The single highest priority for the Trillium College Community Members will always be the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff.

As of yet, no cases of Coronavirus have been identified within the Trillium College Community.

Academic integrity and continuity also remain a priority. Our goal is to ensure that students can complete all courses in which they are currently registered, and receive their evaluations and credits without any interruption.

In light of urgent recommendations by public health officials that ‘social distancing’ is the most effective means of protecting students, staff and faculty members from infection, the College is announcing tonight that:

• Classes on Monday, March 16, 2020 for EXISTING, ACTIVE students are CANCELLED for the day.
• Please log into TC Learn for instruction on how to carry on with your education moving forward.
  • Students will be contacted through digital channels with specific arrangements as to how each course will be completed.
• All students that are scheduled for their first day of class tomorrow, March 16, 2020 should come as planned in order to ensure you are able to move forward online Tuesday.
  • You will receive instruction on how to get started with online learning, and
    finalize funding appointments.
• Students currently on placements should continue their activities without alteration unless otherwise notified.
  • The majority of placement students are in health care programs; continuing placement is of the utmost importance, especially now.
• All campuses remain open. 
• For the time being, all administrative staff should report to the campus as usual and continue to perform their regular tasks and roles.
  • Faculty – please arrive at 11:30am for a mandatory meeting. Please bring a laptop, tablet, and/or smartphone with you.
• Please understand that the health and safety of our employees is paramount, and the College is considering various factors; more information will be provided to staff in the days to come.
• As indicated by the public health advisory of Canada, non-essential travel is to be avoided; staff and faculty travel is strongly discouraged.
• Campuses are no longer offering the drop in camps for children to align with social distancing protocol.

The College will continue to provide ongoing updates via our social media feeds. This will include updates to academic programs, travel information and precautions you can take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Please keep in mind that self-hygiene is key to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

These unprecedented measures will be disruptive. We trust, however, that all members of our community will understand that they are necessary and are being implemented for the benefit of all.

We wish to thank each of you for your valuable understanding and cooperation in these extraordinary times, especially our employees, who are working diligently to ensure our operations continue to run efficiently as this complex situation unfolds.

We are confident that by remaining resilient and by continuing to support one another that we will be able to meet and overcome the challenges ahead.

To protect the Trillium College Community Members, and to assist with the provincial efforts of stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following measures will be implemented effective Monday March 15, 2020. Because this situation is fluid, dates and plans may be adjusted accordingly. Please continue to check TC Learn and social media for any additional updates moving forward.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Any person displaying/ showing /thinks or feels they have the symptoms of COVID-19 outlined in the policy document should self quarantine for 14 days. If symptoms worsen, contact Telehealth for guidance.

• Students are require to create an academic action plan, and it must be on file at the campus to keep their academic status and standing.

CLINICS, OUTREACHES, PLACEMENTS

Effective March 15, 2020 all clinics and outreaches are cancelled through April 6, 2020.

• Once the situation has stabilized, these outreaches/clinics will be rescheduled; completion of them is a graduation component and will be require.
• Student placements will continue as scheduled and will be managed on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with Trillium College and the community partner.

TRAVEL

Any person entering a campus that is returning from a location listed on the active travel health notice is required to disclose and to follow the government implemented self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes all members of the Trillium College Community (employees, students, public, and community partners).

If you have travelled outside of Canada at all, it is important to monitor your health upon return, you may have come in contact with COVID-19. If you experience any symptoms call the public health authority for advice.

• Students returning from travel from locations on the active travel health notice will also be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
• They will need to communicate with their instructor and the Academic Coordinator to create an academic action plan keep their academic status and standing.

CAMPUS CLEANING

Measures have been implemented to include additional disinfection of high touch surfaces such as door handles, desks etc.

DROP-IN CAMP

Each campus is working toward implementing a drop-in camp for school-aged children (4 years and up), in an effort to assist our students with child care given the province wide elementary school shut down.

There will be a sign up sheet at the front desk; we ask that students sign up in order to understand demand. Details on this to follow.

