UWindsor’s (Long Awaited) Return to Campus

The University of Windsor will return to in-person learning on January 31. 

On January 17, a second statement was released by University President Dr. Robert Gordon and Interim Provost Dr. Patti Weir containing information regarding the return to campus, in line with their December 17 announcement, which promised to give two weeks’ notice prior to the return. It outlines the measures the University will be taking to keep campus safe:

• COVID-19 vaccination policy
• Daily screening requirements through a self-assessment questionnaire 
• Building access protocols (QR code scanning) 
• Heightened on-campus contact tracing 
• Masking and physical distance requirements 
• Encouragement of hand and respiratory hygiene 
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces and high traffic areas 
• On-going monitoring of air quality 

Essential student services, including Leddy Library, will be re-opened with reduced capacity. A full list of the status of campus services can be viewed on the University’s website.

Many UWindsor students are breathing a sigh of relief, including Frankie Fountain, a third-year Communication, Media, and Film student. Frankie opened up about the difficulties he faced doing virtual learning in a collaborative program. “It’s not easy when you have to write, act, direct, produce, and edit a film by yourself.” 

Frankie shared that he is enthusiastic about the return to campus. “As long as people are smart and responsible, I think it’s the right move to begin in-person learning. I trust that the University has a proper plan in place for us to return to a safe environment.” 

Callista Gagnon, a fourth-year Psychology and Criminology student, brings up a topic that several members of the UWindsor community were concerned about- the length of the semester. This was left unmentioned in the University’s first announcement and posed a potential problem for students who are in Canada with a visa, beginning seasonal full-time work, or simply for those who are attempting to make plans around the school.  

The Lance reached out to the Office of the President for clarification. “In delaying the start of classes to January 17, we correspondingly delayed the end of the semester to April 18,” Chair of the Return to Campus Action Group Jess Dixon said. “So, although the dates have been slightly adjusted, there have not been any changes to the duration of the Winter 2022 semester; the number of weeks and teaching days remain the same as they would have been in the original plans.” 

Along with the safety measures previously outlined, the University is promoting their vaccination campaign ‘Take a Jab!’ to connect students with reliable sources and ‘empower you to make an informed choice to vaccinate against COVID-19.’  

Additional information and up-to-date announcements regarding the return to campus can be found at https://www.uwindsor.ca/returntocampus/. Questions can be directed to returntocampus@uwindsor.ca.