Moving to Phase 3 for return to campus Feb. 28

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

Friday, February 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Students,

I am pleased to share more information on our last phase of returning to campus and what you can expect for in-person instruction for the balance of the term. We will have all courses originally scheduled for in-person instruction back on campus Feb. 28 after Reading Week. Thank you to everyone who followed the health protocols while on campus to ensure the success of our phased return to campus.

As we have been preparing to return to campus, we also heard from the Government of Alberta earlier this month and the province’s plan to lift current public health measures. Following this announcement, the Departments of Advanced Education and Health provided additional guidance to post-secondary institutions.

Vaccination verification update

Given the high rate of vaccination within the University community, we know we can safely return to campus as of Feb. 28. The vaccination directive served its purpose. As a result, MRU will suspend its Directive on March 1.

Vaccination verification will not be required to enroll in courses for future semesters. This also means visitors to campus no longer need to provide vaccine verification to participate in on-campus services and activities.

No changes to masking requirements for learning and common spaces

After discussion at the President's Executive Committee, and following consultations with the Students' Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU), the Mount Royal Faculty Association (MRFA) and the Mount Royal Staff Association (MRSA), MRU will continue to require masks for all University indoor shared learning and common spaces until the end of the Winter Term (April 30). Every student and faculty member on campus for in-person instruction has been verified as vaccinated. We will continue to monitor provincial, municipal and public health expert updates as their planned steps move ahead.

MRU recreation facilities

Vaccine verification is not required to visit MRU Recreation or participate in recreation programs. Masks are not required during physical activity. However, masks must be worn when not actively engaged in activity (transitioning between exercises, on the bench, before/after class, etc.).

Stay home when unwell

Please take care of your health and that of your family and friends. Those who test positive for COVID-19 or are sick with a core symptom (fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, sore throat or runny nose) are required to isolate and should stay home to keep our community healthy.

Your well-being

We recognize the uncertainty of the pandemic and changes to the Winter Term may have added stress in your personal and academic life. If you are struggling, we encourage you to access resources from Wellness Services as needed.

As we near the two-year mark, the ups and downs of the pandemic have taken a toll on all of us. Please continue to look out for each other and respect different comfort levels as we fully transition back to campus. If you notice someone struggling, please be patient and respectful. Mount Royal is known for being a community that supports each other and let’s hold on to and foster that culture of mutual respect. Enjoy your long weekend.