Updates, Resources and Information

Lakehead’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy has been updated to address issues related to research and other University in-person activities conducted off our campuses.

The definition of ‘Lakehead University Premises’ (Section III, Definitions) has been revised to read:

“Lakehead University Premises” mean any physical indoor space or outdoor grounds that are owned, leased, licensed, operated, or otherwise occupied by Lakehead University, or as otherwise determined by Lakehead University from time to time.

Reference to ‘Lakehead University Premises’ in the fifth paragraph of Section I, Introduction and Purpose was updated in accordance with the revised definition as stated above:

This Policy outlines the mandatory vaccination requirements that will be required of those accessing Lakehead University Premises and are in addition to existing and future control measures... 

Reference to ‘Lakehead University Premises’ in the first sentence of Section IV, Policy was updated in accordance with the revised definition as stated above:

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required for all individuals prior to participating in any activity on Lakehead University premises as defined above (including, but not limited to, students, staff, faculty, contractors, and visitors)...

The following two paragraphs were added to the end of Section V, Exemption Applications:

NOTE: For research activities that involve greater than minimal risk to in-person research occurring off Lakehead University Premises, the Lakehead University Research Ethics Board may require adherence to all or some of this Policy, such as submission of proof of vaccination.

Lakehead University may establish exceptions, introduce or extend deadlines, or amend this Policy as may be necessary or deemed prudent by Lakehead University, having regard to all relevant factors and to ensure the Policy’s ongoing responsiveness to public health and safety developments and conditions, legal developments, and Lakehead University’s activities and operations.

If you have questions about the mandatory vaccination policy, please visit our ‘Mandatory Vaccination Policy’ FAQs section on our Welcome back to campus: Fall 2021 webpage. If you have a question about the policy that isn’t there, please submit it to COVIDvaccinepolicyquestions@lakeheadu.ca and we will either answer you directly, or add your question (and answer) to the list of FAQs as soon as possible.

The return of more people to Ontario’s postsecondary campuses is being monitored by public health, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and the sector at large. We want to assure you that our committee members stand ready to adapt our health and safety policies in accordance with any changes to health and government authorities’ recommendations.

Thank you and be safe,
Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

We are very pleased to announce that Lakehead’s Technology Services Centre team and AppArmor (the developers of our Lakehead Mobile Safety app) have completed work on an online version of the app that's accessible using any web browser.

If you do not have access to the Mobile Safety app, please click one of the links below to access the appropriate feature using any web browser:

Mandatory Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment using any web browser

Vaccine Passport Submission using any web browser

If you do not have access to Lakehead’s Mobile Safety app or a computer:

• Daily COVID-19 screenings must be completed by visiting Security Services before proceeding to your destination on campus
• Have a copy of your vaccination status on you while on campus 

Following discussions within our Lakehead University community and across Ontario’s postsecondary sector, the following changes to our masking protocols need to be made and take effect immediately:

Mandatory Masking in all Lakehead University Libraries

Please be advised that masks or face coverings must be now worn at all times in our libraries on both campuses. Exceptions only apply to single occupants in an office or library study room, as well as other exemptions as defined by the Province.

Mandatory Masking in all Lakehead University Classrooms Spaces

Following recent sector-wide discussions on the matter, it has been determined that Ontario university instructors and students must now wear masks or face coverings while in their classrooms. The only exemptions are those defined by the Province.

This past Tuesday, Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) shared its much-anticipated framework for returning to more on-campus operations and activities at post-secondary institutions this fall. The Ministry’s Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework provides guidance to the post-secondary education (PSE) sector and we have worked to ensure that Lakehead’s new mandatory vaccination policy adheres to its principles.

The creation of our policy follows the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health’s recent letter strongly recommending mandatory vaccinations at all post-secondary institutions in the province, as well as MCU’s requirement that all PSE institutions implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies by September 7, 2021.

Lakehead University’s mandatory vaccination policy can be found here.

Our new mandatory vaccination policy provides details regarding vaccination requirements, who the policy applies to, testing, vaccination attestations, applications for exemptions, enforcement of the policy, and more. Please take a few moments to read and learn what your obligations are as members of our University community.

If you have questions about the policy, a growing 'Mandatory Vaccination Policy' FAQs section has been added to our Welcome back to campus: Fall 2021 webpage with answers to many of the questions we’ve received in recent weeks. If you have a question about the policy that isn’t there, please submit it to COVIDvaccinepolicyquestions@lakeheadu.ca and we will either answer you directly, or add your question (and answer) to the list of FAQs as soon as possible.

Below are changes to some of our current protocols in the wake of the Province’s framework:

Changes to Lakehead’s Masking Protocol

Until now, masks or face coverings (that must cover one’s mouth, nose, and chin) have been required in all indoor spaces on Lakehead properties unless you were alone in an office or room.

Effective immediately, masks or face coverings must now be worn in all indoor spaces on Lakehead properties where individuals are unable to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others.

Other exemptions to wearing masks or face coverings as define by the Province remain unchanged.

Changes to Physical Distancing Rules in Instructional Spaces

The Province has revised its requirements related to indoor physical distancing and capacity limits for indoor instructional spaces, such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and in-person experiential learning to help institutions implement their plans for a return to in-person instruction for Fall 2021.

Effective September 7, 2021, all physical distancing and capacity limit requirements for such indoor instructional spaces will be removed.

This revision only applies to indoor instructional spaces — Ontario’s Step 3 requirements for outdoor instructional spaces remain the same (75% capacity of the outdoor instructional space, or up to 15,000 people).

We continue to emphasize the need to follow all other safety guidelines, including masking, proper hygiene, and daily screening as part of our comprehensive approach. As noted in earlier updates, our enhanced cleaning protocols will continue and we have reviewed and enhanced ventilation systems across campus.

Mandatory Daily COVID-19 Screening

All students, faculty, and staff accessing Lakehead University properties must complete a daily COVID-19 screening using our Mobile Safety app before arriving.

For those without a mobile device or access to the Mobile Safety app, you may complete your COVID-19 screening on a computer through a web portal (link/information coming soon), or check in with Security Services before proceeding to your destination on campus.

Rapid Testing On-Campus 

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated with a Health Canada- or World Health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccine, or who have an approved exemption (or an exemption pending a decision), must undergo an additional screening process in order to access our campus that includes rapid antigen testing twice per week. Testing will be made available onsite on both campuses starting the week of September 7, 2021.

More information about rapid antigen testing can be found here.

Vaccination Clinics On-Campus

If you haven't had a chance to get vaccinated yet - Lakehead University is offering all students, faculty and staff with vaccine clinics conveniently available on our campuses and in our communities. To learn more and to stay up-to-date on campus vaccine availability click here.

Student Health and Wellness (Thunder Bay) is offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments can be made by emailing health@lakeheadu.ca.

Student Health and Wellness (Orillia) is working with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to offer pop up vaccine clinics on campus for students, staff and faculty. The pop-up clinics are being offered on Friday, Sept. 3, from 10 am to 4 pm, and Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 8 pm. The clinic will be offered as a walk-in clinic and no appointment is be necessary.

Athletics’ Vaccine Requirement

All visitors using Lakehead Athletics facilities will be required to abide by the Lakehead University mandatory vaccination policy and Government of Ontario guidelines. A single vaccine dose will be required by all users as of September 7 as per Lakehead University’s policy, and two doses by September 22 as per the Province’s requirements.

_______________________________

The MCU’s framework also reminded us all that as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, it will be important that we continue to adapt based on local circumstances and the needs of our campus communities, and more specifically, the safety and academic needs of our students. Lakehead will continue to work with our campuses’ respective district health units in responding and adapting our health and safety policies and protocols.

Reminders

Students, faculty, and staff with questions about their return to our campuses in the fall are encouraged to visit our Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 webpage for information tailored for you.

Please see the July 16 and August 13 updates on Lakehead’s Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about our fall term and return to campus planning for employees that have been working remotely.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University — including our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,
Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

Lakehead University’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy

Earlier this week, Ontario’s post-secondary sector received a strong recommendation from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH) requiring mandatory vaccination for all individuals (including, but not limited to, students, staff, faculty, contractors, and visitors) accessing Lakehead University’s properties. Universities are required by law to implement the recommendations of public health authorities, and to maintain a safe and healthy work and learning environment.

Lakehead University’s mandatory vaccination policy will be posted on our website next week.

The policy will take effect on September 7, 2021, and will apply to anyone accessing Lakehead University’s properties, including, but not limited to, all Lakehead students, faculty, and staff, as well as others visiting or conducting business on our campuses, which includes any physical indoor space or outdoor grounds that are owned, leased, licensed, operated, or otherwise occupied by Lakehead University.

In terms of vaccines, Lakehead University will accept inoculations with COVID-19 vaccines accepted by Health Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO).

When referring to “fully vaccinated”, we mean people inoculated with the full series of doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine received at least 14 days prior to the date of declaring your vaccination.

Beginning September 7, 2021, an individual arriving on our campuses must be able to:

• attest and submit proof that they have received at least one dose of an approved vaccine, or
• have proof of a valid exemption.

Beginning October 7, 2021, individuals involved in any in-person activities on Lakehead University’s campuses will be required to either:

• attest and submit proof that they are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, or
• have proof of a valid exemption.

Applications for exemptions will be available on our website soon. Exemptions will be permitted for medical and other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Individuals who are exempt will have to present a negative COVID Rapid Test result before being allowed to access Lakehead University properties.

“Rapid Test” means antigen point-of-care testing to detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus. Rapid testing is used for screening purposes only, and will not be used to diagnosis an acute COVID-19 infection.

Further details will be provided in Lakehead University’s mandatory vaccination policy. Please visit our FAQs section of our Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 resources and updates webpage regularly as it will continue to be updated.

MobileSafety app

Lakehead University’s MobileSafety app will soon be used as our primary tool for vaccination attestations by students, staff, faculty, contractors, and visitors involved in any in-person activities on Lakehead University campuses, similar to how the app has been used for COVID self-assessments.

The mandatory requirement for everyone arriving on campus remains: either use the MobileSafety app to perform your daily COVID-19 check, or perform a COVID check with Security Services before proceeding to your destination on campus.

Food and Conference Services Update
*Hours of operation may be subject to change.

THUNDER BAY CAMPUS:  ARAMARK

Residence Cafeteria, beginning September 2:

• Monday to Thursday, 7:45 am to 7:45 pm
• Friday, 7:45 am to 6 pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm

Main Cafeteria, beginning September 7:

• Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm (Subway, Rotating Kitchen, Bento Sushi, Pizza Pizza, Grill)
• Friday, 11 am to 3 pm

Starbucks, beginning September 7:

• Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm
• Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

Residence Dan's Diner, beginning September 7:

• Friday to Sunday, 7 to 11 pm

ATAC, beginning September 7:

• Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 6 pm
• Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

For more information about Lakehead Thunder Bay Food Services, please visit the ARAMARK website at LAKEHEADU.CAMPUSDISH.COM.

Connect with us: @LakeheadDining @LakeheadConferenceServices

Reach out to James Kostick at manager.aramark@lakeheadu.ca or 807-343-8010 ext. 8929.

ORILLIA CAMPUS:  Dana Hospitality

Starting September 2021, Dana Hospitality, a local Canadian culinary company, will be providing daily food service programming for our students, faculty, staff and guests.

Dining Hall, beginning September 2:

• Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Weekends and stat holidays, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm

Simcoe Hall Kiosk, beginning September 7

• Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm

For more information about Lakehead Orillia Food Services, please visit lakeheadu.icaneat.ca, or email danahospitality@lakeheadu.ca.

Reminders

Students, faculty, and staff with questions about their return to our campuses in the fall are encouraged to visit our Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 webpage for information tailored for you.

Please see the July 16 and August 13 updates on Lakehead’s Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about our fall term and return to campus planning for employees that have been working remotely.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University — including our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,
Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

On Monday, August 16, President McPherson announced that Lakehead University would be implementing a mandatory vaccination policy for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our campuses. Read President McPherson’s full message here.

We continue to be in frequent contact with our campuses’ respective health units as we prepare for the return to our campuses and the development of our mandatory vaccination policy. Each health unit has expressed strong support for the policy, as they believe the number one way to help us face COVID’s Delta variant is to vaccinate as many people as possible — especially those in congregate settings such as in our residences and classrooms.

Please note that we will be accepting both Health Canada and World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines as satisfying the criteria for fully vaccinated status. We continue to seek guidance to determine the best course of action regarding COVID vaccinations received outside Canada that are not approved by Health Canada or the WHO.

On Tuesday, August 17, we were also informed that the Province will be making COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory for high-risk settings across Ontario which includes postsecondary institutions. As soon as we receive that policy, we will assess it and share with you how it may impact our campuses. The same goes for a revised version of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Postsecondary Education Public Health Measures Framework which has yet to be published.

We understand that there are still many outstanding questions surrounding this new policy. It is our hope to be able to answer them with a series of FAQ’s that will be shared later next week. In the meantime, we are committed to working through the various details of this new and unprecedented policy as quickly as we can while ensuring that we do so thoughtfully and properly with guidance from health and government authorities, as well as leaders of our Lakehead community.

Throughout the pandemic, Lakehead has been committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and this decision is no different. It is more important than ever before that we come together as a University community, in a manner consistent with our student and employee codes of conduct, to protect the health and safety of the communities we are fortunate to be a part of.

Thank you for your patience. 

Here are other updates from various units within Lakehead:

Library Update

All Lakehead University Library locations will be opening for in-person services on Tuesday, September 7. The dates and times for each library location are:

Thunder Bay Campus

Chancellor Paterson Library: 8 am to 5 pm

Education Library: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Law Library: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Archives: By appointment only

Orillia Campus

Harvie Legacy Library: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Education Library: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

Contactless pickup will continue to be offered until the resumption of in-person services on September 7. Virtual research help is also available through consultation with librarians or the library's Ask a Librarian chat.

Food and Conference Services Update (Thunder Bay)

Starbucks in the Agora will reopen on Monday, August 23 at 8 a.m. From August 23 to September 1, hours of operation will be Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

The Residence Cafeteria will also reopen on Monday, August 24 at 9 am. From August 23 to September 1, hours of operation will be Monday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm.

Reminders

Students, faculty, and staff with questions about their return to our campuses in the fall are encouraged to visit our Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 webpage for information tailored for you.

