Dear Acadia Community,

Our leadership team has closely monitored the growing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, both internationally and nationally. Your health and wellbeing are our priority. We are following the suggestions and directives of provincial health authorities. In some cases, Acadia may put in place additional measures. We are preparing contingency plans around campus operations, that is our focus in addition to supporting our students and the work of our faculty and staff.

Operational Changes

Due to the increased spread of the coronavirus in limited locations in Canada, and more widespread in other parts of the world, and based on recommendations made today by provincial public health officials, the following changes take effect immediately. They will remain in place until further notice.

• Restrictions on Non-essential Gatherings Over 150 People
  • That includes concerts, sporting events, and social gatherings sponsored by Acadia, the Acadia Students’ Union, and external organizations. There may be exemptions for activities that are part of Acadia’s academic mission. Please check with the organizer directly.
  • Our residences, dining hall, library, and fitness centre will continue operations at this time.

• International Travel Restrictions
  • All non-essential international travel by faculty, staff, and students is prohibited.
  • Approval for travel considered essential is subject to review by the President and Vice-Presidents. Requests for consideration must be submitted via Directors or Deans.

• Domestic Travel Recommendations
  • Based on public health official advice, there is currently no restriction on domestic travel (within Canada).
  • Faculty and staff are not required to notify Acadia of personal travel at this time. If domestic travel is for an Acadia-sanctioned activity, please discuss it with your direct supervisor.
  • Students are not required to notify Acadia of personal travel at this time. If domestic travel is for an Acadia-sanctioned activity, please discuss it with your professor/organizer.

• Self-quarantine Requirements
  • Faculty and staff returning from the US and other international destinations on February 26 and later must self-quarantine. (See below for details.) You are required to report your status to your direct supervisor. If you are not ill, it is expected you will work from home, as appropriate, in consultation with your supervisor.
  • Students who live in residence returning from the US and other international destinations on February 26 and later are required to notify Student Affairs, who will assist you with self-quarantine and monitoring for symptoms to protect you and others in residence. If you are not ill, you are asked to communicate with your professors directly to arrange for course accommodations.
  • Off-campus students returning from the US and other international destinations on February 26 and later are required to notify Student Affairs, who will assist you with self-quarantine and monitoring in ways that protect you and others. If you are not ill, you are asked to communicate with your professors directly to arrange for course accommodations.
• How to Self-quarantine
  • Monitor your health, and if you feel unwell, contact 811 for instruction from health officials.
  • Self-quarantine is to last 14 days from the date of return to Canada before returning to campus.

• Changes in Residence Life Operations
  • Quiet hour practices will be in effect.
  • No external visitors will be permitted in residences.
  • Further information and updates will be provided as appropriate.

Additional Information

Decisions about Study Abroad programs are handled on an individual basis; questions about a Study Abroad program can be sent to Exchange Program Advisor.

International students with questions and concerns can contact our International Advisor.

We ask everyone to remain calm and follow the recommendations to practice hygiene, self-care, and social distancing. We are developing answers to the many questions you understandably have. Thank you for your patience. We will provide regular updates to these plans over the coming weeks.

Resources

For Acadia information on COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19-Information Website. The website will be updated regularly, and campus notices will be available and archived there. The site also includes links to the most accurate and up-to-date information from provincial and federal health officials and the Government of Canada travel advice.

Remember, if you feel unwell and have recently travelled to the US or internationally, self-quarantine, monitor your symptoms, and call 811 to get direction. You can also call the toll-free line at 1-833-784-4397.

We know that these changes to our daily lives are a challenge, and we are committed to supporting each of you as best as we can. We appreciate all the work that has already been done to prepare our community for this fast-changing global health situation –  from our emergency management and health services teams to the facilities teams keeping our campus clean.

We are grateful for everything each of you will do over the coming weeks to adapt to these changes and support one another. We know that the Acadia University community will face this trying period with grace and resilience. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Keefe
Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Mr. Chris Callback
Vice-President, Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer