Dear campus community,

Acadia University is working closely with Public Health and our government partners to ensure your health and safety. Since our COVID-19 advisory on Saturday, we have confirmed a second positive case, and there are several individuals in our campus community who are self-isolating as they await test results.

Out of an abundance of caution, Acadia is implementing the following measures, effective December 14 at 8 a.m.:

• Exams will not be in-person. All remaining December examinations will either be online, postponed, or cancelled. Each professor will determine the exam format and communicate with students directly. Students scheduled to write an exam on campus Tuesday, December 14, should wait for instruction from their professor. Online exams can proceed.
• Employees who can work remotely should. We strongly encourage faculty and staff to work from home when possible and be prepared to do so until the new year. Employees should contact their supervisor for details.
• Events will not be in person. All remaining December events will either be online, postponed, or cancelled. This includes university-related holiday gatherings. Please check with event organizers for details.
• Athletics Complex access will be limited. The Athletics Complex is restricted to students, faculty, and staff for exercise only. The Complex is closed to the general public.
• Residences remain open. Acadia will continue to support all students, including those who are self-isolating.
• Testing supports continue. Testing is essential. Please make use of the regular clinics and arrange to get take-home test kits. Details are here.
• Masks are mandatory. Previously designated mask-free zones will require individuals to wear masks even when seated.
• Maintain increased physical distance. Nova Scotia Public Health now recommends people maintain a two-meter (six-foot) physical distance where possible.
• Campus services may change their approach. Many campus services will likely modify their policies or move services online in the coming days. Please contact them for updates.

Acadia is confident in our institutional response plan and team. However, the speed at which COVID-19 and its variants are emerging in Nova Scotia requires swift response to support our health and safety while delivering university operations. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Please refer to the COVID-19 website for information and updates, including resources for support.

Acadia will continue to do our part to protect our campus and community from COVID-19 and its variants. Stay well.

Sincerely,

Peter

Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor