HealthyU Essentials
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As a community, we can work together to minimize the chances of getting sick. We’re closely following public health guidance, and personal health measures on our campuses continue to be important as respiratory illnesses are on the rise. In addition to practicing good hygiene, including washing or sanitizing your hands often, you're encouraged to take the following measures:
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
University Health Centre
Call 780-492-2612 for availability.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Be prepared
Familiarize yourself with sick processes and campus emergency information and procedures.
While on campus
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.
Practice good hygiene
Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching surfaces. Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.
Make space whenever possible
Respectful physical distancing and smaller groups are encouraged whenever possible.
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):
- All U of A library locations.
- On North Campus, at the Bookstore, the Main Floor Students’ Union Building (SUB) booth, the International Services Centre and the Van Vliet, Hanson Fitness & Lifestyle Centre and Wilson Climbing Centre customer service desks.
- On South Campus, at the Foote Field and Saville Community Sports Centre (both East and West) customer service desks.
- At Augustana Campus, blue surgical masks are available at the Service Desk and the front doors of the Faith and Life Centre.
- At Campus Saint-Jean, at the main entrance to Pavillon McMahon.
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.
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
- Wellness Supports Team — Our social workers help bridge gaps and connect you with resources that provide you with ongoing mental health support and referrals to other mental health resources. Reach out by email to wellness@ualberta.ca.
- Academic Success Centre — For inquiries regarding academic accommodations for students with permanent documented disabilities and chronic physical and mental health conditions. Reach out by email to arrec@ualberta.ca.
- Student Service Centre — Information and access to services to support your academic, financial, mental, and physical well-being.
- Office of the Dean of Students — For inquiries about accommodations and wellness. Reach out by email to dosdean@ualberta.ca.
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:
- What to do if you’re sick or injured (academic staff)
- What to do when a student is sick from exams or term work
- Academic accommodations and wellness services for students (see above item)
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.