[slow electronic music]

[Aerial footage of Johnston Green and Johnston Hall at the University of Guelph]

[Provost Yates speaking to the camera from inside the University Centre. Text on screen reads: Charlotte Yates, Provost and Incoming President, University of Guelph]

“Hello, my name is Charlotte Yates.

I will be the new president when you resume your studies at the University of Guelph.”

[Provost Yates voice continues as footage of campus labs, classrooms and spaces appear on screen]

“With the arrival of summer, I hope that all of you are finding some time to rest, relax, and be with friends and family, albeit in small groups or from a safe distance.

I’m sure that you are eager to hear about plans for the fall semester, so I want to share some new information with you.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created complex, rapidly changing situations for every university in Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

We’ve had to modify and change our plans, from everything from on-campus housing to course delivery.

We know that these changes will affect you, and we apologize for this, but health and safety are our top priorities.

The University aims to balance this with our commitment to academic and research excellence, and an enriched student experience.

We are planning for a hybrid fall semester, which means that most courses and activities will be taught and hosted remotely, and a small percentage offered face to face.

In addition, only international students or those with special circumstances will be living on campus.

This approach mirrors the plans of most other Ontario universities, but it means that the University will look very different in the fall, with far fewer students, staff, and faculty on campus.

We know these changes may be confusing and upsetting.

Please know that wherever you are living and learning come fall, we promise you that you will have the opportunity to continue your studies and be involved in the University of Guelph community.

We will offer numerous virtual student experiences, as well as access to wellness services, virtual counseling and advising, and group chat sessions.

More information about these services, along with course selection and delivery and general updates will be available in the coming weeks.

I encourage you to monitor your University of Guelph email accounts and the University’s website.

I want to say thank you for your patience and commitment to the University of Guelph, and applaud you for your resiliency during this unprecedented global situation.

I hope you enjoy the summer, and look forward to welcoming you back to the University of Guelph in the fall.”

[slow electronic music continues]