The University of Guelph is committed to keeping our community informed about operational changes that occur as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our COVID-19 communications are listed on this page.
Past Updates
2022 Updates
January 14, 2022 – Message from the President and Provost
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In-person teaching has already resumed in some courses or components of courses where face-to-face activities such as labs and studios are critical to achieving learning objectives; they will continue to be delivered in this format.
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We will be phasing in some other in-person courses or course components on Jan. 24. Affected students will receive information via email from instructors or through CourseLink.
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On Jan. 31, in-person course delivery will resume, and students should plan accordingly.
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The 100-per-cent tuition refund deadline is extended to Jan. 23.
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Employees whose roles directly support students are expected to return to on-site work by Jan 31.
January 7, 2022 – Message from the President and the Provost
- Planning for a safe and successful winter 2022 semester
- Any changes to our winter 2022 course delivery plans for the Guelph and Ridgetown campuses will be announced by Jan. 14.
- Updated approach to rapid tests
- University Centre listed as community rapid test kit distribution location Jan. 10 to 12
- What to do if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19
- Remote course delivery until Jan. 24
- Remote work continues
- Delayed return to residence
- Research
- Impacts on athletics centre, on-campus dining and the library
- COVID-19 vaccination clinic returns to campus
- Rapid testing and case reporting dashboard
- Keep following safety measures
- Please be kind to one another
2021 Updates
- Remote work and start to the semester
- Building shutdowns
- Masks
- Events
- Travel
- COVID-19 vaccination clinic returns to campus
- Rapid testing
- Mental health
- Rapid testing kits for those working on campus
- University of Guelph employees who can perform their work remotely will do so exclusively beginning Dec. 20
- Plans in light of omicron variant
- Remote start for winter 2022 courses
- Third doses
- Exams continue as scheduled
- Ensuring campus services and operations
- Residences
- Study spaces
- Research
December 15 – Message from the President Concerning Omicron
- Wrapping up the fall 2021 semester
- Looking ahead to winter 2022
- Wastewater testing
- Stay home if you’re feeling sick
- Inclement weather and University closures during COVID-19
- Vaccination required for in-person learning
- Winter housing rentals
- Updated event framework
- Vaccination requirements for visitors, volunteers and contractors
- Returning to work on-site
- Wastewater Report dashboard
- Grad student spaces
- Travel restrictions lifting
- In-person meetings allowed
- Vaccination mandate in place for winter 2022 semester
October 18 – Letter from the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
- As in fall 2021, in-person instruction will be available in the winter semester only to students who are fully vaccinated or who have received an approved exemption.
- U of G will maintain a flexible default enrolment cap of 450 students per class to help manage traffic flows in and out of our largest classrooms.
- The University will continue to support instructors who choose to use a blend of remote and in-person components in teaching this winter.
- Some courses identified by colleges and departments may be available through distance education.
- We plan to open undergraduate course selection for the winter semester in mid-November.
- COVID-19 testing on campus
- Reporting positive cases
- Mask requirements
- Rules for accessing U of G grounds and field trips
- Visitors, volunteers and contractors
- Communicating with the U of G community
- Proof of vaccination: Enforcement and expectations
- Rapid testing compliance: Partially vaccinated or exempt
- Study space on campus
September 27 – COVID-19 Update
- Reminder: Get fully vaccinated by Oct. 15
- Compliance with our vaccination policy
- Student Laptop Loan Service
- Proof of vaccination required to access restaurants and athletics facilities
- COVID-19 testing available on campus
September 17 – COVID-19 Update
- U of G reporting high vaccination rates
- Wastewater testing
- Proof of vaccination to access restaurants and Athletics as of Sept. 22
- Submit your proof of vaccination
- Reporting positive cases
- Updated travel protocols
- Vaccinations, exemptions and accessing buildings on Sept. 7
- Physical distancing on campus this fall
- Safety measures in classrooms
- Visitors to campus
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ updated framework for post-secondary institutions
- Health and safety measures
- Vaccination policy
- Faculty may choose to teach courses remotely until Sept. 28
- Capping facet-to-face classes at 250 students
- updated vaccination exemption requirements and forms
- some courses may start remotely until Sept. 28
- some courses may switch to remote delivery for the semester
August 23 – Letter from the Provost
- Planning for fall 2021
August 23 – Letter from the President
- As of Sept. 7, all those ages 12 and older who wish to access U of G buildings and University managed facilities must submit proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
- How U of G is preparing for your safe return
- More details about vaccination requirements
- Ontario pausing reopening plans
- Campus and facility access for faculty and staff
- Become a vaccine champion
- Still need to get vaccinated?
