Beginning November 1, 2026, Alberta will remain on UTC−06:00 year-round, ending seasonal clock changes.
This change may affect Outlook calendars, meetings, appointments, and other technology that relies on time-zone information. NorQuest College is preparing for the change and reviewing potential impacts to our technology and digital services.
What do I need to do?
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Restart your NorQuest computer when prompted
If you receive an update or restart prompt from NorQuest IT, please complete the update and restart your computer rather than selecting Skip, whenever possible.
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Check your Outlook time zone
Microsoft has introduced a new Alberta time zone for Outlook. Check to make sure you have the correct time zone set.
(UTC−06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
Update your Outlook default time zone to this setting. Changing your default time zone may not automatically update previously scheduled meetings, so it is important to review your calendar as well.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Change the default time zone in the Outlook app
- Change the default time zone in Outlook on the web
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Review your upcoming meetings
After updating your time zone setting, review your calendar. If you are the organizer of an affected meeting, update the meeting invite as needed.
Please check:
- Existing and recurring meetings
- Important appointments and events
- Meetings with people outside Alberta
Make sure the times shown in your calendar are still correct.
What should staff and faculty check?
In addition to reviewing your Outlook calendar, check any important classes, exams, appointments, or other time-dependent academic activities that may rely on digital scheduling tools. NorQuest's current technical guidance identifies academic applications handling exams, classes, and time-dependent activities as an area where timing disruptions could occur.
If a date or time does not look right, verify it before making changes.
What should learners do?
Review important dates and times associated with your classes and other scheduled activities.
If something appears incorrect, verify the intended date and time and contact NorQuest for assistance if needed.
What about meetings with people outside Alberta?
Some regions will continue to change their clocks seasonally. As a result, the time difference between Alberta and those locations may change during parts of the year.
If you have meetings with people outside Alberta, review the meeting time and confirm it with participants when necessary.
Will all NorQuest systems be affected?
No. NorQuest's current guidance indicates that only systems relying on seasonal clock-change rules or time-zone calculations are expected to be impacted.
BTS is reviewing centrally managed technology and addressing known impacts.
If your department manages its own software, booking system, or external application, check with the appropriate system administrator or software provider. If you are unsure who supports the application, contact Software Management for assistance.
Need help?
If you experience an issue with your Outlook calendar, time display, or another NorQuest technology service, please contact the NorQuest IT Service Desk.
Where can I find more information? Microsoft has provided information here: Outlook Time Zone Changes for British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba | Microsoft Support
We’ll keep you informed
BTS will continue to monitor the Alberta time-zone change and provide additional guidance as needed.
Please watch for further NorQuest communications and follow the instructions provided.