Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Happy new year to all! I hope you had a good holiday break and you found ways to fill those frozen winter days with some much needed rest and enjoyment.
Over the last several weeks, Alberta’s post-secondary presidents have continued to be kept up to date by Dr. Hinshaw and public health officials, and there are currently no changes to guidance for post-secondary institutions.
AUArts will return to campus in-person learning on Monday, January 24, as we announced before the holiday break. However, due the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, we believe it is prudent that all courses in the School of Critical and Creative Studies, which generally have larger class sizes, remain online and they only return to campus in-person learning after the Winter Term Break on February 28.
Managers and supervisors are encouraged to be flexible and allow remote work, where operational requirements permit. However, where in-person work remains necessary, remote work arrangements may not be possible.
Flexibility and understanding is key here as the Omicron variant is extremely contagious and therefore its impacts on attendance – be it in the classroom, in the office or any other venues – can become rapidly quite disruptive.
Our number one priority at AUArts remains the health and safety of our community above all. Please note:
- Masks and PPE
- Government reminds us that "masks should fit well and be of high quality. People at risk of severe outcomes should wear medical masks when in settings with people outside of their household". If you have questions, please contact jeff.meighen@auarts.ca.
- Masking is mandatory in all common areas, classrooms, and group/shared offices. Faculty must wear masks at all times while teaching.
- Employees needing support for PPE should contact jeff.meighen@auarts.ca.
- Vaccinations
- We return knowing that all members of the AUArts community are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with the exception of those with approved exemptions. Dr. Hinshaw encourages all to get their Booster shot as soon as possible as it substantially reduces the potential harmful impacts of the virus.
- We return knowing that all members of the AUArts community are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with the exception of those with approved exemptions. Dr. Hinshaw encourages all to get their Booster shot as soon as possible as it substantially reduces the potential harmful impacts of the virus.
- Symptoms and Illness
- If you experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, employees should refer to the Process Control Map.
- Employees should contact HR@auarts.ca if they require any specific guidance about their personal situation.
- Students should review the Short Term Accommodations – Protocol for Students and if needed submit an Excused Absence and Request Declaration Form. Managing absences as a result of short term illness is between the student and the instructor.
- Campus Access
- On January 24, campus reopens and access resumes to regular hours. Entrance doors will remain closed to the public, and card key access for AUArts community members only. For further clarification, contact campus.access@auarts.ca.
- On January 24, campus reopens and access resumes to regular hours. Entrance doors will remain closed to the public, and card key access for AUArts community members only. For further clarification, contact campus.access@auarts.ca.
- Daily Health Assessment
- It remains mandatory that the AUArts Daily Health Assessment Form be completed every day on the AUArts SafeApp.
When you are back on campus, please take extra care to respect those around you. Everyone has a different comfort level and all of us deserve compassion for our personal situations.
I encourage us all to use the support resources available. Employees, if you need support please see Infolab > Human Resources for more information on how to access the many resources available through Homewood Health. Contact Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142 or homeweb.ca. Students, counselling support and wellness information is available at Counselling & Wellness on the SharePoint Student Success Centre. Additionally, there are mental health resources available through the extended health benefit plan administered by the AUArts Students’ Association.
We very much look forward to the return to our invaluable studio learning environment. Dr Hinshaw stressed the need to be flexible to any further changes, as the situation evolves daily. If there is any news, I will share it as soon as possible.
Again, thank you so much for your resilience and understanding as we continue to navigate these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Daniel
Dr. Daniel Doz
President and CEO