Recapping important COVID-19 information

This message was originally sent to the UWaterloo community by University Communications.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve shared some important updates about our operational plans as we look to expand in-person experiences for everyone this fall and beyond. We’ve shared the most important updates with you by email, but you might have missed some changes that we shared online. This email is a quick recap of the information you might have missed. 

Winter term 2022 

• Winter term 2022 will return to pre-pandemic levels of in person instruction 
• This means most students should prepare for their learning to happen mainly in person from this Winter.  
• More information for undergraduate students is broken down by faculty on the COVID-19 information website. 
• More in-person learning means you should submit your proof of vaccination as soon as possible, even if you won’t be on campus for the fall term. 

Mandatory vaccination requirement 

• We clarified details of our mandatory vaccination requirement including information on the consequences of non-compliance. 
• Individuals deemed or found to be non-compliant will face progressive remedial action consistent with appropriate University of Waterloo policies. In all cases of non-compliance, access to campus will be limited and individuals must complete a mandatory training module.  
• We have been emailing anyone who is non-compliant to remind individuals to submit their proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation before October 17. Since September 7, you are not permitted on campus if you have not provided proof of vaccination or applied for an accommodation. 

Accommodations 

We shared more details on our accommodation process including new frequently asked questions to help individuals understand when and how to apply for accommodations for the mandatory vaccination policy. 

You can submit accommodation requests using the Campus Check-In Proof of Vaccination survey. 

Contractors, visitors and volunteers 

Contractors, service providers and visitors to the University’s campuses who are vaccine-eligible (currently those born during or before 2009) are required to be vaccinated and must declare their vaccination status in Campus Check-In. Some exclusions apply. 

Full details on procedures for contractors and volunteers are available online. 

Employees who hire contractors or service providers must notify them of this requirement before they come to campus. 

Provincial vaccine passport on campus 

• Access to some facilities on campus requires proof via the provincial vaccine certificate. This includes athletics facilities and indoor dining spaces open to the public such as the Student Life Centre. 

Domestic travel 

• Domestic travel is now permitted if it essential and safe. 
• Approvals for domestic travel are returning to pre-pandemic approval arrangements, typically by a Department Head or Chair. 

International travel 

• Most University-approved international travel remains suspended in line with Government of Canada travel advice.  
• We have shared details of the procedures for exemptions with faculty members for research-related travel.  
• The International Visiting Graduate Student program is resuming. Contact the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs for more information. 
• Currently  travel  for exchange is restricted until  April 30, 2022. Students who we have determined  will  need to travel before this date have received messages that they will not be able to move forward with their planned term.