#GladToHaveYUBack
COVID-19
Yorkville University Return to Campus Plan
For all COVID-19 concerns and inquiries: covidsafety.nwc@yorkvilleu.ca or covidsafety.on@yorkvilleu.ca
A Message from President
Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes
I doubt many of us anticipated that when Yorkville University closed its campuses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, that we would be continuing to navigate the situation nearly two years later. I am tremendously proud of our students, faculty and staff for not only persevering but, in many cases, innovating and succeeding during this challenging time.
I am proud that YU has continued to thoughtfully listen to the preferences of our students, faculty and staff, while upholding government mandates, and supporting the health and safety of those on campus. We continue to do our part to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid growing concern over the Omicron variant.
Accordingly, for the Winter Term, all classes at our Steeles and New Westminster campuses are being offered through remote synchronous delivery. At the 460 Yonge Street Campus, which houses our Bachelor of Creative Arts, will return to in-person classes for core courses only (BCAR course code) the week of February 21st. All other campus courses will remain on Zoom for the duration of Winter Term.
Additionally, at all of our campuses, we are committed to providing optional opportunities for you to visit, to help you stay connected - for meetings, special events, student life activities and workshops. This approach, we believe, responds to a variety of needs of those in our community, while providing time to develop plans for a more fulsome return this spring.
Students, we remind you that Yorkville’s Student Services staff are on hand to help guide, advise and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Just reach out! Faculty and staff, we recommend you contact your managers with any on-campus queries you may have, including scheduling and parking.
We have created this webpage where you will find all the latest information around our return-to-campus plans, safety precautions, protocols and more. So, check back often, as this page will be updated as plans evolve. Under public health guidance, our continued return to campus will be safe, thoughtful, and full of hope for our shared future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes
President, Yorkville University
Upcoming Events and Latest News
Resources for Students
Online Counselling
At Yorkville University, we pride ourselves on our rich, comprehensive suite of student support services. These services will be instrumental in ensuring students feel both safe and excited to return to campus. We will equip our support services team and program advisors with the information necessary to provide timely support to our students.
Mental Health Support
The mental health and wellbeing of our students, staff and faculty is always a priority.
For those who may be experiencing challenges during this time, there are numerous support services available to assist you. Please feel free to contact/access any of the necessary resources below:
Yorkville University students can visit https://yorkvilleu-bc.janeapp.com/ to book an appointment with a counsellor. You can also visit https://success.yorkvilleu.ca/wellness/covid-19 to access a number of different video and downloadable resources.
Yorkville faculty and staff can access a wide breadth of wellness services through the school’s Employee Assistance program, LifeWorks, and digital mental health service, Inkblot. Learn more about these programs here. Yorkville employees can access LifeWorks online at login.lifeworks.com or via the EAP support line at 1-844-671-3327, while Inkblot services can be accessed at https://inkblottherapy.com/yorkville
Vaccination Clinics
Toronto
Students can book an appointment at immunization clinics in Toronto using the Ontario vaccination registration system here or by calling the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
New Westminster
Students in B.C. can register to get vaccinated by calling 1-833-838-2323 or booking online at gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated. For more information on local immunization clinics and COVID-19 vaccines, visit www.fraserhealth.ca/vaccine
We Are Here To Help
For Faculty and Staff:
For staff and faculty who may be experiencing mental health and wellness challenges during this time, there are support services available to assist through the school’s Employee Assistance program, LifeWorks, and digital mental health service, Inkblot. LifeWorks can be accessed at login.lifeworks.com or via the EAP support line at 1-844-671-3327, while Inkblot services can be accessed at https://inkblottherapy.com/yorkville
For all COVID related inquiries, email:
For Student Counselling:
For students who may be experiencing mental health and wellness challenges during this time, there are support services available to assist. Yorkville University students can visit https://yorkvilleu-bc.janeapp.com/ to make an appointment.
#GladToHaveYUBack
Fredericton Campus
Yorkville Landing, Suite 102
100 Woodside Lane
Fredericton, NB
Canada, E3C 2R9
New Westminster Campus
88 6th Street
New Westminster, BC
Canada, V3L 5B3
460 Yonge St. Campus
460 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4Y 1W9
Steeles Campus
2000 Steeles Avenue West
Concord, ON
Canada, L4K 4N1
© Yorkville University. All rights reserved.
