Updates for the U of A community, week ending October 23

Posted: October 23, 3:00 p.m.

Initial list of Winter 2021 in-person course information available

Last month, President Flanagan announced that our winter semester would be a combination of in-person, online, and remote learning — and that assessments for in-person learning would continue to prioritize program completion and progression. Today, in the first of two notifications, 166 unique courses with in-person learning experiences in Winter 2021 are now confirmed and listed online. The list available today represents courses that were offered in-person during the Fall 2020 term that will also be available in the Winter 2021 term. Additional courses will be approved for in-person delivery and the webpage list will be updated and finalized by November 6. 

Please note that Winter 2021 course details are not available on Bear Tracks at this time. You will see details in Bear Tracks between October 30 and November 12.

Masks now required in classrooms, meeting rooms, and labs

The U of A has updated its campus face mask policy to further protect the health and safety of our campus community. Starting Monday, October 26, the requirement to wear non‐medical masks on campus will also include:

• all classrooms, meeting rooms, and labs where equivalent or higher protection PPE is not already in use (e.g., N95 or better respirator, physical shields); and,
• all indoor areas on campus even if you can maintain a physical distance of more than two metres or you are with members of the same school, sport or social cohort.

Please read the full, updated Safety Directive: Non‐Medical Masks on Campus for exceptions, accommodations, resources and compliance details.

Asymptomatic testing paused

This week, the Government of Alberta announced it paused asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in the province to help reduce testing wait times and speed up testing results. If you are concerned about your health, use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment for Albertans. Individuals without symptoms must be tested still if they are a close contact or are linked to an outbreak. Book tests online at AHS.ca or call HealthLink at 811.

International student travel restriction update

A reminder that starting October 20, international students are now able to enter Canada if they:

• have a study permit or have been approved for a study permit;
• are attending a Designated Learning Institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

The University of Alberta is noted as a Designated Learning Institution by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The university’s approved readiness plan requires that students meet the 14 day quarantine requirement either through participation in the Isolation Accommodation Program or by registering in the Off Campus Isolation and Travel Registry. For more information visit International Student Services.

Campus safety: A shared responsibility

The university requires all community members and visitors to know current campus safety protocols before coming to campus. Failure to follow safety protocols may put the university community at risk and can result in denied access to campus, removal from campus, and if repeated, possible expulsion or termination. Don’t put yourself or others at risk. Protect yourself, protect our community, and use the campus safety checklist regularly before visiting U of A campuses.

Are you Here@UAlberta?

Log in to Here@UAlberta each day to record the locations where you spend time on campus. The check-in tool is simple to use, your information is secure, and it’s the best way to ensure you are notified of a possible exposure to COVID-19 while on campus. If you aren’t using it yet, try it now.