Health-Related

All cases of Covid-19 are followed up by the local public health teams with support of the university in contact tracing. If individual contacts cannot all be notified or there is concern that not all of them have been identified, a public communication will be made at the medical direction of the public health authority through TWU.

WHAT PROACTIVE MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 ON CAMPUS?
  • Reduction in all face to face activities has been made to significantly modify the number of people accessing our campus in person. This includes in-class learning, Residence Halls, workspaces and other campus services. As much activity that can be completed remotely is being done so.
  • Administrative and environmental controls have been implemented to structure our spaces to promote physical distancing.
  • Enhanced cleaning measures as well as food safety regulations per WorkSafeBC and local health authority guidance
  • Internationally arriving students are proactively supported and supervised by the university through quarantine per federal and provincial guidelines 

Please refer to the TWU Covid-19 Safety Plan for details.

I THINK I HAVE COVID-19. CAN I GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TO BE TESTED?

Please complete a self-assessment via the BC Thrive App and follow the recommendations for how and where to access Covid-19 testing in the community.

People are encouraged to call ahead before accessing community medical support such as doctors to see if an in-person or virtual visit is best for you whether it is for Covid-19 or any other health needs.

If you do not have a primary care provider, please call 8-1-1 for assessment and support in accessing a primary care center or a walk-in clinic.

Please do not be afraid to access your local health services, including an emergency department IF you need medical care for any reason.

SHOULD I BE TESTED FOR COVID-19?

Testing is available for all who need it but not everyone requires a test. If you have no symptoms, mild symptoms, or you are a returning traveller self-isolating at home, you do not require a test.

For up to date information on who should and can access Covid-19 testing in BC please refer to the BCCDC Testing Information page here.

To help determine whether you require a test, use the BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR COVID-19?

For up to date details on how to access your test results please refer to the BCCDC Test Results page here. While you wait for your results, you are asked to self-isolate. If you test positive for Covid-19 public health will contact you directly.

I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO IS BEING TESTED FOR COVID-19. SHOULD I SELF-ISOLATE?

Per the BC CDC guidelines if you have had close contact with someone who is being tested for Covid-19 and you are healthy, you may continue with your normal activities and self-monitor for any illness symptoms under the universal recommendations for preventing transmission of Covid-19. If you have any illness symptoms whatsoever, you should isolate and access testing for Covid-19.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CLOSE CONTACT?

Close contact is defined by having contact with a person within 2m or less for 15 minutes or more up to 48 hours prior to the case’s onset of symptoms and 10 days after. See the BCCDC Guidance on Public Health Management of Covid-19 here.

WHAT IS THE MASK POLICY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA?

Please refer to the BC Response to Covid-19 for up to date recommendations on mask wearing however it is always advised that physical distancing is the best way to protect yourself from being exposed to Covid-19 and wearing a mask when you cannot maintain a minimum of 2m or 6ft distance is the best way to avoid exposing others if you have Covid-19.

Campus Operations

IS THE CAMPUS OPEN?

Find campus updates on the COVID-19 Information page.

What will change at TWU if British Columbia moves to a lockdown scenario?

The measures we have taken to date have prepared TWU well for the possibility of a lockdown. University leadership has been preparing contingency plans, including plans to provide essential services on-site.

International Students

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND AM NOT SURE WHETHER I SHOULD GO HOME.

You may go home if you are able, but must recognize that given the current and potential travel restrictions, you might not be able to get back easily, or at all. If you do go back home, we cannot guarantee that you will have good access to Zoom or other online tools that we will be using from here to complete your coursework online. In either case our aim is to continue to provide supports to help you finish the semester well, and to enrol and successfully complete your online summer courses.

You can find updated travel advisories here.

I HAVE A STUDY PERMIT FOR CANADA. WHAT DO THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS MEAN FOR ME?

As of March 20, 2020, the Government of Canada has provided some exemptions to travel restrictions to foreign nationals who have committed to working, studying, or making Canada their home, and will be considered essential travel with regards to land border restrictions.  This includes international students who held a valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit when the travel restrictions took place on March 18.

I HAVE A STUDY PERMIT FOR CANADA, BUT IT HAS EXPIRED OR WILL BE EXPIRING SOON. WHAT DO i DO?

If you are able to return home, you should do so; however, if you cannot return home due to travel restrictions, the Government of Canada has provided several options. If your study permit has not expired, you can either apply to extend your study permit or apply to change your status to a visitor. If your study permit has expired less than 90 days ago, you can apply to restore your status. If it has been more than 90 days since your status expired, you can apply for a temporary resident permit. In any of these application processes make sure you make a note explaining why you need to extend your stay in Canada.

More information on this process can be found here.

AM I STILL ELIGIBLE FOR THE POST-GRADUATION WORK PERMIT (PGWP) NOW THAT CLASSES HAVE MOVED ONLINE?

