Last updated: March 26, 2020
College of the North Atlantic is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. We understand that this is a stressful time and we wish to reassure all students that we are here to help with this transition. We understand that the delivery method of courses and access to resources may look different for different students. It is important that you stay connected to your peers, your instructors, and to CNA.
For students who have registered with Accessibility Services, this includes your Accessibility Services Coordinator. Your current instructors are aware of your approved accommodations. In light of the new delivery model, the nature of your accommodations may change. We will do all we can to ensure that supports are fitted to the new delivery method. Your Accessibility Services Coordinator (refer to the list below) is available via email or skype/phone appointment to discuss your needs.
Accessibility Services Tips For Students Using D2L
Accessibility Counsellor Contacts
Last updated: March 26, 2020
Your safety and well-being is at the core of all decisions being made as we continue to monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
We are committed to following the direction, best practices and protocols of provincial and federal health care authorities as we consider the safety of all stakeholders (students, staff and partners) and ensure that we all do our part to reduce the risks.
College of the North Atlantic is following recommendations set by the Board of Directors of Co-op Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), the provincial government and the Public Health Agency of Canada to implement the following actions immediately.
Current Work Terms:
- All on-campus site visits will be suspended to adhere to the principal of social distancing. Your Co-op Coordinators will use technology to connect and complete all required site visit tasks.
- Co-op Coordinators will make every effort to contact all students as soon as possible to discuss workplace issues relating to concerns you may have including work term evaluations, report requirements and minimum work term lengths. Please provide updated contact information to your Co-op Coordinator.
- You may wish to speak with your employer about work from home options. It may not be feasible for everyone, but where your employer can accommodate this arrangement we ask you for you to also discuss the arrangement with your Co-op Coordinator.
- If you wish to terminate your work term at this time as a result of the COVID-19 situation, you will not be academically penalized but you must discuss your circumstances with your Co-op Coordinator and employer.
- If your employer chooses to terminate your work term at this time due to COVID-19, you will not be academically penalized. Please advise your Co-op Coordinator if this occurs.
Spring/Summer Placements:
- Upcoming work terms may be impacted and/or delayed by the current COVID-19 situation. Decisions will be made as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.
All on-campus employer presentations and interviews are suspended. We have asked employers to use technology to connect with students at this time.
Last updated: March 26, 2020
We understand that this is a confusing and stressful time for you all and we want to let you know that CNA’s Counselling Services will continue. They will not be face-to-face meetings, but we will do our best to connect via email, instant messaging, and telephone or video conferencing through Microsoft Teams or Skype for Business.
Where can I find a counsellor?
If you would like to speak with someone, please feel free to contact a Counsellor to set up an appointment. To find a CNA Counsellor, please click the link below and select "Where can I find a counsellor?" for their contact information. Please be advised some Counsellors may not have access to their work telephone numbers and email might be the best way to connect initially.
Counselling Services at CNA
Community Resources
Below are some community resources you can access for free:
- www.bridgethegapp.ca
- Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-737-4668
- CHANNAL Warm Line: 1-855-753-2560 or locally 709-753-2560
Although you are away from the structure of classroom teaching, it is important that you practice good organizational and time management skills. With such freedom you should create a daily schedule to complete school work.
Let’s stay connected and stay healthy!
Information Specific to International Students
Last updated: April 30, 2020
Download a PDF version here
We understand that you may have a number of questions regarding your studies at CNA in response to all that is happening regarding COVID-19 (for more information on COVID-19 refer to question #7) and the closure of the college for in-person classes. We do not have all the answers right now. However, we are working to support you with the information that we currently have. You may also contact a CNA counsellor from your respective campus at counselling@cna.nl.ca.
- I am an international student and I have misplaced my contacts for questions and information with CNA. Where would I find this information?
For information related to studying at CNA, you are asked to contact the Student Development Officer (SDO) at your campus. Student Development Officers will be able to respond to your inquiries and put you in contact with the appropriate College employee if further information is necessary. A list of the Student Development Officer’s contact information can be found below.
Avalon
Carbonear – Robyn Frampton
Placentia – Dodie Blanche
Prince Phillip Drive – Marlene Furlong, Jennifer Burge
Ridge Road – Sarah Briffett
Seal Cove – Xin Tong
Central
Baie Verte – Scott Furey
Gander – Celena Alcock
Grand Falls – Windsor – Rob Hillier
Eastern
Bonavista – David Alcock
Burin – Ray Baird
Clarenville – Lauren Brake
Labrador
Happy Valley – Goose Bay – Sharon Lucci
Labrador West – Pamela Meany-Pieroway
Western
Bay St. George – Karen Bennett
Corner Brook – Jessica Mardel-Ferreira
Port aux Basques – Jeff Patry
St. Anthony – Vadney Tucker
- I am an international student who is planning on studying at CNA in Fall 2020. If my study permit is delayed in my home country, how will this affect my studies and who should I alert at the College of this delay?