Faculty & Staff
Social Distancing
Questions or Concerns?
Yorkville employees can access LifeWorks online at login.lifeworks.com or via the EAP support line at 1-844-671-3327.
Information Sources:
• Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada travel advisories
• COVID-19 Return to Campus Primer
Ontario:
British Columbia:
How To Protect Yourself
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to a common cold.
Symptoms of human coronaviruses can:
Coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
The best way to prevent the spread of infections is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.
- Practice physical distancing at all times.
- Wear a non-medical mask or face covering, made with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth and secured to the head by ties or ear loops, to protect the people and surfaces around you.
For more information on coronavirus:
• Call: 1-833-784-4397
• Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
• Visit: canada.ca/coronavirus
Frequently Asked Questions
International Students
Yorkville University is proud to offer a safe entry plan to Canada that has been approved by both the provincial government and the federal Government of Canada.
The Quarantine Plan provides students with safe isolation at a dedicated quarantine site that meets provincial and federal guidelines. It includes transportation from the airport to the hotel, hotel accommodations, and ensures that you receive three meals daily. During the quarantine period, students will have the opportunity to participate in daily virtual activities and meetings with their peers and Yorkville University support staff.
Although there have been changes and some travellers may be exempt due to vaccination, all international students traveling to Canada must be prepared to quarantine in the event they are symptomatic or are determined not to meet the requirements for exemption. A federal government representative will make a final determination on the exemption eligibility at the border based on the information presented at the time of entry to Canada.
To learn more about the Yorkville University Ontario Quarantine plan, please email QuarantineSupportON@yorkvilleu.ca.
To learn more about the Yorkville University British Columbia Quarantine Plan, please e-mail QuarantineSupportBC@yorkvilleu.ca.
On-Campus Protocols
Campus Information
For the Winter 2022 term, how will I access the classes?
For the Winter Term, all classes at our New Westminster campuses are being offered through remote synchronous delivery.
How does the campus ensure our safety in attending in-person classes and events?
The New Westminster campus will continue to follow PHO and WorkSafe BC recommendations for post-secondary institutions for all COVID-related protocols including cleaning, sanitization, mask-wearing, avoiding crowding, among others. Additional cleaning measures are also implemented for common areas and high touchpoints, as well as commonly used facilities several times a day; including cleaning and sanitization of washrooms and lounges. We will continue to monitor the situation and update measures since your safety is our primary concern in moving back to campus.
In addition to campus-level supports like student services and mental health services, are there additional supports available at the program level?
Program advisors will be on campus on rotating schedules and student activities will be planned for fun and engagement. Clubs can also begin to meet, and librarian workshops, extra academic support (writing, math and statistics), as well as Career Services/Corporate Liaison activities will operate to ensure students are supported in their job search activities.
Throughout the pandemic, Yorkville University has continued to prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as we’ve maneuvered through these unprecedented times.
With that in mind, we have made the decision to offer any previously on-campus classes in the Remote Synchronous Delivery (ZOOM) for the duration of the winter term. This includes the BBA, BID and General Education courses.
The winter term officially commences Jan 3rd. Zoom based classes commence Jan 4th. Any Zoom based classes scheduled for the 3rd will be made-up. Make-ups will be organized by each faculty.
WINTER 2022
Throughout the pandemic, Yorkville University has continued to prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as we’ve maneuvered through these unprecedented times. To curb the spread of COVID-19 amid growing concern over the Omicron variant many classes will be offered remotely on Zoom until Feb. 21, 2022. The Bachelor of Creative Arts will return to in-person classes for core courses only (BCAR course code) the week of February 21st. All other campus courses will remain on Zoom for the duration of Winter Term.
On campus classes:
BCAR4023 – Criticism – Method of Evaluating and Assessing Creative Ability
BCAR4013 – Financial Leadership for the Creative Arts
BCAR3013 – Creative Arts in Cultural Context
BCAR3063 – Creative Arts in Political and Public Policy Context
BCAR3023 – Creative Arts in Ethical and Legal Context
BCAR3053 – Managing Talent and Arts Admin
BCAR3043 – Research Methods for the Creative Arts
BCAR3073 – Managing Projects in the Creative Arts
How large will the on-campus class size be for my program?
Class size will be dependent on guidelines from Public Health. Depending on the guidelines, at the time of term start, class sizes could be approximately 20.
