A message from President Charlotte Yates
One year ago this week, we stepped into a great unknown.
As cases of COVID-19 mounted around the world, our classes moved to remote forms of delivery and everyone who could work from home left campus.
Meetings were taken at kitchen tables, with family members and pets making frequent appearances. We all quickly learned how to send links to digital meetings and some of us even mastered background filters to make our colleagues smile.
Our students have dug deep and redefined resiliency. They have overcome incredible challenges and reimagined important life experiences. They have put their community first to help keep everyone safe.
As we gained our footing and learned more about how COVID-19 spreads, we were able to safely reopen parts of our campus. I am so thankful to the faculty and staff who have kept our campuses operational for our students and for essential research over the past 12 months.
Despite all the challenges, there were also moments of joy and connection. We celebrated our graduating students. We welcomed our newest Gryphons to U of G. We marked personal milestones with colleagues and friends. We shared our knowledge with the world.
Who could have imagined that in less than one year we would open the doors of the University Centre to the community? With a vaccination clinic now up and running, we are so proud to be a partner with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health and the Guelph Family Health Team. A special thank you to the U of G team and to the 500 volunteers who are supporting this historic effort!
While each one of us has been affected by this pandemic in different ways, we all share a remarkable commitment to our community and to improving life.
I remain deeply impressed by and grateful for our Gryphon community. As we plan for a gradual return to campuses in the months ahead, please know that I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Charlotte A.B. Yates
President and Vice-Chancellor
COVID-19 vaccination clinic on campus and vaccine eligibility
U of G’s on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic opened March 15. Thank you to the nearly 500 faculty, staff and students who volunteered to support the clinic!
The clinic occupies the main floor of the University Centre, including the courtyard and lounge and dining spaces. Study space is available in the McLaughlin Library following strict safety protocols.
Expanded vaccine eligibility: Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has expanded its vaccine registration to include certain individuals who are unable to work from home, which may include some employees at the University of Guelph. Visit the WDG Public Health website to learn more about who qualifies for vaccination in Phase 2.
For employees who are eligible to register as part of Phase 2 but who live outside the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health area, WDG Public Health has confirmed you can still register through their system. On the section of the registration form that asks for details about your place of work, enter the University’s address, including postal code.
Entrance to the building: Employees who need to be in the building for work should enter and exit through the east doors (near Booster Juice). Access to elevators is available but reduced due to construction.
The following commercial businesses are open and accessible through the east doors.
- UC Pharmacy
- Chiropractic Care Centre
- Campus Dentist
- Click Signs
- Edge Photography
- UC Vision
- Student Health & Benefits Office
Parking: Lots P31 and P42 are reserved for clinic parking only. Staff, faculty and students coming to campus for work or study must park in other lots.
Dining: Brass Taps remains open for takeout service, but all other dining options in the UC are closed for the duration of the clinic. The Gryph ‘N Grille and Caffeine Canteen will be available in Branion Plaza on a regular basis.
Find full details about the clinic on our U of G COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic page.
Summer 2021 semester at U of G
As in past summer semesters, most of U of G’s summer 2021 courses will be held online. Some smaller courses and labs may hold in-person learning activities following Public Health guidelines.
We continue to plan for the resumption of face-to-face teaching and learning and other offerings for the fall 2021 semester. We know the semester will look different from past fall semesters but look forward to offering on-campus experiences in our classrooms, student residences and other spaces.
As we plan for our return to campus, we will continue to follow local and provincial COVID-19 regulations.
McLaughlin Library building open
The McLaughlin Library building has reopened for current U of G students, faculty and staff with strict COVID-19 safety measures in place, including a maximum capacity of 300 people.
The building is open:
- Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The building is closed on Saturdays.
Curbside pickup and home delivery of materials is available.
You must tap your U of G ID card to enter the building. The first and second floors are available for use. Group study space is not available.
Graduate students may book a closed study room for individual study.
Learn more about Library services during COVID-19 online.
The University’s COVID-19 website is your best source of information on U of G’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Return to Campuses website provides essential information for those coming to campus. If you need to be on campus, make sure you complete the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form every day before you arrive.