Throughout the pandemic, York University has continued to work closely with public health authorities and the government to ensure that our plans prioritized the health and safety of our community and were consistent with provincial guidelines.
Based on that advice, universities implemented a range of measures to ensure the well-being of our community members. In addition to our Vaccination Mandate, York’s multi-layered approach to health and safety continues to enjoy the support of Toronto Public Health.
We have been advised that we are now able to safely proceed with the University’s phased return to campus that was temporarily postponed earlier this year. I am pleased to confirm York’s plans for welcoming our community back to in-person learning and teaching.
In order to allow time for everyone to adjust to the rigorous health and safety screening and protocols in place after a prolonged period away from many in-person activities, the University will be implementing a phased return between January 31 and February 14. Courses that are scheduled to be delivered in person in the Winter 2022 term will begin meeting on campus on the following timeline, with some local exceptions:
- Starting Monday, January 31: All courses in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), unless an earlier date for return to campus has been approved by the Dean’s office. Other Faculties will communicate directly by Monday, January 24 about select courses that will start in-person learning on January 31 based on urgent needs to commence experiential and hands on activities.
- Starting Monday, February 7: All first year (1000 level) courses, as well as all graduate courses and combined graduate/4000 level courses, and all courses at Osgoode Hall Law School.
- Starting February 14: All remaining courses.
Instructions for in-person, on campus research will be updated on an as needed basis.
Reading week is set for February 19-25 and remains unchanged.
Staff presence on campus will also increase gradually as needed starting the week of January 31 to support in-person learning and research activities, and managers will be in touch directly with staff to confirm arrangements. I want to thank all those staff who have continued to work on campus throughout the pandemic to maintain required operations.
If you have not done so already, all students, faculty, instructors, and staff should make plans now to be in the Toronto area and be available to attend on campus when scheduled to do so. We recognize some international students have been unable to travel to Canada for reasons beyond your control, and you will be supported wherever possible to move into courses that will remain available online. More detailed information will be shared directly with specific groups to support return to campus planning.
All community members and visitors coming to York’s campuses must follow the health and safety protocols in place, including compliance with York’s Vaccination Mandate policy, wearing a mask while on our campuses, and completing a check-in on YU Screen prior to coming to campus. Most importantly, anyone feeling unwell must not come to campus.
We know that so many people have been negatively affected by the toll that this pandemic has taken on mental health and well-being, and that there will be a range of emotions and reactions to this announcement. Returning to in-person learning, interaction, and engagement on our campuses is in the best interest of our community, and our empathy and support for one another is more critical than ever as we move forward. A reminder that resources and support are available, and additional supports can be accessed through York’s Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Be assured that the University has maintained and continues to strengthen its health and safety measures on our campuses. In the coming days, more reminders and information will be shared on resources that are available and protocols that must be observed by all while on our campuses. Coming back in-person means that the health and safety resources and tools we have in place, together with the support and consideration of all community members, will be of the utmost importance.
With a vaccination rate of over 96%, I am grateful that we have a community of people who share a commitment to one another’s health and safety. As always, please visit YU Better Together for the most current information.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor