University of Calgary remains open, classes will resume on Tuesday, March 17

This evening Alberta Health announced that K-12 schools and daycares – including both daycares at the University of Calgary – would be closed to ward off the continued spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Additionally, post-secondary institutions have been instructed to end in-person classes – an action that the University of Calgary has already announced.

To give students, faculty and staff the time to adjust to this new situation, the University of Calgary will cancel classes on Monday, March 16. Campus remains open, students will have access to all services, and we will begin alternate delivery of courses Tuesday, March 17.

The COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly evolve, and we know that new orders to protect our health may be putting strain on you and your family. If you are a student who needs assistance, all UCalgary services remain accessible. If you are faculty or staff and your personal childcare situation requires you to work from home, please reach out to your supervisors tomorrow (Monday) morning, who have been given the flexibility to make arrangements to address these circumstances.

Know that it is the position of this university that we will not financially disadvantage any employee for having to stay home to address these new public health orders – we will work with you to find a solution that works for everybody.

While the current COVID-19 threat level remains low, the cautionary measures we are taking as a society will require us, for the foreseeable future, to make significant changes to our daily life. 24/7 crisis support and other wellness services remain available for students and staff. Please reach out if you are in need of assistance. We are all in this together.

Continue to take common sense precautions, such as washing your hands, forgoing handshakes, coughing into your arm, staying home when you are sick and avoiding crowded areas.

On behalf of the university leadership team, I want to thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

Dr. Ed McCauley
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Calgary

For the most up-to-date information about the University of Calgary's response to the spread of coronavirus, visit the UCalgary COVID-19 website.