If your study permit from your home country is delayed, you should let International Student Coordinator, Chanda Jordan know of these delays.
- My study permit will expire this September; therefore, I am wondering when I should apply for an extension?
For information regarding eligibility, when and how to apply, required fees, and processing time, please visit the IRCC website. A link to this website can be found here. It is important to visit the IRCC website frequently, as it is updated daily. For any specific questions regarding study permits, please contact Kamrul Islam at the Provincial Office of Immigration; kamrulislam@gov.nl.ca.
If you have an Immigration Consultant you can also reach out to them directly.
Furthermore, for more information on implied status for Study Permit extensions, please go here.
- What is CNA doing to help international students?
CNA is focused on supporting its students’ health and well-being students, particularly during this challenging time, as well as ensuring academic program continuity. Many student support services continue to be available for students if they need help. Please visit here for more assistance.
- As an international student, do I qualify for Employment Insurance (EI)?
Financial supports are currently being managed through the federal government Employment Insurance (EI) programs.
Eligibility for EI and Emergency Response Benefits and International Students:
International students who meet the eligibility criteria laid out for either of these programs, will qualify to receive these financial supports. Therefore, international students who have worked the minimum number of hours and who meet the minimum income threshold can apply to these programs. However, individuals outside of the country, including domestic students studying abroad, would not qualify for EI or the CERB.
The federal government is continuing to try to meet the needs of workers and highlights that this is a very fluid situation that will continue to evolve.
ESDC link
- I previously thought that I was ineligible for the CERB, and applied for EI benefits. With recent changes I would now like to apply for the CERB. Should I cancel my application for EI?
If you have applied for EI benefits after April 15th, and are now eligible for the CERB, your application will be rolled over to the CERB. It is important to note that going forward, you should only apply for one of the benefits and not both simultaneously. If you do receive the CERB, this amount will be considered income in the next tax year and you will have to pay income tax on it in the future, as tax is not currently being deducted from this amount. If you receive the CERB, you can expect a call from the CRA to acknowledge your receipts of these funds. Be aware of fraudulent calls and do not share personal information over the phone without confirming the true identity of the caller. The CRA will never text you about deposits about your account. If you receive these texts please ignore them.
- Where can I get my taxes done for free?
First, it is important to note that 2019 Income Tax deadlines have been pushed to June 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. There are a variety of resources available to you:
- The Canadian Federation of Students gives you access to use UFile.ca. You can file your taxes via this service using the special code offer: CFS1981
- Please contact Revenue Canada or your personal tax advisor for additional information.
- Am I at risk if I travel back to my home country?
Advising students on whether or not they can leave the country right now is difficult. It ultimately is the decision of the student involved based on the information available to them. We would suggest that you look at the current restrictions in place in your destination country, the countries that you would need to travel through, as well as the regulations of departures leaving Canada.
Some great resources to use include:
- Are work-term placements impacted?
For work-terms, CNA continues to assess all relevant courses to determine options for graduation requirements. Please continue to monitor your emails, our website and social media accounts for updates regarding your work-term placements.
- Can I apply for additional courses now that I have free time because I am not working? Can these courses be in another stream that I am just interested in and not part of my program?
Some students have indicated they are interested in taking on additional courses during this time of physical distancing and online learning. This may be possible; however, you should make contact with the Student Development Officer on your campus prior to making changes to your course load. For a list of Student Development Officer’s contact information please refer to question number one. Consulting with the student support team prior to making a decision regarding additional courses will ensure you make informed decision that will not impact your course of study.
- I am an international student who is currently completing courses online. I am wondering if I can work during this time?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced is pleased to announce that effective immediately and until August 31, 2020, international students may work more than the 20 hours/week during their regular academic session to assist with delivering essential services or functions to protect life and property, such as the health care sector. This facilitation is available to international students who hold a valid study permit and have a valid temporary resident status. IRCC states that “International students and their employers should consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the work the student is doing would allow them to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic session.
For a link to the full article please click here.
