Current Status and Next Steps
Last updated: May 6, 2021
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Our public health context | At the U of A | Campus status and next steps table
Our public health context
The University of Alberta follows all national and provincial health, safety and travel restrictions. On January 29, 2021, the Government of Alberta shared a new long-term plan to gradually resume activities across the province while still respecting required public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The province also regularly provides industry-specific COVID-19 guidance, including recommendations for post-secondary institutions. The Public Health Agency of Canada too has provided guidance for post-secondary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the U of A
Below is the current status of U of A community activities and campus services, as well as our assessment of what the next step may be in each area.
Start dates for U of A changes to activities and services will vary from the dates Alberta lifts or lessens provincial public health restrictions. The U of A also manages our university-specific set of safety measures, which are tailored to the health and safety needs of our communities and campuses. As a result, our gradual reopening may sometimes differ from the general guidelines provided by the provincial government due to considerations such as physical constraints and our diverse and international population.
The implementation of new measures are announced to the U of A community when they are applicable. We understand that many U of A community members are eager to get back to their on-campus office, workspace or favourite study spot. Thank you for your continued patience. By gradually returning activity to our campuses we are creating a safer and more sustainable immediate future for our students, our colleagues, and our greater community.
Campus Services & Activities |
Current Status: TEMPORARY MEASURES |
Anticipated Next Steps ( see note below) |
|---|---|---|
|
Classes and exams |
Spring/Summer 2021 — primarily remote | A safe transition to primarily in-person activities in September, according to public health restrictions. |
| Campus buildings (including Maker Spaces) | Limited buildings open, follow faculty/building signage | More buildings unlocked and open to the public |
|
Research (including Maker Spaces) |
Only approved research on campus; restricted field research | Gradually welcome currently remote researchers back to campus according to physical distancing limits — approval processes still apply |
| Employees working on campus | Only critical services, approved research, approved work exceptions, including instructors and associated support staff for in-person instruction | Government of Alberta lifts ‘work from home’ directive — U of A return to campus approval processes still apply |
| University travel — international and interprovincial | Restricted travel | To open gradually according to government recommendations |
| Residences | Open; temporary mandatory restrictions in place; Isolation Program available | Open; dedicated self-isolation rooms for students, employees |
| Libraries | Closed; online services available | Restricted occupancy in some libraries with space bookings in advance |
| Retail services | Only select services. Check before you go | Increased retail operations open, but still respecting capacity limits. |
| Sports and recreation | Not permitted; online services available | Increased sport and recreation services (including gyms, pools, arenas, climbing centres, theatres), events and competitions, as permitted by public health restrictions |
| On-campus student common areas and student club spaces | Limited, follow faculty/building signage | Open, according to public health restrictions |
| University events or gatherings on campus (students, staff or faculty) | Not permitted | Limited, permitted with Vice President or Dean approval. In the case of student groups, approval is given by Dean of Students |
| Events or gatherings on campus (general public) | Not permitted | Not permitted — exception given for Convocation Hall, Timms Centre, Camrose Performing Arts Centre and the Horowitz Theatre — required to follow all public health directives related to theatre spaces. |
Note: Our next steps will not to be implemented simultaneously, but rather throughout the Government of Alberta’s four-step plan and according to all applicable Government of Alberta and Government of Canada public health and travel restrictions.
The gradual reopening of our on-campus activities and their impacts on our academic year are the primary focus of the U of A COVID-19 Response Planning Group. Learn more about their process and progress. Please send questions, suggestions or feedback to phrtinfo@ualberta.ca. Your participation in supporting the ongoing U of A COVID-19 response is greatly appreciated.