Welcoming a new fall semester

The fall semester is here again and similar to last year, we are faced with a unique set of challenges as we turn our attention back to learning, teaching and SRC activities. The beginning of any school year brings with it the optimism and hope of a fresh start – and with the province moving in the right direction with increased vaccinations and protocols in place to keep our public spaces safer, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

A transitional fall semester

As I have previously shared, the fall semester will be one of transition. There will be a limited number of classes, labs and other academic activities taking place on campus and there will be many more in-person supports and services available. On-campus learning will continue to be prioritized for courses that require in-person instruction or access to on-campus physical resources for students to meet their academic requirements such as labs, clinical instruction and certain performance programs. 

Spaces on campus including the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre, the University Library, and the Mattamy Athletic Centre (external link)  are open and looking forward to welcoming our community members back.  For our students, whether you are learning remotely or coming to campus, there is a broad range of supports and services available to help you succeed.  

As life begins to return to campus this fall, the university continues to plan for a full return to all activities on campus in January 2022 with the safety, health and well-being of our community members guiding that process.

Standing Strong Task Force Report released

This academic year will be a formative one. The recent release of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force report has given us the opportunity to write a new chapter in our history.  

In the weeks to come, there will be more information on how to participate in the implementation of the report’s 22 recommendations, including the renaming of our institution. I invite all of you to read the report, learn about where we are going as an institution, and to participate in the consultation process to help us find a new name that truly represents our values and aspirations.

School of Medicine proposal

Another important development for the university is our ongoing work for a proposed School of Medicine in Brampton. 

With support from both the province and the city of Brampton, we have our sights set on opening a new School of Medicine that will dramatically change the future of health care in our province, with a focus on primary care, expanded use of technology to better meet patient needs, interprofessional practice and the provision of culturally sensitive care.

I encourage all of our community to learn how you can get engaged in defining our proposal. For our students,  (google form) we are now accepting applications for our student advisory council (external link) , which will have an important role in shaping the School of Medicine planning process. 

Finding opportunities to enact change

As we move towards a post-pandemic future, I hope we can all embrace the opportunities that will be presented to us. This is your time to make a difference and contribute to change that will make our community better and stronger as we put COVID-19 behind us. Our university has always believed that to innovate is to embrace change and seek new knowledge and opportunities. Whether you are committed to the implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations, interested in changing the future of health care in our province, or have ideas and aspirations on how we can live better together post-pandemic – I invite you to make your voice heard and bring your ideas to the table.

Taking care of yourselves and others

While there is much to look forward to, it is important to recognize that these continue to be challenging times. After 18 months of altered ways of living and interacting with each other, we are all experiencing fatigue in different ways. I truly hope that many of you were able to get some time to rest and recharge this summer and I hope you continue to take care of yourself and others as we continue to navigate the impact that COVID-19 has on our daily lives.

Please remember that there are supports available to all of you. Students can learn more about services available to them at the Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling. Employees are encouraged to review the resources made available on the COVID-19 website about wellbeing and the Ryerson Recharge campaign.

Communications from the university continue to be shared on our COVID-19 Updates page  –  please visit that site for the latest information, including details on our new vaccination policy and what is required of you to safely access campus. 

My best wishes to all of you for this fall semester.

Mohamed Lachemi
President & Vice-Chancellor