Sept 16 Update: Online classes on Friday, in-person again on Monday

Posted: September 16, 3:20 p.m.

Last night the Government of Alberta introduced new public health measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the province. The government also introduced a Restriction Exemption Program that starts on Monday, September 20. This program applies to the University of Alberta and allows the university to continue with its current campus safety measures on Monday - with only a few adjustments. This means that on Monday all classes will continue in person as originally scheduled for the fall term. Until then, we are under the new public health orders. With this in mind, please find below a quick outline of our plans over the next few weeks. We will share additional details as they become available.

How the new provincial measures apply at the U of A

Friday, September 17 

• All in-person classes that can be delivered online for the day, will be delivered online. Certain eligible classes that meet public health distancing requirements can remain in person based on faculty approval. Instructors will notify their students directly to confirm if they will be online or in-person for Friday, September 17. Instructors should consult with their Chair/Dean.

• Research labs and field research including student trainee activity will continue as planned with masks and physical distancing.

• Staff whose physical presence is not required (e.g. other than in-person class instruction, in-person medical services, student services, etc.) and who can work from home should begin to transition back to remote service by Friday, September 17. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please consult your supervisor.

Starting Monday, September 20 

• All in-person classes will resume as originally scheduled for the fall term, with previously announced requirements around masking, vaccination or rapid testing continuing in effect. Classes originally scheduled for in-person will be in-person; classes originally scheduled to be online will remain online.

Monday, October 4

• U of A vaccination proof program starts

Information for the fully vaccinated 

By October 4, you will be able to share your proof of vaccination with the university for official verification. Further details of the process will be shared in the coming days. Please visit the U of A’s COVID-19 vaccination webpage for more information.

Information for the partially or unvaccinated

You will need to get your first dose of vaccination no later than September 20, 2021. If you fail to do so, as of October 4, you will not be permitted on U of A campuses. Vaccinations are safe and available at no cost. They limit the spread and impact of COVID-19. Learn more about getting vaccinated here. 

The U of A Rapid Testing Program will be updated by October 4 for those with university-approved exemptions.

Campus community members who cannot establish that they are fully vaccinated or who have not obtained a valid medical or other human rights-based exemption before November 1 will NOT be permitted on U of A campuses.

Reminder: Fall Term Registration Deadline Extended

If you are unsure about adding/dropping your classes, please know that there will be more time to make decisions about your schedule. In light of last night’s provincial announcement, the university is extending our Fall Term Registration Deadline to end of day Monday, September 20. Some exceptions may apply, for more information please see this website. 

Please note that the Academic Schedule has been amended to add an additional instructional day on December 9 and an additional exam day on December 12. More specific information about the impacts of this change will be distributed under separate cover in the coming days. 

We thank you in advance for your continued cooperation.

General inquiries: U of A Public Health Response Team, phrtinfo@ualberta.ca 

COVID-19 on-campus Rapid Response support: U of A Rapid Response Triage Team, phrt.triage@ualberta.ca