Planning for the fall semester
As communicated by the President on June 9, this fall will be a period of transition as we begin to increase the number of on-campus classes and activities.
Staff who are required to be in person to support the increase of on-campus activity may be asked to return to campus, however, many staff will continue to be remote during the fall semester.
As always, any planning will follow existing COVID-19 public health regulations, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of our community first. We also need to take into account that as the province moves towards reopening, COVID-19 public health regulations may continue to shift, and plans will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Consistent with existing procedures, senior leader approval is required prior to beginning any on-campus planning for employee activities.
Opportunities to plan for continued and increased flexibility
While at this time we continue to limit access to campus to mitigate risk, over the summer we will be working with leaders as we continue to develop long-term plans for new ways of working together that prioritize flexibility and varying degrees of remote work where possible.
If required to be on campus, plan for a gradual, phased return
Wherever possible, leaders have been asked to plan for a gradual, phased return to work on campus — both for safety and mental wellbeing. This should also take into account coordinating team members returning with department/faculty heads and any other group that shares a floor or physical space.
Prioritize employee wellbeing and mental health
The past year has been challenging in many ways. It has been a period of prolonged stress, and response to returning to campus will differ based on personal circumstances. Some may be eager to return to in-person activity, and some may be overwhelmed. Employees who have continued or already resumed on-campus activity during the pandemic may be newly anxious by the increase of in-person activity.
As we work towards September, it will be important that we move forward together with empathy and understanding. In the coming weeks, leaders will receive additional tools on centering mental health in planning and discussions. In addition, tools including webinars for employees to support their own wellbeing will also be made available.
Additional resources and information to follow
We are currently working with partners across campus to update and enhance existing resources as well as health and safety procedures based on the most recent public health guidance and in preparation for an increase of activity on campus. We will share more information when this is ready.
If any employees asked to return to campus require accommodation, please contact Workplace Wellbeing Services.
We want to thank all of our staff for your continued dedication and support to the university as we move forward in this next transition period. We want to remind you to continue prioritizing your wellbeing in the months ahead and to review the resources and strategies set out through the Ryerson Recharge initiative.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your direct leader.