- Supporting our community and each other
- Details on mandatory vaccination requirement
August 12 – Letter from the President
- The University of Guelph will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all faculty, staff and students who access our Guelph and Ridgetown campuses and indoors at U of G-managed field stations.
- Vaccination requirements
- Cleaning measures during COVID-19
- On-campus vaccination clinic wraps up
- Where to get vaccinated
- New U of G COVID-19 call centre
- Ontario moves into Step 3 of Roadmap to Reopen
- Athletics and library reopening
- Updated COVID-19 screening questions
- Ventilation at the Guelph campus
- How U of G is planning for your safe return to campus
- Stay-at-Home order extended
- New rules for face coverings in the workplace
- Feeling unwell after a COVID-19 vaccination
- New vaccination FAQ page
- Eye protection in the workplace
- Fall 2021 website
- Stay-at-Home order remains in effect
- Research during the Stay-at-Home order
- University-sanctioned travel this summer
April 7 – U of G Operations Affected by Provincial Stay-at-Home Order, Shutdown
- Information on further measures taken by the provincial government to stop the spread of COVID-19.
April 1 – U of G Operations Affected by Province-wide Shutdown
- A province-wide shutdown starts April 3. Learn what that means at U of G.
March 22 – Message from Interim Provost Gwen Chapman
- Plans for Fall 2021 – students, faculty and staff can count on being on campus this fall
- A message from President Charlotte Yates
- COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus and vaccine eligibility
- Summer 2021 semester at U of G
- McLaughlin Library building open
- Moving into Red-Control level of the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework
February 4 – Message from President Charlotte Yates
- An update on plans for the fall 2021 semester
- U of G increasing COVID-19 measures, enforcement
January 24 – Message from President Charlotte Yates
- A Message to the Community from President Yates Re: COVID-19 Outbreak
- COVID-19 Outbreak Connected to U of G Residence
- How the provincewide stay-at-home order affects teaching and operations at U of G
- Important information about the winter semester at U of G (email to students)
2020 Updates
December 31 – COVID-19 Update
- Resuming University operations during provincewide shutdown
- Dec. 31 email to faculty, staff and students
December 21 – COVID-19 Update
- How the provincewide shutdown affects U of G
- Dec. 21 email to faculty and staff
- Dec. 21 email to students
- Keeping our community safe this winter
December 4 – COVID-19 Update (faculty, staff and students)
- Parking lot closures this winter
- New Microsoft Teams features
- Study space in the University Centre
November 26 – COVID-19 Update (faculty, staff and students)
- How Ontario’s new COVID-19 response framework applies at U of G
- Updated hazardous weather policy
November 10 – COVID-19 Update (faculty and staff)
- COVID-19 testing at Health Services for those working on campus
- limited on-campus flu shot clinics
November 5 – COVID-19 Update (students taking classes/labs on campus)
- Class and lab cancellations during COVID-19
October 29 – COVID-19 Update (students)
- Keeping Halloween safe and spooky
- Remember: Face coverings are required in U of G buildings
- Changes to UC hours
October 16 – COVID-19 Update (faculty and staff)
- Instructors: Course Redesign Institute – Learn to adapt your courses for remote learning
- Volunteer for House Calls: Check in virtually with first-year Gryphons
- On-campus dining options changing next week
October 8 – COVID-19 Update (students)
- Who can get COVID-19 tests on campus?
