New provincial COVID-19 guidelines: All in-person classes cancelled Thursday through Sunday

Earlier this evening (on Sept. 15), the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency, announced new COVID-19 public health measures, and launched a restrictions exemption program. In follow-up communications, the province informed us it is requiring all post-secondary institutions to implement two-metre physical distancing in all indoor spaces until Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.

As a result of these new requirements, the University of Calgary is cancelling all in-person classes from Thursday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 19 as we evaluate the implications of the new rules. We will assess the situation in the next few days and follow up on the status of future classes. Online classes and the online portion of blended classes will continue as scheduled. Research operations can remain open with two-metre social distancing and mandatory masks. Staff should continue to work from home unless required for campus operations.

Our COVIDSafe Campus program appears to align with the latest government requirements for businesses and services. We will be evaluating the program to determine what needs to be adjusted to ensure it meets new government mandates. We will communicate if there are any changes in the program in the near future. 

The University of Calgary is a highly vaccinated environment. Thanks to our COVIDSafe Campus program, 37,103 members of our campus community have already taken important steps to being on campus – with 91.3 per cent being fully vaccinated and the remainder completing regular rapid testing. 

New proof of vaccination documents being established in Alberta will be evaluated to determine how they can be incorporated into our rapid testing and vaccination status program. 

If you have not completed your COVIDSafe Campus requirements, it is imperative that visit www.ucalgary.ca/covidsafe-campus immediately and complete the requirements to comply with university and provincial health guidelines. 

Mental health supports

The constantly evolving COVID-19 situation is hard for all of us. If you need support, please reach out and remember that mental health support is available to all students, faculty and staff who need it.

• Student Wellness Services: Access mental health support during campus closures by calling 403-210-9355
• Staff Wellness: 403-220-2918. A mental health consultant is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. by phone or email
• For 24/7 mental health support, call Distress Centre at 403-266-4357 or Wood’s Homes Community Support team at 403-299-9699

As always, we will continue to update you if there are any changes that could impact your classes, your research or your work. 

Thank you so much for all that you are doing to support each other throughout this pandemic. 

Ed McCauley
President and Vice-Chancellor