(July 29, 2020) Laurentian University is preparing for a return to campus unlike any other in its history. With unprecedented emphasis on keeping everyone in our community safe, we are pleased to announce today that Laurentian is gradually moving to the next phase in our Return to Campus Plan. A series of resources, policies and measures are ready to ensure that all students, staff, and faculty members have the tools at their disposal to maximize safety.
RETURN TO CAMPUS - THE NEXT PHASE
Laurentian University is moving to Phase 2 of our Return to Campus Plan. Access to campus will be granted, but controlled. As of August 12th, on-campus student services (myLaurentian hub, some study spaces, residences, etc.) will be re-introduced in a gradual and safe manner. While many employees will continue to work remotely, some student services will be delivered using a mixture of both remote and face-to-face interaction.
In mid-August, students will start coming back to campus in the run-up to the first day of classes. N.B.: the first day of classes is Wednesday, September 9.
NEW SAFETY MEASURES
We are committed to community health. Though less than one percent of courses will be delivered in class, masks will be mandatory on campus in the fall semester. Hundreds of new signs have been placed throughout campus, as physical distancing requirements will be in place, requiring individuals to stay at least two metres apart.
CHANGES TO STUDENT RESIDENCE
We are expecting to host almost 500 students in the fall semester, and we have enacted a series of policies and safety measures to ensure their security. Double rooms will be converted to single-occupant rooms. Staff will enact a vigorous cleaning regime, and extra sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the building.
Food services will once again be available to students on campus. A flexible take-out menu will take the place of our more traditional buffet style layout.
STUDENT SUPPORTS
As we all adapt to these times, it is essential that we help each other out. Maamwi, ensemble, together, we have vital resources to help everyone adjust. We are ready and excited to support our students with innovative approaches.
For new students, our Orientation to university and academic life will include a dynamic list of remote activities and on-demand resources. Students and parents are invited to learn more about Orientation here.
The Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) and our Information Technology departments are working closely to provide educators with a suite of tools and supports for course delivery. More than 200 faculty members have met one-on-one with our team members to customize their courses.
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Though the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with numerous challenges, we continue to rise to them. Each initiative has been overseen by a committee of leaders from across the university, working in lockstep with Public Health Sudbury and District, as well as provincial guidelines. We will continue to follow their lead.