Impacts of new COVID-19 restrictions on MSVU: April 22, 2021
A message from VP Administration Mustansar Nadeem
I am writing further to new restrictions announced today by Nova Scotia Public Health in response to increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in the province.
First, let me say that I sincerely hope that you’re taking care and staying well. As the pandemic continues, the challenges can weigh heavier. Please remember that MSVU is here to support you. As well, we must remain optimistic that we are nearing the end of this lengthy journey as vaccines are being rolled out.
That said, recent case numbers are concerning and the Province’s new temporary restrictions are aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. These will take effect at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 23, and remain in place until May 20 (or until otherwise updated). I encourage you to review all current Public Health guidelines on the government website.
Here is how the latest restrictions will impact MSVU operations:
- Some Summer Session I courses previously planned to take place in-person/on campus will shift online; a limited number will continue on campus with safety measures in place. Students enrolled in courses currently slated to take place on-campus during SSI will be contacted directly.
- Updated April 27, 2021: the MSVU Library & Archives will move to mainly virtual operations (i.e. no in-person bookings) effective Wednesday morning, April 28, 2021. Curbside pick-up services will continue, but will move to the Assisi Desk entrance; book returns will be available at Assisi as well as via the blue return bin outside the main McCain Centre entrance. Find more information about online/remote Library & Archive services. An update will be provided as soon as the Library is able to once again welcome students, faculty and staff on-campus by appointment.
- The MSVU gym and fitness centre are temporarily closed. Online programming will continue – learn more via the Fitness Centre’s Facebook page.
- The Aboriginal Student Centre will temporarily shift to online services only. Please contact Patrick.Smalllegs-Nagge@msvu.ca for more information.
- The Mount Bookstore will continue to be available online (with curbside pick-up and shipping options available), but will temporarily suspend in-person access.
- Faculty and staff are asked to work from home to the greatest extent possible. Those who have already arranged to work from campus are asked to consider working from home instead; however, if campus access is necessary it can proceed following existing protocols (i.e. requested via the online request form and with a health assessment form to be completed on the day of your visit). Of course, our return to campus will not take place until our COVID-19 context supports moving forward.
- Faculty and staff meetings should be conducted online via Teams.
- The Research Office will be in touch with MSVU researchers to advise of any impacts on research activities taking place on campus.
- Campus space bookings by external organizations are not permitted.
- There will be no events on campus.
The following operations are not impacted:
- There will be no impact on exams. All exams will proceed as scheduled.
- All MSVU student services continue to be available virtually.
- At this time, the MSVU Child Study Centre remains open, with COVID-19 safety measures in place.
- The Health Office on campus remains open, however appointments are required and some appointments may shift online (patients will be notified directly if there will be a change in format for their existing appointment).
Questions?
Students with questions can be in touch with the Office of Student Experience via ose@msvu.ca.
Faculty and staff with questions are encouraged to speak to their chair, dean or supervisor. Alternatively, you can contact Human Resources for support (human.resources@msvu.ca).
Please keep doing your part to keep our community safe – follow all Public Health guidelines, avoid non-essential travel, limit your social contacts, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick, watch for exposure advisories, and get tested often.