!

More info can be found on SAIT’s web page here.

The following Saitsa operations will be closed starting March 17 until further notice:

• Saitsa Main Office (V204)
• Saitsa Resource Centre (MC107)
• Saitsa Peer Support Centre (NJ105)
• Saitsa Clubs Room (MB216)
• Saitsa Governance & Advocacy Office (NN118)
• Station Market (NN120) and Express (MB108)
• The Gateway (V203)
• Odyssey Cafe (V211)

We’re crossing our fingers we’ll be back in business soon!

For an updated events listing, visit saitsa.com/events

We miss hanging out with you so much at The Gateway that we decided to bring Trivia to you!

Trivia will be ONLINE on Thursdays from May 14 – June 18!

Visit  saitsa.com/events for full details and more info!

 Also, follow the Gateway’s social media to stay in-the-know about upcoming online music events! Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Check out our blog posts for our tips and tricks for coping during these difficult times.

• Top 5 Ways to Stay Connected Even While Social Distancing
• 9 Steps to Navigate Your Interpersonal Relationships in Isolation
• Keep Adulting with These 9 Healthy Habits
• Saitsa’s Top 10 Free Resources for Self-Isolation
• 5 Calgary Parks Great for Social Distancing

We encourage you to stay informed on COVID-19 news from reliable sources, including:

• Alberta Health Services
• Government of Canada – Public Health Services
• Government of Canada – Travel Health Notices
• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Visit SAIT’s pandemic preparedness website here for the institution’s latest updates.

Since early on in the campus closures due to COVID-19, we have been asking students to let us know how they have been impacted.

The reoccurring theme amongst the SAIT student population was being strongly impacted by the current grading model and online-delivery of courses, and they worried that their grades would suffer due to this sudden transition.

We encouraged students to write us letters outlining how they have been impacted by this situation and we received over 25 personal letters from students, and a petition with over 1600 signatures.

From this feedback we determined mirroring the University of Calgary’s optional CR/F grading model would be ideal for our student members.

Your elected student executive council wrote a letter to SAIT administration and brought this issue up with all members of the SAIT executive team. These advocacy efforts culminated in a meeting with SAIT’s Vice President Academic, Brad Donaldson, on April 7th.

We presented on behalf of your concerns and we are hearing the results of our advocacy efforts today.

Please click here for an update from SAIT in regards to final grades for the Winter 2020 semester.

For more information on tuition price for international students, travel, study permits and post-graduation work permits, health care, and other support, please visit SAIT’s website here. 

For more information on classes, delivery, program changes, refunds, and other support for new students, please visit SAIT’s website here.

Academic Coaching and Tutoring

Get support for online learning strategies, time management and more from an academic coach at SAIT. Phone and video appointments are available Monday to Friday, 8 am – 4 pm. Call 403.284.8082 or email  academic.coaching@sait.ca  to set up an appointment.

Check out the online tutoring schedule, then register and attend through SAIT’s  TuberEdu website. Phone appointments are also available  Monday to Friday, 8 am – 4 pm. Call 403.284.8082 or tutoring@sait.ca to set up an appointment.

Looking for feedback on a writing assignment? Email  writing.help@sait.ca.   

Reg Erhardt Library

Chat with the library online Monday to Friday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm. Librarians are taking appointments via video, voice or chat. The library is also offering half-hour, twice-weekly sessions on hot topics related to research — stop by the library online!

Transfer Options

The Transfer Options Coordinator will be available to assist students via email advising and audio/video conferencing Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4 pm. Please contact us at  transfer.options@sait.ca or make an appointment online. 

More info here.

SAIT Helpline is working hard to ensure the transition to online delivery is as smooth as possible. If you’re experiencing technical issues, please refer to the common questions/issues listed here.  

If you’re unable to resolve your issue, please email helpline@sait.ca

Concerned you might have COVID-19 symptoms?

 Alberta Health Services has developed a simple online assessment tool to help you decide whether you need to call Health Link 811 to be tested for COVID-19. Please use the tool and help reduce unnecessary call volumes to Health Link.  ahs.ca/covid

The Government of Alberta has released a mobile app to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. To learn more, visit the  ABtraceTogether page.

 Alberta Health Services has recommended the following to help prevent the spread of illness:

• Embrace your space — avoid close contact with others.
• Wash your hands often and well.
• Avoid touching your face, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Additional Resources:

• Alberta Health Services — cover your cough
• Alberta Health Services — how to use hand rub
• Alberta Health Services — how to hand wash
• Government of Alberta — self-isolation information

In response to concerns over COVID-19, SAIT has made the decision to close the Wellness Centre until further notice. More info.

During this difficult time, your mental health & wellbeing is important to us! If you’re feeling down or stressed, try out the online tools below.

 Need to talk? Try 7 Cups

 Try 7 Cups today

 Sign up for Tao Self-Help here

SAIT Student Development and Counselling: available by phone at: 403.284.7023

Suicide Hotline: call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

Distress Centre: call 403-266-HELP (4357)

Mobile Response Team: call 403-266-HELP (4357)

The Government of Canada has announced $9B in financial support for students affected by COVID-19 through a number of initiatives, including the  Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB).

Post-secondary students eligible for COVID-19 emergency aid can apply for the CESB starting Friday, May 15. Look for SAIT as the “Southern Alberta Institute of Technology” under educational institutions.

See what funding may be available to you through  Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Additional emergency funding options

If you’re a current SAIT student experiencing financial hardship, SAIT may be able to help. Please contact early.alert@sait.ca.

More info here. 

For more information on job-protected leave, temporary layoffs, employment insurance, and more visit the Government of Alberta webpage here. 

You can check out recent job postings here!

For updates on Calgary Transit’s services, visit the webpage here. 

Visit the Government of Alberta webpage here for info on child care during COVID-19, the process and guidance for reopening, and home-based child care options.

Visit the Government of Alberta webpage here for info on where to find help and supports and tips related to family violence, elder abuse, child abuse, and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.