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As the fall semester approaches rapidly, Queen’s is focusing on making sure the right health and safety plan is in place for a safe return to campus for all students, faculty, and staff. This week, Queen’s strengthened the university’s mandatory vaccination requirements based on recommendations from the . The university is now awaiting further guidance from the provincial government after their announcement last week that Ontario would remain in Step 3 of its reopening plan.

Questions remain about how provincial guidelines on physical distancing, capacity limits, and other matters will affect post-secondary education institutions in Ontario this September. The , which advocates for universities in the province, has been in communication with the Government of Ontario on behalf of the sector. The COU has been requesting a balanced lifting of certain restrictions to make in-person academic activities possible. They have asked to receive updated guidance from the province as soon as possible. A decision by the government is expected next week.

“I know that uncertainties remain about the fall term and they are causing concern for many in our community, but I want you to know that we have been working with our partners in the sector to seek clarification about what will be permissible so we can move forward with confidence,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “Once universities receive further guidance from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, we will communicate it to our community, and I will schedule a town hall to answer any questions and concerns our members might have.”

A new date for a Queen’s Town Hall with Principal Deane is still to be confirmed pending provincial direction. Once a date can be set, it will be communicated to all students, staff, and faculty and posted to the Office of the Principal’s website.