Dear members of the University of Guelph community:

The University of Guelph is a leader in life science and health research, with experts that span disciplines from virology to human biology and immunology to philosophy.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, our researchers were quick to respond by using their expertise to help prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and mitigate its impact, locally and globally.

Many of our scholars continue to provide guidance and focus their research on the development and deployment of effective public health measures.

While differing views on vaccination have been expressed within our own community, it is important to note that the opinions of our individual members are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the University as a whole. Upholding freedom of expression is a commitment of the University of Guelph as well as an obligation for Universities in Ontario.

The University is unequivocal in support of vaccination as crucial to ending this pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of the people in the communities where we work and live. Our stance is clear and consistent with that of many of our researchers and our colleagues in public health.

We will continue to strongly encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination to get vaccinated. We are proud of the number of people we have helped become vaccinated through our campus clinic and we remain committed to leading the fight against COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Charlotte A.B. Yates
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Guelph