THINGS TO CONSIDER AND REMEMBER

As of March 13 th at 9am, there are 60 confirmed cases in Ontario. The population of Ontario is 14.57 million; there are 152 confirmed cases in Canada. The population of Canada is 37.59 million. Any of the measures outlined in this document are recommendations as given by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Public Health Ontario, they are to be considered preventative. They are being implemented to limit the transmission of the virus. Washing your hands and not touching your face are still the best way to protect yourself and your family.

If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 please refer to the Public Health website. If you have any questions regarding any information contained in this memo, please discuss with your Campus Director.

To our Trillium College Community Members:

In light of the recent announcement of the public school closures we would like everyone to know that all of our classes will be running as usual March 13, 2020. 

We will provide an update again soon regarding next steps in relation to COVID-19, and how it may or may not impact our campus operations moving forward.

Thank you for your patience as we work through this along with the rest of the province. 

-Trillium College

With growing global concerns around COVID-19, there have been a couple of questions about what we are doing. Trillium College will act in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal direction when it comes to managing the spread of the virus, with the health and safety of the Trillium College Community Members as a priority.

We are sure you know that most effective things that you can do to lessen your risk is to wash your hands often, manage your coughs and sneezes and maintain a distance from others if you are concerned. We are not going to repeat the details of these and other measures, they are readily available from many appropriate sources.

What we do want to communicate, however, as a reminder that we are, and have been for some time, ensuring that the campuses are well cleaned and that high-touch surfaces are being disinfected regularly.

There are sinks with soap dispensers in all of the washrooms and most authorities suggest that washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective approach to preventing infection and spread, as well as not touching your face with unclean hands.

7 financial aid options that could help you follow your career dreams

Many people struggle to cover their daily financial costs of living. According to renowned motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer, in his book Excuses—Begone!, however, “I can’t find the money” is an excuse many people use to avoid making important—but challenging—changes in their lives.

Have you been making excuses to avoid going back to school? Or are you legitimately worried about how you’ll afford the costs of retraining for a new career? To help you clear away some of your own limitations and make the move to come back to school, here are some forms of financial aid that may well be open to you. With start dates just around the corner, we’ve even provided specific links, so you can look into these areas of potential financial aid now!

Student loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. To find your eligibility for financial related programs, visit www.ontario.ca/page/student-loans-grants-scholarships-and-bursaries.

Second Career

To help retrain recently laid-off workers for new careers, the Government of Ontario created the Second Career program. This program provides financial aid to eligible candidates for tuition, living, dependent care, transportation and study materials expenses—among other things. You must visit an Employment Ontario assessment centre near you to determine your eligibility. Visit http://secondcareerontario.com/web/second_career/landing/ for more information.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

The WSIB works in conjunction with registered Private Career Colleges in Ontario to help people train for job market re-entry. If you’ve been injured and want to retrain for your previous job or even enter a new career, visit the link here. You may be eligible for financial aid in the form of tuition funding, job counselling and job search support.

Lifelong Learning Plan

The Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) helps Canadian residents withdraw money from their Registered Retirement Savings Plans in order to fund their own full-time education—or that of their spouse or common-law partner. Students seeking to study part time may also participate if they meet disability conditions. Visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/tpcs/rrsp-reer/llp-reep/cndtns/menu-eng.html for information about LLP financial aid.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

If you’re named under your family’s RESP, you may be able to use these funds to pay for your part-time or full-time studies in an eligible post-secondary program. Visit http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/savings/using_resp.shtml for more information.

Aboriginal & First Nations

The Post-Secondary Student Support Program is offered by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and can provide financial aid to Inuit and First Nation students to help cover their travel, living or tuition costs. Students seeking post-secondary education on full or part-time bases at eligible institutions can apply. Visit http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033679/1100100033680 for more information.

Trillium College Payment Plans and Financial Aid

In addition to the programs listed above, Trillium College offers its students financial aid. All Trillium College students qualify for our no-interest, in-house payment plans. If students require reduced monthly payment schedules, we may extend their monthly payments beyond their graduation date. Also, Trillium College has developed partnerships with several banks with student budgets in mind. These banks may provide you with a low monthly payment plan so you can afford to go to school. Visit our Financial Aid Page to learn more about funding at Trillium College now.

Still have questions?

Trillium College’s representatives can help. There’s still space in our programs for you to take your first step towards a great new career this September! Call 1.855.234.2008 to schedule your FREE Career Planning Session.

So you’ve decided you want to go back to college. Why not meet with a knowledgeable college representative who can help answer your questions? It’s time to meet with a Career Coach! Imagine some loud clapping and cheering—because this decision represents your first step towards a new and better life.

Trillium College is glad to have you—and your positive energy—on board.

So you’ve made the decision to change your life for the better, however, what should your next step be? Well, it’s always a great idea to explore the campus of your choice. Each of our campuses have a team of Career Coaches who are eager to help you make great choices for your education. No matter which of our four campuses you choose to visit, meeting with a Career Coach at Trillium College will set you a step ahead for a number of reasons.

Meeting with a Career Coach will allow you to learn more about your future career

From class scheduling, to tuition costs and more, our Career Coaches here to answer all of your questions. Career Coaches can speak with you about your goals, the kinds of employers that hire our students, and the industry you’re hoping to enter. They’re friendly and happy to chat, so don’t be shy: Come by Employment Services anytime!

Meet with your future instructors

It’s important, in the world of academics, to get to know your instructors. They are the people who will lead you along the path to your new career, and they are a wonderful source of not only knowledge, but support as well. Working in the college system as they do, and having gone through years of studies themselves, our faculty can advise you and help you succeed. Trillium College Career Coaches can help you put your best foot forward with your soon-to-be instructors. Additionally, you will be able to obtain valuable information about the studies and school experiences awaiting you.

Learn about our financial options

Trillium College’s Student Finance Department can help you find out everything you need to know about obtaining financial aid and paying for your education. Whether you have questions about scholarships, low-interest loans, OSAP, using your RRSPs to pay for schooling or registering as a First Nations student, our financial aid advisors can help you find the funding assistance you need.

Friendly faces are a good thing

No matter how confident you are, starting classes at a new college can seem scary. An appointment with a Career Coach will give you the chance to meet faculty, staff and other students. Your first day of classes will be less nerve-wracking with a few familiar faces around.

Read about our Career Coaches as well as other student services offered at Trillium College here.

They say do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

Yes, some people may already have an idea which exact career path they want to pursue. However, not everyone has it all figured out, which is okay. With the many professions in the world it can feel intimidating trying to narrow down a job that you’re going to love. If you’re finding yourself in this position, then read our helpful tips to help you choose the right career path!

Start by having a general idea of the things you are interested in

We all want to succeed in our chosen profession, right? Sometimes it seems almost impossible to figure out where to begin. Begin by basing your real life interests and relate them to school curriculum. Note everything down and place your interests into categories that fit appropriately. For example, if you have an interest in esthetics, you can place that under the category ‘Health and Beauty’. After categorizing all your interests, you can then apply them to a ranking list. The ones you enjoy the most can be ranked at the top, and then continue onto the bottom. Once you have a general idea of your ranking list, you can then begin researching specific types of jobs in that interest. The right career path will almost choose itself.

Research your career

It’s important to do extensive research as it can help in better understanding the type of job profession you want to study. The internet offers a substantial amount of information that can provide you with knowledge on any career salaries, requirements, benefits, skills etc! You can take this time to do as much research as possible as It can help you determine which career path you should move forward in. If you’re not sure what to research, then take a look at this article that offers valuable information on why you should do career research!

Network away

Networking is an essential career tool. It can provide valuable assistance in determining if a specific industry is right for you. Connect with individuals in your field of interest that can provide beneficial insight as well as let you know about job openings or opportunities. There’s never a wrong time to start networking, it’s a great way to put yourself out there! Not only can you leave a great impression, but this can also improve confidence. A couple of ways you can get involved in networking are by:

• Attending industry events  
• Participate in workshops
• Attending or joining conferences
• Connecting with alumni
• Reaching out to industry professionals
• Utilizing social media (ex. LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)

Still not sure? Try taking a career quiz

If you find that you still don’t have an idea of which direction you should take, then try taking a career quiz. Career quizzes are a fun way to help explore and widen your career options! There are hundreds of quizzes online that you can take like this one here from the Government of Canada. Career quizzes are designed to get a better idea of the type of jobs you should be working in based on skills, personality, and work values. Once completing the questionnaire, you’ll be given access to your results of a ranking of job titles that best match your answers.

