Dear members of the U of G community,

The past few days have seen our University face unprecedented challenges as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we adjust to doing things in new ways, I would particularly like to acknowledge the individuals and teams who are on the front lines working each day to support our students, faculty and staff through this transition. Your efforts are a big part of our ability to sustain the integrity of our amazing University as we work through this pandemic.

For those now working remotely or studying away from classmates, our ongoing connectivity with each other contributes in important ways to our well-being as we continue to support and care for one another. So, please do remember to maintain connections with colleagues, family and friends each day, while following social distancing best practices.

The University of Guelph continues to monitor the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you are aware, this is a dynamic situation and guidance from public health and government officials changes frequently – sometimes even hourly. Below is today’s updated information. We will aim to share new developments and decisions with the U of G community each day.

U of G’s COVID-19 website will be regularly updated with current information, so please continue to monitor that site as well as the University’s social media channels.

Thank  you for all that you’re doing and for supporting each other.

Sincerely,

Franco Vaccarino
President and Vice-Chancellor 

Daily Updates

• The University is actively working to create a new final exam schedule. Details are still forthcoming, but we can confirm that exams will not begin before Monday, April 13. We expect the revised final exam schedule will be posted online and on WebAdvisor on April 3, 2020.
• All academic field schools and field courses scheduled for May and June 2020 have been cancelled. Decisions are forthcoming regarding academic field schools and field courses with start dates after June.
• Consistent with public health policy and to promote social distancing, the Office of Research urges, in the strongest terms, the significant scale-back of research activities. Learn more on the Office of Research’s website.
• Further information is available for international students studying at U of G. You can learn more about supports available to you on the International Students FAQs on our COVID-19 website. Information about applying for needs-based financial assistance will be added to the FAQs for international students within the next 24 hours.
• Courses will resume Monday, March 23 in an alternative delivery format. No face-to-face classes or face-to-face exams will be held for the remainder of the winter 2020 semester. Information on course delivery and other course changes will be provided on CourseLink.
• Employees who are working remotely can find useful tools and information to help them work from home effectively. Visit Computing and Communications Services’ Working Remotely page for more information.
• Campus Community Police is asking any employees required to report to work on campus to inform them of any suspicious activity noticed on University grounds. If you see anything out of the ordinary, call Campus Police at 519-824-4120 Ext. 52000 immediately or 911 for an emergency.
• As of March 23, the mail room will no longer pick up outgoing mail from units or deliver mail to units on campus. Incoming mail will be held in the mail room until normal University operations resume. Colleges or departments that need to send or pick up mail should visit the mail room in the University Centre, Room 020.
• Student Health Services has updated its service delivery. Learn more about how to connect with Student Health Services and its new telephone and video appointments.
• Wellness@Work has compiled a list of resources to aid people working from home to promote mental health and well-being.