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Coming to Campus

The University of Guelph-Humber (Guelph-Humber) is following government and public health directives as we welcome students and employees to our campus and facilities.

With our partner, Humber, Guelph-Humber has a number of precautions in place to keep our community safe. The information on this site applies to students, employees, contractors and visitors to Guelph-Humber and the Humber College campus and facilities.

The University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College are strongly encouraging everyone to wear a mask while in public and indoor settings, including on campus.

This recommendation comes after information Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Chris Simpson, Executive Vice-President of Medical and Chief Medical Officer at Ontario Health shared regarding the current situation with respiratory diseases this season. They have recommended that Ontarians wear masks in indoor public spaces and social settings as the hospital system battles three respiratory diseases- COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)- simultaneously. Hospital Intensive Care Units in the province are struggling with capacity as children, particularly those under four, have been acutely impacted by these viruses and are being admitted to hospital at increasingly higher rates.

As we move into the winter months and the many social gatherings that happen at this time of year, we are all encouraged to take steps to keep the most vulnerable in our communities whether family, friends, students, colleagues, or those working on the front lines, safe. We are reminding the Guelph-Humber community to practice good health measures and layers of protection, including:

  • Do daily self-screenings for symptoms
  • Stay at home when sick or feeling unwell
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Stay up to date with vaccines, especially COVID-19 boosters and the flu shot
  • Wear a mask in indoor public settings

Currently, the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College are not reinstating mandatory masking or vaccination policies. A cross-institution working group continues to meet regularly to discuss any new developments in the province or new guidelines from public health officials. As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow public health direction and may adjust our approach as circumstances continue to evolve.

We encourage everyone to bring your own mask to wear on campus and to also ensure that everyone has the opportunity to wear a mask on campus, Guelph-Humber and Humber will be providing masks at designated entrances for the coming weeks.

As stated by health care professionals throughout the pandemic, vaccines continue to be our best defence against these infectious diseases and the university strongly encourages everyone to get their flu shot and booster shots against COVID-19 as soon you are eligible. Proper hand hygiene and respiratory/cough etiquette remain important and enhanced cleaning including frequent cleaning of high-touch services will continue at Humber and Guelph-Humber.

Self-monitoring continues to be important. Remember, if you’re sick, please stay home.

Please read the information below carefully before attending campus.

University of Guelph-Humber
Fall 2022 Start Up FAQs

General

What is Guelph-Humber doing to monitor the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic?

University employees continue to meet regularly to discuss the pandemic and respond to the latest information from public health officials. As the pandemic continues to evolve, the university will share the latest information and steps being taken on the updates webpage.

What do I do if I have or think I have COVID-19?

If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, take Ontario's Self-assessment to find out what to do next. Please follow the guidance provided with respect to self-monitoring, and masking. For all other questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, contact covidreporting@humber.ca or 416.675.5007.

Students living in residence who are isolating because of COVID-19 must complete the Residence Isolation Reporting form.

Employees who believe they have a campus-acquired case of COVID-19 are asked to notify Occupational Health and Safety at occhealth@humber.ca.

What is Guelph-Humber’s vaccination policy for COVID-19?

There is no vaccination policy currently in place at Guelph-Humber or Humber. There is no active screening at campus entry points. The Guelph-Humber community is encouraged to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations as they are an important tool in preventing infection and spread of the disease, as per public health. As a reminder, if you are feeling unwell, do not come to campus.

What can I do/say to someone who is NOT wearing a mask? What can I do/say to someone who IS wearing a mask?

Nothing. Masking is optional. Respect is mandatory. Please respect personal choice. If you have concerns about health and safety in your work or study environment, please bring those forward to your manager or instructor.

How often will high-touch areas (i.e. washrooms, elevators, etc.) be sanitized?

Guelph-Humber and Humber have a disinfection team that rotates around the campuses disinfecting high touch surfaces. This includes door handles, railings, elevator buttons, vending machines, parking machines, drinking fountains, etc. The focus is on high use areas.

Sanitizing wipes are provided for wiping down shared surfaces and equipment in classes and labs. Hand sanitizer is available in classes and labs, as well as throughout the halls.

Also, a product called Aegis has been applied to all high touch point surfaces, which works on a microscopic level to kill any viruses that come in contact with it. Though regular disinfecting will continue, Aegis provides another layer of protection between cleanings.

Washroom cleaning depends on location and use. For example, washrooms near the third floor of the learning commons are cleaned hourly because of high use, while some of the quieter locations are cleaned five times a day.

How is Guelph-Humber monitoring the air quality in its buildings?

Humber’s Capital Development and Facilities Management (CDFM) team works diligently to monitor and continuously test the air quality of all Humber owned buildings and spaces at all locations including the Guelph-Humber building. Over the course of the pandemic, the facilities team worked with external engineering consulting firms to ensure the campus met or exceeded best practice guidance for ventilation.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the health and safety of the Guelph-Humber community remains a top priority. All the work done to improve Guelph-Humber’s HVAC systems, including filtration and ventilation practices, remain in place and we will continue efforts to ensure healthy, standard-compliant indoor air quality.

What supports are available?

The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC) strives to promote an environment that is wellness-enhancing, inclusive, and welcoming for students. SWAC provides confidential, non-judgemental services in all areas of personal health and wellness, as well as Counselling Services to assist Guelph-Humber and Humber students by working through and resolving difficulties with their well-being and success. Contact information can be found on SWAC’s website.

Students

What do I do if an instructor is not being supportive of my need to stay away from campus because I am sick?

If a particular instructor is not understanding of a student's need to stay home when they are ill, the student should contact their program head or assistant program head in order to discuss the situation.

Check back regularly for new information and visit www.guelphhumber.ca/covid-info for the latest COVID-19 updates.

COVID-19 Information Sources