(August 6, 2020) For over 50 years, Laurentian Residences has provided safe housing accommodations for students. We recognize many students will prefer to be on campus this fall and Laurentian University has implemented plans to provide the best possible accommodations. In the interest of limiting risk, we have taken the following measures:
Reduced Occupancy
All residents will be housed in single rooms, with no more than two people sharing a bathroom. Residences will operate at 35% capacity to ensure physical distancing and the safety of residents.
Staggered Move-in Dates and Times
Extended move-in dates to allow physical distancing. Move in will begin on Monday, August 31st and run until Tuesday, September 8th. A maximum of 4 residents will be permitted to move in per hour in each building. Move-in appointments will only be permitted between 8am-8pm when additional cleaning staff are on site.
Increased Cleaning
Our cleaning staff will increase cleaning in public areas, particularly "high-touch areas" like door knobs. This will continue throughout the academic year to ensure that we protect residents on an ongoing basis.
Support for International Students Arriving from Outside Canada
Laurentian Residence is offering all international students a safe place to stay during their mandatory 14 day quarantine period. They will receive food deliveries, along with support from staff and health services on campus.
Activities
Residence Life staff will provide resident support and build community connections through virtual and in-person activities. Campus life is guided by the Okaganan Charter, which emphasizes the promotion of healthy communal living on campus. Allowable gatherings will have to meet Ontario Public Health guidelines. Staff organizing these activities will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment, sanitizer, and disinfectant.
Contingency Plans
Laurentian Residence has worked closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) to prepare for many eventualities. We currently have both an outbreak and a quarantine plan, as well as the flexibility needed in order to meet PHSD's guidelines.
CONCLUSION
The decision to allow for a significant number of scholars to return involved the close cooperation of many departments. The Return to Campus Committee, which is made up of over 50 campus leaders representing students, staff and faculty, worked closely with Residence Life to make it happen. Health and safety remains our first priority and we continue to work closely with the public health authorities.
QUOTE
“Laurentian Residence has always been a safe place to live. We are confident that the safety measures we are preparing for our fall intake will significantly reduce the risk to students, staff, faculty, and contractors entering the buildings this fall." Joseph McGibbon, Manager of Residence Life, Laurentian University