- Getting ready for midterms
- Thanksgiving and paused social circles
- On-campus dining options changing next week
October 2 – COVID-19 Update (students)
- How your Thanksgiving plans affect your social circle
- Celebrating locally
October 2 – COVID-19 Update (faculty and staff)
- New functionality in Microsoft Teams
- Wearing face coverings on campus
- Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving
September 25 – Set for September
- Avoid fines and consequences: Limit the size of your gatherings
September 25 – COVID-19 Update
- Plans for winter 2021 semester
September 23 – Set for September
- COVID-19 testing: Why, when and where?
September 16 – Set for September
- Are you prepared if you or your housemates get COVID-19?
- Keeping your distance on campus
- Connect with clubs and learn what CSA has to offer
- Go Transit on the Guelph campus
- Understanding “outbreaks”
September 11 – Set for September
- Gather safely this semester
- 10 easy ways to protect our community
- I am a Gryphon app – Your app for everything U of G!
- On-campus COVID-19 testing coming soon
September 11 – COVID-19 Update
- When do I need to complete the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form?
- Ten ways to help keep our community safe
- Get tech support at home or on campus
- Understanding “outbreaks”
September 9 – Set for September
- Physical distancing and wearing a face covering
- Limited access to campus buildings
- No charge for parking at the start of the semester
- Textbook troubles? Try course reserves
- U of G is now a cashless campus
- Taking care of yourself with Student Wellness
- Get tech support at home or on campus
- First-year students: Build your community with Gryphons Nest
- Coming to campus? Complete the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form every day
- Time to turn off your auto-reply message
- Students moving into residence Sept. 3 to 6
- Convocation going virtual this fall
- New software can help faculty connect with students
September 3 – Set for September
- Info for students who need to come to campus
- Info for students participating in remote learning
- Info for students participating in face-to-face classes
September 1 – Set for September
- What to expect in on-campus classrooms and labs
- Master the art of remote learning
- Accessing your course materials this fall
- Fall 2020 grading structure
- Access software on library computers without leaving home
- Wear a face covering when you come to campus
- Training, screening and apps before you come to campus
- Keeping our community safe together
- Communicating cases on campus
- Accessing the library this fall
- Athletics Centre: Ready to welcome you back
- Undergrads: Academic advisor appointments
- Do you need a University of Guelph student ID card?
- Services this fall
- Dining options
- Textbooks
- Study space
- Building access
- Fall dining options
- Study space
- Building access
- Communicating COVID-19 cases on campus
- If you’re on campus, wear a face covering
- Protocols for on-campus staffing, student workspaces and classroom spaces in development
- Canada’s COVID Alert app available for download
- Building ventilation
- Premier updates province on plans for elementary and secondary schools this fall
- Return to Campuses website gives guidance on gradual return
- Progress on buildings
- Recent info session helps units with return-to-campus building preparations
- New Framework for Phasing-In Human Participant Face-to-Face Research now available
- Update your U of G WiFi connection next week
- Arboretum reopening for outdoor events
- Return to Campuses website gives guidance on gradual return
- Accommodations for face shields when on campus
- Accessing hand sanitizer while on campus
- No immediate plans to increase access to conference services, gyms and intramural sports, or restaurants at U of G
- Athletics facilities remain closed – Check out online programs
- Access to Branch Research Data Centre now available
- Approved to come to campus? Take this course first
- Follow parking rules on campus
- Ontario’s move to Phase 2 (Stage 3)
- Phase in of research
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Awareness training
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Awareness training
- Instructors: Booking space on campus for course preparation and lecture capture
- Limiting meetings and emails on Fridays
- Where to eat on campus
- Building preparations continue
- Research Phase-In update
- Arena and soccer complex open for permit holders
- Phase-in of research
- Instructor preparations for Fall 2020
June 18 – COVID-19 Case at U of G not a Risk to Campus Community
- a graduate student conducting approved, essential time-sensitive research on campus tested positive for COVID-19
- Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health determined that in this case there was no risk to anyone on the University campus
- Face coverings required on campus when 2 metres of physical distance cannot be maintained or predicted
- McLaughlin Library offering curbside pickup and mail delivery of print material
- Pilot program to help graduate students fulfill final degree requirements
- Research Phase-In Framework
- Preparing campus buildings
- Update on fall 2020 for students
- Ontario government extends emergency orders
- Non-instructional use of Zoom
- On-campus events cancelled until September
- 2020 Fall OUA and U SPORTS season cancelled
- Summer camp cancellations and other options
- Get help with childcare, tutoring and household work: Hire a Gryphon!