Please see the July 16 and August 13 updates on the Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about the return of many of us to our campuses.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University — including our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,
Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

Dear Members of our Lakehead University community,

Throughout the spring and summer, we have been working in close collaboration with the necessary government authorities, the Council of Ontario Universities, Universities Canada, and local district health units to ensure we are aligned with the most current public health and safety directives and recommendations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July, Lakehead joined other universities in the province when it announced a mandatory vaccination requirement for all students choosing to live in our residences. Lakehead International has worked closely with new and returning international students to ensure they understand the requirements for travel to Canada, Thunder Bay and Orillia, and are supported in order to meet the provincial and local health requirements.

Last week, we joined the majority of Ontario postsecondary institutions with varsity and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association sports teams when we implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for all of our student athletes.

Over the past week, Ontario’s postsecondary sector’s response to vaccination requirements on university and college campuses has evolved dramatically. While COVID-19 vaccination rates in Ontario have increased over the summer to levels that allowed for the relaxation of certain restrictions, certain variants of the virus continue to proliferate, with the highly-contagious Delta variant now accounting for the majority of cases in Canada. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit have strongly expressed that ensuring high rates of vaccination is key to keeping COVID-19 case numbers low in our communities. 

After careful consideration, I am announcing that Lakehead University will be implementing a mandatory vaccination policy requiring Lakehead students, faculty and staff arriving on our campuses and properties to have received their first vaccine dose by September 7, and be fully vaccinated no later than October 7.

The policy, which is currently being developed and will be shared with our University community upon completion, will address details of its implementation, including guidelines that will apply to any visitors to our campuses and properties. This policy will enhance existing measures we have taken in recent weeks as we prepare to return to our campuses.

I would like to thank the Lakehead University Student Union and the Lakehead University Faculty Association for voicing their support for a vaccination requirement on our campuses.

I would also like to thank the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit whom we continue to work with and have strongly supported the implementation of a mandatory vaccination requirement.

The University will continue to remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of all members of our community, and we will take additional measures if conditions change in the semesters ahead.

My sincerest thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you who has done your part to keep our campuses and each other safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor

Lakehead Transition Committee Update

Over the past few days, Ontario’s post-secondary sector’s response to vaccination requirements on campuses has evolved dramatically. Many universities and colleges, including Lakehead, are considering mandatory campus vaccination policies.

We are currently in close collaboration with the necessary authorities, including leaders within the University community and the local district health units. We will communicate about this further next week.

In the meantime, as we come closer to the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, Committee members have been working to respond to questions from both of Lakehead’s campuses, as well as continuing with preparations in the absence of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ updated Postsecondary Education Public Health Measures Framework. Once that document is received and reviewed, we will share how it impacts Lakehead’s campuses.

Please find below several updates from our Committee’s most recent meeting and some important reminders:

Vaccination Available on Campuses

Student Health and Wellness (Thunder Bay) will begin offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Lakehead students, faculty, and staff starting the week of August 23. Appointments can be made by emailing health@lakeheadu.ca.

Student Health and Wellness (Orillia) is working with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to offer pop up vaccine clinics on campus for students, faculty, and staff. The pop-up clinics will be offered on Friday, September 3, and Wednesday, September 8. Information on how to access these clinics will be posted on the Lakehead website in the next two weeks. 

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit lakeheadu.ca/covidvaccine. If you have concerns about the vaccine, we encourage you to discuss them with your health-care provider to make an informed decision.

Mandatory Vaccines for Athletes

Lakehead University student athletes will be required to be fully vaccinated in accordance with other post-secondary institutions with varsity and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association sports teams. Student athletes who are not able to access a vaccination are asked to contact the Athletics department to assist.

Masking and Physical Distancing

In accordance with current directives from health and government authorities, masks or face coverings and physical distancing will continue to be mandatory for all indoor spaces on Lakehead University properties.

Exemptions to wearing a mask or face covering include:

• if you are alone in a room or office
• if you are participating in certain activities in our athletics facilities (see details on Athletics’ COVID-19 policies web page)
• if you have a medical condition that inhibits your ability to wear a mask or face covering
• if you are unable to put on or remove a mask or face covering without help from someone
• if you are receiving accommodations according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or the Human Rights Code

* Further guidelines applying to mask or face covering exemptions are forthcoming.

Cleaning Protocols

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lakehead’s cleaning protocols have been enhanced to help ensure everyone’s health and safety (including more frequent cleanings and hand sanitizer dispensers). Those measures will continue.

Recently, there has been an increased focus on ventilation systems on both campuses. Physical Plant is continuing to review the current equipment and performing air flow tests, and installing premium quality MERV filters.

Return to Campus Plans

Supervisors are reminded to submit their plans for the return of their teams to campus to their respective supervisors for approval by their respective Vice-Presidents. Until your team’s return-to-campus plan is approved, please continue to follow the current work-from-home-if-you-can model.

Returning to Campus and Contact Tracing

With the increasing number of people coming/returning to campus, contact tracing sign-in sheets are now optional. The Committee has considered how certain areas of the University can more easily use paper sign-in sheets – office spaces that have single/limited entry points – while others are more difficult due to various entrances and exits. The decision to continue using contact tracing sign-in sheets will be left to supervisors.

A mandatory requirement for everyone arriving on campus will be using the MobileSafety app to perform a COVID-19 check for yourself, or performing a COVID check with Security Services before proceeding to your destination on campus.

Travel Approvals

Travel for University business will be considered on a case-by-case basis by your supervisor and require approval by a Vice-President.

Lakehead Thunder Bay Buildings

Lakehead Thunder Bay buildings are currently open from 6 am – 6 pm until the resumption of classes, at which point they will be open from 6 am – 11 pm. For after-hours access to certain buildings, please visit Security Services.

Lakehead Orillia Buildings

Lakehead Orillia’s 500 University Avenue buildings will have new opening hours as of Monday, August 16:

• Simcoe Hall will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, and 10 am - 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
• Office spaces in Lakehead Orillia’s Residence buildings will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Lakehead Orillia’s Bookstore will be open for web order pick-up only from Monday - Friday, 10 am – 3 pm
• Lakehead Orillia’s Cafeteria hours are forthcoming

Lakehead Orillia’s Heritage Place building will open its doors, again, on Monday, September 7. From then on, it will be open from Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  

Please note that all Lakehead building hours are subject to change according to the academic timetable. Opening hours for individual departments may vary. 

Food and Conference Services Note

Please be advised that as Food and Conference Services works to rebuild its team and capacity to respond to pre-pandemic levels of requests for meetings and event spaces, and catering services, there will be limitations to what they can do in the short term.

To accommodate Lakehead-related needs and requests as much as possible, Conference Services has put a hold on all external requests for space and services until September 20. This decision is in keeping with government recommendations and the current 30 per cent capacity limit within Lakehead’s facilities.

In terms of Food Services and requests, until further notice, buffets and self-service style food requests are not available.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Parking

Don’t forget to buy your annual parking permit! Permits will be back in effect as of September 1 and will be enforced.

Permits must be purchased online by going to the Lakehead University Parking and Locker Services Online Processing Centre.

Reminders

Students, faculty, and staff with questions about returning to campus in the fall are encouraged to visit the Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 web page for information tailored for you.

If you missed it, please see the July 16 update on the Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about your return to campus.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University –  including our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness – please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,

Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

As our sector continues to wait for the release of an updated Post-secondary Education Public Health Measures Framework from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, we continue to prepare to welcome students, and many of our faculty and staff, back to campus by the end of the month.

Supervisors are reminded to submit plans they develop for the return of their teams to campus to their respective supervisors for eventual approval by their respective Vice-Presidents. Those plans are key to understanding the availability of services and supports across Lakehead University.  

Until your unit’s return plans are implemented, please continue to follow the work-from-home-if-you-can model. If you are currently working remotely and need to come to campus:

• Seek approval from your supervisor
• Complete a mandatory self-assessment by either: A) using the self-assessment tool in Lakehead's MobileSafety app, or (B) visiting Security Services to answer COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on campus;
• Use contact tracing sign-in sheets; and
• Get your computer checked before using it on campus (see July 16 update for more information)

Please be advised that per current health authority and government guidelines, everyone must be masked in all indoor settings unless you are working alone in a room or office.

Students, faculty, and staff who have questions about returning to campus in the fall are encouraged to visit the Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 web page for information tailored for you.

If you missed it, please see the July 16 message on the Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about returning to campus.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University – including the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness – please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,

Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) will be releasing an updated Postsecondary Education Public Health Measures Framework (originally issued in June 2020) in early August 2021 and "will ensure alignment with the most current public health and safety guidance and advice for September 2021 and onwards."

As we wait for that Framework to be completed, MCU recently shared that provincial vaccination rates and key public health indicators lead them to believe that starting in Fall 2021, all in-person instruction and on-campus activities will be permitted to resume without capacity limits or physical distancing requirements, however masks and face coverings will still be required for all indoor settings and all post-secondary institutions.

At this time, masks and face coverings will not be required if you are alone in a room or an office on campus, but we are seeking clarification and will send a follow-up once received.

As always, please allow for the possibility that government and public health authority regulations, guidelines, and recommendations may change, and so we must also be ready to pivot accordingly.

Ventilation Systems

We are pleased to announce enhancements to Lakehead University's ventilation systems.

An HVAC Assessment is currently in progress for all classrooms with a target of six air changes per hour (ACH). All air filters will be changed to MERV 13 or the highest compatible with the existing HVAC infrastructure.

In addition, we will be proceeding with the purchase and installation of HEPA Air Filtration systems for classrooms that do not meet the ACH targets as well as exploring other options and engineered solutions.

Fall 2021 Timetable

In late June, the Academic Timetable was released and since then students have been busy planning and preparing their course timetables and registering for courses.

While we look forward to fully returning to in-person classes in the near future, we remain committed to our approach and the Timetable developed for this Fall with a mix of both on-campus and online course offerings.

We will also be looking ahead to the Winter term to explore adding additional on-campus course options.

Students, faculty, and staff with questions about their return to campus in the fall are encouraged to visit the Welcome back to our campuses: Fall 2021 web page for information tailored for you. If you missed it, please see the July 16 update on the Updates, Resources, and Information web page for important information about the return to campus.

Continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University - including the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness - please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Thank you and be safe,

Lakehead's COVID-19 Transition Committee

To the Lakehead University community,

Following what will hopefully be a rewarding and relaxing summer for you all, we are very much looking forward to the return of so many of you to our campuses this fall.

Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee is working to answer questions about how this will affect students, faculty, and staff. We wanted to assure you that planning is underway for what is needed for primarily on-campus course delivery and the return of many employees.

In addition to Bulletins sharing important information about the return to our campuses, don’t forget to check out Lakehead’s COVID-19 web pages. Those web pages will evolve from a theme of COVID-19 information and resources to a focus on welcoming us all back in the fall and answering the questions about what that means.

Province’s Reopening Plan: STEPS II + III

The Province is expected to move to Step II of its Reopening Plan on June 30. During Step II, Lakehead University will remain in its current work-from-home-if-you-can model.

The Province’s move to Step III, which may be weeks away, will allow for more access to our campuses, however we have been informed that the Province will be issuing guidelines specific to post-secondary institutions that are to be followed during Step III and whatever follows. We intend to share how those pending guidelines impact Lakehead University as soon as possible.

In the meantime, please continue to stay on top of the latest guidelines, and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you and your family through the University – including the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness – please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Enjoy your summer!

Lakehead’s COVID-19 Transition Committee

To our Lakehead University community,

Lakehead University is planning for a fall term that includes a return to primarily on-campus course delivery and the expectation that we are all returning to our campuses. The University is committed to adjusting to any guidelines in accordance with changes in health unit and provincial health recommendations.

STUDENTS IN RESIDENCE THIS FALL

In order to ensure a safe, accessible, and enjoyable residence experience this fall, please be advised that Lakehead University will require students living in residence to have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination with plans to receive a second dose.

Students arriving who are unable to access a vaccine are asked to contact Residence Services to assist with making arrangements. Students wishing to live in our Residences who, for medical or other reasons, cannot be vaccinated may request an exemption.

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible and able. This fall, Lakehead University will continue to adhere to health guidelines that help diminish the spread of COVID-19, which may include self-screenings, masking, physical distancing, and hand-washing. If public health units advise differently, we will make adjustments.

TRAVEL

Effective immediately, and in keeping with recent revisions to travel advisories by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit, travel restrictions outside of our respective regions and in between provinces have been lifted.

As such, there is no longer any requirement to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon your return from any travel outside of your region.

Please keep apprised of the latest information and advisories by visiting our respective health units' webpages.

COMING TO CAMPUS

Staff and faculty are reminded to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties unless absolutely necessary.

If you need to come to any of our Lakehead properties, you must do the following:

• Contact your supervisor for approval to do so;
  
  
• Complete a daily mandatory self-assessment by either, (A) using the self-assessment tool in Lakehead's MobileSafety app, or (B) visiting the Security Services Office to answer some COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses. Don't have the app? Download it to your mobile device by clicking here.
  
• Use the contact tracing spreadsheet all departments'/units' supervisors have been provided for the purpose of identifying who in their team has been on campus, their contact information, when they arrived and left, and what parts of the campus they accessed. The information will remain in your department's/unit's possession for 30 days and will only be shared with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit upon request as part of a contact tracing investigation.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University - such as the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness - please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

To our Lakehead University students,

As the 2020-21 academic year ends, I wanted to take a moment to recognize your success during an academic year that has been full of challenges and uncertainty. I am proud of how each of you have stepped up — from those living on our campuses to those studying with us across Canada and from around the world. I’m proud of how you engaged with your professors and classmates while shifting the way we join together to learn. While the pandemic has forced us to adapt in so many ways, you have continued to pursue your academic dreams and goals with the support of the University community and, of course, your family and friends.

To our new students, I want to welcome you to the Lakehead University community. Whatever your path has been to university, the pandemic has likely disrupted your preparation and pathway to pursuing your post-secondary dreams. Your life has been changed in so many ways, but I’m sure the skills and resiliency you’ve developed will serve you well in the years ahead. Your university journey is just starting. We are excited to welcome you and do everything we can to make sure your transition is as smooth as possible.  

As the academic year comes to an end, I encourage you to take a moment to realize what you’ve accomplished while thanking those who helped get you through your year. I hope that you can spend time, as safely as possible, with family and friends, to celebrate your success and achievements while preparing for whatever lies ahead – be that starting or returning to Lakehead, or moving on as proud Lakehead alumni to that next phase.

Whether you’re a new or returning Thunderwolf, I’m sure Fall 2021 is top of mind, as it is with me.  Earlier this spring, we announced our plans for a return to primarily in-person learning for the fall. Today, the outlook for the fall continues to look promising with an accelerated vaccination schedule and messaging being released by the provincial and federal governments about the fall.