- How does COVID-19 affect my Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
If the program you were enrolled in has moved online due to CNA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not impact your post-graduate work permit. The latest announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), states “International students in Canada: courses of study being delivered online on an exceptional basis due to COVID-19, will NOT affect Post-Graduation Work Permit Program eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.” In addition, IRCC will also take into consideration the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when assessing PGWP criteria. For international students who are unable to meet the “continuously full-time enrolment” requirement, IRCC will still consider these students eligible for the PGWP if they meet all other required criteria.
If you have questions surrounding post-graduate work permits, visit the IRCC website. See information here. You may also contact Kamrul Islam at the Provincial Office of Immigration; kamrulislam@gov.nl.ca.
If you have an Immigration Consultant you can also reach out to them directly.
- Will graduation still be going ahead this spring? When will I receive my diploma?
Discussions surrounding graduation and the issuing of parchments are still ongoing, and information will be communicated to all students once it is available. Please continue to monitor your emails, our website and social media accounts for updates.
- I finished my program last week and am wondering what date CNA is going to send out diplomas and transcripts?
CNA currently has a committee working on a plan for graduation ceremonies. CNA acknowledges this milestone achievement in student’s lives and is working to create an online graduation ceremony that celebrates these achievements. For updates regarding graduation ceremonies and the receipt of your diploma and transcript, please check the CNA website frequently for updates.
- Is there anywhere else on the CNA website I can access information?
CNA’s website includes information pertaining to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in there is a Frequently Asked Questions section for your reference as there may be other information that pertains to you.
- Are there any special measures taken by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in response to COVID-19?
Yes. Please visit the Coronavirus Special Measures webpage for up-to-date information
- I have questions pertaining to my rights and responsibilities as a tenant and how they might have changed due to COVID - 19. Where can I find more information on this topic?
For updates pertaining to the Residential Tenancies Act, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Newfoundland Light and Power, please review the links listed below.
Residential Tenancies Act
NL Housing Corporation (Frequently Asked Questions)
Newfoundland Light and Power re: suspension of disconnection notices
- As an international student, am I expected to vacate residence like domestic students are being asked?
No. At this time, we are not asking any of our international students to leave residence. We realize that right now, having a place to stay is something that you can take comfort in. In addition, as stated previously, residences with cafeteria service will remain limited operations to ensure that there is access to meals.
- My in-person classes have been suspended and I am not sure about my student visa?
As College of the North Atlantic is working on plans for continuation of programming, many programs will transition to alternate delivery forms. An update is available on our website www.cna.nl.ca.
If for some reason that you are unable to continue with your program due to the measures put in place regarding the COVID -19 (coronavirus), and you are worried about your current student visa and/or work visa, you may want to check with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on extending your student visa and work visa.
If your status has not yet expired, you can apply online to extend your stay in Canada.
As per the IRCC website:
If you are a worker or student, you have a few options.
If you’re no longer working or studying, you can:
If you want to continue working or studying, you may be able to extend your work permit or study permit if you’re eligible.
When you’re applying, make sure you include a note explaining the reason you need to extend your stay in Canada.
- As a student, am I still covered by College of the North Atlantic’s Health and Dental program?
Yes. You are covered under the student health and dental plan through Greenshield as long as you are a registered student and all of your fees have been paid in full for the current semester.
If you have Foreign Health coverage by Guard Me then the following applies to you:
- All students enrolled under Guard Me are still covered while in Canada until their coverage expiry, which is August 31, 2020.
- If you require medical assistance during this time, or if you are feeling ill please contact the provinces public health line by calling 811 to receive further information on how to proceed as many medical facilities are reducing and/or eliminating walk-in clinics.
- I did not have the opportunity to apply for MCP access prior to COVID – 19. Can I still apply for these benefits now?
If you did not have the opportunity to apply for MCP prior to COVID-19, you may still do so. First time applicants will need to submit their application and the required documents to be properly assessed before coverage can be granted. Individuals who are first-time MCP applicants are also asked to send their name to Natasha Hillier, Student Development Officer – International. For individuals who may not have access to a fax machine or are having concerns with using public transit, please note this in your email to Natasha Hillier as well, as there may be accommodations available for submitting your MCP application.
- I am an international student that is worried about coverage through MCP. What can I do?
If you have MCP, your MCP is valid for coverage in N.L. You can apply for up to six months of out of province coverage. In order to get this out of province coverage, you must apply for it through MCP prior to travel outside the province.
- I am an international student that will be graduating in the spring, what should I do about post-grad work permits?
If you are one of the many students that is supposed to graduate this spring and have questions about your post-grad work permits you can contact the Association for New Canadians at jlander@ancnl.ca for more information.