- Health and Performance Centre is now open
- Plans for the fall 2020 semester
- Ontario government extends emergency order
- University Budget Town Hall
- Cybersecurity threats target COVID researchers
May 21 – COVID-19 Update
- Fall semester
- Gradual return to work for faculty and staff
- Research
- Government announces next steps in province’s reopening – OVC reopening May 19
- Students can apply for Canada Emergency Student Benefit starting May 15
- New stretching exercises from Athletics
- Campus accessible for essential operations only
- New academic governance FAQs
- Try the new U of G Teams and Zoom background images
- New and updated FAQs on academic consideration
- New Food & Finance and Grief & Loss resources on Gryphon Family portal
- Updated Help Centre hours from Computing and Communications Services
- Virtual care from U of G’s Health and Performance Centre
- Good news items
- Video greeting from President Vaccarino thanking our faculty, staff, alumni, retiree and community donors who have supported U of G’s students
- Volunteer to build connections with international students while physical distancing
- Learning and Development offerings for May
- Sending kudos to our colleagues at work
- Message on Fall 2020 semester
- Update on new federal supports for students
- Athletics memberships, programs, rentals and summer update
- New FAQs on leaves of absence for employees unable to work
- Housing available on-campus for students this summer
- Options for out-of-office auto-replies
- GenEQ compiles writings on gender equity during COVID-19
- Updates to Academics – Students FAQs
- New FAQ on student finance
- University Bookstore is open online
- City of Guelph can help students with large items they want to dispose of
- COVID-19 research funding and resources
- Making masks for OVC personnel
April 16 – COVID-19 Video Greeting from President Vaccarino
April 14: COVID-19 Update from President Vaccarino
- Good news stories
- #GryphonGifts on Instagram offer student treats
- Students should take a practice test before online exams
- New FAQ page for students living off-campus
- Continuing your U of G studies while outside Canada
- CCS extended hours for faculty and staff
- Learning and Development online opportunities
- Ridgetown donation to local health care professionals
- Video greeting from President Vaccarino
- Help stop on-campus thefts
- Updates to research continuity, scale-back and shutdown
- Gryphon Family portal supports for students
- New FAQs available on working remotely
- Parking permit refunds
- Student Housing refunds
- Resources for to support employees
April 7 – COVID-19 Update from President Vaccarino
- Highlighting U of G contributions in the fight against COVID-19
- Winter 2020 exam schedule posted to Office of Registrarial Services site – check for updates
- University Centre access and mail room use
- COVID-19 Research Development and Catalyst Fund
- Most University buildings will be locked, but faculty and staff will continue to have access as needed
April 3 – COVID-19 Update from President Vaccarino
- Winter 2020 exam schedule posted
- Access to University buildings
- University events cancelled to July 1, 2020
- Supporting food security for students and community
- Resources on Gryphon Family portal
April 1 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- face-to-face course delivery cancelled until Aug. 15, 2020. Undergraduate, graduate and associate diploma courses planned in this delivery mode will proceed only in an alternative format
- Final exams for the summer semester will be conducted in a modified format.
