On Friday, September 3, the provincial government announced temporary measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Masking and plans for the Fall term

The announcement does not impact our existing plans for students to safely return to campus for the Fall term and is consistent with the measures the university has put in place. Course delivery (in-person, online and hybrid) will continue as scheduled. Masks are required on campus.

Rapid COVID-19 testing program 

Another element of MacEwan’s plans for a safe return to campus involves weekly rapid COVID-19 testing for members of our community who are unvaccinated. The purpose of the testing program is twofold: to encourage students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated and to help those who are not vaccinated to care for themselves and protect others.

Beginning in mid-September, students, faculty and staff who plan to be on campus will be required to declare their vaccination status through the Safe@MacEwan app.

Members of the MacEwan University community who declare themselves fully vaccinated will be exempt from rapid testing. Proof of vaccination will be required by October 1.

While details regarding the roll-out of this program continue to be finalized, you can help by ensuring that you have downloaded the Safe@MacEwan app (Apple Store or Android). We will notify the MacEwan community when vaccine declaration is available. If the Safe@MacEwan app has already been downloaded, it will update automatically. Alternative options to upload declarations through the MacEwan portal will also be available.

Return to campus

In consideration of the province’s recommendation to continue work-from-home measures, staff members who are not in student-facing roles and were planning to return to campus in September should connect with their supervisors.

The safety of our university community is our top priority, and we appreciate your ongoing cooperation and support.

Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor

Originally circulated by GlobalMail on September 3