As we prepare for the start of the 2021/22 academic year, we are confident that we will be able to safely return to our campuses with our signature small class size experiences delivered on-campus, the return of our hands-on experiential learning opportunities, as well as hybrid course offerings and a mix of online and Zoom courses.

Come what may, we will be ready, and look forward to your safe and gradual return back to our campuses where you can actively engage in your learning with support from our entire Lakehead University community.  Our student services teams, along with residence life and athletics, are actively planning and preparing to provide you with an exceptional student experience with in-person support and activities along with the continuation of some remote options. Food services will be open for students and study spaces available. As additional details become available, we are committed to sharing these with you.

Our academic units are actively planning and preparing the 2021/22 Timetable for our students to view by the end of June with registration opening shortly after. Further details on the specific dates will be shared with you by Enrolment Services.

As always, we are committed to adjusting our plans in accordance with any public health guidelines, as required, in order to keep our Lakehead community safe. To keep apprised of our plans for the 2021-2022 academic year, please watch for updates on our COVID-19 information page, as well as your email.

We know that many of you will have questions. Our faculty and staff are here to provide you with answers and to help support your success as a student. 

All the best for a safe summer and we will see you in the fall!

Sincerely,

Dr. David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Lakehead University

Effective immediately, all Lakehead University employees (faculty and staff) are entitled to up to three hours of paid leave, twice, in order to receive their COVID-19 vaccination(s).

Recognizing that vaccination appointments may be unavoidably assigned during an employee’s work hours, supervisors are asked to be as understanding and flexible as possible in order to provide the time needed to members of your team/unit/department/faculty.

Should you learn that your vaccination appointment will occur during a time when you would normally be working, please inform your supervisor as soon as possible so that proper arrangements and/or accommodations can be made.

Vaccinations are critical to helping curb the rate of spread of COVID-19, and serve to protect you and those around you. Mass immunization is also a key step ahead of any federal, provincial, and district health units’ decisions to relax or remove guidelines, recommendations and restrictions that help us all.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University – such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness – please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Following the Premier’s recent decision to extend Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order, this update offers a summary of how these COVID-19 restrictions impact our campuses and postsecondary sector.

Construction activities at a university that are allowed to continue

Construction work and services, including land surveying and demolition services, that, support the operations of, or provide new capacity in, schools, colleges, universities or child care centres within the meaning of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.

Outdoor recreational facilities must be closed and such activities stopped

According to the order, outdoor recreational facilities (such as soccer fields, basketball courts, beach volleyball site) must remain closed except to those who need access to them for the purposes of maintenance, safety, law enforcement or other similar purposes.

Areas considered to be a park or recreational space may remain open (such as park benches, outdoor playgrounds, outdoor play structures, or outdoor play equipment).

New travel ban outside Ontario and Lakehead campuses’ respective districts

A new regulation under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act was created to ban travel between Ontario and Manitoba and Quebec. The regulation excludes persons traveling for work, but does require those entering to provide identification or documentation upon request.

In addition to this interprovincial travel regulation, Lakehead University faculty and staff are reminded that our campuses’ health units state that people should continue to avoid all non-essential travel. As such, any member of our University community who travels outside of Northwestern Ontario, or outside of the districts of Simcoe County or Muskoka, are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

Students living in our residences who are planning to travel must contact Residence Services about any specific travel precautions and the necessary steps to be taken upon their return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Research and teaching

There have been no changes to regulations related to research and teaching and the original stay-at-home order regulations remain in effect.

Outdoor, in-person instruction at post-secondary institutions may continue as long as they adhere to the 10 person maximum for gatherings, and physical distancing and masking practices are maintained.

Indoor, in-person teaching and in-person examinations cannot exceed 10 persons per instructional space with limited exceptions, and physical distancing and masking practices must be maintained.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Dear Lakehead University students,

Lakehead University continues to recognize the extraordinary challenges you are all facing as a result of the ongoing pandemic as well as the impacts of the unforeseen cybersecurity event that took place in February.

In recognition of this, the Senate of Lakehead University has approved a Temporary Grading Scheme under Exceptional Academic Measures for Year- Long 2020/21 and Winter 2021 Courses. This Grading Scheme will provide you with flexibility to account for your unique academic and personal challenges faced as well as aid in mitigating additional stressors as you work towards completing this academic year.

For more information on the Grading Scheme and how it will work, please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/studentcentral/exams-grades/temporary-grading-scheme

I highly recommend that you reach out to Student Central (studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca) and your Faculty Advisor/Program Chair to learn more and discuss your individual circumstances and future goals.

Sincerely, 

Dr. David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Lakehead University

As we head into the Easter weekend, we hope you take care and continue to adhere to the guidelines and latest updates from our campuses’ respective health units.

Today, the Premier of Ontario announced that the entire Province would be put under lockdown restrictions for at least the next 28 days.

As you are likely aware, many parts of the world, including in Canada and Ontario, are experiencing a third wave of COVID infections involving variants of the original virus. These variants spread more easily and it’s very important to remain vigilant and protect yourselves and those around you by continuing to wash your hands, wear appropriate masks, maintain physical distancing, and follow public health guidelines.

This is also an opportunity to remind everyone of the directives and recommendations that are on top of the Province’s lockdown restrictions and will remain in effect on all Lakehead University properties until further notice.

TRAVEL

While our local health units state that people should continue to avoid all non-essential travel, any member of our University community who travels outside of Northwestern Ontario, or outside of the districts of Simcoe or Muskoka, are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

Students living in our Residences who are planning to travel must contact Residence Services about any specific travel precautions and the necessary steps to be taken upon their return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Whether you travel or not, please continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines as outlined by Public Health Ontario:

• Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Learn about face coverings – how to use, clean and dispose.
• Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.
• Get the facts about COVID-19 – basics, symptoms and treatment.

COMING TO OUR CAMPUSES

Staff and faculty must continue to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties unless absolutely necessary.

If you need to come to any of our Lakehead properties, you must do the following:

• Contact your supervisor for approval to do so;
• Complete a daily mandatory self-assessment by either, (A) use the self-assessment tool in Lakehead’s MobileSafety app, or (B) visit the Security Services Office to answer come COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses. Don’t have the app?  Download it to your mobile device by clicking here. 
• Use the contact tracing spreadsheet all departments’/units’ supervisors have been provided for the purpose of identifying who in their team has been on campus, their contact information, when they arrived and left, and what parts of the campus they accessed. The information will remain in your department’s/unit’s possession for 30 days and will only be shared with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit upon request as part of a contact tracing investigation.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

To our Thunderwolves,

Over the past year, the Lakehead University community has come together to respond to the pandemic and to ensure the health and wellbeing of our students and our University community.

Thank you for the hard work and perseverance you have demonstrated while pursuing your studies with Lakehead University over the past year.

While we continue to work through the challenges of today, we remain committed to supporting you and our Lakehead community as we look forward to the Fall 2021 semester. Our faculty and staff are working hard to plan and prepare for the arrival of all our students to our campuses for their academic studies and campus life. Today and every day we reaffirm our commitment to providing you with a truly exceptional and transformative University experience.

I am pleased to share that we are planning for a return to primarily in-person learning starting in September 2021, including the many experiential learning opportunities such as field work, placements, and practicums that are integral to the Lakehead experience. For students who are unable to attend on campus or prefer remote learning, we are also exploring select opportunities to pursue studies online or a combination of online and in-person learning options.

In addition, we are getting ready to welcome more students back into our residences, restart our athletics and recreation programming, student life opportunities, and so much more!

We are taking every step possible as part of our commitment to your exceptional university experience, while always adhering to public health guidelines and adapting as necessary to help ensure your safety. For the latest regarding Fall 2021 at Lakehead University, as well as other pandemic-related information affecting our campuses, please visit our COVID-19 Updates and Information web page.

Lakehead’s faculty, staff, and students are here to support you with learning more about program and career advising, academic and financial supports, student life, and so much more. We know that many of you will have questions in the coming days, weeks and months, and we are here to provide answers, support and guidance as you prepare for the fall semester.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Barnett,
Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Last week’s move by the Province to place the regions around our two campuses into Grey/Lockdown did not change recent University directives regarding travel and working on our campuses. For your convenience, below are our current travel and working-from-campus requirements.

Some related good news:  The Vaccination Clinic established by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in the Bora Laskin Faculty of Education Building of our main campus has been a tremendous success. As of last weekend, the hospital’s clinic had provided vaccines to many area healthcare workers and other high-risk individuals. A huge thanks to our Physical Plant and Security Services teams for helping make this happen and meeting the needs of the hospital and our community during these trying times!

Please continue to stay informed of the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Our local health units maintain that people should avoid all non-essential travel.

Students living in our Residences who are planning to travel must contact Residence Services about any specific travel precautions and the necessary steps to be taken upon their return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Faculty and staff that need to travel outside of Northwestern Ontario or Simcoe County are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

COMING TO OUR CAMPUSES

Staff and faculty must continue to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties unless absolutely necessary.

If you need to come to any of our Lakehead properties/locations, you must do the following:

• Contact your supervisor for approval to do so;
• Complete a daily mandatory self-assessment by either, (A) use the self-assessment tool in Lakehead’s MobileSafety app, or (B) visit the Security Services Office to answer come COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses. Don’t have the app?  Download it to your mobile device by clicking here. 
• Use the contact tracing spreadsheet all departments’/units’ supervisors have been provided for the purpose of identifying who in their team has been on campus, their contact information, when they arrived and left, and what parts of the campus they accessed. The information will remain in your department’s/unit’s possession for 30 days and will only be shared with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit upon request as part of a contact tracing investigation.

As we head into the Valentine’s Day and Family Day long weekend and Winter Study Week, we hope you are able to make time for yourselves in between any work or studies you may have planned. Please take some time to reach out to others, and with friends and family, whether it’s virtually or in some other way that’s keeps you all as safe as possible.

Today, the Province announced that it will move from the current stay-at-home order to its revamped COVID-19 Response Framework as of 12:01am on Tuesday, February 16.

At that time, Thunder Bay and Orillia will be designated a Red, or ‘Control’, region.

Below is more information and reminders regarding travel and the mandatory screening protocols in place for those who need to come to our campuses. Faculty and staff are reminded that if they can work from home they should work from home.

Please continue to stay informed of the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

TRAVEL

Our local health units are still asking that everyone avoid all non-essential travel. 

Students living in our Residences who are planning to travel must contact Residence Services about any specific travel precautions and the necessary steps to be taken upon their return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Faculty and staff that need to travel outside of Northwestern Ontario or Simcoe County are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

COMING TO OUR CAMPUSES

Staff and faculty must continue to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties unless absolutely necessary.

If you need to come to any of our Lakehead properties/locations, you must do the following:

• Contact your supervisor for approval to do so;
• Complete a daily mandatory self-assessment by either, (A) use the self-assessment tool in Lakehead’s MobileSafety app, or (B) visit the Security Services Office to answer come COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses. Don’t have the app?  Download it to your mobile device by clicking here. 
• Use the contact tracing spreadsheet all departments’/units’ supervisors have been provided for the purpose of identifying who in their team has been on campus, their contact information, when they arrived and left, and what parts of the campus they accessed. The information will remain in your department’s/unit’s possession for only 15 days and will only be shared with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit upon request as part of a contact tracing investigation.

As part of our ongoing support of our community during the global pandemic, Lakehead University has agreed to work with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) to establish a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on our main campus in Thunder Bay.

The TBRHSC’s new clinic will be located in a designated space within our Bora Laskin Faculty of Education building. This clinic will allow hospital staff to significantly increase the number of doses they currently administer every day. The TBRHSC will continue to follow provincial directions with regards to who gets vaccinated and when.

Access to our Bora Laskin building by Lakehead University personnel is still permitted, however please be advised that enhanced security measures will be in place to protect the integrity of the vaccination clinic.

As directed in our January 13 COVID-19 update, all students, faculty and staff at both of our campuses are required to either, (A) use the self-assessment tool in Lakehead’s MobileSafety app every day you intend to come to our campuses, or (B) visit the Security Services Office to answer some COVID-related screening questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses.

Don’t have the app?  Download it to your mobile device by clicking here. 

To all Lakehead University Students,

As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our students, instructors, and the wider community, please be advised that Lakehead University's Spring and Summer courses will be primarily offered in a remote delivery format.

In some cases, there are courses that cannot be delivered remotely this Spring/Summer, namely field schools and placements. Students with questions about these particular courses are advised to contact their Program Chair/Advisor.

Please see the updated Spring and Summer session timetable. Registration is now open.

If you have any questions with course registration, please contact Student Central – studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca

International students with questions regarding their online course registration as related to their immigration status, please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-communityhttps://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-community.

Thank you,

Dr. David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Earlier this week, the Province announced that it was extending the provincial state of emergency and stay-at-home order for another two weeks (until February 9).

For more information about how the state of emergency and order affect Lakehead University, please see our January 13, 2021 COVID-19 update.

In light of the Province’s announcement, and the possibility of further measures it may take after February 9, students, faculty, and staff are reminded to avoid all non-essential travel in the coming weeks, including Winter Study Week (Feb. 16-19).  

Students living in our Residences who need to travel must contact Residence Services about any specific travel precautions and the necessary steps to be taken upon their return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Should other members of our University community need to travel outside of Northwestern Ontario or Simcoe County, they are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

Please adhere to your regional Health Unit’s guidelines regarding travel and quarantine rules upon your return (Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s travel guidance; Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit’s guidelines).

REMINDER OF MANDATORY MobileSafety APP SELF-ASSESSMENT

Lakehead’s MobileSafety app now includes questions to determine if you could have been exposed to COVID-19. You must complete this self-assessment before coming to campus and re-take the assessment on each day you plan to visit.

If you pass the screening, you will be issued a green badge within the app that indicates it’s safe for you to come to our campuses. The green badge lasts until the end of that day.

If you fail the app’s self-assessment screening, you will be issued a red badge and not be permitted to come to our campuses in order to protect those already on our campuses. You will be permitted to return to our campuses in the future after successfully completing the self-assessment questionnaire.

To access the COVID-19 self-assessment feature on the MobileSafety app, first make sure the app is up to date. If you do not see a yellow COVID-19 Self-Screening button at the bottom of the home page of the app, you’ll need to update your app. Here’s how:

• Click About/Preferences
• Click MyData Update
• Click Check for Updates to update your MobileSafety app

When the app is updated, return to the home screen, click the yellow COVID-19 Self-Screening button at the bottom of the home page, and complete the COVID-19 Self-Screening assessment.  

