This message is sent on behalf of Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor. It has been sent to all students, faculty
and staff.
SFU will begin the spring term with a temporary, two-week shift to remote learning and teaching for lectures and seminars. These temporary measures will be in effect January 10 – 24. All experiential classes, including studio courses, and labs will continue
in person with safety guidelines.
SFU has had a very safe and successful return to campus. Safety remains our top priority, and includes the mental health and wellness of our students, faculty and staff. This brief shift to some of our learning and teaching will provide time to learn more about
the situation and consider additional tools to support a full in-person return.
B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has indicated that based on our experience in B.C. and internationally, educational settings are low-risk for COVID-19 transmission. Dr. Henry recently
wrote a letter to post-secondaries, which indicated that transmission in educational settings on campus continues to be uncommon.
We are taking this short pause in order to offer clarity for our community at a time when many students have travelled away from campus.
At this time, we are planning for the full return of on-campus services and continuing with current work arrangements for staff January 4. Should that change, staff will be notified by email.
The SFU community of students, faculty and staff continues to adapt and respond to continual change.
Help is available if you need support during this time.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts with me over the last few days. I appreciate everyone's patience as we work to support our community.
Have a safe and restful winter break.
Joy Johnson
Pronouns: she, her, hers
President and Vice-Chancellor
Simon Fraser University