COVID-19 information for faculty and staff

For the most up-to-date information from the University about the coronavirus, see the COVID-19 website.

May 2022

The University and the Faculty are committed to ensuring a safe working and learning environment, and are attempting to address these concerns as they are brought forward. Individuals with safety concerns are encouraged to bring them to their supervisor or department head. As of May 1, academic buildings will be open following the pre-pandemic schedule.

Face covering and distancing requirements - detailed below - are in effect until June 18, 2022, at which point the University will review public health conditions and advise of any updates.

Teaching

As of May 1, in-person instruction resumes.

Face coverings continue to be required in the classroom. Presenters may remove their mask while teaching if they can maintain 2m physical distancing from others in the room and it is necessary for pedagogical or communication purposes.
Students can self-declare an illness, and there is no need for a test or note from a medical professional to support an appropriate absence. By logging in to vif.uwaterloo.ca instructors should automatically be able to access all records relevant to them (VIFs and self-declarations) for the Past 2 Terms, as well as the current term.
The COVID-19 guidelines for instructional space provide a comprehensive description of the safety guidelines for in-person teaching
In response to requests for additional protection within a classroom setting, each Department/School will be providing N95 masks for instructors and TAs that request them to deliver their course.
In-person office hours for instructors, TAs, and tutors are permitted. The decision as to whether to hold office hours in-person or remotely will be made by the instructional team, and will be in alignment with any guidance specifically provided by their unit head.
Instructors, TAs and tutors who need to stay home because they are sick or need to self-isolate should make alternative arrangements with the unit head associated with the course.

Shared work areas - offices, labs, meeting rooms

If at least 2m physical distance can be maintained between individuals, face coverings are not required.
If 2m physical distance is not maintained, or if people are moving within the space, then face coverings must be worn.
Physical barriers between workstations may be used as a control measure in place of the 2m physical distancing requirement, thus removing the requirement for the use of face coverings.

Meetings, seminars and events

In-person meetings, seminars and events may resume with no capacity limits - approvals are not required.
- if 2m distancing is preserved (i.e. participants are seated and not moving), face coverings are not required.
- Presenters may remove their mask if they can maintain 2m physical distancing from others in the room and it is necessary for pedagogical or communication purposes.
- Options for remote participation should be provided for seminars and for any meetings with mandatory participation; some meetings will continue to be 100% virtual, while others may operate in hybrid mode.
Internally-focused events that have food or drink must follow distancing and masking protocols for participants; eating and drinking may take place only while seated, and only if 2m distancing can be preserved.
Co-curricular, and public events require pre-approval.