University of Calgary to return to campus this fall

Calgary, Alberta – Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary, announced Thursday that the university will be returning to campus this fall. The move will mean more classes will be held in person, more labs will be open for research activities, and more student and public services will operate on campus than have been possible since the start of the pandemic.

“Safety remains UCalgary’s top priority as we return to our campus.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary

The decision to move forward with returning to campus this fall is grounded in the latest health guidelines and scientific research. Vaccinations rates are critical to enabling a return to in-person operations on campus.

Currently, all Albertans over the age of 12 are able to access a COVID-19 vaccine. According to Alberta Health Services, more than 60 per cent of Alberta’s eligible population have already received their first dose. Vaccine supply is anticipated to provide remaining first doses this summer for those who still need it.

“We have hit some significant milestones in terms of public vaccination. As the number of vaccinated people grows, health guidelines around physical distancing and public gatherings can finally ease. This is what enables us to safely begin moving back to campus for the fall.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary

Return to campus won’t happen overnight

Students and staff won’t be expected to return to their classroom, lab or office immediately. UCalgary is planning a gradual return that will take place this summer and build throughout the fall. Faculties and instructors have already been working together to chart how individual classes will be offered this fall. Further details will be provided over the summer and academic leaders, managers and team leads will also map out exactly how individual employees will be returning.

“Flexibility is key as we move forward. Our guiding principles remain focused on ensuring safety for our campus community, providing the best learning experience for our students and supporting innovative research,” says McCauley.

 

Media inquiries

Dean Parthenis
Director, Media and Issues Management
University of Calgary
403-629-5806
dparthen@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In our spirited, high-quality learning environment, students thrive in programs made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. Our strategy drives us to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, engaging the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.' For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/eyeshigh.

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