Welcome to the Fall 2022 semester and the beginning of a new academic year.
September is traditionally a time filled with excitement and promise, as we prepare to greet new and returning students and support them through their journey to successful careers and futures. This year is no exception.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will continue to shape the on-campus experience of students and employees alike in 2022-23. Surges of cases over the last few months have resulted in increased hospitalizations and additional pressures on our health-care system, with analysts predicting continued waves into the fall and beyond.
I strongly urge all members of our community to keep your vaccinations up to date, including booster shots as they become available. Vaccination continues to be your best defense against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death.
In addition, please consider wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in indoor spaces or crowded places where physical distancing may be difficult. Masks prevent or reduce the spread of respiratory particles, providing an additional layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19 as well as other viruses.
Wash your hands often and stay at home if you are not feeling well. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, consult the province’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment for guidance and advice.
At this time, requirements for providing proof of vaccination and mandatory face-coverings to access campus buildings and facilities remain paused. We will continue to monitor conditions and consult with public health advisors. Should current circumstances change, we may be required to reinstate these requirements on short notice in our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of our campus community.
For the most recent information and updates, visit the COVID-19 Information Hub on the Conestoga website.
In the interim, we will continue to make masks available free of charge at all campus locations and strongly encourage their use in all indoor spaces as well as gatherings where physical distancing is not possible. Vaccine clinics will continue to operate on-campus for your convenience. We all have a role to play not only in protecting our own health and well-being, but also in creating a safe environment for those who are most vulnerable.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe as we work together to prepare students for successful futures, address workforce needs and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the broader community.
Best wishes to all for a safe, healthy and successful 2022-23 academic year.
Sincerely,
John Tibbits, President