COVID-19 FAQ Academic Staff

• The Student Accommodation Policy and associated Procedure for Accommodation for Students with Disabilities will be followed in student medical accommodation requests concerning COVID-19.
• Any requests for accommodations related to academic courses based on other protected grounds would be directed to the person(s) in the faculties designated (per the policy) to deal with such requests. In some faculties, this is the instructor of record and, in others, an associate dean.
• Requests for exceptions from in-person classes for any other reason would be considered on a case-by-case basis by the instructor. In some situations, it may be that the student be advised to take another course at this time. More information can be found through the Exceptions to Course Requirements resource. 

• Students not able to return to campus are encouraged to work with their course instructors and student advisor to discuss options.
• The Student Accommodation Policy and associated Procedure for Accommodation for Students with Disabilities will be followed in situations where students require formal accommodation.
• Several practical strategies to plan for and respond to potential disruptions and student absences can be found at: https://taylorinstitute.ucalgary.ca/resources/faq-back-to-in-person-teaching

Academic staff should reach out to the leaders in their unit (Department Head, Program Director or Associate Dean) to discuss their teaching situation and options. 

Formal Accommodation (medical ground, family status, other protected grounds).
Academic staff members submit accommodation requests to HR, Staff Wellness, Manager, Dean or equivalent; see Workplace Accommodation Roles and Responsibilities document for overview.

Requests for formal accommodation are guided by the Workplace Accommodation Policy and Workplace Accommodation Procedure. Formal accommodations are based on the restrictions identified by a staff member.
 

• Staff Wellness has resources and services to help promote, support and sustain the health and well-being of faculty and staff at the University of Calgary.
• The Faculty Association of the University of Calgary is also available to support academic staff with concerns related to the transition back to campus and assist with issues related to workplace accommodations. They can be contacted at [email protected] and at 403-220-5722.

• The University of Calgary is committed to providing a safe work environment. The Facilities team has been paying close attention to heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) and how to ensure their optimal operation in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Health Canada and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have established air-quality parameters for indoor (non-industrial) environments, with specific statements on infectious aerosols. These standards are used as best practices throughout the industry. All UCalgary buildings have ventilation and air-circulation standards that currently meet or exceed these standards, including the use of MERV 13 air filters.
• In addition to this, UCalgary maximized air circulation starting last summer based on ASHRAE infectious aerosol recommendations and continues to operate in this manner to ensure peak air quality is maintained throughout our buildings while maintaining thermal comfort.

With the end of the provincial REP program and municipal REP bylaw, visitors to campus will not need to provide proof of vaccination. The University of Calgary wholeheartedly embraces the value of vaccination in keeping you, your loved ones and our broader community safe.

Learn more

updated September 15, 2022: 

COVIDSafe Campus

Do I have to wear a mask on campus?

Masks will no longer be required on UCalgary campuses, starting May 1.

Masks still required in some settings

• Clinical settings required to follow Alberta Health Services masking requirements.

Masks are still recommended

Masks are still strongly recommended for use on campus, and everyone should feel comfortable continuing to wear a mask.

While individuals are not permitted to create masking mandates, they may invite others to wear a mask when entering an enclosed research, work, study or teaching space. Continuing to respect and support people’s decision to wear a mask is strongly supported and encouraged.

The University of Calgary wholeheartedly embraces the value of vaccination in keeping you, your loved ones, and our broader community healthy. Everyone is urged to keep up with booster vaccinations as they become available, and follow recommended health guidelines. This combined with regular handwashing, physical distancing and keeping rooms well ventilated can together help limit virus transmission.

And as always, continuing to remain home when sick remains a key method to help keep the campus community safe.

We will be continuing to watch the public health situation closely and will keep you up to date on any further changes.

Learn more.

The following resources have been created to provide information and strategies for teaching in-person this fall term, including strategies for addressing mask regulations and compliance.

• Teaching and Learning Resource guide
• Back to in-person teaching

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning (TI) also offers support in various forms as well

• Back to in-person teaching
• Workshops, courses and events
• 1:1 support for course design, assessments, pedagogy 
• Learning Technology Coaches: consultation and hands-on support for course creation, including lecture recording, creating D2L shells, setting up quizzes etc.
• On-demand online resources and supports through the TI Resource Library and eLearn site.
• Open-access self-directed learning modules on topics such as: adaptable course design and blended learning.
• Online resources to support academic integrity.

• Learning Technology Coaches can provide support for recording and editing lectures: https://taylorinstitute.ucalgary.ca/learning-technology-coaches.
• Additional support may be available through graduate student GAT/GANT positions in your academic units
• Instructors wishing to reuse material recorded in a previous semester are reminded of the need to anonymize recorded material to ensure student privacy if the videos include student images from a different course section. Information on recordings in learning environments can be found in these resources. Support is available to assist with editing or training in the use of editing software with the Learning Technology Coaches
   

For information on the technology available in classrooms scheduled by the Registrar’s Office, reach out to the Audio Visual (ComMedia) team in through IT Services. For the technology available in classrooms overseen by academic units, reach out to your Faculty/School or Program office.