OCAD UNIVERSITY’S PHYSICAL FACILITIES WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL JUNE 1, 2020
Since March 11, when the World Health Organization made the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the impacts of this disease here and around the world. All of us have had to make adjustments in how we live our daily lives and how we work and learn.
I thank all of our faculty and staff members for your tremendous efforts during the past few weeks. I continue to be inspired by your extraordinary talents and commitment to our students, and I thank our leadership and management teams who are working tirelessly to support your efforts.
To our students, I thank you once again for your commitment to your learning and for your ongoing patience, resilience and dedication to completing your year or degree. I know that many of you are experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic, and that is why the University has launched a fundraising appeal for the COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund.
We are all experiencing an unprecedented public health crisis that is impacting all of us and it’s important – at a time like this – for us to continue to be creative, innovative and resilient.
Artists, designers and digital creators have an important role in helping society cope with this crisis, whether it is finding innovative ways to create personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping community spirits high, educating about health and safety, supporting children and youth who are grappling with COVID-19, supporting creativity and play in a time of physical distancing, designing ways that we can commemorate and grieve, or visualizing data to ensure that the most vulnerable are supported. Together, I believe we will emerge stronger and more united as a community.
Extending the closure of our physical campus
When we made the decision to close our physical facilities from March 19 until April 24, except for essential services required on-site, we were guided by our commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all the members of our community. We also decided to maintain all employee salaries and benefits during this period in recognition of their important contributions to the University’s academic and administrative operations.
As I have said in my previous messages, we monitor government decisions and maintain close communication with the Toronto and Ontario public health authorities to coordinate our own response accordingly. Our top priority is for the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff during this extremely difficult period.
However, as you have all seen, COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis. Governments at all levels continue to take action to flatten the curve as cases rise. Programs are being put in place to provide financial support to organizations and individuals in light of the severe economic impacts felt across all sectors. We applaud these efforts, which are very much appreciated.
We have seen recent decisions to extend the required period of physical distancing and the cancellation of all public gatherings of more than five people in Toronto until the end of June. Elementary and high schools are closed until May 4.
In light of the above, I am announcing that OCAD University’s physical facilities will remain closed until June 1, 2020. This was not an easy decision to make, but it is one that I believe is the right one given our current situation. We must be part of the solution to fighting this pandemic.
I want to reassure you that we will be doing our best to retain our current workforce. The layoff of permanent employees, as a result of COVID-19, will be avoided to the extent possible for the remainder of this fiscal year. Opportunities for staff redeployment will be explored to address the most pressing University needs and provide professional development opportunities across units.
A review of temporary contracts will be undertaken to confirm whether the work is feasible under the current circumstances. Any casual or temporary employees who are not required to work during this period will be supported in their application to the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. Nicky Davis, Human Resources Director, will be sharing the specifics of our plan with faculty and staff members in an email tomorrow.
Virtual Convocation
We recognize how important Convocation is for our graduands and their families. It is a time for celebration and we believe we can create a wonderful event that will be memorable for this year’s graduands.
We will hold a virtual convocation on June 12. In a time of ongoing physical distancing and travel restrictions, a virtual event will allow OCAD U graduands, their families and friends, from around the world and at home, to participate. We will share more details shortly with the community.
Coordinating and communicating OCAD U’s fight against COVID-19
Many members of the OCAD U community have leaned into the fight against COVID-19 and the call for help echoed on many fronts. Our Research Office is tracking OCAD U activities and coordinating calls for additional support. To add your contribution, please contact research@ocadu.ca.
The Canadian government has called for volunteers as has the Kids’ Help Line. Artists and designers, you have skills that are needed. Please explore the ways you can help the broader community while staying safe and let us know what you are doing by contacting Karen McCarthy, Senior Manager of Communications and Media.
Spring and summer registration
Many students have registered for spring and summer courses, and we are now finalizing a plan for a selection of courses that will be offered remotely to students. More information will be shared with students next week by Deanne Fisher, Vice-Provost, Students and International.
I hope that you all keep safe and healthy at this time, and thank you again for all of your continued support.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sara Diamond, C.M., O.ON., R.C.A., ICD.D
President and Vice-Chancellor
OCAD University