Yes, the Government of Canada has stated that if in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program won’t be affected.

Online Courses and Learning Resources

I NEED TO ACCESS THE LIBRARY. WHAT DO I DO?

You can access online resources 24/7 at twu.ca/library. Reference Librarians are available online to answer your research questions, or to set up a Zoom meeting; email: infodesk@twu.ca

For the latest up-to-date library information, visit the Library COVID-19 Response webpage.

CAN I STILL GET ASSISTANCE FROM THE LEARNING COMMONS?

You can still access learning commons resources online. You book appointments for Writing Centre, Advising, Success Coaching, Resumés, Career Counselling, here. To connect with the Centre for Accessible Learning email accessibility@twu.ca.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT AREN'T BEING ADDRESSED?

Your experiences of teaching and learning is the primary concern of our Teaching and Learning office. As the remainder of the term unfolds online, if you have concerns about your learning experience that are not being addressed, please contact laurie.matthias@twu.ca.

Employees & Workforce

I AM A TWU EMPLOYEE WORKING FROM HOME. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

This answer is now on the Intranet site.

I AM A STAFF EMPLOYEE AND I CHOOSE TO SELF-ISOLATE BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE B.C. PROVINCIAL HEALTH OFFICER. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

This answer is now on the Intranet site.

Mental & Spiritual Health

HOW CAN I CONTINUE TO GROW SPIRITUALLY DURING THIS TIME?

We encourage you to take advantage of the additional time in your schedule to pray regularly, meditate on the timeless words of the scriptures, and reach out to others, encouraging them to do the same. Trinity Western will be uploading a new message to our Chapel Podcast each Wednesday and Friday.

In a message from Rev. James Ellis III, he shared that we can pray daily for God's peace and protection at 3:16 a.m./p.m., since in Deuteronomy 31:6 we find these words: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Whether at 3:16 a.m. or p.m., let's refocus attention on God.

Feel free to contact Reverend James Ellis III or another member of our Student Ministries team if you need pastoral care and would like to book a virtual appointment. 

WHAT CAN I BE DOING TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH DURING THIS TIME?

It is normal during times like this to experience higher degrees of stress and anxiety. Here are a few simple activities you can do to take care of your mental health:

  • Maintain a sense of routine or develop a new routine.
  • Take advantage of the many forms of communication that we have to maintain your social contacts.
  • Look after your physical health, keep up your activity, and spend time outside.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and get eight or so hours of good sleep each night.
  • Minimize the amount of news you are listening to if you find it adding to your distress.
  • Ensure you are in touch with your health-care provider if you are experiencing a worsening of your symptoms.

To meet with a professional in our Wellness Centre either in-person or online, please continue to book online and in-person appointments through http://www.twu.ca/wellness-centre. For Mental Health Services, please call (604) 513-2100 and for Health Services call (604) 513-2024. Wellness Centre hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Well is temporarily closed.

What if I’m unsure?

It is normal to feel uncertain about the future. Know that you’re not alone. We have a team of counsellors and support staff who are here to guide you along the path of decision-making, a path that may look different for each of you. Your counsellors are knowledgeable about your respective programs and specializations of study. They can provide answers to your questions, suggest creative solutions to meet your needs, pray with you, and speak words of encouragement.

Financial Aid

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STUDY AT TWU?

For a breakdown of fees, see our Tuition and Costs page.

WHERE CAN I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

TWU’s financial aid program includes both merit- and need-based aid. To find out if you’re eligible, go to our Financial Aid & Awards page. Or, go straight to the application portal and log in.

I NEED HELP PLANNING HOW TO PAY FOR MY EDUCATION. WHO CAN I TALK TO?

You or your family may contact the TWU Financial Aid Office with any questions you may have about finances, awards, or student loans. Our Financial Aid Counsellors are here to help.

MY FINANCES HAVE CHANGED SINCE I SUBMITTED THE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION. CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY APPLICATION?

Once an application has been submitted, students and parents are not able to amend/edit the application. You can, however, contact a Financial Aid Counsellor at awards@twu.ca to discuss changes to your income that could require revisions to be made to your financial aid application.

WILL THE TWU CAMPUS BE OPEN WHILE CLASSES ARE OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes. The TWU campus will be open in accordance with British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) guidelines to allow students to experience the engaging and supportive community at TWU, while ensuring that everyone on campus is safe. As with all aspects of campus life, the number of students allowed to live on campus will follow the BCCDC guidelines.

BECAUSE OF COVID-19, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK DURING THE SUMMER. ARE THERE RESOURCES I CAN APPLY FOR?

Yes. The first resources to explore is the TWU COVID-19 Student Resources page that includes a list of government financial support resources and links to their websites. For loss of employment specifically, you can apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) program.  

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