- I am worried and feeling stressed due to COVID-19 and am looking for support, where can I turn?
If you are feeling stressed and anxious during this time, there are a number of supports available to you:
CNA Counselling Services – please check with your campus counsellor by email (counselling@cna.nl.ca) to make an appointment to discuss your concerns. Note that these meetings may happen over the phone to limit person-to-person contact.
Also, if you are worried about your peers please check in on them by phone or text to minimize person to person contact. You may also want to keep in contact with your families from home as this may help to provide some comfort in these trying times.
CNA also encourages students to keep up to date with COVID-19, by visiting:
Department of Health and Community Services
Public Health Agency of Canada
World Health Organization
- Is there a way to stay connected with my peers outside of CNA?
Yes. The Association for New Canadians has created a Facebook Group to connect newcomers from across the province. They will be providing relevant updates for newcomers, hosting activities, and providing information on how to access their services. Go join now!
In addition to this resource, the Association for New Canadians will be hosting weekly Digital Coffee Breaks for students. CNA staff and representatives from the ANC will be present to ask questions in a group setting. Students must register here via prior to the event in order to access. Video/audio capability is not required as students can ask questions via chat. For further updates, please join this Facebook group!
As more information becomes available, we will be sure to update this list to ensure that it reflects the most current information.
Last updated: April 30, 2020
Intersession Online Registration:
Intersession courses for this Intersession/Spring will continue to be conducted via online / distance delivery.
Online Registration for Intersession is closed.
Final Grades for Winter 2020:
Final grades will be available online for students on April 24. Please log in to Student Self Service throughout the day for updates.
Academic Status:
Students are advised there has been a limited waiver to the college’s Registration Procedure (AC-103-PR) for the winter 2020 term. The Academic Warning (11.3) and Academic Dismissal (11.4) procedures have been relaxed. Students who were previously placed on “academic warning” and who do not meet the re-admission requirements for a second occasion will not be academically dismissed from the college. These students will be given academic forgiveness (i.e. remain on academic warning) and will be eligible to register in a subsequent semester. Prerequisite rules will continue to apply. Students who do not meet these will not be permitted to register for those specific courses to which they apply.
FAQ - Am I able to request a transcript or parchment at this time?
Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, College of the North Atlantic is currently unable to process your request for a transcript or parchment (Diploma, Certificate, Wallet Card). Please submit your request once the college resumes normal business.
For more information please email Registrar@cna.nl.ca
Last updated: April 2, 2020
This section is comprised of information to services provided by CNA or other organizations:
Last updated: April 30, 2020
DISTRIBUTED LEARNING (Online D2L)
What are the system requirements for using D2L?
To participate in courses, students must have an internet ready computer system with the hardware and software requirements listed on this page.
General internet/computer knowledge (i.e. e-mail, ability to save files, install programs, and related applications) would be a valuable asset.
Students can also use our handy system check tool to ensure their browser meets the requirements for D2L.
FINAL EXAMS
What will happen with Finals?
There will be no in-person finals for the Winter 2020 semester. Some courses will have online final exams while others will be looking at alternative forms of assessment. Your instructor will communicate a revised evaluation scheme this week.
Can I write finals in remote communities with an invigilator?
No. Your instructor will communicate a new evaluation scheme to you this week.
PROGRAMS
For clinical/work terms placements, will we get passed on the work completed or will we finish our hours once we can?
Work experience is an important part of our programs. It includes clinical placements, work placements, internships, co-op, and service learning.
Heath Science students will need to complete clinical hours. The college is working with the Regional Health Authority’s and will advise when it is safe to return to clinical sessions.
For work experience in other schools, the college is assessing all work experience courses to determine what options are available to create flexibility for our students and meet learning requirements without impacting graduation. More communication will follow on this topic in the coming weeks.
Do I have all the same instructors as I did on campus?
Yes, the instructor you had all semester will finish the course with you.
If a program is suspended, or I’m unable to complete it online, will I be the first on the list to re-apply?
Students unable to complete their program online are encouraged to contact their instructor immediately. The instructor can raise the issue to Campus Administrators to see what arrangements can be made for the student to complete their current courses.
I was supposed to do my third block for the Cook program in May, will this still be going ahead?
Advanced blocks are suspended unless previously available online.
Information concerning intersession and spring semesters will follow in the coming weeks. Please continue to watch the CNA website and social media accounts for further announcements.
If we end up having to drop a program, can we pick up where we left off?
CNA is working hard to provide its students with flexible options to complete the Winter 2020 semester. If a student feels they need to withdraw from their program, we encourage the student to speak with their instructor(s) or a campus Counselor prior to withdrawing. A solution that may work for the student may be an option. There will be no academic prejudice if a student drops courses this semester.
With the campuses closed, how will I get my textbooks?
As our on campus bookstores are not fully functional at this time, please use this PDF list to source an e-textbook option for Intersession 2020. If you have any questions about your required text (for example using a different edition), please reach out to your instructor for confirmation prior to purchasing. Many courses also utilize a textbook that you may already have from a previous course so please confirm before purchasing. If you have access to an existing paper textbook, there is no requirement to purchase an additional e-text.
If you require text-to-speech accommodations, all Vitalsource purchases are accessible through the Read Aloud feature on their Bookshelf platform. Where other sources have been indicated, follow the instructions noted to purchase a textbook compatible with Kurzweil or other text-to-speech technology. If a textbook is not accessible as a direct digital purchase, or you purchase from another provider, contact your Resource Facilitator or Accessibility Services Coordinator to request an accessible text.
Other e-textbook related questions can be directed by email to: askalibrarian@cna.nl.ca
FINANCES
Will there be refunds for programs that are suspended?
Discussions surrounding impacts to student accounts are being held as we review the Academic Programs - Continuity Plan.
Will there be refunds for students who are unable to complete online?
Discussions surrounding impacts to student accounts are being held as we review the Academic Programs - Continuity Plan. In addition, information is being gathered using a survey on student access to help inform CNA of the ability of students to complete their courses online.
If my program (or part of) is suspended, how will this affect my Student Loan/Funding?
There is no immediate impact on students regarding student aid. Students should only contact Student Aid if they are making individual decisions to withdraw from their program or drop courses as a result of COVID-19.
Will Scholarships and Awards still be awarded?
Scholarships will be awarded but the details around that are not yet worked out. We hope to address items like this in the next week or so.
What methods of payments are accepted for Online Applications?
For applications that are made online, CNA only accepts Visa or MasterCard.
How can I pay my tuition and course fees?
Tuition and course fees can be paid online using Visa, Visa Debit and MasterCard through the Student Self Service by visiting www.cna.nl.ca/mycna (MyCNA from the CNA homepage), clicking the Self Service Options button, followed by Login to Student Services button. This can be done on a mobile device as well - either through data plans or other notable hotspots such as the parking lot of campuses or libraries.
Student Self Service Link
How can I pay for an application/courses/fees if I do not have a credit card or access to the website?
If a credit card is not available to you, then payment by cheque can be sent to:
HQ Cashier
P.O. Box 5400
Stephenville, NL, A2N 2Z6.
As for web access, Student Self Service is available by visiting www.cna.nl.ca/mycna (MyCNA from the CNA homepage), clicking the Self Service Options button, followed by Login to Student Services button. This can be done on a mobile device as well - either through data plans or other notable hotspots such as the parking lot of campuses or libraries.
Student Self Service Link
How will payments be made if I am funded by AESL?
AESL cheques will have to be mailed out to your mailing address on file. If you have recently changed your address or are unsure which one is on file, please contact your Student Development Office who can check that out for you. Once the cheque is mailed to you, you will need to sign it, place it in the pre-stamped return envelope and return it through Canada Post.
I receive Student Aid, what is the process for processing loans?
Student Aid borrowers will have their loans processed remotely. You do not need to do anything and once the loan is processed, you an email to confirm that it has been done. You can also track information regarding your student loan (Newfoundland & Labrador students only) at www.gov.nl.ca/studentaid by logging into the portal using your username and password.
I don’t have the equipment to continue with online learning. How can I finish my program?
Students need to connect with their instructors if they are unable to access course materials online to work out a solution or call the DL helpdesk line at 1-877-465-2250 or via email at dlshelp@cna.nl.ca
I’m a student interested in applying to CNA, can I still apply while the Campus/College is closed?
Yes, please refer the student to the college’s online application system. We will be seeing a pause in the processing of applications at this time however, we are still accepting applications.
What happens if I’m unable to get transcripts to you?
If you are a high school student from Newfoundland and Labrador, your transcript is provided through the Department of Education. If you are from outside the province, then request process may vary.
Please do your best to get transcripts to us. We understand this is a unique time and will be working with students upon the resumption of normal business regarding any outstanding application materials.
Am I able to request a transcript or parchment at this time?
Due to the COVID -19 pandemic, College of the North Atlantic is currently unable to process your request for a transcript or parchment (Diploma, Certificate, Wallet Card). Please submit your request once the college resumes normal business.