Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions are updated to reflect changes in the college's response to COVID-19. 

Students having trouble navigating a college-related problem, or cannot find information needed through the FAQ below, can use the student self-referral form to request help.

FAQ: All students

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be on campus? 

Conestoga has paused proof of vaccination requirements at all campus locations.

We will continue to monitor conditions and consult with public health advisors. It may be necessary to bring back vaccine requirements on short notice to protect the health and well-being of our college community and create a safe environment for those who are most vulnerable.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccines to avoid disruptions to their educational experience should it be necessary to reinstate the policy. 

Visit the college's vaccines web page to learn more. 

What do I need to know about accessing campus?

Conestoga has returned to a full on-campus, in-person learning experience. Procedures are in place to continue to protect the health, safety and well-being of the college community.

Please visit the campus access page for detailed information.                                                                                               

Do I need a parking permit?

Paid parking is in effect. Visit Parking Services for more information.

Am I required to wear a mask on campus?

Conestoga has paused masking requirements at all campus locations.        

Masks will continue to be available on campus at no charge. Students are strongly encouraged to consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible.        

Please respect the choices of others, including those who may choose to continue wearing masks.

I have been exposed, have symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

If you have been exposed, are experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please use the online provincial self-assessment tool to help determine next steps and follow all recommendations.             

You are permitted to access campus if your self-assessment does not recommend self-isolation. However, if you are feeling unwell, please stay home. 

I am feeling unwell or need to self-isolate and will be missing classes, due dates or assessments. What should I do?

Please inform your instructors if you are feeling unwell or need to self-isolate and you think you will be missing classes, due dates or assessments, and record any absences on the Student Portal.                                                                                

Please contact your program coordinator about extended absences.                                                                                

If you are experiencing challenges in addition to the health impacts of COVID-19, please connect with a Student Success Advisor to help navigate available supports.

What protocols are in place to respond to COVID-19 on campus?

Students, employees and visitors who have been exposed, have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 should follow provincial guidelines. Please refer to the Government of Ontario for the latest information and guidance or use the online provincial self-assessment tool to help determine next steps.                                                                                                       

Visit the resources page for more information and guidance. 

Where can I order my books and course supplies for classes?

Physical and digital books can be ordered from the online bookstore with free shipping within Canada.                                                                                                  

Once you receive your timetable, log into the bookstore kiosk by entering your student number to see your personalized booklist. Select the items you wish to order, add them to your cart and proceed to check out.                                                                                                  

You can add any required supplies or uniforms to your cart.                                                                                                  

For questions about resources, please email bookstore@conestogac.on.ca.                                                                                                  

How do I get my student ONE Card?

Student ONE Cards are available in both digital and physical form.                                                                                                   

Visit the ONE Card website for further information about obtaining your card.                                                                                                  

FAQ: International students

Important Note: If you plan to travel to Canada, you must carefully read and understand each section of the mandatory Safe Arrival Plan to abide by the Canadian government COVID-19 protocols.

The International Office is here to support you. If you have questions that have not been addressed, please reach out to the contacts below:

Immigration

What is the status of Conestoga's COVID-19 readiness plan and being listed as an approved designated learning institution (DLI)?

Conestoga has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.  

Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for more information. 

Is my Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) affected by moving to online studies?

Courses of study delivered in an online-only format because of COVID-19 will not affect PGWP program eligibility. 

Please visit IRCC for up-to-date information. 

Will there be any processing delays in my application for renewal of my Study or Work Permit during COVID-19?

Processing times may be affected due to impacts of COVID-19. If you need to extend your status in Canada, it is recommended that you submit an application as soon as you're ready to avoid delays.  

Current and future studies

I plan to travel to Canada for my studies at Conestoga. What do I need to know?

International students planning to enter Canada for studies must carefully read and understand each section of the mandatory Safe Arrival Plan to successfully abide by Canadian government protocols. Check the Safe Arrival Plan website frequently for the most up to date information about travel..

Please consult the Government of Canada's Immigration and Citizenship for more information and prior to travelling. In addition, please review the plan and resources outlined through the college's international office to support a safe arrival and transition to Conestoga.        

Should you have further questions, please connect with the Transition Coordinator team at internationaltransition@conestogac.on.ca.

As a first-year student, can I start my program online while waiting for my visa?

Please check the Academic Delivery Plan. While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will allow international students to study out of country until August 31, 2022 (and these studies will count towards students' post-graduation work permits), Conestoga is only offering a very limited selection of programs to new, level-1 out-of-country students who are not able to travel to Canada for the spring 2022 term. If you have any questions regarding your program start date or delivery, please reach out to internationaladmissions@conestogac.on.ca.

I am unable to travel. Can I continue my studies remotely?

Returning students are expected to continue their studies from Canada for the spring term beginning May 9, 2022.

As a Level 2 student or higher, if your study permit approval has not yet been granted or you are unable to travel as a result of travel restrictions, you must request a deferral to a future intake. Deferrals can be requested directly on the OCAS portal.  

Note: Requests for withdrawal must be made directly in OCAS in addition to completing the withdrawal form in the student portal, even if you wish to defer to a future intake.   

