Last night the Government of Alberta introduced new public health measures in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the province. The government also introduced a Restriction Exemption Program that starts on Monday, September 20. This program applies to St. Mary’s University and allows the university to continue with its current campus safety measures on Monday – with only a few adjustments. This means that on Monday all classes will continue in person as originally scheduled for the fall term. Until then, we are under the new public health orders. With this in mind, please find below a quick outline of our plans over the next few weeks. We will share additional details as they become available.

We have been informed by the Ministry of Advanced Education that post-secondary institutions will be treated as businesses under the new COVID-19 mandates.

Starting Monday, September 20 

  • All in-person classes will resume as originally scheduled for the fall term, with previous requirements around masking, and staying home if ill.
  • Classes originally scheduled for in-person will be in-person; classes originally scheduled to be online will remain online.

Monday, October 4

  • StMU vaccination proof program starts

Information for the fully vaccinated

By October 4, you will be able to share your proof of vaccination with the university for official verification. Further details of the process will be shared in the coming days.

Information for the partially or unvaccinated

You will need to get your first dose of vaccination no later than September 20, 2021. If you fail to do so, as of October 4, you will not be permitted on the St. Mary’s University campus. Vaccinations are safe and available at no cost. They limit the spread and impact of COVID-19. Learn more about getting vaccinated here.

Campus community members who cannot establish that they are fully vaccinated or who have not obtained a valid medical or other human rights-based exemption before November 1 will NOT be permitted on our campus.

The logistics of operating under the Restrictions Exemption Program at such short notice are daunting. Our COVID Taskforce has met and we are working through the implications of administering the Vaccine Mandate, however we are pleased that we will be able to re-open our campus on Monday, September 20.

We reiterate to all students, faculty and staff that they should get vaccinated as soon as possible if they have not done so already, otherwise their access to campus will be restricted in the near future.

 

  • All non-essential employees who do not need to be on campus will be required to work from home, after consultation with their supervisor.
  • Fitness Centre: With the implementation of the Restrictions Exemption Program the Fitness Centre will be open as usual.
  • Outdoor sports: May continue without any restrictions
  • Bookstore: With the implementation of the Restrictions Exemption Program the Bookstore will continue to be open and will continue to adhere to masking mandates.
  • The StMU Library: The Library will continue to be open while continuing to adhere to masking mandates.
  • The Bistro/Daily Café: The Bistro/Daily Café at St. Mary’s will continue to be open for take out service. All seating will be removed inside the café. Masking requirements will still be in place.
  • Masking is mandatory in all indoor public spaces and workplaces, except for those working alone in individual workspaces.

RESOURCES:

We would like to remind everyone about the importance of maintaining physical and mental health to stay resilient during this time.

  • For employees, our FSEAP program (brochure attached) provides proactive health supports including immediate crisis support 24/7/365 at 1-800-661-8246.
  • For students, our counsellors can be reached at 403-333-4292.