You are in charge of your future. Decisions may never be easy, but here at Trillium College, we have faith that you’ll be able to find a career for you! If you would prefer to have someone’s help, then check out our Student Services page on our website. Our career coaches can provide you with one-on-one assistance in offering you exceptional support and guidance in order for you to be fully equipped to attain your employment goals.

It’s been years since you were last in school. Actually, you may even have finished high school and thought, “Into the working world I go!” You never imagined you would be considering going back to school or taking adult learning courses. You have passed your teen years, maybe even your twenties, you’re “mature” now. Yet, here you are: your evenings are spent dreaming of a career change. During your lunch hours, you’re perusing online listings for adult learning courses or college programs that can help you get the job of your dreams.

So you’re ready to become a student again, but can you handle it? Of course you can, because mature students – Trillium College has found – often come back in a stronger position to achieve success in the halls of academe. Here’s why adults, whether they’re taking adult learning courses or full college programs, tend to make the most of their return to college life:

Mature students know what they want

You’ve spent a few years out in the working world. Also, you’ve simply lived more. These experiences have shown you what you want out of life. They’ve also shown you, however, what you don’t.

Mature students often come back to school with a plan. They have an idea of the job field they’d like to move into, or the specific promotion a diploma will help them acquire. Mature students’ enhanced understanding of their own needs and desires helps them stay focused and on track, whether they’re taking an adult learning course, or an entire program.

They respect life’s opportunities

We’ve all missed a great opportunity at some point in our lives. And we may not have realized the chance we lost until years later. Part of growing up and maturing, however, is coming to recognize a valuable experience when we see one.

Mature students, with the benefit of, at times, painful hindsight and life experience, are better able to value the great opportunity going back to school can be. Many are able to recognize – more clearly, perhaps than an average teen – the learning, enhanced work opportunities, possibilities for promotion and self-respect that a college diploma or adult learning courses can bring.

Returning to school is an investment

It’s a universal truth that daily living costs money. It can be expensive to cover the rent, dental bills for the family and, oh, so much more.

Because going to college can cost money, it requires careful thought and planning. With the reality check of daily payments and bills firmly in place, mature students realize they are putting valuable funds into improving their future situation and as a result, the experience means more to them. If you feel your financial status is a barrier to pursuing education, however, never fear: Trillium College is able to help many students acquire funding, scholarships or financial aid. Call 1.866.661.2070 today to find out how Trillium College can help you afford adult learning courses or a diploma program today.

Attitude is everything

Perhaps, back in high school, you frequently skipped classes, or didn’t see the value of attending school. Then you entered the working world. While it was great to have a paycheque coming in, maybe that paycheque is no longer enough—or maybe you wish you’d valued the knowledge your teachers were trying to impart more.

Mature students tend to have a better understanding of the value of formal education. They have also had the “wake up call” of the working world – and especially of a working world that’s been facing an economic downturn. Mature students, then, tend to be excited to return to school and motivated to make the most of the experience – and this often translates directly into student success.

Are you a mature student who is considering a return to college? Trillium College offers financial aid options, flexible schedules and adult learning courses to help mature students succeed. Also, most of our diploma programs are under a year long. Call 1.855.234.2008 to set up your FREE Career Planning Session, and learn how you can take the first step towards a new career – without disrupting your current one – today!

Every person in college can relate how it is sometimes difficult to balance work and school.

Often, it’s more than just school and work, there is life in general to balance too. As adults, we have responsibilities that require attention whether we want to or not. Whether you are in part-time or full-time studies, the stress is still present when you have to manage school and working any job at the same time.

Tuition fees are definitely a factor for why students might have to work at the same time of their studies. However, going to college is an investment because you put in time, effort and obviously money for your education. In the end, with successful completion, you are given a specific skillset to be able to begin a new career. This is why it’s important to find the proper balance! So that your hard-work and investment literally pays off.

Don’t be scared! The good news is that anything is possible. Being a student is challenging and rewarding at the same time. It’s easy to say, “I can do it”, but it’s definitely harder to do than to say. If you put your mind to it and set goals, you can truly achieve anything. Read below to see the simple ways to find a balance between your work, school, and everything life!

Start by finding the best way to keep yourself organized.

Some people do this simply by writing things down. Some are more visual and need to see information literally in front of them, such as lists. Others are completely digital and enjoy virtual organization! There are many different ways that people can stay organized. Find what works for you and invest in the necessary tools to help you keep track of your schedule as a student and employee. This could include; an agenda, a calendar, a mobile app, a simple notebook, a specific electronic device, etc.

Obtain important school dates as early as you can.

Often enough, classes have a syllabus or schedule for the entire school year explaining the curriculum for the semester. This can be used to your benefit by taking note of the important dates. You’ll not only stay prepared, but will also be able to let your employer know ahead of time of these dates so you can take the necessary time off. It’s also important to take into consideration your study time to prepare for important dates or tests and quizzes. Study time is something you should definitely use time off work for too.

Practice your priorities.

Work and school can be overwhelming. Any other responsibilities on top of that can be difficult to manage too. With a lot on your plate, it’s a good idea to make use of your precious time. There are times when you may want to avoid school and do something other than school work with your free-time, but what you should remember is that school is your investment. It should be top priority and always number one on your list. Practice prioritizing so that you can fit all of your life the way you want, school, work and all.

Keep time for yourself.

Being a student can be stressful. It definitely requires a certain lifestyle that also requires sacrifice. Don’t let that sacrifice keep you from things that make you the happiest. No one is perfect and it’s okay! Focusing on time for yourself can reduce stress levels which is important because stress will only hold you back from achieving your goals. Find time to do something for yourself whether it is taking a bath, going for a walk, reading a book, anything. It doesn’t have to last a long time, but enough to make you feel good!

Being a student and balancing a busy life requires a lifestyle. Make it a lifestyle you like, that makes you happy and that you can thrive in.

If this opportunity comes knocking at your door, you definitely should not turn it away.

It is one of the best and smartest things you can do for yourself, for many reasons. You should remember that it doesn’t matter how old you are, or what stage you are in life. Whether it’s your first time attending post-secondary or not, there’s always a spot for you. You woke up one day and wanted to make a change in your career? We applaud that! You’re finally chasing the dream you had as a little girl/boy? Go get ‘em.

The great thing about education is that anyone who wants to do it, can do it. As an adult, you are also actually at many advantages when you return to school. If you want education to be your goal, you can make it happen, especially at Trillium College!

Here are the many amazing advantages of returning to school as an adult:

Starting fresh.

Yes, you get to start on a blank, clean page. This is the time to set new goals and leave the rest in the past. This is a new opportunity for you and you’ll do great! It’s time to get organized and show what you’re really made of.

Let’s be honest, you’ll be more mature than the rest.

You’re not straight out of high-school, which means you’ve already experienced what’s out there. You’re an adult, you know the secrets to adulting and you’re so over teenage drama.

You will probably take this more seriously.

You know what your priorities are. You have a daily routine at home, work, whatever you were doing prior to returning to school. You’re already good at getting stuff done, which means you’ll kill it in school.

Experience is on your side.

You already have a job or have had multiple jobs. You have more than enough experience on your resume compared to the rest of the class. This is a great asset to have when you end up finishing the program!

Networking will be a breeze.

You stepped out of your comfort zone and came out of your shell a long time ago. Meeting new people, making friends and growing your network for this new career will be easy for you.

Explore more.

Remember, school isn’t just the classrooms, it’s the environment and community too. You won’t believe all that can happen on a campus and it’s actually quite exciting. There’s enough to get involved in for everyone for whatever you may like. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for posters on campus and social media activity.

Up to date.

This is definitely something to look forward to. Whichever program you decide to study, know that you will be up to date with everything in that industry! Sometimes, workplaces can be outdated, but that won’t be you. You can bring in your fresh knowledge to the new job that you land.

We could go on forever about all the advantages of returning to school as an adult. What we’re really trying to say here, is that we encourage this so much. As mentioned earlier, education is for anyone! We encourage everyone to chase their dreams and crush all of their goals. Plus, have you seen Life of the Party? That could basically be you as Melissa McCarthy in college. Seriously though, if you are looking or thinking about applying to Trillium College, click here to learn more information. Another great thing about Trillium College is that we have career coaches. They basically help you out from start to finish in the entire application process making this transition as easy and helpful as possible.

Let’s start your career today.