"We are excited to welcome students back on site this week. We have created what we believe to be a very safe and regulated environment for students to feel comfortable in small group learning, which we believe will really benefit them."
-- Rebecca Swaim, Director of TWU Richmond
Trinity Western University’s Richmond location at Lansdowne Centre welcomed students today for new student orientation.
Students arrived at staggered times to prevent crowding. University staff screened students for COVID-19 symptoms at the building’s entrance, while a clinical nurse checked students’ temperatures and provided health-related guidance.
Students were also offered free non-medical masks, if they were not already wearing one.
Upon check-in and registration, every student was given a personal ID and security key card. To enhance safety, the University’s premises is accessible only by student or staff key card.
Doors open to a new learning environment
In February 2020, TWU’s Lansdowne Centre location had newly opened, only to switch to a fully online format one month later due to COVID-19.
Rebecca Swaim, Director of TWU Richmond, is excited to welcome students back on site this week. She explains that the University has taken careful measures to accommodate students’ health and safety.
“We have created what we believe to be a very safe and regulated environment for students to feel comfortable in small group learning, which we believe will really benefit them,” Swaim said.
The site’s floors are marked with arrows to direct flow of foot traffic. Each classroom has been arranged for reduced capacity, with furniture and seating spaced out to accommodate social distancing.
Health and safety a priority
One of TWU’s Wellness Centre clinical nurses, Monica Wutzke, was at the Lansdowne location supporting students and staff as the campus re-opened.
“We are here to support the Richmond campus today as they are initiating their protocols for COVID-19 safety. We are making sure that students know how to use the BC Thrive Health app (for daily self-assessment), and checking temperatures,” Wutzke said.
As classes commenced, students and professors sat socially distanced in their classrooms, wearing masks. Some students joined in virtually through live stream.
Community life in a time of social distancing
In addition to classroom learning, TWU Richmond is offering clubs and opportunities for community connection.
A white board in the foyer displayed 11 different student clubs that are open for joining, including a finance and career club, and a world cultures club. Student clubs are facilitated online via the WeChat platform.
Kim Chen, Director of Student Life at TWU Richmond wants to see students thrive in community. He says, “As part of orientation week at TWU’s Lansdowne location, Trinity Western student leaders are encouraging students to sign up for clubs, to help keep students engaged and connected.”
Preparation for life and career
TWU Richmond in Lansdowne Centre offers university-level preparatory language programs, Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Leadership degree completion, Master of Arts in Leadership, and Master of Business Administration programs. The Lansdowne Centre site was designed specifically to serve the needs of international undergraduate students completing their BA in Leadership degree. TWU Richmond continues to operate its Minoru location in addition to the new Lansdowne location.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca