COVID-19 Update - Classes cancelled Mar. 16-20; Courses to resume Mar. 23 in alternative format

Below is an excerpt from the "COVID-19 Update from the President – March 13, 2020":

The University of Guelph continues to closely monitor the development of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that members of the U of G community are concerned, and I want to assure everyone that we take this situation very seriously and are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.

I am announcing some major decisions that will affect all students, faculty and staff at all three of our campuses. I know that these changes will be disruptive and require all of us to do things differently, but we believe this is best for our University community. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus disease on any U of G campuses or research stations. Our focus is on keeping the virus off of our campuses. As well, our University needs to do its part in the fight against COVID-19 in the Guelph region and beyond.

ACADEMIC CHANGES

• Face-to-face classes will be cancelled for one week beginning Monday, March 16, to provide faculty and other instructors and academic support staff with preparation time to deliver course content in an alternative way, including technology modified formats.
• Courses will resume Monday, March 23, but in an alternative-format delivery; no face-to-face classes will be held for the remainder of the winter 2020 semester. We appreciate the support of faculty and other instructors in their efforts to create alternative forms of instruction.
• The winter 2020 semester will be extended for one week; the last day of class and the last day to drop a course is April 9.
• Final exams will be conducted in a modified format; the final exam period will be extended.
• Support will be offered to faculty and instructors to help in this transition. Faculty members and instructors will, of course, have decision-making discretion and options and are encouraged to communicate with their deans and department chairs regarding this process.

Please note: The University and University buildings will remain open and operating as usual. Of course, we understand that this is a very challenging and stressful time, and faculty and staff may have situations and circumstances that require flexibility, so please speak with your supervisor if you need accommodations.

Our libraries, recreation centres, food services and health services all remain open. Research efforts will continue. Researchers should follow the research-related COVID-19 updates on the U of G Research website.

Our residences will remain open and operational. Students may decide to return home and/or study remotely. Please advise residence staff of your decision.

We want to remind the U of G community of the importance of social distancing and encourage everyone to consider ways to minimize close contact to help prevent virus transmission. Information in this regard is available on the Public Health website.

Full details on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Information U of G webpage.