Questions about the app can be sent to Lorne Clifford, Director, Security Services, at ldcliffo@lakeheadu.ca.

Thank you for doing your part to help protect our University community.

Yesterday, Premier Ford announced that our province’s fight against COVID-19 is struggling to control the number of new cases being reported every day. In its effort to ease the growing strain on our health care system, Ontario has declared a Provincial Emergency.

For the most part, the Province’s declaration, which is slated to end on February 9, does not change the measures Lakehead has taken to protect the health and safety of our University community. The new “stay-at-home” order does reduce the number of people who may gather outdoors to five (previously 10). Please read the declaration for further details. The status of our campuses (including course instruction, research activities, study spaces, and athletics facilities) remain as defined in our January 8 update.

Since the beginning of this pandemic, Lakehead University has echoed what the Province, Health Canada, and our regional Health Units have stated:  those who can work from home should work from home. As such, faculty and staff are reminded to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties unless absolutely necessary. If you need to come to any Lakehead property, please contact your supervisor for approval to do so.

Recognizing that we have many essential service workers on our campuses every day, and others who cannot work from home and so visit our campuses regularly to fulfill their responsibilities to our students, Lakehead University’s COVID-19 Transition Committee has developed a new feature to our MobileSafety app to help further safeguard those who need to come to our campuses to study or work.

Don’t have the app?  Download it to your mobile device by clicking here.  If you need to come to either of our campuses and do not have a mobile device, you must check in with the campus’s Security Services Office to answer come COVID-related questions before proceeding elsewhere on our campuses.

MANDATORY MobileSafety APP SELF-ASSESSMENT

Lakehead’s MobileSafety app now includes questions to determine if you could have been exposed to COVID-19. You must complete this self-assessment before coming to campus and re-take the assessment on each day you plan to visit.

If you pass the screening, you will be issued a green badge within the app that indicates it’s safe for you to come to our campuses. The green badge lasts until the end of that day.

If you fail the app’s self-assessment screening, you will be issued a red badge and not be permitted to come to our campuses in order to protect those already on our campuses. You will be permitted to return to our campuses in the future after successfully completing the self-assessment questionnaire.

To access the COVID-19 self-assessment feature on the MobileSafety app, first make sure the app is up to date. If you do not see a yellow COVID-19 Self-Screening button at the bottom of the home page of the app, you’ll need to update your app. Here’s how:

• Click About/Preferences

• Click MyData Update

• Click Check for Updates to update your MobileSafety app

When the app is updated, return to the home screen, click the yellow COVID-19 Self-Screening button at the bottom of the home page, and complete the COVID-19 Self-Screening assessment.  

Questions about the app can be sent to Lorne Clifford, Director, Security Services, at ldcliffo@lakeheadu.ca.

Thank you for doing your part to help protect our University community.

*Today’s announcement by the Province about its stay-at-home order and increased measures to address COVID-19 is being reviewed and an update to our University community is forthcoming.

Lakehead University's Health and Safety Working Group has recently reviewed our face coverings practices and has made the following change based on updated information from federal public health officials.

Effective immediately, acceptable face coverings include medical or multi-layer non-medical masks that securely covers the nose, mouth, and chin and fits securely to the head with ties or ear loops. Neck coverings and/or gaiters are not considered adequate face coverings on Lakehead University properties.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada's guidelines about non-medical masks and face coverings. 

Yesterday, the Province announced that the lockdown of Northern Ontario that was slated to end on January 10 will be extended for at least two more weeks (until January 23) in an effort to prevent potential surges of COVID-19 cases across the province. This is alignment with the Southern Ontario lockdown (and Lakehead Orillia) that is slated to end on January 23.

In light of the Province’s decision, the repercussions on activities on both of our campuses that began at the start of this lockdown on both our campuses remain until the lockdown is lifted:

INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY OF COURSES

For the duration of the lockdown, all courses will be delivered using remote delivery methods. 

In conjunction with provincial guidelines, exceptions will be made for courses that require in-person instruction or access to our campuses in order to meet their respective academic requirements.

Instructors should contact their Faculty Deans if they have questions.

OFFICES AND CAMPUSES

As has been the case since the pandemic began, Lakehead’s required services employees will continue to be permitted to work on our campuses.

All other staff and faculty are asked to avoid coming to Lakehead University properties during the province-wide lockdown unless absolutely necessary. If you need to come to any of our campuses or other Lakehead properties/locations, please contact your supervisor for approval to do so and, upon arrival, you must check in with Security Services.

RESEARCH

Critical or essential research that was granted approval in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of Research Restart may continue during the coming province-wide Lockdown. Research approved in Phase 3 that does not involve face-to-face human participation may also continue during this period.

Approved Field Research (not involving human participants) in local sites may continue subject to site permissions, location-specific regulations, and public health guidance.

Research and any educational or scholarly activities under the jurisdiction of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation that can be done remotely should continue to be done remotely.

In-person (face-to-face) human participant research, and educational or scholarly activities under the jurisdiction of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, will remain on pause while we are in Lockdown.

Centralized analytical facilities that offer research services may continue to operate according to their approved COVID-19 research plans. 

ATHLETICS FACILITIES

All Lakehead Athletics facilities remain closed.

LIBRARIES, STUDY SPACES, COMPUTER LABS

Lakehead’s libraries will provide limited curbside services only, and will remain closed to everyone except library staff.

Until further notice, study spaces and computer labs will be closed. Please note that while the Starbucks in our Thunder Bay campus’s Agora space is open, the Agora study space will be open.

All other current advisories from our Health Units, including Lakehead’s December 3 directive related to travel, remain in effect. If you must travel for essential purposes, please continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines as outlined by Public Health Ontario:

• Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Learn about face coverings – how to use, clean and dispose.
• Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.
• Get the facts about COVID-19 – basics, symptoms and treatment.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

On Monday, Premier Ford announced new, stricter measures to curb the increase of COVID-19 cases in the province and reinforce that Ontarians should be staying at home as much as possible in order to minimize the spread of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Beginning this Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 12:01am, an Ontario-wide shutdown will be in effect. Click here for more about the provincial Lockdown.

In Northern Ontario, the Lockdown will be reassessed after 14 days, while the Southern Ontario Lockdown will be re-evaluated after 28 days.

How the Lockdowns will affect activities on each of our campuses starting December 26 and until Lockdowns are lifted:

INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY OF COURSES

For the duration of the lockdown, all courses will be delivered using remote delivery methods. 

In conjunction with Provincial guidelines, exceptions will be made for courses that require in-person instruction or access to our campuses in order to meet their respective academic requirements.

Instructors should contact their Faculty Deans if they have questions.

OFFICES AND CAMPUSES

As has been the case since the pandemic began, Lakehead’s required services employees will continue to be permitted to work on our campuses.

Effective December 26, all other staff and faculty are asked to avoid coming to any Lakehead University property unless absolutely necessary. If you need to come to any of our campuses or other Lakehead properties/locations, please contact your supervisor for approval to do so and, upon arrival to our campuses, you must check in with Security Services.

Please be reminded that Lakehead University’s campuses will be closed for the holiday break from December 24 through January 3.

RESEARCH

Critical or essential research that was granted approval in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of Research Restart may continue during the coming province-wide Lockdown. Research approved in Phase 3 that does not involve face-to-face human participation may also continue during this period.

Approved Field Research (not involving human participants) in local sites may continue subject to site permissions, location-specific regulations, and public health guidance.

Research and any educational or scholarly activities under the jurisdiction of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation that can be done remotely should continue to be done remotely.

In-person (face-to-face) human participant research, and educational or scholarly activities under the jurisdiction of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, will remain on pause while we are in Lockdown.

Centralized analytical facilities that offer research services may continue to operate according to their approved COVID-19 research plans. 

ATHLETICS FACILITIES

Effective December 26, all Lakehead Athletics facilities will be closed.

LIBRARIES, STUDY SPACES, COMPUTER LABS

Lakehead University’s campuses will be closed for the holiday break (December 24-January 3), including all buildings, study spaces, libraries, and computer labs.

Outside of Lakehead’s Holiday Closure (before December 24 and after January 4), the Province’s Lockdown measures affect our campuses in the following ways:

• Lakehead’s Libraries will provide limited curbside services only, and will remain closed to everyone except Library staff; and

• Until further notice, study spaces and computer labs will be closed. Please note that the Starbucks in our Thunder Bay campus’s Agora space will reopen on January 4, therefore the Agora study space will be open.

All other current advisories from our Health Units, including Lakehead’s December 3 directive related to travel, remain in effect. If you must travel for essential purposes, please continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines as outlined by Public Health Ontario:

• Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

• Learn about face coverings – how to use, clean and dispose.

• Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.

• Get the facts about COVID-19 – basics, symptoms and treatment.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

To Lakehead University students, faculty, and staff,

Following a recommendation made by the Senate Academic Committee, Lakehead University’s Senate has decided to delay the first day of classes of the Winter 2021 term to Monday, January 11, 2021 and subsequently extend the term’s last day of classes to Tuesday, April 13, 2021 for all programs with two exceptions.

In order to fulfill their respective program’s requirements, the academic schedules for all Faculty of Law students and the Faculty of Education’s Professional Program years will remain unchanged with classes and placements resuming on January 4, 2021. All Faculty of Education’s Concurrent Education students will begin their term on January 11.

At a Dean’s discretion, a Faculty’s academic activities other than regularly scheduled academic classes—such as placements, practica, and field activities—may still resume on January 4, 2021 as previously planned. In such cases, Faculties will communicate directly with their students and instructors.

Students and faculty are encouraged to refer to the revised academic calendar or to contact their instructors or supervisors for more details.

Please note that all other University operations will resume on January 4 as previously planned.Thank you to everyone who have been working hard to gather the information necessary to consider and implement this decision.Have a safe holiday season!

Please take care and remember to continue to adhere to all public health guidelines.

As we count down the final weeks of the semester and look forward to enjoying time to recharge at the end of a particularly-strenuous year, please be advised that in light of the second wave of the pandemic across the country and in our regions, the University is issuing the following directive regarding travel in the interest of helping ensure the health and safety of those living and working on our campuses.

Effective immediately, members of our University community who choose to travel outside of Northwestern Ontario, or who travel from an area in Simcoe County to an area with a higher COVID transmission level (from Red to Lockdown, Orange to Red, or Green to Yellow), are to avoid Lakehead University properties for 14 days upon their return.

Students living in our Residences will be contacted by Residence Services about specific travel precautions and steps being taken upon return to ensure the health of other residents and staff.

Whether you decide to travel or not, please continue to follow COVID-19 health guidelines as outlined by Public Health Ontario:

• Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

• Learn about face coverings – how to use, clean and dispose.

• Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.

• Get the facts about COVID-19 – basics, symptoms and treatment.

Please stay informed by reading the latest updates, guidelines, and recommendations from our Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University — such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness — please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Lakehead University recognizes the extraordinary challenges you, our students, are facing during these unprecedented times and the impact it has had on your learning and overall well-being. In recognition of this, on Monday, November 23, 2020 the Senate of Lakehead University approved a temporary change to the Course Late Withdrawal option.

SELF-LATE WITHDRAW

Students may request a Self-Late Withdrawal for up to a maximum of 3.0 FCEs over the course of their studies at Lakehead, up to and including the final day of class for the respective term. A Late Withdrawal will remain on the student's transcript, showing "W" (withdrawn). No credit will be retained and the course will not be included in the student's average calculation, or considered an attempt. Removal of the W is not permitted, and no refund of tuition fees will be provided for courses dropped through Self-Late Withdrawal.

Exceptions: The Self-Late Withdrawal option does not apply for the following: Graduate level courses, students in a Master’s or PhD program taking an undergraduate course, JD program, practica/internships/co-op or other experiential learning placements, exchange or courses taken at another institution, or students undergoing an academic misconduct investigation.

HOW TO SELF-LATE WITHDRAW

To request a Self-Late Withdrawal, complete the Application for Self-Late Withdrawal, and return it to Enrolment Services by emailing the completed form to mywithdrawal@lakeheadu.ca from your Lakehead University email.

The deadline to submit a Self-Late Withdrawal for a Fall 2020 Term course is Monday, December 7, 2020.

Click here for more information about the Late Withdrawal process and other options, visit.

It is highly recommended that you reach out to Student Central (studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca) and your Faculty Advisor/Program Chair to learn more and discuss your individual circumstances and future goals.

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases rise in Manitoba and Minnesota, and in the Toronto and Ottawa areas, as well as an increase in our own local communities, Lakehead University community members need to remain vigilant in order to help curb the rates of infections.

In light of the second wave of COVID-19, students, faculty, and staff are reminded that masks are required in all indoor public spaces. Click here to learn more about the Province of Ontario's guidelines about face coverings, including how to wear them properly, how to clean a non-medical face mask, and the exceptions to wearing them.

It is critically important that everyone continues to follow the basic guidelines that are known to greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19. Here are those guidelines as outlined by Public Health Ontario:

• Practise physical distancing - stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Learn about face coverings - how to use, clean and dispose.
• Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.
• Get the facts about COVID-19 - basics, symptoms and treatment.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has renewed its strong recommendation that people in Northwestern Ontario (NWO) avoid all non-essential travel outside NWO.

As our respective district health units and government and health officials update their recommendations and guidelines, we will also review, address, and communicate how any changes affect our students, faculty, and staff.

Please continue to get the latest updates from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

For more information and resources available to you through the University - such as our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and information about health and wellness - please visit the Lakehead University COVID-19 web page.

Stay safe.

Please be advised that the Northern Ontario School of Medicine’s Human Resources department sent the message copied below to its staff, today, regarding a NOSM individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has assured NOSM that there is no concern of broader transmission related to this case.

Please continue to get the latest updates about COVID-19 in your communities from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.

COVID19 NOTICE: Positive Case on NOSM (Lakehead) Campus

An individual on campus tested positive for COVID-19 and is at home self-isolating. This person was at Balmoral Street Centr (BSC) on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, in the morning only, and did not come into direct contact with anyone at BSC that day.

While the news of this could be worrisome, at this stage, we are not concerned about broader transmission at NOSM and have therefore, not instituted any building access restrictions at BSC.

NOSM Administration has been in contact with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) to support any contact tracing requirements. We will work with and follow the direction of the TBDHU and will communicate accordingly should anything change.

If you have any symptoms or are concerned about possible exposure, please take the Ministry of Health online COVID-19 self-assessment and follow the instructions provided.

In the meantime, be assured that NOSM is taking all necessary safety precautions. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email hr@nosm.ca.

