This update is provided for archival purposes only.

Public Health guidance and University of Waterloo operations may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our COVID-19 frequently asked questions.

Confirming direction for fall term

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

This message was originally sent to students and employees by Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, and James W. E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.

Late last night, we received new instructions from the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Chief Medical Officer of Health that outline their direction to us for the fall term.

In particular, the government now requires that universities must implement a mandatory proof of vaccination program by September 7 and that we can relax some physical distancing measures in instructional spaces such as classrooms and labs.

Out of an abundance of caution, we will maintain the approach we outlined in July. We will continue with our overall plan to deliver a mix of online and in-person courses for the fall while we look for ways to expand in person experiences such as in labs, libraries, and other learning spaces. Physical distancing measures in all other situations will remain in place in line with the province’s Step 3 regulations.

We have planned for a fall term that creates an expanded in-person experience for all, while putting measures in place to protect and promote safety.

These include:

We are very encouraged that more than 20,000 people have already submitted their proof of vaccination or requested an accommodation. Of those, more than 97 per cent have provided proof of being fully vaccinated and a significant portion of the remainder have told us they have already had one dose. If you have not yet submitted your information – please do so as soon as possible. 
 
The trends in vaccination rates are positive, but we must remain vigilant as the fourth wave of the pandemic unfolds. We will continue to work with our local public health team to make sure our plans continue to protect your physical and mental health, while ensuring that we can expand in-person experiences for everyone. 
 
We will share more information on the details of our health and safety approaches to the fall term on the COVID-19 information website in the coming days. 

You can submit your proof of vaccination or start the process for accommodation today by visiting Campus Check-In. 

If you are a student living in Campus Housing residences or AFIW residences that have already supplied proof of vaccination or sought an accommodation you do not need to resubmit your information.

To submit your proof of vaccination, you can upload your vaccination record or receipt. If you were  vaccinated in Ontario, copies of your receipts are available on the  Government of Ontario website.

If you were vaccinated elsewhere in Canada copies of your receipts are available on the relevant provincial website that you can find links to on the  Government of Canada website.

If you were vaccinated outside of Canada, proof can include vaccination receipts or letters from physicians, hospitals, or government agencies that include the date you received the vaccine, the name of the vaccine and the number of valid doses you have received.

To apply for an accommodation, you can follow the prompts in the proof of vaccination form.

More information is available on the COVID-19 information website.

COVID-19 testing, rapid screening and vaccination is available through Campus Wellness for all University of Waterloo students, employees, postdocs and their family members.

If you are struggling with your mental health during these changing times, reach out for support through Human Resources, Occupational Health, Here247 and Wellness Together Canada. Ongoing employees can access supports through Homewood Health, the University’s Employee and Family Assistance Program partner or at 1-800-663-1142.