Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
There is always a sense of energy and tension in the air as we head towards the last few weeks of this academic year. I sincerely wish all students all the very best for final exams and critique week, and deeply thank all faculty and staff who have worked so hard to bring us successfully to this point.
For those of you finalizing your degrees, congratulations on reaching this final stage of your creative education journey with us! I am very much looking forward to celebrating your achievements with you at Convocation 2022, taking place May 26, 2022 at the Jubilee Auditorium for the first time since the pandemic started. For other students heading into a much-welcomed break for the summer, I also sincerely congratulate you on your resilience and achievements in negotiating the pandemic over the past academic year. This is no small feat; every student, faculty and staff member has pulled together to ensure this Winter semester fully back on campus has been a huge success.
In February, I announced that the Face Mask Protocol would be in place until May 1. This date has been moved forward slightly, as such, the mandatory campus Face Mask Protocol will end Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 11:59 PM. While we continue to highly recommend wearing a mask, this will no longer be required. In that new context, it is essential that we all continue to be respectful and understanding of those who choose to wear masks for personal reasons and want to maintain physical distancing.
Additionally, starting Thursday, April 28, 2022, the AUArts campus will open again to public access during the day (8am-5pm), and some of the campus entrances will no longer be restricted to key card holders only. Also, the Daily Health Assessment requirement using the AUArts Safe App will no longer be required. Despite these changes, if you are feeling unwell, please continue to stay home. Employees, please follow the Control Process Map. Employees should contact HR@auarts.ca if they require any specific guidance about their personal situation, and students should review the Short-Term Accommodations – Protocol for Students and if needed submit an Excused Absence and Request Declaration Form.
Soon, we shall see visitors back on campus. This new phase is certainly exciting news for Spring term students, the School of Continuing Education – who are offering Spring classes and Summer Camps – and for Illingworth Kerr Gallery and the Grad Show 2022 exhibition.
Before students disperse later this month, I wish to leave you with this line from the great Dumbledore (in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets): “It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices.” I very much look forward to the exciting choices you will make on the road ahead.
All the very best,
Daniel
Dr. Daniel Doz
President and CEO
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