Dear Portage College Students,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are managing with the rapid changes we’ve all experienced in the past two weeks.

I know some of your courses may have been delayed or are being offered in a different way. I want to reassure you that we are working diligently to see you succeed.

I also wanted to reach out and offer my encouragement to you to stay on track with your journey and thank you for your commitment to your studies.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have to work together to slow the effects. Please do your part to help “flatten the curve” by staying home as recommended by Alberta Health Services.

We encourage you to reach out to your family, friends, fellow students and instructors when you feel stressed, lonely or just need to connect.

Here are some resources for you:

• The Portage Alert App has many resources like moving to online: https://apparmor.apparmor.com/clients/portagecollege.ca/
• Instant support for mental health at any time with Talk Campus App: https://www.talklife.co/portage-college.
• Portage College Counsellors: 1-866-623-5551 – ask for Counselling
• Alberta Health Services Text Support for Mental Health and Wellness: ahs.ca/text4hope
• Get healthcare from home with the Alberta Government and Telus Health App: https://www.telus.com/en/bc/health/personal/babylon

As I am working from home as well. I can identify with the difficulties of adjusting. Some tips I am following are set a routine, take both physical and mental breaks, and reach out to those around you virtually.

Stay safe and well.

We really are all in this together,

Nancy Broadbent
President and CEO of Portage College