Numerous Lakehead International students impacted by the temporary delay in the government's approval of Lakehead University's COVID-19 Quarantine Readiness Plan have been reaching out to faculty and staff with questions.

This message is meant to brief everyone on the situation and provide faculty and staff with answers to students' queries.

Like the majority of Canadian post-secondary institutions, Lakehead University is awaiting approval of its COVID-19 Readiness Plan so that we can be included on the list of institutions who can receive students from outside of Canada.

As such, all Lakehead University students must, prior to departing for Canada, ensure they have checked Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's website to ensure that Lakehead University has been updated on the designated learning institution list (DLI).

Students can click here to submit their quarantine plan for approval as we all wait for Lakehead to appear on the list of approved institutions, however Lakehead cannot issue the quarantine approval letter necessary for travel until we appear on the list of approved institutions. There are no workarounds for these requirements.

Click here to book a Zoom appointment with Lakehead International, or speak to an International Student Advisor.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

As we approach the Thanksgiving weekend and Reading Week, it is important to be aware of recent health guidelines and protocols put in place by the Province.

Yesterday (Oct. 6), the Province announced new protocols to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in light of the low number of cases in Northern Ontario as compared to the concerning increases in other parts of Ontario.

Effective Tuesday, October 6, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit communicated to residents of Northern Ontario to help protect the District of Thunder Bay by avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Northern Ontario until further notice. Northern Ontario is defined as the area between Parry Sound and the Manitoba border.

If your travel outside Northern Ontario is essential, TBDHU strongly encourages you to limit your interactions with others in the two weeks prior to returning to this area, including avoiding social gatherings and overall limiting interaction with others so as to reduce the likelihood of acquiring COVID-19 and bringing it back to this region.

If you are returning to Northern Ontario by any means, TBDHU advises travelers to "continue to limit their interactions with others and follow all precautions."

We realize that these provincial and health units’ recommendations impact plans many of us had for the coming weekend and Fall Study Week. For students remaining in residence during the break, activities have been arranged to help you enjoy the company of fellow students safely.

Masks on campus

Please be reminded that in light of the second wave of cases across our province and country and the new travel restriction regarding Northern Ontario, it is imperative that all members of our University community continue to follow prudent health practices such washing your hands regularly, maintaining physical distancing at all times, and wearing your masks in all public indoor spaces (including the library, study spaces, and cafeteria).

Students and employees who fail to follow this protocol may be subject to disciplinary measures as per the Student Code of Conduct or the Employee Code of Conduct Policy.

Only with everyone’s continued vigilance can we help ensure the safety of others.

As we approach the Thanksgiving weekend and Reading Week, it is important to be aware of recent health guidelines and protocols put in place by the Province, and to maintain vigilance when it comes to wearing masks on our campuses.

Yesterday (Oct. 6), the Province announced new protocols to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in light of the low number of cases in Northern and other parts of Ontario as compared to the concerning increases in Toronto, Ottawa and elsewhere (Northern Ontario is defined as th area between Parry Sound and the Manitoba border). This included public health units asking Ontario residents to avoid non-essential travel to southern Ontario until further notice.

If you are returning or traveling to “red zones” via travel by any means, people are being advised to "continue to limit their interactions with others and follow all precautions."

We realize that these provincial and health units’ recommendations impact plans many of us had for the coming weekend and Reading Week. For students remaining in residence during the break, activities have been arranged to help you enjoy the company of fellow students safely.

Masks on campus

Please be reminded that in light of the second wave of cases across our province and country and the new travel restrictions, it is imperative that all members of our University community continue to follow prudent health practices such washing your hands regularly, maintaining physical distancing at all times, and wearing your masks in all public indoor spaces (including the library, study spaces, and cafeteria).

Students and employees who fail to follow this protocol may be subject to disciplinary measures as per the Student Code of Conduct or the Employee Code of Conduct Policy.

Only with everyone’s continued vigilance can we help ensure the safety of others.

While more students, faculty, and staff on our campuses has been a refreshing sight since the semester began, we remind everyone that each of us is responsible for taking the necessary steps to do what we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We remind you of the following protocols put in place in accordance with local health units and government guidelines:

• Maintaining physical distancing
• Washing your hands frequently
• Working from home if you can
• Wearing a mask in all indoor spaces and campus buildings, and where physical distancing may not be possible (read update from August 11, 2020 on Lakehead’s COVID-19 web page for all the details, including masking exceptions)

Those living, working, and studying on our campuses, are also reminded to:

• Complete the mandatory training sessions for students and employees
• Disinfect your private work offices/spaces — approved disinfecting supplies are available for order through Physical Plant

Lakehead-branded masks

Lakehead University has received its long-awaited shipment of branded, washable masks. Due to a limited supply, only those students and employees needing to return to our campuses to study or work will be issued a mask.

Lakehead Thunder Bay: Masks have arrived and are available to students at Student Central, and to employees at the Security Services desk. Please have your Lakehead student or employee ID card at pick up.

Lakehead Orillia: Masks are on route and will be available to students and employees at the Security Services desk when they arrive. Please have your Lakehead student or employee ID card at pick up.

Province reduces size of gatherings

On September 19, the Province of Ontario recently announced a reduction in the number of people who can gather for social gatherings:

• For outdoor groups:  previously 100 — now 25 people
• For indoor groups:  previously 50 — now 10 people

Procedures to address violations of social distancing, masking, and other health and safety measures on Lakehead properties are the responsibility of the University and will be enforced through existing codes that protect members of our University community.

Be well and safe,
Lakehead University COVID-19 Transition Committee

Click here to learn more about what Lakehead University’s COVID-19 Transition Committee and its Working Groups are doing to help protect our campuses. 

Dear Lakehead University faculty and staff,

A plan to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students has remained top of mind since we made the necessary decision to postpone our Spring 2020 Convocation ceremonies.

We hoped that the global pandemic situation would have improved enough and in time to host a special Fall Convocation for our 2020 graduates. As public health concerns and significant restrictions guiding large public gatherings continue, it is unfortunate that such an event will not be feasible this fall.

I am, however, excited to announce that planning for how we can safely host an exceptional Spring 2021 Convocation, whether it be in-person, virtually or a combination of both, is now well underway. We are also planning for the inclusion of a special celebration of our 2020 graduates.

Our 2021 Convocation celebrations are tentatively scheduled to run between May 25 - 29 (Lakehead Thunder Bay) and June 3 - 5 (Lakehead Orillia) with final dates to be provided once more information is available.  

Sincerely,

Moira McPherson, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor

Dear Students,

As Lakehead University continues to follow public health advisories and restrictions regarding large public gatherings, please be advised that Lakehead University has begun planning for how we might safely host an exceptional Spring 2021 Convocation — whether that celebration is in-person, virtual, or a combination of both.

Our 2021 Convocation celebrations are tentatively scheduled to run between May 25 - 29 (Lakehead Thunder Bay) and June 3 - 5 (Lakehead Orillia) with final dates to be provided once more information is available. 

As our students return to campus, we know that you are looking for safe spaces to study and do your work. The following webpage outlines designated study spaces for you to use while on campus, including hours of operations. 

A reminder that before attending campus for any reason, all students are required to complete the Mandatory COVID-19 Student Training module available in myCourselink.

Dear Lakehead University faculty and staff,

Since the first days that the COVID-19 impacted us back in March, countless hours of hard work, non-stop virtual meetings, and planning, planning, planning have consumed our lives, including many summer days (and vacations), as we have collectively addressed the innumerable impacts the global pandemic continues to have on our University, the PSE sector, and our communities. The resulting communications, updates, FAQs, and resources were consistently chronicled on our COVID-19 information web page.

I would like to extend my deepest, heartfelt thanks to all of you who responded to the various government and health authorities’ evolving guidelines and recommendations. I can tell you first hand that our past months of adapting our practices and operations, over and over again, so that we could maintain safe and effective University operations amid the ever-changing circumstances of the pandemic resulted in immense pressure on our teams.

Having now fully stepped into fall 2020 and an academic year like none before, I want to assure my own colleagues and all of their staff that their efforts have not been taken for granted, and to acknowledge the massive achievements to date.

As Lakehead's Transition Committee and Work Groups started to roll out our University’s response to the province’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 directives, our COVID-19 web pages were revised and refocused to ensure that students, faculty, and staff have current, forward-facing information tailored to their specific needs.

I also want to recognize Lakehead’s faculty, instructors and staff who have been working to develop creative solutions for delivering instruction, conducting research, and supporting student success. We can anticipate that our learners will face unique and sometimes daunting challenges, in and out of the classroom, as they embrace their studies this year. Delivering quality remote learning experiences and responsive student support services, in person or via technology, will be critical to student retention and success.

For the safety of our students and our entire community, we continue to adhere to all of the regulations issued by our health and government authorities. We are also closely watching the spikes in positive cases across our province and the country. Please do your part to help keep our campuses and communities safe.

To each of you I extend my thanks and best wishes,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor

Dear Lakehead University students,

I want to welcome everyone to Lakehead University and to wish you well as the fall term gets underway. The start of the academic year is always an exciting time and this year is no different even as we adapt to new approaches to learning.

Since the early days of the pandemic, the entire University community has been focused on building high quality online and remote learning experiences for our students. There are also select opportunities for face-to-face experiences on both campuses for learners that can attend in person. I want you to know that everyone at Lakehead is committed to your learning and ultimate success. If you are experiencing challenges of any kind, please do not hesitate to reach out for support.

While you have just begun your fall term studies, I am aware that many of you are seeking clarity on plans for the winter term. The University has continued to consult with local health authorities and has closely monitored the evolution of the pandemic through numerous discussions within the university sector and with all levels of government. At this point, after reviewing the current state and considering potential scenarios over the remainder of this year, the University has decided to continue with a primarily online and alternative delivery model for the winter 2021 term.

I will be working closely with Deans over the next few weeks as we determine specific program-related needs for the winter term. In some areas, there will be opportunities for face-to-face learning in order to achieve learning outcomes and where we can do so in a safe manner. We are particularly focused on being able to safely offer you experiential and practical learning opportunities that can be delivered on campus or in the field. We are also committed to working with students to ensure they are able to graduate in a timely way. More information will be provided as we determine requirements within specific programs.

Our faculty and staff remain committed to providing an exceptional and unconventional learning environment. Your education and safety are always our top priority. As the fall unfolds, I encourage you to visit our COVID-19 information web page tailored to students’ needs and to keep up on the latest updates and FAQs. I also encourage you to connect with your fellow classmates, as well as to get involved in virtual events, programs and groups. In these times, it is important that we stay connected as a community. 

I wish you all the best in your studies.

Sincerely,

Dr. David W. Barnett, D.Sc., P.Eng.
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

As students gradually begin returning to our campuses, new health and safety measures are being implemented to safeguard our University community. A critical component of a safe return to campus is a shared understanding of proper measures to protect the health and safety of everyone. To this end, students attending campus are expected to complete a mandatory training module focused on an overview of COVID-19, protecting yourself and others, measures in place on campus, entering Canada/returning from travel, what to do if you have symptoms/exposure to COVID-19, taking care of your mental health and resources available.

Any student attending campus for any reason, including on-campus courses and labs, are required to complete the training module in advance of arrival on campus. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate. Students are advised to keep a copy of the certificate with them to present to course instructors and lab technicians, along with other University personnel if requested.

To access the COVID-19 Training Module, visit mycourselink.lakeheadu.ca and select "COVID-19. Training Module for Students Attending Campus" from the course offerings.

If you have any questions or trouble accessing the module, please contact Student Affairs: admin.vpsa@lakeheadu.ca.

As the province allows certain regions, businesses, and organizations to return to limited operations, and eases restrictions to address COVID-19, our Lakehead University COVID-19 Transition Committee continues to develop and implement plans and protocols to gradually allow more people back to our campuses safely and in accordance with health and government recommendations.

As such, the Transition Committee has completed its Return to Campus Guidelines for those returning to work on our campuses.

Informed by health and government authorities, these guidelines will be updated as necessary in order to help ensure that we all promote a safe and healthy work and learning environment.Please review this before returning to campuses. These guidelines serve to complement recent notices about returning to our campuses, including the August 11, 2020 update regarding Lakehead's Masking Protocols and Mandatory Employee Reintegration Training.

The health and safety of every member of our University community is our priority. That is why Lakehead will continue to adhere to current health and government recommendations stating that those who can work from home should continue to do so. If your role may require that you begin coming onto our campuses to work, please make sure to read the Guidelines and stay up to date on Lakehead notices about COVID-19 by visiting our information web page.

WE ARE OPEN!
Starbucks and the Residence Cafeteria have reopened! We are excited to be serving you again. 

STARBUCKS HOURS
Mon-Fri:  8:00am-3:30pm 

RESIDENCE CAFETERIA HOURS
Mon-Sun:  9:00am-6:00pm;  Closed for Cleaning 11:00am-12:00pm and 3:00-4:00pm 

Residence Cafeteria will be Opening September 3, 2020 with protocols & conditions.
The Residence Cafeteria is open for everyone with made-to-order and retail sales all under one roof.
Stay tuned for our rotating kitchen coming this fall! 

Faculty and Staff
This year our food offering will be similar to previous years but located in the residential cafeteria! You will be able to purchase your food and beverages from the available menu at various stations, while still having the availability to pay with Meal Plan, Declining Balance, Cash, or credit card at the cash station. DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE MEAL PLANS FOR EVERYONE (Students, Faculty and Staff)? 

CaterTrax and CampusDish RevampGrocery and Meals 2 Go
The Grocery and Meals-2-Go program provides employees and students with a convenient on-line ordering system to purchase essential grocery items, ready-to-eat and re-heat-able meal solutions that they can easily pick-up from campus. 

Check out the new website: Lakeheadu.Catertrax.com 

Campus Dish
- New easy to navigate website with up to date information on everything Lakehead Dining
- You can now purchase meal plans and track your declining balance from CampusDish Check out the new website: Lakeheadu.CampusDish.com

Catering
All catering requests will be organized through the Conference Services office at 343-8799 or by email at conference.services@lakeheadu.ca. Please note that Catering operations will open onSeptember 8.  
Due to Covid-19 restrictions on all catering food & beverage orders, we will require at least one server per order. Minimum one hour service charge; service charge subject to change due to size of event.  

COVID-19 PROTOCOL
To ensure workplace safety & maintain a safe environment to serve our customers, we have implemented the following safety protocols at our locations:  

Health and Safety
We ask that you follow these protocols while in our facilities:
- We'll request your first name & contact phone number for our Patron Log, this will be kept on file for 30 days. 
- Facial coverings are required at Starbucks & Residence Cafeteria. Masks may be removed once you are seated. 
- Follow physical distancing of a minimum 2 metres at all times.
- Follow hand hygiene: we have hand sanitizer available at all locations.  

