The University of Guelph is preparing to return to in-person teaching and learning on Monday, Jan. 31. Most courses and/or course components will be offered face-to-face for the first time since December.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is also rescinding its work from home instruction effective Jan. 31.

“We are delighted to welcome many of our students, faculty and staff back to our physical campus,” said Dr. Gwen Chapman, provost and vice-president (academic).

“We know that many members of our U of G community have been eagerly awaiting this day. We have been planning and preparing for this return, taking careful measures to help keep our community safe.”

Chapman said decision-making and planning for the winter 2022 semester has sought to balance protecting health and safety and preserving the quality of the academic, research and student experience.

“We recognize that our students, staff, and faculty are experiencing a range of feelings about the return to in-person learning. For many people, learning and working together in person are critical to mental health and well-being. It is also fundamental to the student experience and to positive learning outcomes,” she said.

She said the University will continue to prioritize health and safety, including relying on proven public health measures – notably, high vaccination rates on campus and in the greater Guelph community.

“We will also continue with our multi-layered approach to keeping our U of G community safe, including our vaccine mandate, enhanced mask-wearing policy, ventilation and air filtration, and enhanced cleaning.”

U of G community members returning to campus Monday should complete the following:

• Vaccination: Use the U of G Vaccination Proof and Exemption system to upload your vaccination receipts or to request an exemption. Learn more about U of G’s vaccination requirement online.
• Screening: Complete the U of G COVID-19 Daily Screening form and follow its direction every day before coming to work. You can find it on the Safe Gryphon app.
• Safety training: Complete U of G’s COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Awareness Training course via CourseLink.

Other useful information

Recent measures and provisions to ensure safety on campus include the following:

• Masks: You must wear a medical-style mask in all University buildings, as well as outside if you are unable to stay 2m away from others.
• An enhanced Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning strategy and adjustments to mechanical systems (ventilation) have been undertaken to ensure that systems operate to high-quality standards.
• Return of classroom monitors and ambassadors – Classroom monitors will visit classes the first day they are held to remind students of safety measures and answer questions. Student ambassadors stationed in high-traffic areas will ensure everyone is wearing a mask.
• Enhanced wastewater testing and reporting for the COVID-19-causing virus have been implemented to identify changes/trends.
• Parking: Lot designations and parking rates have changed since 2020. Depending on your schedule, you may find discounted day-use parking permits more affordable.
• Dining: Learn more about availability of on-campus dining. You may remove your mask while eating or drinking but must replace it immediately afterward. For dining at Brass Taps, the Lookout (grad lounge) or the Bullring, you must show an enhanced vaccination certificate (QR code).
• Cashless campus: U of G is now a cashless campus. Plan to pay for on-campus purchases by debit, credit or Campus Card.

More information about U of G’s measures to welcome people back to campus safely is available online.