The following updates are provided by the Return-to-Campuses steering committee.

Earlier this week, Premier Doug Ford announced plans for Ontario to move to Phase 2 (Stage 3) of the province’s reopening. This is the final stage in Phase 2 and it is expected to last for a significant amount of time as health officials work toward a long-term solution for COVID-19. If Ontario experiences a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, it is possible the province will revert to stricter regulations.

The measures in Phase 2 (Stage 3) allow many businesses to safely resume operations starting Friday, July 17. This next step in Ontario’s reopening allows for continued economic recovery while protecting Ontarians’ health.

Phase 2 (Stage 3) allows specific types of businesses and services to resume operations. While the University provides some of the services included in the announcement (e.g. conference services, gyms and intramural sports, restaurants), there are no immediate plans to increase their availability at U of G. The University’s priority continues to be safely increasing research activities and supporting instructors in their preparations for the fall.

Details about decisions on the safe reopening of more space on campus will be shared with the U of G community once available. For now, staff, faculty and graduate students who are able to work from home will continue to do so. Please do not come to campus unless you are conducting approved work or research.

 

Athletics facilities remain closed – Check out online programs

The Athletics Centre, and most U of G athletics facilities, will remain closed until Aug. 31. General recreation, varsity athletics and non-permitted use are not available at this time. Currently, the only U of G athletics facilities that are open for restricted, permit-use are the Gryphon Centre Arena, Soccer Complex and Varsity Field.

Athletics continues to post daily workouts online free of charge. Participate in 45-minute Gryphon fitness classes offered six days a week on the Fitness and Recreation Instagram account.

For answers to questions about virtual camps, memberships and safety visit the Athletics website.

 

Access to Branch Research Data Centre now available

Statistics Canada’s Branch Research Data Centre (BRDC) reopened at the McLaughlin Library on July 6. The number of workstations has been reduced to accommodate physical distancing. New rules and procedures will ensure the safety of those conducting research in the space.

Visit the library’s website to learn more about the process for accessing the BRDC.

 

Approved to come to campus? Take this course first

If you are approved to come to campus for work or research, it is strongly recommended that you first complete the COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Awareness training through CourseLink.

To access the training, use the link above or log in to CourseLink and look under My Courses or the Self-Registration tab. Managers can download a hard-copy version of the training for employees who do not have computer access.

 

Follow parking rules on campus

There is no charge to park on campus this summer, but you have to follow the rules if you don’t want a parking ticket.

Obey all parking signs and only park your vehicle in designated spots. Tickets will be issued for parking infractions including:

  • Parking in a tow away zone
  • Parking in an accessible space without a permit
  • Parking in areas that are not marked as parking spaces

You do not need to pay at metered spots or display a valid permit to park on campus this summer. Parking policies and procedures for the fall semester will be available soon.

 

The University’s COVID-19 website is your best source of information on U of G’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More U of G News:

  1. Smart Salt Trucks, Managing Waterborne Diseases: Ontario Invests in U of G Research 
  2. Top U of G Stories of 2024
  3. Why Grief Over Lost Pets Hits Harder During Holidays 
  4. How to Prevent Food Waste From Holiday Meals