COVID-19: University responds further to support people and control the spread

Today we heard from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the importance of taking every possible measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The University is continuing to take steps to safeguard our people, enable employees to work from home through the delivery of alternative and online services and maintain critical on-campus functions.

Work from home

Earlier today, the University announced that most employees should work from home. Managers and department heads will provide further guidance on alternative work arrangements. Resources for working remotely are available online.

You will continue to receive your pay

Making sure that employees continue to receive their pay is a critical responsibility of the University. Workday and our electronic paperless processes that support our payroll function means that those who are set up with direct deposit will not experience a delay in the receipt of their regular pay.

The regular cut-offs and deadlines for monthly and biweekly pay continue to apply.

During this time, we will not issue or distribute printed cheques and payslips. If you are affected by this change please contact HRHelp@uwaterloo.ca for guidance. Further information regarding Human Resources activities is available.

Critical campus functions and operations

Where possible, we are making services available through alternative formats, for example online, with reduced hours or staff, or over the telephone.

Co-operative Education, Information Systems and Technology, the Registrar’s Office and Human Resources are examples of units that have confirmed their physical locations will not be open and they will continue delivering services online.

A list of amended services is available on the COVID-19 website.

If your role is deemed to be part of our critical campus functions and operations, we believe your manager should have communicated this information to you.

Research activities

The Office of Research has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for the responsible continuance of research activities. This guidance will be available in the coming days. 

Supporting our students

• Students living in residence are urged to leave by Friday, March 20. Essential services within student residences will continue for those who are unable to leave.
• Counselling Services will conduct appointments over the telephone. Where possible, Health Services will process appointments over the telephone.
• We are encouraging students studying or working abroad to return to Canada or their home country, wherever they feel most comfortable.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience, especially as we navigate our way through this difficult period. 

Additional information and resources

We are keeping the University’ COVID-19 website up to date with information.

If you have questions or concerns about coronavirus and Waterloo, please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca and our team will help find the right campus contact.