Dear U of A community members,
Thank you to everyone who has readily adapted to the changes and challenges that this semester has brought us. Last June, we shared our vision for the 2021-22 academic year ahead. Since that date, we have responded to a fourth wave of the pandemic and introduced a number of further steps to maximize the safety of our community and campuses. These have included a mandatory masking policy, mass vaccination clinics, a vaccination directive, a rapid testing program for those with exemptions, and the CampusReady system to ease vaccination checks and participation in activities across our campuses. With these U of A safety measures now firmly in place, I am pleased to share that at this time we anticipate that the majority of people and programming will safely return to U of A campuses by the end of January 2022.
What to expect in Winter 2022
Currently we expect that at least 90% of courses will be in-person as of January 2022 -- check your courses’ delivery format in Bear Tracks. Up to 10% of courses will remain online at this time to accommodate continuing pandemic impacts, such as travel complications. January program start dates are listed in the University Calendar.
Returning to work on campus
While Alberta currently remains under a provincial work-from-home measure, once it is lifted faculty and unit administrative staff may begin returning to campus according to applicable public health measures and the U of A’s phased return to on-campus work. We are currently planning for all staff groups to return to on-campus work by the end of January. Information about applying to the university's formal work-from-home program (optional) will be shared with employees by November 15.
Looking forward
I want to thank the Public Health Response Team, and the academic, administrative and research teams and leaders who continue to carefully plan and balance student experience and research needs with community safety requirements. In the coming weeks, we’ll all be working together to plan for a complete resumption of campus life--thank you in advance for your efforts in smoothing the transition. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-chancellor
For more information: