A message from M. Brook Taylor, Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost
Dear MSVU students, faculty, and staff,
Based on a continued commitment to keeping our community safe, MSVU will shift to online course delivery for all winter courses and labs until January 31, 2022. As well, the first day of classes will move to Monday, January 10, 2022.
Here is what we anticipate for January:
Campus will open as scheduled on January 4, 2022: All campus facilities and on-campus student services will re-open January 4. Some services will offer multi access (i.e., in-person and online or by phone). Please consult individual service pages on the MSVU website for details.
- Residence will re-open as scheduled on January 4, beginning at 10 a.m. Visitors will temporarily not be allowed in Residence. Further, all Residence students returning for the winter semester are required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or Rapid Test) received within the 24 hours before arriving on campus. More information will be provided to Residence students directly by the Residence Life team.
- The MSVU Library & Archives will open as planned on January 4. Please consult the Library’s website for more information.
- The Rosaria Dining Hall will open to faculty, staff and students at 5 p.m. on January 4. We are working on an expanded offering from the kiosk. There will be more information to follow regarding the Seton Café and McCain Café.
- The Child Study Centre will re-open as planned on January 4.
Faculty and staff working arrangements: Given the temporary nature of this shift to online course delivery, the university will not be able to move furniture and desktops to homes. We recognize the need to be flexible given the changing circumstances and any staff looking to make temporary alternate arrangements should consult with their manager and these requests will be reviewed by Human Resources.
COVID-19 testing on campus: Testing will be available in EMF 207 on Mondays & Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Enhanced cleaning protocols will continue.
Events: All events must move online or be postponed or cancelled until January 31. As well, meetings should be held virtually (via Microsoft Teams) to the greatest extent possible. All winter semester orientation activities will take place online. More information will be provided by Student Experience directly.
Research Labs on campus remain open: In-person research activities (e.g., involving external participants) and community-based research will continue with proper protocols in place.
Non-essential international travel is not recommended by the Government of Canada currently: Further, some provinces have introduced new isolation requirements for all travelers (even those who are fully vaccinated). Anyone needing to travel for work purposes is strongly encouraged to review the latest travel advisories and requirements. While MSVU’s travel health insurance provider will cover COVID-19 related medical costs, it will not cover isolation or non-medical costs.
Mental health supports available
There’s no question that these are difficult times. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of many.
- For students: MSVU Counselling Services: counselling@msvu.ca; Good2Talk NS Helpline for Postsecondary Students: 1-833-292-3698
- For faculty and staff: Employee & Family Assistance Program (or EFAP)—Shepell (free, confidential counselling services) – visit the website or call 1-844-880-9142.
An update to come in January
We will provide an update as soon as possible in January. We will continue to follow and monitor NS Public Health Protocols.
While this is not how any of us had envisioned starting the winter semester, these additional measures coupled with our other continued protocols – like our vaccine and mask requirements – will help get us through this latest phase of the pandemic. The MSVU community’s exceptional (and continued) commitment in the face of this pandemic has truly been what’s seen us through so successfully. My sincerest thanks.
Take care,
Brook
M. Brook Taylor
Interim Vice-President Academic and Provost