Earlier tonight, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced significant restrictions that will take effect immediately and remain in place for at least the next three weeks. Operations at the University of Lethbridge will be affected by these new measures.
First, and most significantly, starting tomorrow all post-secondary institutions must move their activities online. Classes that are fully in-person or have an in-person component and that are scheduled for tomorrow (May 5), will be paused for one day to allow for this transition. All scheduled online classes will proceed as planned.
By Thursday, May 6, all University classes will be online or alternative arrangements will be made. For any major course changes, students will receive direct communication from their instructor or Dean’s Office.
Regarding our Calgary Campus, Bow Valley College remains closed with no face-to-face offerings.
Students who are currently registered in off-campus clinical, internship, co-op, or practicum placements can continue these activities subject to the requirements and health protocols of the placement setting. Students in off-campus placements are encouraged to contact their supervisors with any questions about requirements or health protocols.
To ensure online learning is accessible for all students, the University will continue to provide work spaces, computers and WIFI access in Anderson Hall, and health and wellness services by appointment. Any student who is on campus, whether studying in this regard or living in residence, must comply with all public health measures.
Essential employees, contract or permanent, may continue to work on campus, adhering to all Alberta Health protocols. If your role does not require you to be on campus, please work from home. It is critical we ensure our campus remains safe for employees who are required to undertake their work in person.
Relatedly, any research activity occurring in campus research spaces that has already been deemed either essential or time sensitive, and has followed the proper process for approval and attestation regarding public health protocols, may continue.
Again, all who can work from home must work from home, and any person working or studying on campus must mask for all indoor settings, practice two-metre physical distancing, be diligent with hand-washing and utilize adequate physical barriers as appropriate.
We understand this course of action is abrupt and we have been told the Alberta government will be reaching out to us tomorrow to provide additional guidance. We will share this information with our community as we receive it.
It is critical we take these new measures seriously and undertake the necessary actions to keep our campus community safe. Further, I strongly encourage you to consider getting vaccinated as you are able. Our actions today matter for the longer-term outlook for our University. We are continuing to plan for a significantly more in-person setting for this fall, but this can only be achieved if we collectively continue to act responsibly.
The University is fortunate to have such dedicated faculty, staff and students. Thank you all for once again rising to the challenge of these immediate changes.
Please be safe,
Mike Mahon, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor