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Fall health measures update: On Nov. 8, instructional spaces return to normal capacity

A message sent to all undergraduate students on behalf of the Fall Experience Working Group on October 29, 2021.

Following an evaluation of our Return to Campus over these last two months, considered with local public health metrics and recent updates from government and public health agencies, OCAD University’s instructional spaces (classrooms, computer labs, shops and studios) will return to their normal capacities — ending the requirement for physical distancing in these spaces — starting Monday, November 8, 2021.

What does this mean for my classes?

  • For courses with a classroom assigned that were already meeting in-person, these classes can now meet with the entire class present, starting November 8.
  • Remote courses continue to be delivered online. 
  • If you have questions about how your course will proceed after November 8, please contact your instructor.

Shops, studios and computer labs
Students enrolled in courses with specialized space bookings will continue to be prioritized for access to shops and studios; book access using the Web Checkout Patron Portal. Other students may request access by speaking with the technician in the area, who may authorize access based on accomplished prerequisites and space availability.

Students taking courses with time scheduled in the MCA 665 Computer Studio will continue to use the advanced reservation booking system. All other students continue to be welcome to walk up and make a just-in-time reservation in the studio if there is availability.

OCAD U continues to monitor shop, studio and computer lab usage and may adjust these processes based on evaluations of space usage in conjunction with our health and safety measures.

Build extra time into your schedule to get around
Toronto Public Health continues to provide guidelines that limit capacity in elevators. Students may need to wait longer for elevators than usual. Consider building extra time in your schedule to get to class on time, or take the stairs if you can. Please respectfully allow individuals with accessibility needs to go ahead of you on elevators.

A REMINDER THAT THE FOLLOWING HEALTH MEASURES REMAIN IN PLACE:

Physical distancing remains in place in non-instructional spaces
We continue to follow Ministry guidelines that require physical distancing in non-instructional spaces (eg. study spaces, lounges, office areas) and for non-instructional activities (such as extra-curricular events and activities).

Masks must be worn indoors on campus
All members of the OCAD U community, contractors, students, volunteers and guests are required to wear a multi-layer, well-fitting non-medical masks to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission when in an indoor area of the campus, and in vehicles involved in campus operations. Read more about OCAD U’s mask policy.

Student absences due to illness
As per OCAD U’s Return to Campus Policy & Protocols, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate and immediately inform OCAD U’s Environmental Health & Safety office at ehs@ocadu.ca. Learn more about reporting positive test results and next steps.

Students who are feeling unwell must stay home. Notify your instructor as soon as possible to make arrangements to maintain your studies, such as booking a meeting, attending your instructor’s office hours, etc.

Please submit your Proof of Vaccination
As we return to more in-person activity on the campus, we continue to require all members of the OCAD U community to submit their Proof of Vaccination using the OCAD U Safe app or the alternative web page (please login with your OCAD U credentials), regardless of whether you see yourself attending the campus or not. If you have not done this, please do it now.

Requirement to be fully vaccinated continues
OCAD U’s policy requiring students and employees to be fully vaccinated to attend the campus will remain in place for the foreseeable future, regardless of recent announcements for other types of businesses. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you from the COVID-19 infection, including the variants of concern such as the Delta variant, which could lead to severe illness, hospitalization and death.

More Winter 2022 updates to come
OCAD U is preparing for a greater return to our normal, studio-based teaching and learning experience in Winter 2022. More details will be announced shortly. If you are enrolled in an in-person course this winter and are unable to attend the campus, please drop the course and enroll in remote courses instead. If you haven’t submitted your Proof of Vaccination yet, please do it now

Take care,
Deanne Fisher
Chair, Fall Experience Group