'We're almost through this': Lethbridge schools ready to welcome back students for the fall
In about a month, college and university students will once again be flooding campuses in Lethbridge.
It's been a strange year for everyone, but Lethbridge College registrar, Marko Hilgersom, is ready to bring people back.
"We really miss having students here the past year,” he told CTV News.
"We had, on average, 300 to 400 students a day on campus, but that's a far cry from 5,000 students."
Some Ontario schools are calling for mandatory vaccinations for all students and staff before they come back, but that’s not the rule in Alberta so far.
While Lethbridge College said its students won't require vaccines, but they are hoping for them.
"We are encouraging vaccinations because that's in line with public health guidelines," said Hilgersom. "So, you know, we're all in it together and we got through this, or we're almost through this, and we just want to get to the end."
When it comes to the University of Lethbridge, they've been trying hard to push the vaccination effort.
They ran their 'It's Worth A Shot' contest for the student body, which gave every student with at least one dose a chance to win a free semester of tuition.
The faculty was also included to really push the campaign.
Students' Union President, and fourth-year music major, Holly Kletke, is impressed with the school's effort.
"I think that it's a great commitment that upper administration have shown towards making a safe campus environment," she said.
However, Kletke said there is still some worry about going back to school when it comes to COVID-19, but she hopes everyone works together to stay healthy.
"It's kind of a double-edged sword, it's both exciting and anxiety inducing at the same time," said Keltke.
"But I'm glad to see that there is a return to campus and I hope that we can all keep contributing to making a safe campus environment for each other."
Lethbridge College starts welcoming back students on Sept. 7 for orientation.
First day of full classes for the college and the U of L starts on Sept. 8.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.