Students, trainees, faculty and staff, Last week, the University of Calgary introduced a live dashboard for known cases of COVID-19 on campus. While the information provided in the dashboard will still be summarized in the university’s COVID-19 email updates, you’ll now also be able to find it online. This will allow you to make decisions about your on-campus activity based on your comfort level with any potential risk. Please remember that if you can continue to work from home, you’re asked to do so. Read President McCauley’s message from July 29 for more information about UCalgary’s communications protocols, including the dashboard and what happens when a positive case of COVID-19 is identified. Return to campus
- Non-medical mask protocol: As of Aug. 1, UCalgary students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to wear non-medical masks in indoor public spaces at all university campuses. Exceptions to mask use are the same as those outlined in the City of Calgary bylaw (while eating, drinking or exercising in a fitness facility).
- Beginning Aug. 4, faculty and staff who are included in a Workplace Safety Plan for working on campus can pick up two complimentary reusable masks. Department leaders will receive instructions from Staff Wellness on how to receive their reusable masks. This process will be the same as the one used for the distribution of sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- Students will also be provided two complimentary reusable masks. Details for the distribution of student masks will be announced before the fall term begins.
- For more information, read the July 29 message and follow UCalgary’s mask FAQ page for the latest information.
- Parking in UCalgary lots: A reminder that parking fees for UCalgary lots were reinstated on Aug. 1. If you hold a permit for a UCalgary lot, such as our TRW parkade, and are returning to work on campus, you’ll have the option to reactivate your permit and pay the monthly fee or pay the daily rate for parking by using the pay stations in your assigned lot. Permit fees for those who continue to work from home will be waived until you return to campus. For more information, please review the July 13 message.
- Parking in Alberta Health Services (AHS) lots: Parking fees for faculty and staff who park in AHS lots remain suspended and I’ll share more information when it becomes available. While on campus, please park in your assigned lot.
Learning and working
- UCalgary’s Campus Print Shop is open and available to support you. To learn more about the services offered by the print shop, visit ucalgary.ca/printshop.
Research operations
- The Biogeoscience Institute will resume research activities at a reduced capacity in August 2020. As of Aug. 4, UCalgary researchers may request accommodation and lab access at the Barrier Lake Field Station. Access to the R.B. Miller Field Station and Sheep River Site remains suspended. Read the July 30 email.
Taking action against systemic racism
- The City of Calgary is interested in speaking with researchers about potential research partnerships on actions to address systemic racism. If you’re interested in participating in a discussion, please email [email protected].
CSM in the news
- Congratulations to Dr. Carolyn Emery, PhD, one of the newly named UCalgary Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), and to Dr. Simon Hirota, PhD, one of the university’s renewed CRCs. Read more.
- Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Grimminck, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the CSM’s Department of Psychiatry and the 2020 recipient of the Royal College Award for Early-Career Leadership in Medical Education. Read more.
- COVID-19 contributes to burnout in caregivers of children with an autism diagnosis. A study led by Dr. Carly McMorris, PhD, explores how vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Read more.
- A study led by Dr. Nathan Peters, PhD, finds that immune responses thought to be non-protective are actually essential. Read more.
Have a wonderful week! Sincerely, Jon Meddings, MD
Dean, Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary |
