Questions?
Please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.
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.
This message was originally sent to employees by Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor, and James W.E. Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
Today, we are writing to individuals on the campus who have not yet complied with the University’s proof of vaccination requirement to let them know about the consequences they may face.
As we announced on August 24, 2021, the deadline to provide proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation is Sunday, October 17, 2021.
Students and employees who are not compliant by October 17 will be subject to progressive remedial action consistent with University of Waterloo policies.
On Tuesday, October 12, we will begin sharing details of individuals who are not in compliance with the University’s vaccination policy with appropriate managers and academic leaders for the purposes of program administration so that they can plan how to enact progressive discipline activity in their areas and seek support as needed.
We are letting students who are not currently compliant with the requirement know the following steps for remedial actions:
At any point, if a student submits proof of vaccination, we will remove any holds in Quest and the student can resume in-person activities.
Students who are not currently enrolled in in-person courses or are not coming to the campus do not have to provide proof of vaccination, but we are asking them to attest to submitting proof of vaccination if their plans change and in advance of Winter term. This means they must complete Campus Check-in and provide proof of vaccination if they come to campus.
International students who do not have access to Health Canada-approved vaccines or are working towards their vaccination status and have questions about the October 17 deadline, please contact the International Student Experience team.
Instructors and department chairs can expect to receive further detailed guidance on managing these processes in the coming days.
Our process for managing non-compliance for employees will consider the operational, teaching and learning requirements of the institution. We will protect health and safety while ensuring that operational requirements are met and students can finish the current academic term. The process is as follows:
All employees will be required to be fully vaccinated by the start of the Winter term in January 2022.
Employees who are on sabbaticals or leaves away from campus will receive a letter two months before their scheduled date of return that outlines the University’s vaccination proof requirements that must be satisfied before they can return to campus.
The vaccination form is quick and easy to complete. Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with statutory privacy requirements and will only be shared with individuals for the purpose of program administration.
Department heads and managers can expect to receive further detailed guidance on managing these processes in the coming days.
We will provide accommodations for unique cases where individuals cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or protected human rights grounds. To apply for an accommodation, please follow the prompts in the proof of vaccination form.
More information is available on the COVID-19 information website.
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.
Please email coronavirus@uwaterloo.ca.
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.