Should you have further questions, please connect with the Transition Coordinator team at internationaltransition@conestogac.on.ca.

Financial assistance

Are there government supports for international students?

International students who meet the eligibility criteria laid out for Employment Insurance (EI) may qualify to receive this financial support. International students who are currently in Canada, who have worked the minimum number of hours and who meet the minimum income threshold can apply.

Health and wellness

Should I get tested for COVID-19?

If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use the self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care.  

Conestoga’s Medical Care Clinic acts as the primary care provider for all international students. Please email medicalcare@conestogac.on.ca from your Conestoga email account if you require medical support through a phone or video appointment.  

To find answers to related health insurance plan questions, please view the FAQs listed at the top of the Studentcare website.  

Who can I contact if I have a question about COVID-19?

If you have questions or concerns related to the current COVID-19 situation, please email covid19questions@conestogac.on.ca  

If you need help from the International Office, please reach out to our Transition Coordinators at internationaltransition@conestogac.on.ca     

Who can I speak with if I am feeling anxious and unsure?

You may want to connect with friends and family online or over the phone more frequently. Currently, public health officials are recommending we take social distancing measures. 

Conestoga’s counselling and peer support services are available for remote appointments to help students take care of their mental health. Please email counselling@conestogac.on.ca through your Conestoga email account to book a phone appointment. You must be currently living in Ontario to access this service.

You can also access a variety of supports online and over the phone:

  • Good2Talk: Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
  • Togetherall: An online peer-to-peer support community
What does physical distancing mean?

Physical distancing means making changes in your everyday routine to minimize close contact with others, including  

  • avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings,
  • avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes,
  • limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g., older adults and those in poor health), and
  • keeping a distance of at least two arms' length (approximately two metres) from others as much as possible.
I live with roommates. How can I practice physical distancing?

Have open communication with roommates about physical distancing:   

  • Do not invite friends or guests to visit your house/apartment 
  • Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face 
  • Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces with a disinfecting cleaning solution
  • Greet others with a wave instead of a handshake, hug or kiss 
  • Minimize outdoor trips and go to grocery stores at off-peak hours

Visit Canada.ca for more information on physical distancing.  


FAQ: Residence

Can I live in residence this year?

Yes. Conestoga Residence continues to be open for students.

Will I have a roommate?

Yes. All suites are based on double occupancy and will have roommates assigned.  

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to live in residence?

Proof of vaccination is not required for students and guests when entering residence. 

It is strongly encouraced that you remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses. 

Conestoga will continue to monitor conditions and consult with public health advisors. The college's COVID-19 protocols, policies and procedures may change and evolve quickly throughout the year based on changing conditions and public health guidance. 

Am I required to wear a mask in residence?

Masking is strongly encouraged where physical distancing is not possible.                 

I have been exposed, have symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

If you believe you may have been exposed, are experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please use the online provincial self-assessment tool to help determine next steps.

Will common areas be open?

Yes. Common areas and lounges are open. 

A sign-out system for areas such as the games room, movie lounge and study areas is in place. 

Do I need a parking permit?

Paid parking is in effect. Visit Parking Services for more information.

Can a guest visit me in residence?

Students can sign in guests as per the Guest and Visitor policy outlined on page eight of the Residence Community Living Standards

Can I visit Conestoga Residence to receive a tour?

Yes. Please contact the Conestoga Residence by phone or email to schedule a tour.  

A virtual tour is also available highlighting the residence, room styles and some common areas.

FAQ: Employees

I have been exposed, have symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

If you have been exposed, are experiencing symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19, please use the online provincial self-assessment tool to help determine next steps and follow all recommendtions.             

You are permitted to access campus if your self-assessment does not recommend self-isolation. However, if you are feeling unwell, please stay home. 

What do I need to know about accessing campus?

Conestoga has returned to a full on-campus, in-person learning experience. Procedures are in place to continue to protect the health, safety and well-being of the college community.

Please visit the campus access page for detailed information.                                                                                               

Do I need a parking permit?

Paid parking is in effect. Visit Parking Services for more information.

Am I required to wear a mask on campus?

Conestoga has paused masking requirements at all campus locations.      

Masks will continue to be available on campus at no charge. Employees are strongly encouraged to consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible.      

Please respect the choices of others, including those who may choose to continue wearing masks.

What steps can I take on campus to reduce the potential risk of infection transmission?

Follow all instructions and infection prevention and control protocols while on campus.

Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently with soap and water, or by using hand sanitizer located at stations throughout campus. 

What protocols are in place to respond to identified COVID-19 cases on campus?                                                                

Students, employees and visitors who have been exposed, have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 should follow provincial guidelines. Please refer to the Government of Ontario for the latest information and guidance or use the online provincial self-assessment tool to help determine next steps.           

It is important to remember that a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case is personal health information and must be treated confidentially. Please do not share the personal health information of other individuals, which includes identifiable details (i.e., name) or details that would lead to their identification (i.e., program/department).                                                                  

Visit the resources page for more information and guidance. 

Where can I find more information about COVID-19 vaccines?

Please visit the college's vaccines web page.