Dear colleagues,
As you know, the province recently announced that the first stage of the ‘relaunch strategy’ for Calgary would be delayed. The province now suggests that the earliest date for many activities to resume in Calgary will be May 25.
The university continues to operate in a modified state: faculty, staff, postdocs and students continue to work from home wherever possible, buildings are secured, and only those with critical functions are permitted to work on campus. The Critical Research Designation remains an option for researchers who must pursue critical activities.
However, as we prepare for a phased return to campus, we have identified expanded criteria for research, scholarship, or creative activities that can resume on campus, in the field, or in the community when we are permitted to do so.
Effective immediately, submissions are open for Expanded Research Designation. Initially, pre-approval will be granted to those that satisfy the criteria outlined below. Securing pre-approval means that the identified individuals may return to their activities as soon as further direction comes from the university, and not before.
If you have secured a Critical Research Designation and all required activities and team members have been approved under that designation, no action is required.
If your work does not meet the Critical Research Designation criteria, but you have time-sensitive activities to complete, OR if you have a Critical Research Designation but you now wish to enable additional team members to return who were not identified as Critical, please review the following.
We recognize that many of you are eager to return to your workspaces, but we ask that you prioritize only those activities which require access to on-campus or field research facilities or resources. Those who return to campus must take all necessary precautions, including observing physical distancing, paying close attention to hygiene, avoiding common areas, and limiting time on campus. Please stay up-to-date on workplace guidance from the province for best practices in your workspace. A separate communication regarding animal care is forthcoming. Clear instructions regarding physical distance requirements and access to cleaning supplies on campus will be provided prior to those with Expanded Research Designation returning to campus. Expanded Criteria for Research on Campus, in the Field, or in the Community
At this time, we will consider research, scholarship, or creative work that satisfies one or more of the following criteria:
- Graduate students or postdoctoral scholars who must conduct time-sensitive activities required to advance their program or appointment.
- On-campus activities with time-sensitive components, where a research program might be negatively compromised if the program is further suspended.
- Activities where data are collected in the field or in the community with time-sensitive components, where a research program might be negatively compromised if the program is further suspended.
In the event that restrictions are re-introduced by government, those with Expanded Research Designation will be asked to shut down their on-campus activities and return to working remotely. |
