Resources for returning to campus in the fall term (all employees)

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

As the fall term approaches, we look forward to welcoming more of you back to our campuses. 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. 

We are pleased to share new resources to help you learn what to expect and how you can help keep our campus community safe and healthy. 

Please note that these resources and guidelines reflect our best understanding and interpretation of an ever-changing situation, and we know that circumstances and public health advice might change in the near future. We will continue to update you as needed.

Welcome Back resources

The Welcome Back Waterloo Guide outlines the University’s plans and the steps you can take as you prepare to return. It will continue to be updated as plans and the campus environment evolve. 

This short video helps students coming to campus prepare for a unique fall term.

Health and Safety guidance

Here’s what you need to know about the health and safety environment at the University. The Safety Office has updated the Health and Safety guide.

Resources for instructors

Instructors should complete the COVID-19 screening questions using the Campus Check-In tool before arriving on campus each day, and do not attend campus if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Prior to the first class, you should devise a plan with your unit head (Chair/Director) about how to proceed with class instruction in the event you become unavailable. Should you become ill, report the absence to your unit head so that the contingency plan can be implemented. 

You must wear an approved face covering while in the classroom. Personal protective equipment is required following current health and safety guidelines. 

It is important to note that the government of Ontario has relaxed physical distancing and capacity limits in instructional spaces including classrooms, teaching labs and libraries. The University will continue with its plans for a graduated and safe return to campus. you need to stay vigilant, and you must always wear a mask.

You must still maintain two metres’ physical distance in all public spaces such as cafeterias, gyms, study spaces, and washrooms. Physical distancing measures in non-instructional space situations remain in place in line with the province’s Step 3 regulations.

Read the Health and Safety Guide. It includes important information for instructors returning to campus to help manage the risks related to the COVID-19.  

Please refer to the complete instructor’s guide on the COVID-19 website.

Continuity of Education plan

The University has submitted a Continuity of Education plan in accordance with Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) directives.

Hybrid working resources

In preparation for the fall term, Information Systems & Technology (IST) has created hybrid work guidelines for University employees who will be working both in the office and from home. Read more about the recommended meeting guidelines, work equipment guidelines, and secure computing practices. More guidelines will be added throughout the term as necessary.

Submit your proof of vaccination today

If you have not yet done so, submit your proof of vaccination or start the process for accommodation at https://checkin.uwaterloo.ca. Starting September 7, everyone in the University of Waterloo community, including visitors, must provide proof of vaccination before coming to campus.

IMPORTANT: You are not permitted to ask anyone about their vaccination status. The University is monitoring compliance with the vaccination mandate and you must not ask anyone to disclose their vaccination status to participate in any activities.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca. We are grateful for your understanding, patience and adaptability as we work to ensure that we can safely expand in-person experiences for everyone.

We encourage you to have a relaxing Labour Day long weekend and look we forward to seeing many of you on campus as we prepare for a unique fall term.