New faculty and staff resources: When and how to safely return to campus

A series of new resources are available to support managers, faculty and staff in evaluating if a return to campus is feasible for their team, and if so, the steps they need to complete.

04 June 2020

Posted: June 4, 11:00 a.m.

Provincial relaunching steps and newly reactivated research may have you wondering if and when you will be able to return to work on our campuses. Just as our students are continuing their studies remotely, most employees must continue to work remotely too. The beauty of our campuses in the Spring and Summer is tempting, but it is of the utmost importance that we continue to be mindful, gradual and methodological in our approach to returning to work.

As provincial public health restrictions continue to loosen, we must begin to prepare for how our eventual return to working on our campuses may proceed. For that reason, a series of NEW resources are now available to support managers, faculty and staff in evaluating if a return to campus is feasible for their team, and if so, the steps they need to complete to make it a safe, successful, and sustainable return:

Working during a pandemic: Returning to campus

Faculty and staff can assess if they are eligible to return, and if so, how they can prepare for being one of the first team members back on campus.

More infomation for employees on returning to campus »

Managing safe returns to campus

Managers are guided through assessing if the time is right for their team to come back. These steps will ensure that your campus work complies with public health directives.

Managing Safe Returns to Campus: Information for Managers and Supervisors »

Safety Measures General Directives

Current public health restrictions are adapted for the U of A campus environment (PPE, plexiglass, building access, sanitation, health screening, approval processes, and much more). It’s an absolute must-read for all managers and returning employees.

Safety Measures General Directives »

Mandatory e-training: Returning to Campus

A 10-minute online program will help you understand the hazards and risks, and what you can do to protect yourself, your colleagues, and family from COVID-19. All returning employees are required to complete this e-course.

Login to take the course »

Public Health Workplace Protocols and Resources

Access a quick listing of U of A health and safety guidelines for computer labs, shared work environments, administrative spaces, dry labs, wet labs, shared graduate student spaces, use of non-medical masks, and more.

View the Public Health Workplace Protocols and Resoures »

FAQs on Safely Returning to Campus

Employees get fast answers about the activities currently allowed on campus, such as when to pick up items from your office, where to get PPE, what are essential on-campus services, and more.

View the Frequently Asked Questions »


These supports are a part of the university’s 2020-21 planning initiative. We will continue to update the U of A community as new information and resources become available. 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.


Whether on or off campus, if you have concerns about your current working environment, please discuss it with your advisor, your supervisor, your HR representative, or student support services. We will help find the best resource or option for you.