Phased return to campus starting Jan. 24

Sent on behalf of Tim Rahilly, Mount Royal University President and Vice-chancellor

Friday, January 14 at 3:45 p.m.

Faculty and Staff,

Today, I want to provide you with a high-level overview of plans for a phased approach to bring back our community for in-person instruction. The intent of this gradual return is to extend some in-person instruction as of Jan. 24 and to have all the courses originally scheduled for in-person instruction back on campus Feb. 28 after Reading Week. I am mindful that with the Omicron variant there may be disruptions as we move through the phases, but we are committed to this plan, your health and well-being, and the long-term academic success of our students. We believe a phased return is the best way to support the commitment to in-person learning that has defined Mount Royal University's approach during the pandemic.

Starting the week of Monday, Jan. 24, Mount Royal will begin the first phase. Faculties are finalizing details and the University will communicate to students to let them know if there are changes to their course delivery.

If the first phase proceeds successfully, a second staged increase will start approximately two weeks later. To progress through these phases and resume in-person instruction, we will assess the COVID situation regularly, monitor risks and use data to inform our decision making.

I, along with the MRU leadership team, want you to know that we see your efforts and are grateful for your contributions whether you are working on campus or remotely. We are committed to being as flexible as possible as our community navigates the Omicron variant and balances personal and professional commitments. As students and instructors gradually return to campus, managers will assess requirements for operational effectiveness and coordinate transition plans for their teams.

If you are working on campus, here are a few reminders:

• Stay home if you are feeling unwell
• If you have any core COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, you are required to isolate and complete the self-isolation report form. If you feel well enough to work during isolation and your manager has indicated your work can be completed remotely, please do so.
• You are required to wear a three-layer mask and to be fully vaccinated
• If you are eligible, please get your booster shot as soon as you are able to do so

On behalf of the MRU leadership team, thank you to everyone who has been and will be involved in the implementation of the plan over the next number of weeks.

You can expect to hear more details and the next steps for entering the second phase by Feb. 1. Please continue to check your email and the MRU website for regular updates.