Dear U of G students,

Earlier this week, we announced that we had strengthened our safety measures against COVID-19 by requiring proof of vaccination and implementing tighter restrictions for granting exemptions.

As of Sept. 7, the University will require all those accessing U of G buildings and University-managed facilities at the Guelph and Ridgetown campuses and our research stations to submit proof of vaccination or to receive an approved vaccination exemption request.

We promised to inform you by the end of the week how to submit your proof or apply for an exemption; the University's system for collecting proof of vaccination and exemption request forms is now available.

All students must submit proof of vaccination or a request for an exemption via the University of Guelph Vaccination Proof and Exemption System even if you have submitted documentation and/or received an exemption approval previously. We realize this means some students will be providing information for a second time. We apologize for the inconvenience; these additional steps will help best protect the health and safety of our community.

If you are hesitant to be vaccinated for any reason, please know that there is overwhelming evidence that vaccines are safe and that they will protect you from the worst of COVID-19.

Before accessing the system, ensure you have:

• An image or PDF of your vaccination receipts.
   
  • Those vaccinated in Ontario may download their vaccination receipt from the Government of Ontario website.
     
  • Those vaccinated outside Ontario must upload English documentation with:
    • The date the vaccines were administered
    • The country/location in which the vaccines were administered
    • The name(s) of the vaccines administered
      
      Translation of documents must be completed by a certified translator.

OR

• A completed vaccination exemption request form. Exemptions will be granted only for medical grounds or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
  
  You cannot access U of G buildings and University-managed facilities until you have an approved exemption. You must wait for confirmation of an approved exemption before accessing these spaces.

We urge you all to submit your information as quickly as possible. Your personal information will be kept confidential in compliance with statutory privacy requirements and will be shared only with health and safety staff as required to protect the U of G community.

Those who receive an approved exemption request must participate in rapid testing.

Please remember that, per public health requirements, you must complete the U of G COVID-19 Screening Form daily to access buildings and University-managed facilities at the Guelph and Ridgetown campuses and U of G research stations.

Answers to frequently asked questions about U of G's vaccine mandate, exemptions, testing requirements and more, as well as the latest information and updates relating to COVID-19, are available on the University's COVID-19 website.

International students who are uncertain of their vaccination status, who are unable to access a vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, or who have further questions should review the FAQs for international students or contact the U of G COVID-19 Call Centre at 519-824-4120, Ext. 53906, or via email: covid.calls@uoguelph.ca. 

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding during these challenging and ever-changing times.