Welcome back as we begin our next phase in the Return to Campus plan! I’m looking forward to having students, faculty, and staff on campus and to seeing and hearing the sights and sounds of a vibrant university coming back to life this fall.
I also recognize some of you may be concerned about not having mandatory mask and vaccination rules in place while numbers of variant cases rise.
I understand these concerns.
UFV is engaged in dialogue with Fraser Health, the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on a regular basis. The safety of every member of our community remains our top priority as we plan and prepare for the fall, guided by the expert advice of these authorities.
Throughout the pandemic, UFV has adhered strictly to recommendations from the PHO and will adhere to any new or changed recommendations including those governing masks and vaccinations.
After hosting on-campus COVID-19 testing, UFV will also now host Fraser Health pop-up vaccination clinics on both the Abbotsford and the Chilliwack campuses beginning next week. Thank you to those who have received both doses of the vaccine – it continues to be the best way to protect ourselves and those around us from the virus.
Some community members have raised concerns over ventilation. At UFV we have updated all building systems that have re-circulating air filtration systems to include MERV-13 filters – recommended by experts as the best way to ensure healthy air. You can read more on this topic here.
As we have new information, including any changes regarding masks, or to the UFV Return to Campus plan, we will update you via the Thursday Return to Campus newsletter, email bulletins, social media, and other channels. Please watch for these updates.
Thank you for all you do to continue engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joanne MacLean
President and Vice-Chancellor