As we have entered a new phase of provincial restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic, this is undoubtedly a very challenging time for all members of the York community. While we can confirm that the Provincewide Emergency Brake shutdown does not pose any significant impact to on-campus classes that have been planned for the Winter or Summer 2021 terms, many continue to manage uncertainty, added responsibilities and fatigue.

It is important that we continue to uphold a sense of compassion and kindness as we persevere through this latest phase. Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing is equally important and there are numerous resources available to the community to offer support, including:

• If you are a student and are looking to access remote mental health and wellness support, Student Counselling, Health & Wellbeing, Glendon’s Accessibility, Well-Being and Counselling program and Graduate Student Wellness Services offer help via phone or video counselling platforms.
• The Office of Student Community Relations can be reached by telephone and email and will continue to provide services to students in residence as well as off campus.
• Staff, instructors, faculty and researchers are encouraged to access the resources and support that were announced earlier this year.

As mentioned, the arrangements that the University has made for the Winter and Summer Terms will remain in place as they adhere closely to the recently announced restrictions. For those seeking access to campus, we remind everyone that:

• If your activity is not part of a previously approved or ongoing instructional activity, requests to attend on-campus activities must be made by submitting a Campus Access request form. Completion of daily screening is also part of this process, with guidance available here.
• Research activities approved to take place on York’s campuses can continue, in-person research remains suspended and researchers with approved access to campuses can continue on-campus research that was previously approved by the University.
• Libraries will remain open for contactless curb-side pickup and students with exceptional needs requiring access to book lockers, research appointments, digitization services, photocopiers and computers can contact askusyul@yorku.ca for assistance.
• Y-Space will remain closed to in-person activities and Innovation York will continue to offer virtual support for affected entrepreneurs and staff.

We continue to monitor the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic and should any additional information about the impact of these current restrictions on campus activities come forward it will be shared directly with affected students, staff, faculty and instructors. For all the latest updates on York’s response to the pandemic, please continue to visit YU Better Together.

Lisa Philipps
Provost & Vice-President Academic

Amir Asif
Vice-President, Research & Innovation