Latest Update
January 12, 2023: As we begin 2023 and the new semester, there is a new variant of COVID-19 circulating in Alberta. To keep our AUArts community as safe and productive as possible, we remind everyone NOT to come to campus if you are feeling unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19.
- COVID-19 & Short-Term Illness Reporting Process
- Students: If you require to miss class due to COVID-19 or another short-term illness, please refer to your course syllabus for requirements specific to that course. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, and have been on campus within the last 48hrs, please send an e-mail to covid19@auarts.ca and include the date, time, and location when you were last on campus.
- Faculty/Staff: Please refer to the AUArts COVID-19 Control Process Map.
- Students: If you require to miss class due to COVID-19 or another short-term illness, please refer to your course syllabus for requirements specific to that course. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, and have been on campus within the last 48hrs, please send an e-mail to covid19@auarts.ca and include the date, time, and location when you were last on campus.
- Masks
Health Canada currently recommends wearing masks in indoor settings as “masks are one of the most effective individual public health measures that we can use to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.” Masks are available at the Security Office and the Info Desk.
- Cleaning Protocol and Hygiene
We currently have enhanced cleaning protocols in all indoor settings and on high touch surfaces. A reminder that items that are loaned, or made freely available for use by multiple individuals, such as tools, equipment, materials and supplies, should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Additional hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the building. You are also encouraged to wash your hands frequently to stop the spread.
- Vaccinations
We strongly encourage all members of the AUArts community to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19.
- Respectful and Healthy Work and Learning Environment
Everyone accessing the campus is urged to use respect for those around them. Your comfort level may not be the same as those around you. Compassion for others is key, and each individual is encouraged to find their own comfort level and be courteous to those whose personal circumstances and comfort may not match their own.
- Resources and Support
We appreciate that these remain challenging times and you are encouraged to use the support resources available:- Students: Support resources are available through Counselling & Wellness and the extended health benefit plan administered by the AUArts Students’ Association. If you require accommodations due to illness and need to stay home, please talk to your instructor directly.
- Faculty & Staff: If you need support please see Infolab for more information on how to access the many resources available through Homewood Health. Contact Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142 or homeweb.ca.
- Students: Support resources are available through Counselling & Wellness and the extended health benefit plan administered by the AUArts Students’ Association. If you require accommodations due to illness and need to stay home, please talk to your instructor directly.
Past Updates
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Tuesday, June 14, 2022: The province of Alberta moved into the final stage of lifting COVID-19 public health measures, removing the legal requirement to isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19. View the current Alberta Health COVID-19 guidelines.
- Tuesday, April 5, 2022: Face Mask Protocol and Campus Access Update
The mandatory campus Face Mask Protocol ends Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 11:59 PM. Additionally, starting Thursday, April 28, 2022, the AUArts campus will open again to public access during the day (8 AM - 5 PM).
- Friday, February 18, 2022: AUArts has new COVID-19 health and safety measures effective March 1, 2022, in response to new directives from the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Alberta government’s public health measures announced on February 8, 2022.
- Wednesday, February 9, 2022: Minister of Advanced Education Message
Demetrios Nicolaides, Feb. 9, 2022
- Tuesday, February 8, 2022: COVID-19 Policies and Procedures Remain in Effect
Following today's government announcement, no changes are currently being made to AUArts’ COVID-19 policies and procedures.
- Monday, January 17, 2022: Return to in-person learning on Monday, January 24
With the exception of the School of Critical and Creative Studies, AUArts will return to campus in-person learning on Monday, January 24, as was announced before the holiday break.
- Wednesday, December 22, 2021: Urgent Winter Semester Omicron Update
All courses will be taught online from Monday, January 10 to Friday, January 21, with an expected return date of Monday, January 24, 2022.
AUArts Face Mask Protocol remains in effect.
- September 1, 2021 update: Changes to Start of Semester and Health & Safety Measures
- August 20, 2021 update: New Fall 2021, September classes and COVID-19
COVID-19 Procedures
- COVID-19 Response Plan
- Mask Protocol
- Staff & Faculty COVID-19 Control Process Map (Staff/Faculty Access)
Resources
Please refer to the following list of information and support resources related to COVID-19:
- Request for Academic Accommodations
- Up-to-date information for Albertans is available on the AHS website.
- Health Link 811 *Health Link 811 is experiencing a high volume of calls, so please be patient.
- AUArts Safe App
- Government of Alberta regarding student loan payment deferral
- Government of Alberta
- Government of Canada - federal income supports
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- World Health Organization
If you are ill, please stay home. If you are on campus, please wash your hands frequently and well. Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.