Staff Monitoring
When reporting to work, staff will complete a questionnaire and temperature check. We will be monitoring our staff for symptoms and any contact with confirmed cases.

Cleaning and sanitizing:
- Residence Cafeteria will be closed twice daily for enhanced cleaning (11am to 12pm, -3pm to 4pm).
- Tables will be cleared, cleaned & disinfected between customers.
- High-Touch Food surfaces and High-Touch Hand contact surfaces will be frequently cleaned & sanitized during service (door handles, countertops, tabletops, sneeze guard, restroom taps, dispensers, light switches, chairs, card machine).

Dining Spaces
- Shield guard will be set up at each location.
- 2-meter distancing implemented between tables.

Signage
Signage will be posted to reflect these requirements and protocols when using our facilities.  

Environmental Sustainability
We are moving towards cleaner alternatives. We revised our takeout program to include bio-degradable, recyclable and compostable products. 

Your Voice Counts
We are always looking to hear back on your experience! Use our Voice of the Customer form to tell us about your food services experience on campus. 

The Department of Food & Conference Services and Aramark’s Lakehead Dining Services strive to enhance your day with our various dining options and your events with our catering services. We are always working on initiatives for Food Security, Health & Wellness, and Sustainability to improve the way faculty, staff, students & guests access meals on campus. If you are interested in discussing or joining one of our initiatives, please reach out; if we don’t have the answer for you, we can find out who does! 

Follow us on Instagram for News & Updates
@LakeheadDining
@LakeheadConferenceServices 

Contact
Food & Conference Services Services   
conference.services@lakeheadu.ca  
807-343-8799 

ARAMARK Food & Catering
aramark@lakeheadu.ca
807-343-8142 

In the coming weeks and months, more students, faculty, and staff will gradually begin returning to our campuses. As such, and in light of recent announcements from provincial and federal health authorities, new health and safety measures are being implemented to safeguard our University community.

While all Lakehead University employees are still to follow the current guidance that indicates if you can work from home you should, below are the measures all faculty and staff must follow if they intend to return to working on our campuses from time-to-time, temporarily, part-time, or full-time.

When you do return to campus, you'll notice that new signage has been put up in many areas to help inform you of some of the changes to our campuses, including new health and safety regulations, the direction to be followed in certain spaces such as stairwells, and other appropriate precautions in keeping with public health authorities' guidelines.

The information on this page is to be considered part of a living document - to be updated, as required, in keeping with provincial, federal, and public health announcements, regulations and guidelines.

Mandatory Reintegration Training

A critical component of a safe return to campus is a shared understanding of proper measures to protect the health and safety of everyone. To this end, staff returning to campus are expected to complete a brief course focused on an overview of COVID-19, health and safety guidelines, and infection control measures.

Masking

Wearing a mask contributes greatly to the reduction of the spread of COVID-19 (in addition to frequent hand washing and physical distancing). Once you have completed your reintegration training and are ready to return to campus, be advised that masks are now to be worn in all indoor public spaces where physical distancing may not be possible.

A mask, or face covering, is understood to be a medical or non-medical mask or similar, partial facial covering such as folded handkerchiefs/bandanas, scarves, and other materials that could serve to cover one's nose, mouth and chin - thereby establishing a barrier to limit the potential spread of respiratory droplets.

Visit the Health Canada information page to learn about non-medical masks and face-coverings, including their appropriate use and limitations.

Exemptions to masking

Where physical/social distancing is certain, here are circumstances when masks or face coverings may be removed in an indoor space on our campuses:

• If you are working in a private office, or alone in a room. However, a mask should be worn while walking through buildings to and from such private spaces as you never know when you might suddenly come into contact with others.
• In classroom/class settings, instructors may use their judgement when deciding if masks/face coverings will be required while considering everyone's comfort level, the tasks to be performed, and the need to maintain physical distancing.
• In office spaces, supervisors may use their judgement when deciding if masks/face coverings will be required while considering everyone's comfort level, tasks, and the need to maintain physical distancing.

Lakehead University also follows the Thunder Bay and Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Units' acknowledgement that masking may not be appropriate or possible for everyone. The following are exemptions defined by these District Health Units:

• Children under the age of 2 years old, or children under the age of 5 years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver;
• Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask, including breathing difficulties, cognitive difficulties, hearing or communication difficulties;
• Individuals who cannot wear or are unable to apply or remove a mask without assistance, including those who are accommodated under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or who have protections under the Ontario Human Rights Code (R.S.O. 1990, c.H.19), as amended;
• Any person who is employed by or is an agent of the Operator of an Enclosed Public Space and is within or behind a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglass).
• Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help;
• Anyone wearing a face covering that would inhibit the ability to breathe in any way such as, but not limited to, during moderate to intense physical activity (such as running) or activity that would preclude its use (such as swimming); and
• Individuals who cannot wear face coverings for any religious reasons.

Where to get masks

While students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to obtain their own masks or face coverings, Lakehead University has ordered masks to be given to employees returning to campus. Watch for a Bulletin notice informing everyone how to get your Lakehead mask.

While on campus

When you return to our campuses to work, Lakehead University and public health guidelines maintain that masking, physical distancing, thorough and frequent hand-washing, and disinfecting your private work offices/spaces is the best way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please do your part to help protect others.

Approved disinfectants are available for purchase through Physical Plant.

Hand sanitizer, wipes and disposable masks are available for purchase through the bookstore.

Classrooms

As some courses will be delivered within classrooms as part of hybrid class delivery models, measures are being taken to ensure that such spaces are scheduled appropriately and cleaned between uses. The number of people a classroom or similar space may accommodate will be limited so as to adhere to physical distancing rules.

Enforcement of Health and Safety Measures

On July 13 and 24, 2020, respectively, the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit announced that non-medical masks or face coverings must be worn when entering an enclosed public space. These regulations apply to all employees and members of the public and are issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Procedures to address violations of social distancing, masking, and other health and safety measures on Lakehead properties are the responsibility of the University and will be enforced through existing codes that protect members of our University community.

Lakehead University's COVID-19 Transition Committee and its Working Groups

Click here to learn more about what Lakehead University's COVID-19 Transition Committee and its Working Groups are doing to help prepare our campuses for our next phase of operations.

As we continue our transition back to campus, the health and safety of our Lakehead community is at the forefront of our planning efforts.

A critical component of a safe return to campus is a shared understanding of proper measures to protect the health and safety of everyone. To this end, a brief course focused on an overview of COVID-19, health and safety guidelines, and infection control measures, has been developed. This course can be found on the main page of your myCourselink (D2L) portal, titled "Covid Awareness Site".

If you do not see the "Covid Awareness Site" listed on your course dashboard in D2L, you can self-register. Navigate to Self-Registration: Academic Support and Training on the dashboard and choose the course from the options.

All staff and faculty are required to review this course content and complete the attestation prior to returning to campus. 

For those who are currently on-campus, please complete this prior to your next shift/return to campus.

For any content related questions, please contact the below:

Ursula MacDonald, Manager, Health, Safety and Wellness
807-343-8010 ext. 8671

Tiffany Moore, Lab Safety Officer
807-343-8010 ext. 8806

Shannon Scott, Human Resources Partner (contact for Orillia)
705-330-4010 ext. 2011

Supervisors, please reach out to these contacts for course completion verifications for your department(s).

Thank you for your ongoing dedication in supporting a safe campus environment,

Adam Shaen, CHRL, MBA, MSc
Associate Vice-President
Office of Human Resources 

The following webpage provides an update on what the Fall 2020 (September - December) term will look like by each Discipline listed by Faculty for the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. It has been divided into two sections for new incoming undergraduate students, as well as returning and graduate students.

In addition to this resource, the Course Timetable for the 2020/21 academic year has been posted for students to review and begin  course planning.

The delivery mode for Fall 2020 has been outlined for each course.

As we confirm more details, information on Winter 2021 course delivery will be added.

Fall 2020 at Lakehead University

As we head into the May long-weekend, we turn some monumental corners:  the recent end to a semester that won’t soon be forgotten, springtime temperatures that beg us to go outside, the start of our spring/summer session, and now news about what we should expect in the fall.

September at Lakehead University has always been a time of celebration and beginnings. This fall will be no different as we welcome students, faculty and staff to the start of our 55^th academic year. A year of celebration, but one tempered by the global realities that challenge each and every member of our Lakehead community.

As I write this, I must acknowledge that this fall will differ from our previous experiences at Lakehead University in many ways. As Lakehead welcomes students to start the 2020/21 academic year in September, we will continue to operate in an environment shaped by the ongoing global pandemic. We will do so with a focus on prioritizing the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff as we continue to deliver a high-quality educational experience.

At all stages of our operations, we will adhere to the advice of our local health authorities and guidelines set by the Canadian and Ontario governments. Recently, the Province of Ontario began announcing steps to reopen certain types of businesses and gradually lifting restrictions with a focus on health and safety in Ontario’s communities. While the timing of this reopening phase evolves, Lakehead’s planning for Fall 2020 is influenced by these guidelines. 

Lakehead University is planning for primarily-online and alternative delivery models of courses in Fall 2020.

The Lakehead Approach

Lakehead remains committed to high-quality remote and alternative forms of program delivery and, where possible, in-person experiences such as research labs, experiential learning opportunities, and select courses that can be modified to ensure a high quality and safe learning experience. We understand that our learners have unique needs — now more than ever — and commit to offering educational opportunities designed to provide the Lakehead experience to our students with the same focus on exceptional, inclusive learning that is the foundation of our University. Our Faculties are assessing individual programs and working to build an environment that continues to fulfill our academic mission in teaching and research. As these program plans are unveiled, more information will be shared to assist students in making informed decisions and course selections.

Supporting our Students

As we plan for Fall 2020, Lakehead is working to ensure that the necessary supports are provided for our students, particularly those experiencing financial challenges, or who need extra advising, counselling or wellness supports.

In addition to our own supports, the Government of Canada recently announced a $9 billion economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic that includes the Canada Emergency Student Benefit to be delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Finally, the Province of Ontario has announced that its Ontario Student Assistance Program loans will not require payments from students and no interest will be charged between March 30 and September 30, 2020. Payments students make during that period of time will be applied to paying down the principal of their respective loans.
 

Health and Safety

While we are all looking forward to a return to campus, it is important to stress that health and safety remains our first priority as we continue to ensure that our plans and approach are consistent with provincial public health guidelines. 

Our Lakehead COVID-19 Transition Committee will lead consultation and engagement with stakeholders across the University. The decisions Lakehead University will make in the coming months will be guided by information from our local health authorities while complying with national and provincial laws, guidelines and directives.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we will adapt our decisions and preparations in order to provide a safe and healthy learning and working environment for our students, faculty and staff. In this new environment, we must be prepared to adopt new habits of social and physical distancing, hand hygiene, and will have to adapt to the evolving advice and guidance from our Health Units and governments.

Stronger, Together 

Over the past months, every member of our Lakehead community has faced and overcome a variety of personal, and study- or work-related challenges. As a University community, we have united, continuing to deliver high quality programming, and focusing on student success. 

During this time, we have seen an amazing display of innovation, collaboration, resilience and endurance at all levels of the University. Our campuses have remained secure, clean, and welcoming to those students who still call our campuses home. Many Lakehead services have transitioned to virtual environments to ensure continuity of programming, student financial aid and wellness supports. We have advanced COVID-19-related research and worked to support our local health care system.  

Lakehead continues to be an integral part of the Thunder Bay, Orillia and regional communities. As such, we have not lost sight of the key educational partnerships we have in Simcoe County and Northwestern Ontario and the strength of these collaborations in building a network of opportunities for learners across the region. We will also continue the important community service and research programs in place and look to expand our relationships as our communities strive to address the challenges of our COVID-19-impacted world.  

We have been through a lot together in these last eight weeks. 

Looking ahead, I am excited to see how Lakehead can continue to create enriching experiences this fall. I know I speak for all of us at Lakehead when I say we look forward to ongoing engagement as we look towards Fall 2020.

Thank you and be well,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University

To new and current students, welcome to the spring/summer semester at Lakehead University! And congratulations to those of you who recently wrapped up your 2019-2020 academic year.

We are excited to have fully launched the semester and are looking forward to delivering high quality programming and supporting your Lakehead student experience.

Construction resumes on Athletics Expansion Project

Over the past week, there have been clear indications that Ontario is preparing to slowly and carefully open sectors of the economy. On May 1, the Ontario government announced that certain businesses and workplaces are able to reopen as long as they comply with public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to return to work include some essential construction projects, including our Thunder Bay Campus’s Athletics Expansion project. Construction will resume this week.

Lakehead University continues to Support Health-care Providers

In recent weeks, members of our University community have demonstrated support for health care providers in Thunder Bay through PPE collections, the manufacturing of PPE parts, and related research. Lakehead University and our Hospital recently signed an agreement to provide temporary accommodations for hospital staff who need such accommodations outside of their family home. Those who would like to be considered for offsite accommodation must contact Occupational Health & Safety.

If temporary space is required, hospital staff would only be able to use the University apartment building units that are completely separated from other campus living spaces. This arrangement will not apply to hospital staff if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are deemed highly presumptive as a result of work-related exposure.

The University extends gratitude and appreciation for everything frontline health-care workers are doing to manage this pandemic.

Looking forward to Fall 2020

As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect universities around the world, we want to assure everyone that whatever uncertainties lie ahead in the spring and summer months, our University is keenly focused on welcoming new and returning students to Lakehead this fall. 

The safety and well-being of our community remains our top priority.  Lakehead University will continue to plan for, and deliver, all programming and operations in accordance with health and government advisories and recommendations. 

With the right plans and the right execution, we will maximize the continuity of our operations, academic programming and our students’ success. 

To Lakehead University students,

I would like to take a moment to congratulate you on the completion of your courses and exams. 

This semester has seen our campuses, classrooms, offices, and each other, transformed by a pandemic that quickly changed our entire world, however we got through the semester together.

In the face of tremendous uncertainty, I was so proud to see how each of you persevered, continued to engage with your instructors, and worked hard to complete your studies and exams.

It is clear to me that the challenges we’ve contended with impacted you significantly. 

For many of you, changes to your academic life were happening while you dealt with a range of issues from moving home to concerns about technology and internet, and personal concerns for family and friends. Your resiliency has been inspiring, and I wanted you to know that I speak on behalf of many who recognize your hardships, acknowledge your achievements, and congratulate you on your successes. Be proud of your accomplishments and take a moment to celebrate as you have now completed the term.

