NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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The health and safety of our entire Algoma community and the success of our students are paramount in our decision making. Today, I am writing to provide an important update (after consultation with other Universities, public health units, Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities) regarding Algoma University’s response to mitigating risks associated with COVID-19. We know these decisions will cause some disruption, and we apologize for that as together, the university system works with the Ontario Government and Health Care systems to do our part in minimizing the spread and impact of COVID-19.
Over our 50+ year history, Algoma has faced several situations requiring unity and togetherness, however, in my discussion with colleagues, I am not sure that we have ever experienced a context that was as fluid and rapidly changing as this. As a community, and as your President, I am confident that by continuing to work positively and collaboratively as a team, we will implement a successful strategy that keeps people within our community safe while at the same time ensuring that the academic needs of our students are met. We need to work together.
Our approach is based on our effort to reduce health risks within the community. We are committed to doing our part to “flatten the curve” in the global strategy to reduce the impact of COVID-19. Although some actions may vary by campus, the overall approach and underlying philosophy will be consistent for our Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins campuses.
More detailed information about these changes will be available for students, faculty, and staff on our COVID-19 website and through further communication with specific groups on specific issues. This is a fluid situation and will change. We will continue to post updates and link to other important information relevant to our community.
We all look forward to the day when we can resume our regular activities. Meanwhile, it is our resolve in such an extraordinary situation that will make us an even stronger university.
Finally, I want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding, and I ask that you carefully read the specific details outlined below.
Yours sincerely,
Asima Vezina
President and Vice-Chancellor
Algoma University
Algoma University COVID-19 Action Plan (March 13 Update):
Academics
Algoma U is cancelling face-to-face classes, labs and tutorials, beginning Monday, March 16. At present we are cancelling all face-to-face classes, labs, and tutorials for the remainder of the Winter 2020 term (last day of scheduled classes is April 3). We are not moving these online, we are cancelling them (see below for details).
Campus Status
The following will apply to all three campuses (Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins) if applicable:
- At this time, the University and University buildings remain open. Facilities such as the libraries and recreation centres all remain open.
- At this time, the University remains open and employees are to continue to report to work as usual.
- The cafeteria on the Sault Ste. Marie Campus will remain open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Tim Hortons will close for the remainder of the semester. Please note that there will be some changes to operations in the cafeteria:
- Self serve items such as the salad bar, soup, pastries, etc. will not be offered. Instead, the cafeteria will prepare increased numbers of take-home items for purchase.
- Utensils will no longer be self serve but will be single serve.
- All events, both on-and-off campus (including sponsorship/partnership events), currently scheduled until May 1, 2020, are being cancelled, postponed or offered virtually. Examples include non-essential meetings, group activities, varsity practices, campus tours, camps, social/campus life events, thesis events, workshops, outreach activities.
Travel Restrictions
- All work-related international travel (including the USA) is cancelled until Aug. 31, 2020, or until further notice.
- All work-related, non-essential domestic travel is cancelled until further notice. This includes inter-campus travel and campus visits.
- Anyone who chooses to travel for personal reasons is advised to visit the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel Advice webpage.
Important Reminders
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
Many of these symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza. Should you experience these symptoms AND have recently travelled internationally to an affected region, avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional. Advise your health professional in advance of attending the clinic of your symptoms and travel history.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, please reach out to Brianne Pringle at [email protected] or 705-949-2301 ext. 4373 to ensure proper accommodations (both academic and employment) are in place.
To help protect yourself from possible infection, health officials recommend that everyone:
- wash your hands frequently and well with soap and warm water;
- use alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- cough or sneeze into your elbow, or cover your cough or sneeze;
- avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness;
- stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others;
- if you are sick, contact a health care provider about your symptoms and inform them of your travel history.
Anyone travelling is advised to visit the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel Advice webpage.
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