HealthyU Essentials

As a community, we can work together to minimize the chances of getting sick. We closely follow public health guidance, and personal health measures on our campuses are important to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses. In addition to practicing good hygiene, including washing or sanitizing your hands often, you're encouraged to take the following measures:

Take your shot

Take your shot

Avoid getting sick — get your free flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine right on North Campus or at your preferred pharmacy.

UHC Pharmacy

Book your shot

University Health Centre

Call 780-492-2612 for availability.

Mask up

mask Up

Face masks are strongly recommended on U of A campuses, especially in instructional spaces and indooor high-traffic areas. Free masks (including N95 masks for those who are immunocompromised) are available at:

  • North Campus — Bookstore, Main Floor Students’ Union Building (SUB) booth, International Services Centre (in Telus Centre), Van Vliet, Hanson Fitness & Lifestyle Centre, and Wilson Climbing Centre, and all library locations
  • South Campus — Foote Field and Saville Community Sports Centre
  • Augustana Campus — Service Desk, and the Faith and Life Centre (blue surgical masks only) and all library locations
  • Campus Saint-Jean — Pavillon McMahon and Bibliothèque Saint-Jean
Stay home when ill

Stay home when Ill

By taking care of yourself at home today, you’ll be in better shape to accomplish your goals tomorrow. Here are some things you can do at home:

  • Rest. You can only be as productive as your body will allow.
  • Evaluate your symptoms. If you need to, seek medical attention.
  • Keep the things that make you feel better close at hand. Everyone has different needs when they are unwell.
  • Don’t put pressure on yourself.

We’re closely following public health guidance, and as a community, we need to continue working together to minimize any risks. Personal health measures on our campuses will continue to be important this fall. Below is a HealthyU Essentials checklist that highlights the steps we can each take to protect our campus and support our community, together.

As throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the information included here is subject to change according to provincial or institutional safety measures. Find full COVID-19 U of A campus and community safety measures here.

Before coming to campus

Illustration of a vaccine needle

Boost your protection

In Alberta, everyone 18 years+ can get a fourth dose COVID-19 vaccination 5 months after their third dose. Book online, call 811, or visit a walk-in clinic.

Illustration of a thermometer

Do a daily health check

If you’re feeling sick — with COVID-19 or other communicable symptoms — stay home, notify your supervisor or instructor, and follow public health advice.

Illustration of a laptop with an icon of a book on the screen

Stay informed, and if needed seek support

Visit the U of A COVID-19 information website for quick access to the latest information and U of A support and service essentials that may apply to you.

Illustration of checklist

Be prepared

Familiarize yourself with sick processes and campus emergency information and procedures.

While on campus

Illustration of a mask

Use a mask

Face masks are not required, but are strongly recommended on U of A campuses — especially in instructional spaces, indoor high-traffic and high-capacity areas. Various campus locations will have free masks available.

Illustration of two hands under a running faucet

Practice good hygiene

Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching surfaces. Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.

Illustration of two people with an arrow to represent space between them

Make space whenever possible

Respectful physical distancing and smaller groups are encouraged whenever possible.

Illustration of a crowd of people

Be patient

Don’t overcrowd shared or enclosed spaces like elevators, washrooms, and hallways.

Free Mask Locations

Free masks will be available at the following campus locations (including N95 masks for those who are immunocompromised):


Many of the lessons of the past few years continue to be valuable and will drive how we each make personal decisions to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. With this in mind, university community members are asked to respect the personal health decisions of those around them.

Info for Students

If you are sick:

  • Contact your instructor. As you are able, keep your instructor advised of when you will be well enough to return to class.
  • Connect with academic accommodations and wellness services (outlined below) for any required support.
  • Follow the procedures for missing classes/exams.
  • If you start to feel better, restart your academic activities with work you can do from home first: check in with your course syllabus, look for your class notes on eClass and connect digitally with your instructor or a classmate to get up-to-date on what you missed.

Academic accommodations and wellness services

Info for Instructors

Various supportive health and wellbeing resources are available to all U of A employees. Access these resources directly and confidentially depending on your needs.

Additional resources:

Info for Staff

Various supportive health and wellbeing resources are available to all U of A employees. Access these resources directly and confidentially depending on your needs.

If you are sick, advise your supervisor or team/relevant colleagues about your absence and follow the appropriate steps.


Many of the lessons of the past few years continue to be valuable and will drive how we each make personal decisions to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. With this in mind, university community members are asked to respect the personal health decisions of those around them.