Dear Acadia Community,

The spread of the coronavirus continues to present Acadia with many unprecedented challenges. We are proud of how quickly our university community has come together in response to this rapidly developing situation.

As we assess the impacts of the pandemic on Acadia’s operations, we continue to follow the lead of the Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Government of Canada. That being the case, we are announcing the implementation of new preventative measures, always keeping social distancing procedures top of mind:

• Acadia University’s campus is closed to the general public, from 5 p.m. today, March 17, 2020, until further notice. Exceptions include those transporting students, service providers, and contractors. Employees are reporting to work and practicing social distancing. Students who remain on campus will continue to have access to services, though modified and limited.
  
  
• Spring Convocation is postponed, which was an incredibly difficult decision for us to make as Convocation is an important event marking a milestone achievement. I know this news will be unwelcome by members of the Class of 2020 and their families. We are following the recommendations of public health authorities regarding social distancing to protect the wellbeing of our graduates, attendees, and employees. Our decision alleviates uncertainty for the near term. Our Senate will approve graduates this spring, provide transcripts, and mail diplomas and certificates. The graduation date will be listed as May 2020. Graduating students will receive additional information directly from the Registrar’s Office in a follow-up email and we will work through planning together with the Grad Class Executive.
  
  
• Campus tours are suspended until further notice. We are still accepting applications.
  
  
• Events on campus are postponed until further notice.
  
  
• Cajuns and the Market in the SUB will close until further notice as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 and the SUB Post Office will close by end of day on Friday, March 20.
  
  
• Additional operational changes for facilities (buildings) and services such as the Library, Post Office, and Technology Services, are being updated regularly in a Change Log. Please review today’s changes.

For the most current and comprehensive information about Acadia’s response, please make use of our COVID-19 information website.

Thank you again, for your patience and support,

Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor