University of Guelph-Humber

Dear Students, 

The countdown is on for the Winter Holiday Break! We hope you have had a successful fall semester so far and are all set for your exams and final assignments. With this in mind, we wanted to let you know about some upcoming key dates, update you on the availability of student services during the holiday break, and remind you about the health and safety measures that must be followed if you are required to be on campus in the new year.

Key Dates

•    Wednesday, December 23, 2020 – UofGH closes at the end of the workday for the winter holiday break
•    Monday, January 4, 2021 – UofGH reopens at 8:30 a.m. All student services will be provided virtually.
•    Monday, January 11, 2021 – UofGH classes resume

Travel and Health and Safety Reminders

For any student, domestic or international, who is traveling outside of the province or country during the Winter Break, please ensure you are aware of medical/travel insurance requirements, along with local travel health and safety measures, including the need to quarantine and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, where applicable.

The Government of Canada continues to advise all Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of the country. Anyone returning to Canada is required to self-isolate for 14 days. More information is available here. 
Please note that students who live in residence will not be able to quarantine in residence.

For anyone travelling outside of Canada, in order to return to campus in the new year, when you have completed your quarantine, you are required to provide a copy of negative COVID-19 test results before returning. Please send a screen capture or photo of your negative test results to covidreporting@humber.ca. 

International students will soon receive information about health insurance for the Winter 2021 term. Further, for international students, please ensure that you have completed the Travel Letter and Quarantine Plan forms as required. 
Please ensure you take the 14-day isolation period into account if you are scheduled to be on campus for the Winter 2021 semester.

Access to Campus
UofGH and Humber College facilities will be closed as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 and reopening on Monday, January 4, 2021. Students will not have access to campus over the holidays.

On-campus, face-to-face labs resume on Monday, January 11, 2021. Classes using alternative delivery methods, such as online learning, will also resume on Monday, January 11.

Student Supports and Resources

We know we are all living, studying and working in challenging times. The health and safety of students and staff is UofGH’s top priority.

If you were on campus in the 14 days leading up to the holiday break, AND, you have tested positive for COVID-19, you think you might have COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, contact the COVID Reporting Health Team at 416-675-5007 or covidreporting@humber.ca.

The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) is closed during the holiday period outlined above. If at any time you need immediate personal support or counselling, there are resources to help:

•    You can access the Good2Talk Helpline at 1-866-925-5454
•    You can use Therapy Assist Online which provides online and mobile tools
•    Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
•    If you are in crisis and need urgent mental health support, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
If you are not feeling well, think that you have COVID-19, have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, contact telehealth or your health care practitioner to determine next steps.

Returning to Campus

Please be reminded about the following health and safety measures if you are required to be on campus for face-to-face labs during the Winter 2021 term.

•    The University of Guelph-Humber main door will be open as of Monday, January 4. 
•    All UofGH students who have on campus labs are required to complete the Return to Campus Agreement using DocuSign. This agreement will be sent to you by email from dse@camail.docusign.net. Please sign and submit this form once you receive the email.
•    You will need to complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Form using the free Humber Guardian app (Apple Store, Google Play Store), before attending campus each day. Take a screenshot of your screening approval in case Public Safety asks to see it. 
•    Masks are mandatory inside all campus buildings. Please bring a mask with you to campus each day. If you forget, there are disposable masks available at the entryways. 
•    Physical distancing is required. There are signs around campus to help remind everyone to stay six feet apart, wherever possible. Please follow all posted guidelines, including room and elevator capacities and closure notices, as well as directional signage. 
•    If you feel sick, please stay home.
We hope you have a nice holiday season and look forward to beginning the Winter 2021 semester. Happy Holidays. Be well, stay safe and all the best on the rest of the semester!