The following updates are provided by the Return-to-Campuses steering committee.
With September just a few weeks away, we’re working hard to ensure our learning and working spaces continue to be safe and engaging for everyone. That means closely following government directives and public health guidelines and updating plans as needed to reflect the latest decisions.
How U of G Is preparing for your safe return
As we get ready to welcome more faculty, staff and students back to our facilities, U of G is working hard to ensure safe campuses and facilities for everyone.
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Read our How U of G Is Preparing for Your Safe Return page to learn more about how we’re keeping our community safe through:
- Ventilation
- Vaccinations
- Masks
- Cleaning measures
- Health monitoring and screening
- Detailed protocols and guidelines
More details about vaccination requirements
Our COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ page has been updated with details on:
- Who the vaccination requirement applies to
- How to request an exemption as a student
- Testing requirements if you have an exemption
- Enforcement
On Aug. 17, the Ontario government announced that vaccination policies will be required in post-secondary institutions. As further details become available from the government, U of G’s vaccination policy will be amended if needed.
Please review the FAQs for the most current vaccination requirement information.
Ontario pausing reopening plans
On Tuesday, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced that the province will pause further reopening measures and remain in Step Three of its Roadmap to Reopen for an extended period. U of G and the Council of Ontario Universities are engaged in discussion with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to understand how the announcement might affect the University’s fall teaching plans, policies and operations.
Campus and facility access for faculty and staff
Return-to-campus operational plans and Research Management Plans will continue to guide our return to campuses and U of G facilities. Speak with your manager or supervisor if you have any questions about your return to campus.
- Faculty may return to their private offices if they follow existing guidelines (e.g., wearing masks when they leave their offices or with another person in their office, completing the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form). No facility access requests or special notifications (Physical Resources or Community Safety Office) are required. Existing key or e-access permissions will enable access to buildings as required.
- Graduate students may access campus desk/office space following their area’s operational plan and Research Management Plan.
- By August 30, front-facing staff who interact with students should be available on campus to ensure students are receiving assistance as needed. Your manager or supervisor will ensure you are aware of your area’s return-to-campus plan and expectations for your role. Please update your office hours, websites, e-mail replies and voicemail to clearly indicate to students how they can receive help, in-person or otherwise.
Become a vaccine champion!
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to help bring an end to the pandemic, yet some people have hesitations about getting vaccinated. Taking a respectful and informative approach to educating others about the importance of getting vaccinated and encouraging them to get their shots can make an important difference in the fight against COVID-19.
U of G’s How to Be a Vaccine Champion course includes:
- The latest information on COVID-19 vaccines
- Reasons and factors that play into being vaccine hesitant
- Communication strategies and how to apply them when having a conversation with someone who is vaccine hesitant
Complete the course by Sept. 30 and you will be entered in a draw to win one of 10 U of G hoodie and mask prize packs! To register, search for How to Be a Vaccine Champion in CourseLink.
Still need to get vaccinated?
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine has never been easier!
- Student Health Services offers on-campus COVID-19 vaccinations to students, staff and faculty. Call 519-824-4120, Ext. 52131 to book an appointment.
- WDG Public Health clinics accept walk-ins for first and second vaccine doses with no appointment required.
- Some doctors’ offices and pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccination.
- Check the provincial registration system for info on how to book appointments near you.
Supporting our community and each other
We recognize that returning to our campuses and facilities will elicit a wide array of emotions across the U of G community. There will be excitement about returning to the things we’ve missed, but also anxiety and trepidation about the things that have changed.
Many people have been living and working in isolation for nearly 18 months. Others have adjusted to working at a campus that feels very different than they’re used to. And, there continues to be uncertainty about what COVID-19 has in store for everyone. We have all been through a lot.
Let’s continue to be considerate of one another and help each other along as we navigate coming back to the University, together.
If you need support, please reach out:
- Students: check out mental well-being resources on our Gryphon Family portal
- Faculty and Staff: contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program
We’re all in this together.
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.