Health and safety

Georgian aims to provide a safe, healthy and secure learning and working environment for our students, staff and community.

For information about lockdown, fire evacuation and campus closures, please visit our what to do in an emergency webpage.

Incident reporting

A security guard in uniform taking notes in a small notepad while taking an account from two people standing behind a desk at the Georgian College Barrie Campus

Georgian is committed to providing an environment and campus that is safe for everyone. We encourage you to report any accidents or incidents, as well any hazards you may see at the college, so that we have an opportunity to fix the problem.

Students and employees can complete a simple form to make a report. Visitors and community members can contact ohs@georgiancollege.ca to report incidents and hazards.

Don’t forget, if a hazard is present at Georgian that presents immediate danger (e.g., a slip hazard due to spilled water or ice), call campus security at 705.722.5100 for immediate response.

Healthy campus communities

Georgian reminds students and employees of our collective responsibility to keep our college community safe and healthy. Our emergency management team regularly monitors public health developments and if we need to update any of our safety protocols, we’ll let all students and employees know.

A message for the fall virus season

It’s that time of year when we start to see increases in cases of respiratory illness, including COVID-19. Georgian reminds students and employees of our collective responsibility to keep our college community safe and healthy. 

 If you feel unwell or are experiencing symptoms related to respiratory illness, please stay home and seek medical attention as needed.  Use the provincial self-assessment tool and follow the guidance provided. 

Practice good hygiene

Together, we can all contribute to a healthy Georgian community by practicing good hygiene: 

  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. 
  • Use hand sanitizer where hand-washing facilities aren’t available. 
  • Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose and eyes). 
  • Cover your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze. 

Face masks

Wearing a face mask is a personal choice. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask on campus will have their choice respected. 

What to do if you’re sick and can’t attend campus

Students – if you can’t attend a class in person and don’t have a remote option, you should notify your faculty. Note: you must notify each faculty for each on-site activity you’ll miss. 

Employees – if you can’t attend work in person and don’t have a remote option, please notify your manager. 

Public health resources

You can refer to your local public health unit for guidance about testing, isolation and other care:

Public Health Ontario 

Grey-Bruce Health Unit 

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit 

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit 

Archive

If you’re looking for archived information about Georgian’s response to COVID-19, please contact Campus Safety Services at ohs@georgiancollege.ca or 705.722.1586. 

Stay health this holiday season! Vaccination reminder and clinic information

During the fall and winter seasons, cases of respiratory illnesses tend to rise due to the increase of indoor activities and a greater potential for contact with others who may be ill.

For this reason, Georgian would like to encourage our college community members to be fully vaccinated, including the annual flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster shot(s) as recommended by public health.

Vaccines and appointments are widely available. You can find more information on how to book an appointment from your local health department:

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Grey Bruce Public Health

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

First aid

Georgian’s campus security team are trained in first aid and certified to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

We can provide first aid service, contact other first aid providers on campus, and arrange transportation if emergency medical attention is required.

Barrie Campus

At the Barrie Campus, security is the first responder to emergency situations.

There is a First Aid Office in B119 (within the Parking Office) during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

Other locations

  • Orillia Campus: Welcome Centre (A114)
  • Owen Sound Campus: Registrar’s Office (123)
  • Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville and South Georgian Bay campuses, and downtown Barrie location: First aid supplies in the main office

A security guard in uniform holding an ice pack on a student's head while another security guard in uniform takes notes about the first aid incident

Please note: If you call 911, you MUST notify security (705.722.5100) so we can guide emergency services where they need to be.

Alcohol, drugs and tobacco

A server in a white collared shirt and a black apron with name tag carrying a black round try holding five wine glasses - four with white wine, one with red

Alcoholic beverages

Georgian has guidelines for the use of alcohol.

Georgian has a policy about the servicing of alcoholic beverages and consumption at college functions and on college property. This procedure is intended to provide students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests of Georgian with clear direction relating to the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages on college property or at college-sanctioned events, either on or off Georgian property.

A hand holding a lit joint containing marijuana between the index finger and middle finger, surrounded by smoke, with an icon overlay indicating no cannabis allowed

Cannabis

Recreational cannabis use is prohibited on campus.

Georgian has a cannabis procedure that addresses federal and provincial legislation related to the recreational use, possession and/or cultivation of cannabis (marijuana). This procedure applies to all Georgian students, staff, contractors, guests and visitors at all campuses, and off-campus sanctioned events. Those who require the use of medical marijuana are required to produce documentation.

A person holding a cigarette that has been snapped in half, while smiling in the background, with an icon indicating no smoking allowed

Tobacco

Georgian is a smoking-free institution.

There is no smoking on Georgian property, whether you work, visit or study at any of our campuses or locations. This applies to all forms of tobacco consumption including smoking, vaping and chewing of tobacco products on any property or vehicle, operated, leased, rented or otherwise controlled by Georgian. This procedure applies to all persons while on or in college property as stipulated above.

Accessibility

an accessibility advisor assisting a student with adaptive technology

Georgian is committed to improving access to all college premises, facilities and services at all campuses.

We strive to achieve barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities studying, visiting and working at the college.

Information available to the public is provided in alternate formats upon request through Campus Safety Services at 705.722.1586.

Sexual violence

All members of the Georgian community have a right to study and work in an environment free from sexual violence. Remember – it’s never okay.

Sexual violence includes any act – whether physical or psychological in nature – that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism and sexual exploitation.

"WE BELIEVE YOU." inside of a speech bubble

What to do in an emergency

A red fire alarm pull station mounted on the white wall of a building next to a black window. It reads "FIRE. ACTIVATED. PUSH IN. PULL DOWN."

Be prepared during the event of an emergency lockdown, fire evacuation, or campus closure.

When an emergency happens, you’ll need to act fast. Know your options and make a plan in advance.

Safe@Georgian app

Keep us in your pocket! The Safe@Georgian mobile app provides quick and easy access to emergency contacts, support resources and much more.

App features

  • One touch connection to local police, campus security, safety escort request line, conflict resolution, and mental health and well-being supports
  • Safety toolbox (e.g., flashlight, audible alarm and location sharing)
  • Campus maps
  • Important notifications (e.g., lockdown, fire, unscheduled campus closures, etc.)
  • Sexual violence resources and information 
  • Report suspicious activity

Download the app

The Safe@Georgian app is free!

Search Safe@Georgian on the App Store or Google Play.

Available on the AppStore
Get it on Googleplay
Safe@Georgian app on three mobile device screens

Contact us

General inquiries and information

Our offices are located at the Barrie Campus (B125).

Phone: 705.722.1586
Email: ohs@georgiancollege.ca

Urgent matters

For all urgent matters, please contact security.

Phone: 705.722.5100

COVID-19 safety *HIDDEN SECTION*

At Georgian, the health of our students, employees, faculty and members of the community is important to us. We’re closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario and following the direction provided by public health.

Learn about COVID-19 safety measures to support the health, safety and well-being of our Georgian community.

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