McMaster continues in its commitment to be increasingly open to our community based on the latest guidelines and direction from the province and local public health authorities. With Ontario announcing Friday afternoon that the province will move into Step 3 earlier than anticipated on July 16th, there is increased optimism that fall 2021 could mean McMaster’s campus will be able to re-open in more significant ways than we had hoped.
McMaster University remains focused on providing a healthy, safe, welcoming and enriching environment for students, staff and faculty.
As an institution, we have previously committed to opening as much as possible this fall. For students, this includes offering many labs, tutorials and some classes in person, along with a range of other student activities and services. For faculty and staff this could include a fall with more opportunities to reunite with colleagues and connect with students and in some cases test and pilot new working arrangements. As the province increasingly opens, we will continue to explore ways to further open our doors and welcome our community back to McMaster in keeping with public health requirements.
For now, Step 3 will allow some increased activity on campus. It is still expected that most people will continue to work from home and that planning will continue on transition plans for this fall when we anticipate even fewer public health restrictions will be in place and a gradual return to campus will begin that will incorporate insights gained from the pandemic working and learning environment.
The new provincial regulations are currently being reviewed by the university. Please continue to watch for updated information including more on planning for fall 2021.