Is there anything specific to your program that students will need to know about their learning environment when on campus?
Masks will be required. There will be sanitization stations around campus, and classrooms will be cleaned between classes.
Also, if a student chooses not to come to campus, most courses have online alternatives.
- Cleaning protocols include increased daily cleaning and sanitization throughout the campus.
- Enhanced sanitization of classrooms between class sessions is continuous throughout the academic term.
- Implemented cleaning protocols for all common areas and surfaces including washrooms, tables, desks, chairs, door handles, light switches and all high-touch surfaces.
- Hallways, washrooms and high traffic touchpoints cleaning will be conducted throughout the day.
- Removal of unnecessary equipment from staff kitchen to simplify cleaning process – i.e. shared utensils and shared kitchenware.
- The campus has sufficient hand-washing facilities on site for all students and staff.
- Hand-washing locations are visible and easily accessible.
- Custodial services have adequate training and necessary materials.
- Custodial services have received adequate training on new requirements and use cleaning materials recommended by Public Health for enhanced cleaning and sanitization.
In order to ensure the highest standards of air quality, we at Yorkville University are doing the following:
- We are upgrading the ventilation filters in buildings we control to MERV 13 and continuing to work with the landlords in buildings we don’t control to do the same.
- Conducting third-party HVAC audits to improve ventilation and review ability to add disinfections systems and improve airflow.
- Bipolar Ionization Disinfection technology is to be installed throughout our Steeles Campus.
- Yorkville University will work with Public Health authorities to identify steps to ensure the community is safe and secure and that potential cases are contained.
- Depending on the severity or number of cases, it is possible a whole facility or part of it may be required to close. However, in the case of a closure, Yorkville University has contingency plans in place to ensure all classes can continue remotely.
Before Coming to Campus
Anyone who chooses to attend campus will be asked to fill out a health declaration form regardless of vaccination status. If you are experiencing cold, flu, or other symptoms, we ask that you do not come to campus.
The only way to confirm whether or not you have COVID-19 is through a laboratory test. To find out if you should be tested, you can take the Ontario self-assessment tool here. If you are waiting for a test result, isolate yourself at home, whether you have symptoms or not.
Students in Ontario can book a COVID-19 test here, while those in British Columbia can schedule their testing here.
Limit Your Time on Campus
Students and faculty are asked to limit their time on campus. We ask that you come to campus no more than 15 minutes before scheduled classes, activities, or appointments.
Everyone is encouraged to practice the usual health precautions when visiting our campuses, including:
Protecting Yourself
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Therefore, Yorkville University strongly encourages members of our community to support and promote the provincial vaccine program and register for a vaccine.
Students in Ontario who are eligible can book an appointment at immunization clinics in Toronto using the provincial vaccination registration system or by calling the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
Students in British Columbia can register to get vaccinated online here, or over via telephone at 1-833-838-2323.
What will the Fall term look like from an academic and operational perspective?
Yorkville University will be gradually returning to in-person learning and service delivery starting Fall term. The options that will be available for the gradual return to campus will include on-campus, online, and hybrid for both academic and student services.
Will the University be hosting in-person events and large gatherings on campus again?
Yorkville University has identified priority learning opportunities for students to come back to campus. These will include some combination of courses, course components and co-curricular experiences, and social events, so each student who wants to will have a safe and engaging opportunity for an on-campus experience, alongside faculty and staff this fall. Parallel online options will also be provided.
In support of social distancing, these opportunities will be provided in our larger classrooms and common areas. This will allow us to maintain our already small class sizes, while also providing increased space.
Yorkville University will continue to follow the guidelines provided by government and public health officials in terms of restrictions and direction for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Social activities coordinated by the Student Life Coordinator will continue, as well as club meetings, class visits, and small events which can be safely hosted under current public health guidelines. As those guidelines evolve, our social activities, gatherings, and events will safely adapt accordingly.
How many people will return to campus in the Fall term?
The current expectations and guidance from public health and government officials is in anticipation of a busy and exciting Fall 2021 term. Many course offerings will be available in-person, along with a limited number of services and activities on campus. Campus capacity will be reduced, along with continued social distancing to avoid overcrowding. Outside visitors will be limited. Online and hybrid options will continue to be available, varying by course and service type. The Fall term is considered transitional; we must remain flexible and adaptable should conditions change.