Our faculty and staff’s commitment to you has never wavered, and we hope our existing supports, as well as those we have developed since the onset of the pandemic, have helped you overcome obstacles.

I invite you to avail yourself of the option to consider and select how your course will be graded. I encourage you to seek counsel from your program advisor on the best course of action to support your future goals. We also have a wonderful suite of spring and summer courses being offered online to assist you in furthering your academic objectives. 

If you are not returning for spring or summer courses, please enjoy your break, take the time to connect – safely – with friends and family, and reflect on our shared experience as we all plan for the future.  To that end, as we look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, I want you to know that all of our faculty and staff are hard at work to ensure you have an exceptional start to your 2020-2021 academic year. 

Congratulations again on completing your courses and exams! 

Stay safe and be well,

David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Lakehead University

On March 19, Lakehead University's campuses transitioned to a required on-site services model that was to last until April 30, and on March 25 we announced that "until further notice, only those employees who need to be on site to sustain current operations will be able to continue to work on our campuses. All other employees, including faculty, should work remotely."

As we continue to follow the latest information, advisories and recommendations from health and government authorities, and in light of the Province of Ontario's recent announcement to extend its state of emergency until May 12, Lakehead University will remain in a required on-site services model until further notice.

As outlined in previous updates, until further notice:

• Consistent with our update on March 25, and until further notice, only those employees who need to be on site to sustain current operations will be able to continue to work on our campuses. All other employees, including faculty, should work remotely.

• All buildings on our Thunder Bay campus, except for the University Centre and ATAC, have been secured with access restricted to persons with cards, keys, or with assistance from Lakehead Security Services; and

• At our Orillia campus, Heritage Place is secured; the Orillia Cafeteria is open for food service take-out only; Orillia Residence is only accessible with an access card; and Simcoe Hall is open, however limited to the first floor.

It is our responsibility to do as much as we can to minimize the risk of the spread of COVID-19. This means continuing to keep any necessary visits to our campus to a minimum unless otherwise authorized to do so.

Please refrain from gathering in groups, and exercise proper physical distancing and good hygiene practices as per health unit recommendations.

We wish all our students success in these final days of our examination period.

Good afternoon Lakehead Community,

As we launch into the long weekend I have been reflecting on the past weeks and wanted to send a few words of acknowledgment and encouragement.

Springtime at Lakehead, and indeed across the country, certainly came in like a lion, with a roaring change in how we live, work, and learn. We have all been glued to the stories unfolding about the global pandemic and absorbed with how it is affecting ourselves and those closest to us.

But members of our Lakehead community have been busy weaving stories of their own. I have witnessed how our students, faculty and staff have demonstrated in so many ways the compassion, resilience and spirit that makes us a great place to study and work, and amidst the stress and change we have much to be thankful for.

With the vast majority of us working and studying remotely, we are well on our way to completing the winter semester – a remarkable accomplishment and one that will go down in the history books at Lakehead and universities around the world!

Last week we launched our Student Relief Fund to help Lakehead students facing serious financial stress. In one week, we have raised $75,000 (and counting) from over 260 members of our internal community, and the process to allocate these funds to students in need is already underway. We are not done and have plans to double the gifts raised!

This week, Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine organized and collected hundreds of boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care providers in Thunder Bay, Northern Ontario, and Orillia to help with the shortage of such supplies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read the whole story in our Campus Connection.

And now, in collaboration with our talented faculty and staff across both campuses, we are launching a full suite of engaging and high-quality spring/summer term courses. Our Admissions and Orientation Teams are keenly focused on ensuring a fabulous transition for students starting their University experience or continuing their studies in the upcoming fall. 

Finally, I am thankful for the upcoming long weekend. I hope you find time to enjoy it, as well, whether it is taking a moment for yourself while studying, enjoying a good book or a walk, or ‘Zooming’ with family and friends.

My thoughts are with you. Be healthy and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Moira McPherson, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Thank you, students, faculty, and staff for your commitment and willingness to do what is necessary for the health and safety of our University community during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of this, please be advised that effective May 1, 2020, all Lakehead University parking lots at both our campuses will be free (including metered parking spots) until further notice.


Temporary Suspension of Payments and Credits

For those of you who have parking fees deducted by payroll deduction, these deductions will automatically cease on May 1, 2020 and remain suspended until the free parking period has ended.

For those of you who purchased an annual parking permit, you will be credited a pro-rated amount from May 1 through to the end of the parking free period.  This credit will be automatically processed after the parking-free period has ended and applied to your next annual parking permit purchase. 

For more information, please contact Security Services.

To our Lakehead University Employees and members of our Board of Governors,

The response from our Community to our April 3^rd call to support our Student Relief Fund has been wonderful! 

I am touched by those of you who have shown our students how much we care about their success. My deepest thanks to each of you who have already given. 

I urge those of you who have not yet given to consider a gift, no matter the amount, to support our students experiencing serious financial stress. Many of our students have already submitted a request for assistance through the Student Relief Fund.

Let's continue to show our students that we are here to help them.

Thank you, 

Moira McPherson, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

To all Lakehead University Students,

As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and safety of our students, instructors, and the wider community, and while continuing to assess and respond as best as possible to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, please be advised that Lakehead University's Spring and Summer courses will be provided in a remote delivery format.

Following a thorough review of our scheduled Spring and Summer courses, the majority of originally scheduled offerings will be conducted online and meet the intended learning objectives so as not to compromise your learning opportunities.

While there are very few courses that cannot be delivered remotely this Spring/Summer, we have added new courses in order to continue to provide you with a range of options.

Please see the updated Spring and Summer session timetable.

Students registered for a Spring or Summer course that will not be delivered remotely have been notified of these changes.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

International students with questions regarding their online course registration as related to their immigration status, please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-communityhttps://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/online-community.

Thank you,

Dr. David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Dear Lakehead University Employees and Members of the Board of Governors,

In recent weeks, our Lakehead community has come together in incredible ways to face the realities of the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. While we have focused on ensuring the delivery of vital services and ongoing education to our students through online and remote methods, and are ensuring that our residences and food services remain accessible, we know that many students are facing extraordinary challenges. Those students who are far from home and in isolation on our campuses or in our communities have had their worlds turned upside down. 

Today I am pleased to share that I, along with the Lakehead University Student Union, the Alumni Association and members of our leadership teams have launched the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund.  I am respectfully reaching out to all of our Lakehead faculty and staff, and to members of our Board of Governors, to join us in helping those Lakehead students who may be facing significant hardships due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

If you are interested in supporting the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, please visit Lakehead University’s COVID-19 information website and click the button to donate to this Fund.

Thank you for helping to support our students in need.

We are stronger together, 

Moira McPherson, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

STUDENTS EXPERIENCING URGENT FINANCIAL NEEDS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

You may be eligible for relief through the new Lakehead COVID-19 Student Relief Fund. Bursaries will be awarded to assist with their travel, living and other expenses depending on available funds and students' demonstrated financial needs. Please visit Lakehead University’s COVID-19 information website and click the button to apply.

* In an effort to mitigate potential phishing attempts related to our Student Relief Fund, the above message will be the only direct email invitation from President McPherson to participate in this initiative. The donation page and students’ application for assistance should be accessed through Lakehead’s COVID-19 information website.

Lakehead University recognizes the extraordinary challenges you, our students, are  facing during these unprecedented times and the impact it has had on your learning and overall well-being.

In recognition of this, the Senate of Lakehead University has approved a Temporary Grading Scheme under Exceptional Academic Measures for Year-Long 2019/20 and Winter 2020 Courses. This Grading Scheme will provide you with flexibility to account for your unique academic and personal challenges faced as well as aid in mitigating additional stressors as you work towards completing this academic year. 

For more information on the Grading Scheme and how it will work, please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/studentcentral/exams-grades/temporary-grading-scheme. 

It is highly recommend that you reach out to Student Central (studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca) and your Faculty Advisor/Program Chair to learn more and discuss your individual circumstances and future goals.

In our ongoing efforts to respond to the advice, recommendations, and announcements by health and government authorities about the current pandemic, Lakehead University is taking further steps to ensure the health and safety of our campuses.

Effective today, March 31, at 6:00pm, and until further notice, all buildings on our Thunder Bay campus, except for the University Centre and ATAC, will have access restricted to persons with cards, keys, or with assistance from Lakehead Security Services.

On our Orillia campus, Heritage Place is secured; the Orillia Cafeteria is open for food service; Orillia Residence is only accessible with an access card; and Simcoe Hall is open, however limited to the first floor.

Those without cards or keys who need access to these buildings may contact Security Services to be granted entrance.

Please continue to follow updates posted on our COVID-19 information web page, and follow advisories and recommendations being shared by our regions’ health units, as well as various levels of government.

Dear Lakehead University students,

Lakehead University’s priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We are doing everything we can to assess and address options to further assist those of you experiencing challenges or difficulties during this unprecedented and particularly stressful time.

Lakehead students are able to complete their courses and examinations remotely, and our University’s residences remain open for those who are not able to travel home. In addition to emails detailing the variety of services available to you, including academic supports, Financial Aid, Food Services, and Health & Wellness Services, we continue to provide information, resources, and answers to frequently asked questions on our COVID-19 information web page.

In closing, I would like to echo President McPherson’s recent message to the University community and acknowledge your resilience in recent weeks. Everyone at Lakehead University is doing what they can to support you so that you have the opportunity to complete your program’s requirements and make it to the end of the semester successfully.


Be well and all the best,

Dr. David Barnett
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Lakehead University

Convocation is a special time where our University community, family and friends come together to celebrate and share the accomplishments of our exceptional Lakehead University graduates.

Unfortunately, with the ongoing uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not be possible to hold our Spring Convocation ceremonies originally planned to take place in May/June 2020. It is our hope that we will be able to reschedule Convocation ceremonies for sometime this Fall. Further details will be shared once available.

Lakehead University students eligible to graduate will still have their degrees conferred in spring 2020 following approval at the Lakehead University May 2020 Senate meeting.

Enrolment Services will contact graduating students with further details and information.

For any questions related to Convocation and Graduation, please contact convocation@lakeheadu.ca.

Please review the Current Students FAQ section of this web page for more information.

In light of the Province’s recent communication, Lakehead University is taking measures to further limit access to our campuses, effective March 25.

First, we wish to assure our students that Lakehead University continues to ensure the delivery of, and opportunity to complete, courses using online and alternate remote delivery formats, and to provide them with remote supports and services as previously outlined. Students who stay in Residence will still have access to the services they rely on, including food services, and health and wellness supports. 

Thank you everyone, for all the work that we have already done over the past week to move to a remote operations model.

As of March 25, and until further notice, only those employees who need to be on site to sustain current operations will be able to continue to work on our campuses. All other employees, including faculty, should work remotely.

Staff who provide required services will be so designated by supervisors responsible for those services. Supervisors are responsible for assigning duties to be carried out and making reasonable arrangements for the protection of essential staff. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

Questions about research continuity in on-site research laboratories should be directed to the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation).

Lakehead University continues to assess the situation. Please continue to monitor your Lakehead University email and our COVID-19 web page for updates.

Students, faculty, and staff are reminded that Lakehead’s Student Health and Wellness Services, and the Employee & Family Assistance Program teams are still operating and available to you. For these and more resources and information links, see the Resources and Information section our COVID-19 web page.

Dear members of our Lakehead University community,

This past week has seen our University community come together in incredible ways as we have faced the realities of the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Allow me to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work that our University has undertaken to ensure the delivery of vital services and ongoing education to our students.

Thank you to our faculty, instructors, and staff for transforming our in-person and classroom learning environments to online and remote formats; to our Technology Services Centre team that succeeded in providing many of our employees with the platforms necessary to work from their homes and still maintain the services our students rely on; and to our housekeeping staff and contractors who have stepped up the frequency of cleaning and servicing of our campuses to help keep us safe. Finally, my thanks for the dedication and spirit of our staff who have been required to continue to work on our campuses to ensure the continuity of core University operations.

To our students at home and in our residences, I applaud your resilience. I know the past week has resulted in many necessary changes and has been unlike anything you may have imagined when you started the winter semester. Your health and well-being as we continue to respond to the province’s state of emergency remains our priority. Our campuses' services continue to be accessible. Everyone at Lakehead University is doing what they can to support you so that you have the opportunity to complete your program’s requirements and make it to the end of the semester successfully.

Please take care of yourselves. Be kind and patient with others.

You and your families are in my thoughts,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University

REFRESHED COVID-19 INFORMATION WEB PAGE AND FAQS

This COVID-19 information web page has undergone a refresh in order to clean up and better organize the growing number of updates, resources, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) being received by various units across Lakehead University’s campuses from students, faculty, staff, and researchers.

Atop this page is a reorganized list of links to help you find the information you need and answers to the most common questions.

Please continue to adhere to advisories and recommendations being shared by our local Health Units, as well as the Province and Federal government.

Last updated: March 18, 2020, 1:55 p.m.

At this time, Lakehead University will not be approving any work-related travel by employees until further notice.

If you have any questions, please speak to your supervisor.

With the rapidly-changing COVID-19 pandemic and in support of both federal, provincial, and municipal advisories to help mitigate the spread of the virus, Lakehead University continues to do its part in this regard, with the health and safety of our community at the forefront.

By Thursday, March 19, Lakehead University will transition to a required on-site services model. All other employees that are not required to be on-site, and are able to work remotely at home, should do so.

The units below have been identified as required on-site services at both our campuses:

• Student Health & Wellness
• Residence Services
• Food Services
• Student supports
• Security Services
• Animal Care Facility
• Financial Services
• Physical Plant
• TSC
• Executive Team

*This list is subject to change based on ongoing review and needs. 

Supervisors of required on-site service areas will be identifying roles within these units that will need to continue working on campus.

All employees that are not required to be on-site, and are able to work remotely at home, should do so.

Supervisors will work with their respective teams on scheduling and other matters that arise.

Guidelines for employees working at home will be provided by supervisors.

Unless otherwise communicated, this decision will be in effect until April 30, 2020.

Students are reminded that Residence Services, along with many other University services and facilities, remain open. 

Lakehead’s libraries are committed to ensuring the safety of our University community. We support students, faculty and staff as they work to complete the term.

All Lakehead libraries, including the Archives, Chancellor Paterson Library, Thunder Bay Education Library, Orillia Education Library, Law Library, and Harvie Legacy Library (Orillia) are transitioning to remote service delivery effective March 19, 2020 until further notice.

The Library will support users online and will deliver services through alternative ways. 

