Dear members of the U of G community,

Over the past few weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our University academics, research and operations in unprecedented ways, and it continues to affect every aspect of our work and home lives. We are so grateful for everything you have done to help our students finish their winter semester and to keep operations running so smoothly. We especially acknowledge the commitment of faculty to supporting graduate students through their summer research. Thank you.

We know that many of you are wondering about the fall 2020 semester - and you are not alone. We all have many unanswered questions about what to expect come September.

We want to assure you that the University of Guelph will be open for teaching, learning and research for the fall 2020 semester. What the fall term will look like exactly is unclear, but we are engaging the U of G community in finding solutions to this challenge. We will need to adapt amidst uncertainty. Course delivery this fall could be face-to-face, blended learning or alternative forms of delivery. We appreciate the patience you have shown as we sort through the many different considerations and scenarios ahead of us.

The health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, instructors and staff will always be our top priority. We will closely monitor and follow government guidelines and recommended best health practices around the COVID-19 pandemic as we make plans to offer high-quality courses, programs, research and services for the fall.

Throughout our planning and decision-making, we remain committed to our collegial governance processes. We will continue to engage Senate on academic matters, and will consult with colleges, departments, faculty, students, the broader U of G community, public health, government and other stakeholders as we make plans.

We will have updates to share with you in the coming weeks, and we will communicate any new developments as promptly as we can. Please continue to monitor the University's COVID-19 website for information.

The strength of our U of G community has been inspiring during this challenging time, and we are proud of everything we have accomplished so far together. Thanks to your contributions, the University has lived up to its mission to Improve Life.

Thank you for your continued patience, collaboration and understanding.

Keep safe. Be well.

Franco Vaccarino
President and Vice-Chancellor

Charlotte Yates
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)