What will the frequency of the classroom and common area cleaning be?
Additional cleaning measures have been implemented for common areas and high-touch surfaces, as well as commonly used facilities several times a day; including cleaning and sanitization of washrooms and lounges.
Yorkville University is ensuring that an adequate number of hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the campus and ensuring they are filled regularly. To report empty hand sanitizer stations, please contact Reception at the main entrance.
What will happen if an individual tests positive for COVID-19 on campus?
If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, Yorkville University will follow the COVID-19 Safety Plan and the Public Health guidelines provided by public health officials for reporting and notification, disinfection, and communication.
Will students have access to common areas such as the cafeteria and lounges?
Students are asked to arrive at campus no more than 15 minutes before a scheduled class, meeting or activity and leave no more than 15 minutes after. Everyone is urged to continue to avoid overcrowding in common areas and to do their part in ensuring continued cleanliness in shared spaces.
What is Yorkville University doing to ensure safe building ventilation for a return to campus?
Yorkville University established a COVID-19 Return to Campus working group, which includes the HVAC Working Group, which reviews all potential issues related to returning to campus including implementation of technical recommendations to enhance building ventilation systems and reduce the risk of airborne infectious aerosol exposure in Yorkville University owned and operated buildings. As the university prepares to resume on campus instruction and ensure a safe indoor environment, the working group has prioritized our campus teaching spaces. The HVAC Working Group team includes professional engineers and subject matter experts in the design, maintenance and operation of buliding mechanical systems.
Yorkville University has implemented the following approach:
Does the University have contingency plans if there is a sudden spike in cases?
Yes, return to campus planning does take into consideration the potential need to revert to remote learning and work from home.
Yorkville University recognizes ever-evolving conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic to require adaptability to maintain campus and community safety, while ensuring operational needs through our Continuity of Education Plans (CEP). We encourage staff and students to remain flexible and be prepared for change of formats if required to maintain safety.
I am feeling anxious about the return to campus. How can Yorkville University support me?
Returning to campus is both exciting and daunting, as we have been away for so long. You are not alone in feeling cautious about this return. Rest assured, Yorkville University is following all COVID-19 safety guidelines, and ensuring campus and community safety is the number one priority.
The Student Success Team compiled resources accessible to students 24/7 through the Student Success Center. Staff have 24/7 access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides practical information and counselling on various topics. For more information on the EAP program, contact H.R.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory for students and staff?
The Province of Ontario recently announced its COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires any employees, staff, contractors, volunteers, and students who attend campus to show government-issued ID with your name and date of birth, and to provide either:
How does Yorkville University support students during these challenging times?
COVID-19 is having an impact on all of us. There are supports available to students which include, but are not limited to:
- Program advising – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- Food and Housing Insecurity – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- General and other support – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- Academic Support – visit the Student Success Centre
- Mental health and wellness - visit the Student Success Centre
- Career Services - visit the Student Success Centre
- Student Life Activities – email studentlife@yorkvilleu.ca
- Travel & Quarantine – email
QuarantineSupport@yorkvilleu.ca
- Program Advising – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- Food and Housing Insecurity – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- General and other support – contact your program advisor or submit an AskYU ticket
- Academic Support – visit the Student Success Centre
- Mental Health and Wellness – visit the Student Success Centre
- Career Services – visit the Student Success Centre
- Student Life Activities – email studentlife@yorkvilleu.ca
- Travel & Quarantine – email QuarantineSupport@yorkvilleu.ca
- Increasing air ventilation rates (both recirculated and fresh) while still maintaining comfortable indoor air temperature and humidity.
- Increased maintenance and inspections of building HVAC systems and changing of air filters.
- Opening windows or doors where possible or feasible, and in addition, Yorkville University has hired a mechanical engineer to conduct an audit of our building/campus. It will provide additional equipment-specific recommendations shortly, which will be taken under advisement since our equipment is floor specific to us.
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 – Proof of vaccination in Ontario is currently defined as a COVID-19 vaccination receipt for the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (ie Pfizer or Moderna) or the first does of a one-dose vaccine (ie Johnson & Johnson). This receipt can take the form of a QR code, email confirmation, or physical receipt of vaccination.
- Written proof of a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – A physician or registered nurse must provide this document in the extended class that sets out: (i) a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and (ii) the effective time-period for the medical reason.
