University of Guelph-Humber Announces Vaccination Requirement as Part of Fall Planning

Dear Colleagues,

We are weeks away from the beginning of a new academic year. We have missed the excitement and energy of being on campus and look forward to welcoming you back this fall. We also understand the concerns many of you have about returning to more robust on-campus experiences.

The health and safety of the University of Guelph-Humber community continue to guide our decisions as we return to campus. In preparation for the fall, we have been working diligently to ensure campus facilities and practices meet public health guidelines.

Today, I am writing to you to announce that the University will be requiring vaccinations for those involved in in-person teaching and learning. This requirement follows the policy adopted by the University of Guelph last week and is related to the unique capacity constraints of the University of Guelph-Humber. The University has developed a fall plan that includes 50 per cent of our classes offered in-person. In order to support that plan safely, we are implementing this requirement. Outside of classrooms and learning spaces, students and staff will be required to physically distance indoors across North Campus, including in the University of Guelph-Humber building, and consistent with Humber policy that guides UofGH engagement in services and other campus spaces. As noted in previous correspondence, we continue to establish other health and safety requirements, including mandatory masks or face coverings and strong ventilation measures.

We know that being fully vaccinated significantly reduces the risks of the most serious outcomes of COVID-19. To date, this has also been true for the variants-of-concern. Vaccines are now readily accessible in Ontario and we will be working with Public Health to identify clinics where you can readily get your vaccine. As a reminder, vaccinations can always be booked through the provincial portal.

We are presently developing implementation strategies for this vaccination requirement. Instructors and students who will be engaged in the classroom will be asked to have their first vaccination by September 7, 2021 and their second by October 15, 2021. Those who are unvaccinated and need to access our campus must follow additional safety protocols, which may include regular COVID-19 testing. Further details on these safety measures will be provided soon. It is important to note that we will accommodate individuals who cannot be vaccinated based on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Details on the process to request accommodation will be provided in the near future.

We will continue to provide regular updates as new information becomes available. The latest updates can always be found on the University's dedicated COVID-19 website.

As an institution of higher learning, the University is committed to evidence and research-informed decision-making. The University of Guelph-Humber sees itself as part of the broader community. We understand our role in working with you to safeguard our collective health and well-being.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support during this difficult time. The leadership team appreciates your compassion, flexibility and unwavering dedication to our students and your colleagues.

I wish you each the best for excellent health and continued success. I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall.

Sincerely,

David Danto
Acting Vice-Provost