Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA)
Needles Hall, second floor, room 2201
To: All students
From: Vivek Goel,
President and Vice-Chancellor
James W. E. Rush,
Vice-President, Academic and Provost
Subject: Updating you on our plans to return to in-person experiences
We recently let you know about our plan to gradually transition to full in-person experiences with most classes starting in person on Monday, February 7.
From today, some services for students including athletics facilities are reopening in line with Ontario’s new roadmap to safely reopen. Changes to Ontario’s regulations mean people are returning to work and activities today and gradually through February to mid-March.
From the very beginning of the pandemic we have tried to make it clear that it is our goal to return to more in-person experiences as soon as the public health conditions allow. We believe that time is finally here.
We recognize that this time brings a new set of challenges. The worries we hear from students, faculty and staff are understandable. In the coming days and weeks, we will continue to do our best to address these concerns. Today, we are providing an update on the COVID-19 information site addressing some of the most pressing concerns that have been shared with us.
The update covers our current assessment and plans on:
and more.
We are aware of the significant pressure and negative effects that this latest lockdown – and the decision to return to in-person experiences – is having on the physical and mental health of so many of us. In deciding to return to in-person experiences in February we are striving to meet your needs to have a meaningful university experience.
If you want to hear more about our plans to return to in-person classes on February 7, you can join us both at a President’s Forum on Wednesday. We hope that this event gives you an opportunity to hear more on the details of our plans to return to in-person experiences and the steps we are taking to protect your health and well-being.
We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we seek to get back to safe and vibrant in-person experiences for everyone at Waterloo. We hope you are excited to get (back) on our campuses and we look forward to welcoming you.