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It is with great excitement that we can now announce that Yorkville University is looking forward to welcoming student back to campus and into our classrooms this fall.
As the largest private university in Canada, Yorkville boasts campuses in Toronto, Vancouver and Fredericton that provide a diverse offering of professional, career-oriented programs.
While full integration back to all our campuses will be determined by local public health officials, we continue to make preparations for a Fall 2021 Term reopening in various capacities – all with the safety of students, staff and faculty top of mind. We are committed to working closely with local health authorities in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick to determine the safest and healthiest ways to continue delivering exceptional learning experiences to our students.
In the meantime, planning for the Summer 2021 Term continues to evolve in accordance with the current regional conditions.
At this time, the Bachelor of Business Administration programs at our Steeles Avenue, Ontario Campus and our New Westminster, British Columbia Campus, will continue to offer courses solely online for the time being.
We are proud of all our students, faculty and staff who, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to contribute to an engaging remote learning experience.
Yorkville University also remains mindful of the stress and anxiety these types of situations can bring on. Counselling services are available for those students who need them.
Visit https://yorkvilleu-bc.janeapp.com/ to make an appointment.
For more of the latest advice and information, visit the website of your local public health site:
B.C. Centre for Disease Control
FACTS ABOUT COVID-19
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.
Symptoms of human coronaviruses can:
- take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus
- be very mild or more serious
- vary from person to person
Coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- 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.
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 without gaping and secured to the head by ties or ear loops, to protect the people and surfaces around you.
Note: The Government of Canada has implemented an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act. This order means that everyone who is entering Canada by air, sea, or land must stay home for 14 days in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. The 14-day period begins on the day you enter Canada.
- If you have travelled and have no symptoms, you must quarantine (self-isolate).
- If you have travelled and have symptoms, you must isolate.
For more information on coronavirus:
- Call: 1-833-784-4397
- Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
- Visit: canada.ca/coronavirus
HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES
Yorkville University is committed and focused on planning and reopening our facilities safely, under the guidelines and direction provided by Public Health Ontario and the Ontario provincial government, and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and B.C. provincial government. We have implemented:
- 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.
Campus Ventilation
- Upgrading ventilation filters to MERV 13 in buildings that we control. Otherwise, working with landlords to do the same.
- Increasing fresh air into the buildings and running units 24/7 to purge air system when campuses are not in use.
- Conducting audits on facilities to add disinfection systems to HVAC systems.
On-Campus Cleaning Protocols
- 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 – i.e. washrooms, tables, desks, chairs, door handles, light switches, all high-touch points.
- Hallways, washrooms, and high traffic touchpoints cleaning conducted throughout the day.
- Removed 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.
Managing COVID-19 Cases on Campus
- Yorkville University will work with Public Health authorities to identify all steps are taken to ensure the community is safe and secure and that potential cases are contained.
- Campus closures – depending on the severity or number of cases, it is possible a whole facility or part of it may be required to close.
- Communication will be sent to all parties – students, staff and faculty – that may be affected by outbreaks.
Resources for Online Students
- Travel resources – Learn about entering Canada by air during COVID-19.
Resources for Employees
- The results of a recent managers survey showed some department heads indicated their teams would prefer to continue working from home, while others suggested a need to be present on campus. In the cases of teams who advised they could work from home, many suggested they would need to be on campus every so often. Overall, student-facing staff indicated they required to be on campus (though, in some cases, not 100 per cent of the time), and non-student-facing staff said they could work on a hybrid model.
- A similar all-staff survey was emailed out on Monday, July 5. We would be grateful if all faculty and staff could take the time to fill out this short survey.
University Resources
For students, staff and faculty who may be experiencing challenges during this time, there are support services available to assist. Please feel free to contact the necessary resources below:
- Yorkville University students can visit https://yorkvilleu-bc.janeapp.com/ to make an appointment.
- Faculty and staff can phone 877-847-4525 or 416-956-2979 or email support@resourcesforyourlife.com
Mental Health and Wellness Services
Weekly webinars and peer support groups are available to all students. Sessions cover a variety of topics, including stress, anxiety, burnout, anti-racism, and adjustment related to COVID-19.
Student Life
Yorkville University recommends students comply with social distancing requirements. With that in mind, our Student Services have shifted student activities from on-campus to online, which assures students continue to be active both physically and mentally while socializing online with peers. Activities include online games, arts and crafts and networking. To find the latest student activities, please connect with YU Engage Now at https://www.facebook.com/groups/YUEngageNow
Program Advisors
Program Advisors are the first line of communication for students. They are always available to provide resources and information to assist with any challenges students may face within their courses. In addition, they can explain the plan of studies and provide options that will help with work-life balance. If you are experiencing challenges, speak to your program advisor. Submit your question/request via AskYU and an advisor will be in contact.
Additional Resources
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario
- https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restart
*** Students and staff should report any COVID-19 related concerns to: covidsafety.nwc@yorkvilleu.ca or covidsafety.on@yorkvilleu.ca
