I am following up on my January 13 message with an update on return to campus plans for the remainder of the Winter term. As you know, we delayed our return to campus plans and much of the in-person delivery of our hybrid courses during January and February, with the intent of slowing the transmission of the Omicron variant.

It has always been our intention to safely bring our community back to campus during the Winter term. Following the upcoming break, many students can expect to see some in-person delivery components restored to their courses. They will receive information and updates from instructors or their dean’s office about these changes.

Many of you had made plans to return to campus at the beginning of January and are eager to get back to your pre-COVID routines, especially with the anticipated March 1 removal of the provincial work from home order.

I know that coming back to campus is an adjustment for many of you, especially given the uncertainty of the past couple of years. Change under the best of circumstances is difficult, and I want to assure you that the university will be flexible and understanding. I encourage you to discuss your situation with your manager or dean to arrive at a solution that best suits the needs of your area and your personal circumstances.

The university will maintain the existing mask standard until the end of the Winter term: when you come to campus, please help us keep our community safe by continuing to wear a mask in instructional and common spaces, and practicing good hand hygiene.

There is much to look forward to as we return to a more active campus: continuing the conversation about putting our strategic vision, Teaching Greatness, into action –  and planning for the signature event of our 50th anniversary year, 50th on Fourth, which will be held from April 28 to 30.

I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of you on campus in the coming weeks.  Please be assured that we will continue to monitor and respond to the changing situation: continue to check your email and the university website for updates.

 

Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor