Students,

On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency. At that time the province announced new restrictions for areas where covid-19 is prevalent within the community, including Calgary and Edmonton.

For at least the next three weeks, the new government restrictions include:

• a call to work from home if possible
• mandatory masks for all indoor workplaces
• suspension of all level of sports and athletics that have not been expressly approved by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
• no indoor social gatherings
• no events
• no outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people

Alberta’s government, under the guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is not recommending further measures or restrictions on our institutions at this time. At this point, Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are not causing transmission concerns and can continue to deliver education in their current form while adhering to health restrictions such as limited class size and cleaning protocols.

These new measures are meant to address rising covid-19 cases. We want to assure you that in many cases, the rules announced by the province are in line with protocols we have already put in place to keep our campus community safe. They are effective when we are all working together to follow these critical health guidelines.

Face coverings on campus

The province has now mandated wearing masks in all indoor spaces in Calgary and Edmonton, which includes our campuses.

According to this provincial directive, masks are now required for anyone who is in an indoor space unless individuals are alone. This means masks need to be worn in all classrooms, labs, study spaces, student lounges and any other shared space on campus.

This is a new government requirement we must all meet at all times. Remember that keeping the campus community safe is a collective responsibility. If you see someone not following the rules, please speak out.

Classes and exams continue as planned

This week’s restrictions will not impact our plans to continue with a hybrid delivery model for classes and assessments. We will continue to offer a mixture of on-campus and remote classes and exams following strict social distancing and mask protocols.

Study from home expanded

Given the continued presence of covid-19 in our community, our goal is to help limit the spread to keep everyone safe and well.

Please come to campus for activities that can only take place on campus, including your in-person classes, labs or assessments. Otherwise, continue to study from home. For those who may be required to study on campus, access to group study spaces and lounges is now limited to individual study only and group study is no longer permitted.

Fitness and events

All levels of sport, including professional, semi-professional, junior, collegiate and university sports are suspended by the province for the next three weeks. Group fitness classes, team training and fitness classes will not be allowed during this time.

We understand these new restrictions aren’t easy. You have all demonstrated resilience as we pivoted to online learning and remote student supports. Please take care of yourselves and each other. We will get through this together.

Dru Marshall
Provost