Updates for the U of A community for the week ending October 2

This week’s edition includes information on: New travel processes for international students; St. Joseph’s College Men’s Residence outbreak; fall convocation; Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund info sessions; making safe Thanksgiving plans; and, a reminder about how to access open buildings on campus.

02 October 2020

Posted: October 2, 4:00 p.m.

New Government of Canada travel processes for international students

As part of an announcement today, the Government of Canada shared that there will soon be new processes to support the safe and gradual entry of some international students. Starting October 20, 2020, international students attending a designated learning institution that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan in place will be able to enter Canada. The University of Alberta is recognized by the Government of Alberta as having a comprehensive COVID-19 readiness plan.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will provide full details on October 8, 2020. After that date, students are advised to consult the U of A student travel to Canada during COVID webpage for updated requirements to enter Canada and to ensure that you meet the university's requirements. A reminder: Do not make any travel plans until you have met all requirements and obtained all necessary authorizations to qualify to come to Canada under the new rules.

St. Joseph’s College residents fully recovered & isolation complete

All 22 members of St. Joseph’s College Men’s Residence, including the five individuals who tested positive, are now fully recovered and/or have completed their required self-isolation periods. There were no additional cases associated with the outbreak. Athletics activities have also recommenced with enhanced safety measures. Read the full update.

Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund info sessions

The Canada Research Continuity Emergency Fund (CRCEF) is part of the federal government's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Stage 3 support for research maintenance/ramp-up costs is now open with an application deadline of Nov 12. U of A information sessions on Stage 3 are being held October 8 and 14; registration is required before October 6.

Virtual fall convocation on November 20

The university community is invited to attend our virtual fall 2020 convocation ceremony on November 20. Students who have applied to graduate should check their inboxes for a message from the President and Chancellor. With current gathering, health and safety restrictions still in place, the university is not able to host large, in-person events. Awarding of degrees remains unchanged; they will be recorded on official transcripts in November and distributed to students. Find out more. 

Health and safety guidance for Thanksgiving planning 

The Government of Alberta has provided guidance to help Albertans plan and enjoy safe and healthy holiday entertaining. COVID-19 is highly transmissible in social settings. One infected person could cause many people attending the same gathering to become ill. Follow public health guidance for a safe and happy holiday.

What’s open on campus?

If you need to come to campus, make sure you plan ahead. To see what buildings and business are open, accessible entrances, and hours of operation, please visit the Campus Building Hours page