Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) Donna Janiec and Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Mark Green provided a message on Monday updating Queen’s faculty and staff regarding the planning efforts for the fall term starting in September.

Queen’s Faculty and Staff,

We are writing in follow-up to Principal Deane’s fall planning message, which noted that the university is planning for a resumption of in-person activity in September. We anticipate a return to full in-person, on-campus instruction starting in the fall of 2021.  We are supported in this plan by advice from KFL&A Public Health and other health professionals, who have indicated that a return to in-person instruction can be done safely this fall based on the progress of the vaccine roll-out and the expected lifting of restrictions.

A Fall Planning Operations Working Group has been established to support senior leadership in planning for the transition. The group includes representatives from faculties, schools, and shared service units and will focus on operational matters. Senior leadership has directed this group to provide advice and create resources to assist units in the transition to on-campus work in Kingston. Plans will be subject to public health advice and guidelines and may change depending on the circumstances.

There are many complexities to consider when planning for the significant expansion of in-person campus operations. We do not have all the answers yet and we appreciate your patience as we work to identify issues and develop resources to assist units in the transition.

The university’s plans are ultimately subject to the authority of the provincial government and public health officials.  The university will continue regular discussions with public health officials for advice on the best and safest course of action as the situation evolves.

Thank you for your commitment and flexibility as we plan for the fall term.

Information on the Fall Planning Operations Working Group membership and mandate is available on the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) website. All updates on fall planning will continue to be posted on Queen’s COVID-19 Information website.