Laurentian University has been a leader among universities in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The first university in Canada to recognize the severity of the outbreak and suspend in-person activities, Laurentian was also the first to transition fully from in-person to remote learning.
The university is now planning a phased ‘return to campus’ approach, providing flexibility to adapt and comply with public health and government protocols. Each phase outlined on a web page allows units to permit students and employees to have a gradual, rotational, and periodic presence on campus. The dates of each phase are subject to change depending on directives from government or public health authorities. Ensuring the health and safety of the campus community is paramount, and meeting physical distancing requirements is critical.
Guidelines for decision making
- Evidence Based and Informed: Follow federal, provincial and municipal government and public health directives; Rely on up-to-date data, evidence and facts
- Responsible and effective: Keep people safe – students, staff and visitors; mitigate risks; financially responsible; sufficient resources
- Flexible and Gradual: Reopening must be flexible, in phases, and customized by program and department as required
- Clear: Communicate decisions and plans frequently and clearly
Plan highlights
- Less than 1% of courses will be on campus
- Research on campus has begun as of June 8 and graduate students have returned to campus to continue major projects
- Face to face courses are being adapted to leverage online tools. More online and remote delivery courses are available to students, providing increased flexibility in learning.
- On campus services continue to be provided via remote delivery, allowing students to access these services in more flexible and adaptive ways. They are also being modified to follow government protocols through physical distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and online experiences
- Residences will be open in the fall and will have single occupants in double rooms
Read more about the plan at https://laurentian.ca/covid-19/return-to-campus