Individuals who decline vaccination for non-medical reasons have the option of completing an educational session about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination. Such university-approved sessions must address: How COVID-19 vaccines work; vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine; the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19; the risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19; and the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, anyone who cannot provide proof of vaccination will be required to do a rapid COVID-19 test once a week if they would like to attend campus.
Although there have been changes and some travelers may be exempt due to vaccination, all international students traveling to Canada must be prepared to quarantine in the event they are symptomatic or are determined not to meet the requirements for exemption. A federal government representative will make a final determination on the exemption eligibility at the border based on the information presented at the time of entry to Canada.
To learn more about the Yorkville University Ontario Quarantine plan, please email
QuarantineSupport@yorkvilleu.ca.
To learn more about the Yorkville University British Columbia Quarantine Plan, please e-mail QuarantineSupportBC@yorkvilleu.ca.
For all COVID-19 concerns and inquiries:
covidsafety.nwc@yorkvilleu.ca or
covidsafety.on@yorkvilleu.ca
- In Ontario, face masks are mandatory and should always be worn during your visits to campus; in B.C., face masks are optional
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Practice physical distancing
- Covering nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow
- Stay home when sick to prevent the spread of illness
- Flexible work-from-home arrangements to reduce the number of required staff on-site at all our campuses.
- Measures for staff, students, and others to maintain social distancing, six feet apart wherever possible, and only if still required upon return to campus.
- Plexiglass barriers at reception to maintain social distancing and reduce risks to staff.
- Physical barrier cleaning added to cleaning protocols.
- Respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze.
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
These viruses are not known to spread through ventilation systems or through water.
- Take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus
- Be very mild or more serious
- Vary from person to person
Learning Environment
In support of social distancing, we have taken measures to create learning environments that both students and faculty feel safe and comfortable being in. In some cases, we have reduced the number of students in a classroom at a given time, split cohorts of students, creatively scheduled classes across the campuses. In some cases, we have also expanded room sizes by removing walls and repurposed common areas as classrooms.
We at Yorkville University have redesigned our approach to providing student support, reducing the need to wait in line and to come to campus. Details include:
Vaccination Policy in Ontario
Late last year, the Province of Ontario announced its COVID-19 vaccination policy, which requires employees, staff, contractors, volunteers, and students who attend campus to provide proof of vaccination.
As of Nov. 1, 2021, all Yorkville University students, faculty and staff who come to campus will be asked to show government-issued ID with your name and date of birth, and to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in one of the following forms:
- a QR code downloadable from https://covid-19.ontario.ca/proof-covid-19-vaccination
- your email confirmation of vaccination from the Ministry of Health
- a physical print out of your vaccination receipt
Individuals who decline vaccination for non-medical reasons have the option of completing an educational session about how COVID-19 vaccines work; vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccine; the benefits of vaccination against COVID-19; the risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19; and the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.
Additionally, anyone who cannot provide proof of vaccination will be required to take a free rapid COVID-19 test once a week if they would like to attend campus.
*** Any components of our vaccination policy that contradicts newly introduced government/Public Health Ontario policy, will be canceled and revisited to ensure compliance.
Definition of Full Vaccination: Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed from the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. Pfizer) or first dose of a one-dose vaccine (e.g. Johnson and Johnson). A detailed list of approved vaccinations can be found here.
If you have a medical reason for not being fully vaccinated, you must present written proof of such in the form of a document provided by a physician or registered nurse in the extended class that sets out: (i) a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and (ii) the effective time-period for the medical reason.
Health & Safety Measures
Here at Yorkville University, we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. Our COVID-19 Safety Committee, comprised of representatives from across the organization, has been working hard to determine the necessary steps for a safe and successful reopening at Yorkville University.
We remain committed to working closely with provincial health authorities, responding to their evolving directives to ensure we are providing the safest and healthiest ways to deliver an exceptional learning environment at all our campuses.
This includes everything from mandatory vaccination policies to measures to manage potential COVID-19 cases on campus, enhanced cleaning protocols, and upgraded ventilation systems.
Vaccination Policy in British Columbia
Currently, vaccinations have not been mandated in B.C. so we do not ask for proof of vaccination. Daily self-administered health checks will be a personal responsibility. Individuals experiencing symptoms should stay at home.