March 31 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- Final exams will continue at discretion of instructor
- Arboretum open for walk-through access only
- OSAP payment moratorium
March 30 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- Athletics facilities closed until May 31
- Making your home workstation more ergonomic
March 27 – COVID-19 Daily Update – Convocation
- Video message from President Vaccarino about postponed convocation ceremonies
March 26 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- June 2020 convocation ceremonies postponed
- Alumni Weekend 2020 postponed
- Changes to summer 2020 co-op work terms
- Budget Town Hall postponed
- Arboretum buildings closed to publich
March 25 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- Online fitness classes from Athletics
- Virtual Gryphon Camps
March 24 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- Information from the Office of Diversity and Human Rights on being a good ally during COVID-19
- Tips for staying connected while physical distancing
March 23 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- New grading scheme for Winter 2020: keep numeric grade, assign “pass”, or drop course
- Sick leave and self-isolation updates from Human Resources
- Parking on campus available at no charge – standard parking regulations still enforced
- Study space on campus
- Work Order Desk closed
- Donation of University supplies to be coordinated through Public Health
- COVID-19 scams to avoid
March 20 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- McLaughlin Library closes physical space but continues to offer online supports
- U of G’s modified final exam period will start Monday, April 13 and end no later than Wednesday, April 29
- Updated FAQs about employee pay for March 17 to April 2
- Many U of G buildings no longer open to the public
- Extended help desk hours for Computing and Communications Services
- Hospitality Services closing all locations but East Side Variety
March 19 – COVID-19 Daily Update from President Vaccarino
- Exams will not begin before April 13
- Exam schedule expected by April 3
- Academic field schools and field courses scheduled for May and June 2020 cancelled
- Office of Research urges significant scale-back of research activities
- New FAQs for international students
- Mail room no longer picking up mail from or delivering mail to campus units
- Student Health Services moving to different method of service delivery
March 17 – Message to Students from President Vaccarino – St. Patrick’s Day
- Message from President Franco Vaccarino to students encouraging them to stay home during St. Patrick’s Day to support physical distancing
March 16 – COVID-19 Update: Message from the President Re: Operational Changes Due to COVID-19
- Employees asked to work from home where operationally feasible as of March 17
- Students in residence asked to vacate as quickly as possible
- Encouraging faculty and researchers to consider how to temporarily postpone, limit or adapt research-related activities
- All University and community events on campus cancelled for immediate future
March 15 – COVID-19 Update: U of G Open, One-Week Class Cancellation in Effect
- Reminder that classes are cancelled March 16 to 20
- Postponement of deadlines and midterms scheduled that week
- Importance of physical distancing
March 14 – COVID-19 Update: New Travel, Self-Isolation Restrictions Announced
- Travel restrictions that reflected the Government of Canada’s travel regulations
March 14 – COVID-19 Update Re: Academic Operations
- Information about online courses, the McLaughlin Library, program counselling, course and instructor evaluations
March 13 – COVID-19 Update from the President: Academic changes, Events and Travel
- University of Guelph decides to suspend all face-to-face classes for the rest of the Winter 2020 semester
- University to cancel classes for the week of March 16 to 20 while instructors move classes to an alternative delivery format
- Extension of Winter 2020 semester by one week – last day of classes will be April 9, 2020
- Final exams to be conducted through alternative delivery format – not face-t0-face
- Cancellation of major upcoming events
- Cancellation of University-related travel
March 12 – U of G COVID-19 Update: Travel restrictions
- Information about University-related travel cancellations
- Process for travellers to monitor their health when they return to Canada
March 4 – U of G monitoring 2019 novel coronavirus
- Details about the role of the University’s emergency operations committee
- Ways to reduce the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus
Jan. 27 – 2019 Novel Coronavirus: FAQs, General Info and Best Practices
- General information and frequently asked questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus
- Info was based on details available in January 2020