During this period of remote service delivery, all online resources and services will be accessible, including:

• All electronic journals/databases, and e-books
• Omni search tool
• Ask Us service
• Subject guides

Remote supports are available through the Library support page and TSC Help Desk.

Liaison Librarians have been providing research and reference assistance for many years and will continue to provide this assistance online and through Zoom meetings. They will expedite course reserves processing and copyright clearance as possible.

In addition, all loaned materials will have their due dates extended automatically.

As Health Canada and our communities’ respective Health Units continue to advise the public to exercise social distancing in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 between people, effective Tuesday, March 17, and until further notice, Lakehead Thunder Bay’s Athletics facilities, programs and services will be closed to all varsity, public, recreational, and club activities.

Closed facilities include the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse, The Hangar (including workout space and studio), the pool and workout gym, the Bora Laskin (Faculty of Education) gym, and the PACI gym.

Spaces remaining open include administrative and faculty offices, and the Sports Medicine Clinic.

Should members need access to their lockers, please contact erstaff@lakeheadu.ca to make arrangements.

This decision is in addition to previous notices to postpone or cancel large public gatherings, and restrict other activities and events on our campuses.

Students wishing to travel home

At this time, we encourage any students who are considering making arrangements to travel home, to proceed with making those arrangements. Instructors, and/or Program Chairs or Directors will be reaching out to communicate specific instructions regarding online or alternate distance delivery methods associated with courses.

If you have specific questions related to your academic program’s requirements, we encourage you to email your Program Chair/Director.

Residence Services along with many other University services and facilities remain open.

Travellers arriving in / returning to Canada

As we continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 in the regions around our campuses and across Canada, we are asking all University community members to adhere to Health Canada’s recommendation to those arriving in Canada from other countries as you could have come into contact with COVID-19 while abroad.

First, inform your supervisor of the date of your return to Canada.

Upon return to Canada, you will need to:

• Self-isolate for 14 days after your return.
• Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
• Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
• If you develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days, continue to isolate yourself from others, and immediately call your region’s District Health Unit and follow their instructions carefully.

In addition, if you return from Italy, Iran, or Hubei province (China) you will be asked to contact the public health authority in the province or territory where you live or are staying within 24 hours of arriving in Canada and to provide your contact information.

Travellers planning to leave Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending that travellers avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. Many countries are reporting community or widespread transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. In some countries, travellers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill. Local authorities may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine.

Dear members of our Lakehead University community,

Since December 2019, Lakehead University has been working through its emergency planning processes to assess and be prepared to respond to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

Following recent developments and our ongoing contingency planning at Lakehead, we have updated the next phase of our Institution’s action plan in response to COVID-19.

I am writing to provide an important update, and will focus on the most important elements as of March 13.

Lakehead University is cancelling classes on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 to provide instructors, faculty, and academic support staff the time to prepare to deliver course content in alternative ways. Any exams scheduled during this time period will be rescheduled. The University is preparing to provide workshops and specific support to assist instructors with preparations for other modes of course delivery.

Starting Wednesday, March 18 and for the remainder of the term, Lakehead University will be delivering all of its courses using online or alternative modes of delivery.

We recognize that specific academic programs may have unique requirements that need alternate solutions. These will be developed and communicated early next week.

Our University campuses (Thunder Bay and Orillia) remain open. Residences and all of our facilities, including but not limited to libraries, research facilities and laboratories, athletics facilities, food services, and Health and Wellness Services all remain open. Please direct any specific questions to your supervisor. All other Lakehead University events are to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Faculty and staff should continue to report to work as usual.

You are strongly encouraged to adhere to public advisories and recommendations, including washing hands frequently and avoiding touching one's face. I remind everyone that you should stay home if you feel ill.

If you begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms — fever, cough and respiratory distress — contact your local health unit (see contact information at bottom of Lakehead’s COVID-19 information and updates page) and reduce contact with others by isolating yourself.

The health and safety of our University community is paramount as we continue to help ensure the continuity of our University’s operations. Please continue to monitor your Lakehead University email and this web page for updates.

While the measures outlined above are a reflection of extraordinary circumstances, I believe Lakehead University’s faculty, staff and students have the collective strength to come through this with resolve. Being part of Lakehead University means that we work together to create an inclusive, accessible and safe environment for all.

I am grateful to all members of our University community who are working together to help us during this rapidly-changing situation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Moira McPherson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Lakehead University

Thunder Bay: March 16 - 18, 2020

Orillia: March 17 - 19, 2020

Following the University’s decision to take steps to help ensure the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff by postponing or canceling all large public gatherings until further notice, Lakehead’s Undergraduate Recruitment team is postponing all planned March Break recruitment events at both campuses.

These events are intended to be rescheduled later in 2020, and Undergraduate Recruitment will be in touch with prospective students and their families who were slated to come to our campuses next week, as soon as possible.

Our Undergraduate Recruitment team looks forward to showcasing the Lakehead University experience as soon as it is appropriate.

Following the recent decision to postpone large public gatherings on both Lakehead University campuses until further notice per the Government of Canada’s risk-determining guide for proceeding with large gatherings, please check the Events Calendar for changes to upcoming activities and events.

Health units in Thunder Bay and Orillia at the time of this notice maintain that there have been no cases of COVID-19 in these two communities, and the Public Health Agency of Canada maintains that the risk to Canadians is low.

In light of the World Health Organization’s announcement that COVID-19 is now considered a global pandemic, there are a number of preparations that all faculty and staff are being asked to consider.

While there have been no significant changes to the University’s standard operations, we wish to be prepared for potential changes.

Preparations may include readying to temporarily suspend classes and move to other modes of course delivery, and considering how faculty and staff may work remotely.

The University remains committed to providing students with the opportunity to continue their studies and complete current course requirements.

Should a case of COVID-19 be identified in Thunder Bay or Orillia, Health Unit staff will ask the affected person about their recent activities and reach out to people and places they were in contact with.

You are strongly encouraged to adhere to public advisories and recommendations, including washing hands frequently and avoiding touching one's face.

If you begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms — fever, cough and respiratory distress — contact your local health unit (see contact information at bottom of Lakehead’s COVID-19 information and updates page) and reduce contact with others by isolating yourself.

The health and safety of our University community is paramount.

Please continue to monitor your Lakehead University email and this web page for updates.

OPERATIONAL CHANGES EFFECTIVE MARCH 12, 2020

With an abundance of caution during a rapidly-changing situation, Lakehead University is taking pre-emptive steps to help ensure the safety of its students, faculty and staff, as well as the ongoing operations of our University.

Large Public Gatherings

Effective immediately, Lakehead University is postponing large public gatherings on both campuses until further notice per the Government of Canada’s risk-determining guide for proceeding with large gatherings.

If you have any questions about a planned large public gathering, please contact your supervisor.

Travel

Lakehead University will not support travel to regions with a Level 3 advisory or greater.

Approval of all work-related international travel by Lakehead employees will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Approval of all University-related international travel by Lakehead students is being limited and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Lakehead International will continue to engage with students who are currently studying abroad on an individual basis.

Students, faculty and staff are advised to remain up to date on world travel advisories.

Lakehead University is closely monitoring developments regarding the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and believes it is important to understand the facts about this new strain of coronavirus. While this new strain of coronavirus is believed to have originated in the Province of Hubei, China, the situation is a global concern that can affect any group of people.

We want our University community to be properly informed so we can act appropriately and come together and support each other.

At this time, our thoughts are with students, faculty and staff who may have family or friends directly affected by the situation.

Please be reminded that October to March of any year is cold and flu season. As is always good practice during this time of the year, wash your hands frequently, stay home when sick, and exercise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of any illness.

Information shared by Public Health Ontario about the coronavirus states that the risk to Ontarians is considered low, and there are no confirmed cases in Thunder Bay or Orillia at this time.

Health Canada has created an Information Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions web page to inform Canadians about the coronavirus, including:

• symptoms to watch for,
• how it may be contracted,
• how you can protect yourself, and
• precautions one can take while travelling.

If you believe you have been exposed and are experiencing symptoms, please contact:

• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: 705-721-7520
• Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000, or
• your Primary Care Provider

Tell them your symptoms and your travel history and they will provide advice on what you should do.

Lakehead University is committed to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our University community is paramount, and vaccination against COVID-19 is a key public measure to reduce the spread and severity of the virus and its variants.

The postsecondary sector has received a strong recommendation from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH) to require mandatory vaccination for all individuals involved in any in-person University activities.

On August 30, 2021, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) issued instructions for PSE institutions to establish, implement, and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring its employees, staff, contractors, volunteers, and students who attend campus to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Additionally, the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities released its Postsecondary Education Health Measures Framework for Fall 2021 on August 31, 2021 supplementing the OCMOH Instructions. Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy fulfils several legal obligations of the University to keep our campuses and the Lakehead community safe and healthy. 

Between September 7 and October 20, 2021 (inclusive), as a condition of access to Lakehead University premises, individuals must be, and must provide the University with proof that they're, either fully vaccinated or have received either their first dose of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a one-dose vaccine.

Individuals with a vaccination who aren't fully vaccinated, or who have an approved permitted exemption, must provide proof of negative rapid tests per the Lakehead University’s testing procedures.

Effective October 21, 2021, as a condition of access to Lakehead University premises, all individuals must be fully vaccinated and must provide proof of vaccination to the University. Individuals who have an approved permitted exemption will be subject to additional public health measures, including mandatory rapid testing per the Lakehead University’s testing procedures.

In the event that more stringent vaccination and exemption requirements are prescribed by law, the appropriate revisions will be made to our policy and answers to FAQs. 

Yes.

By September 7, 2021 individuals must have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to access University properties. You may continue to access University properties while closely following all COVID-19 safety protocols and mandatory rapid testing as per Lakehead University’s testing procedures.

By October 21, 2021 individuals who wish to continue to access University properties must be fully vaccinated. This means that individuals must receive their second vaccine dose (or one dose of a one-dose vaccine) no later than October 7, 2021.

Please note that current COVID-19 safety protocols must be maintained, including daily screening, maintaining physical distance from others, wearing a mask or face covering in all indoor spaces on Lakehead properties where individuals are unable to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others, and regular hand washing. 

Use the Lakehead University Mobile Safety app and complete the new "Vaccine Passport" option that appears when you open the app.

Use a web browser from any computer to submit your Vaccine Passport Submission (or Mandatory Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment).

If you do not have access to Lakehead's Mobile Safety app or a computer:

• Daily COVID-19 screenings must be completed by visiting Security Services before proceeding to your destination on campus

• Have a copy of your vaccination status on you while on campus

AppArmor is only collecting data used for daily COVID-19 screenings and vaccine passport verification, and that information is stored on their Canadian servers. Furthermore, vaccination status and daily screening information is never sold, mined, or otherwise provided to third parties.

Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy applies to all individuals accessing Lakehead University premises.

Individuals under the age that vaccinations are available are exempt from the vaccination provisions of this policy and don't need to apply for an exemption.

Individuals who can't be fully vaccinated due a medical condition, or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, may apply for an exemption using Lakehead University’s Exemption Request Procedures.

According to the Province of Ontario, notaries, lawyers, and paralegals are considered Commissioners of Oaths.

Before accessing Lakehead University premises, individuals whose exemption application has been approved must continue to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols (daily screening, maintaining physical distance from others, wearing a mask or face covering in all indoor spaces on Lakehead properties where individuals are unable to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others, and regular hand washing) and submit a negative rapid test result in accordance with Lakehead University testing procedures.

Participants of Lakehead activities that are not on University premises are not subject to Lakehead University's Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

For research activities that involve greater than minimal risk to in-person research occurring off Lakehead University Premises, the Lakehead University Research Ethics Board may require adherence to all or some of the Policy, such as submission of proof of vaccination.

Yes, anyone aged 12 and over who wishes to access University properties must submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or proof of an approved exemption and rapid test results, in accordance with Lakehead University testing procedures.

The list below includes forms of an individual's status accepted at Lakehead University and can be presented with the Mobile Safety app, a web browser, or a printed copy.

       • Daily COVID-19 screening result
       • Lakehead University Vaccine Passport
       • Approved Lakehead University vaccination exemption
       • A negative COVID-19 test result from the previous 72 hours

Students accessing Lakehead premises for an appointment or service may be asked by the Lakehead employee they are meeting with to show one or more of the status listed above. 

Lakehead employee supervisors are responsible for helping maintain a healthy and safe work environment for their team/unit/department/Faculty. As such, employees' supervisors are authorized to request that their employees show one or more of the status listed above. Lakehead employees' daily COVID-19 screening and Vaccine Passport data is monitored by Security Services and Human Resources. Supervisors do not have access to employees' vaccination status through the Human Resources' database.

Lakehead's Thunder Bay Athletics facilities (not the Fitness Room at Lakehead Orillia) fall under the Province of Ontario's Proof of Vaccination Passport guidelines as it remains open to the public in addition to members of the University community. As such, effective September 22, 2021, anyone accessing those facilities is required to show proof of being fully vaccinated by a Health Canada- or World health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccine and valid photo identification to access those facilities, or your Vaccine Passport from the Mobile Safety app.

Students living in residence and varsity athletes must follow Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and any additional specific directions provided by Residence Services or Athletics.

International students must follow Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

For more information related to international students, please visit Lakehead University International’s website. 

Yes, only vaccinations accepted by Health Canada or the World Health Organization (WHO) are permitted to satisfy the requirements.

Click here to view Health Canada-approved vaccines.

Click here to view WHO-approved vaccines. 

Lakehead University reserves the right to take the appropriate actions with respect to any individual who submits false information to the University regarding their vaccination or testing status. The health and safety of our communities and campuses is paramount.

Compliance and enforcement of this Policy will be conducted in accordance with the law and existing University policies and processes, including the Lakehead University Student Code of Conduct policies, the Lakehead University Employee Code of Conduct, and Lakehead University's various collective bargaining agreements and employment agreements.

Yes. Everyone accessing University properties is expected to follow all current COVID-19 safety protocols.

Yes, all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors are to abide by Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Click here for more information about Rapid Testing for COVID-19 on campus.

Yes, Lakehead requires all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors to abide by Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

No. Even if you’re fully vaccinated, if you’re feeling unwell, don’t come to campus. If you're showing symptoms of COVID-19, don’t come to campus and contact your local health unit.

The Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 screening tool provides guidance if you're feeling unwell after getting vaccinated or for another identifiable low-risk reason (e.g. seasonal allergies, ongoing medical conditions, etc.).

Yes, Lakehead University’s Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will apply to guests of events hosted on University properties.