As you prepare for the upcoming Winter break, we’d like to update you about the provincial government announced restrictions that will come into effect on December 26, 2020 to help limit the spread of COVID-19. As the City of Toronto is already in a lockdown situation (November 22 communication), there are very few additional impacts on our current university operations.
The University will close as planned from Thursday December 24, 2020 to January 6, 2021. Limited, essential operations will resume on January 7, 2021. Student services will remain online/remote and will continue as such into the Winter term.
Courses & Instruction
Under the strict adherence to provincial and public health guidelines, currently approved, teaching, research and in-person academic activities can and will continue.
Limited in-person instruction and examinations for most Faculties will resume on January 11, 2021, with classes continuing to be restricted to 10 persons. If you are registered in an in-person class for Winter 2021, your instructor has or will contact you directly to provide details and to determine next steps for course completion. Students in Osgoode Hall Law School or Osgoode Professional Development programs will be or have been communicated with directly by their programs.
If any additional information about the shutdown’s impact on currently scheduled activities arises, it will be communicated directly to instructors and students.
Holiday Travel
Students, including those in residence, and families who arrive in or return to Ontario during the province-wide shutdown should self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. New provincial guidelines now include inter-provincial travel. Anyone traveling withing Canada, as well outside of Canada, is asked not to come to campus for 14 days when returning from another location.
If you are a student currently living on campus or new to living on campus in January, you will receive direction from Housing/Residence Life regarding travel and returning to campus.
Safety measures
To help keep everyone safe, avoid coming to campuses for non-essential reasons. For those approved to be on campus, continue to follow the University’s screening and health and safety protocols and:
- Complete the COVID-19 Screening Checklist each time before you come to campus.
- Wear a face covering in shared spaces and within buildings.
- Practice physical distancing and frequent handwashing.
- Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not available.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
We will continue to communicate government restrictions and public health guidelines as they evolve. For the most current information, we encourage you to visit the YU Better Together website on a regular basis.
I hope you have a safe and relaxing Winter break.
Lucy Fromowitz
Vice-Provost Students