May 9, 2020

A message to the Mount Allison Community

On May 8, the Government of New Brunswick announced the province’s move to Phase 2 (Orange) of recovery to progressively loosen restrictions put in place due to COVID-19. (Announcement and additional details available at: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.05.0261.html).

This is a positive development for New Brunswick but, as previously communicated, does not mean universities and colleges such as Mount Allison can immediately return to ‘normal’ operations. Provincial borders remain closed to non-essential travellers and strict public health measures continue to be in place across the province.

Mount Allison will continue to follow the Province of New Brunswick’s direction around phased re-opening to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. At this time, the Mount Allison campus remains closed, and access to campus continues to be limited to critical services only. In the event you require access to a building, please continue to seek permission, during business hours, from your dean or director. Please do not request access to buildings unless it is essential.

The University’s senior administrative team is working on a number of plans to support a phased return to campus for employees and students working on campus this summer that is in line with the Government’s framework under the guidance of Public Health. An update on this planning will be provided by May 15.

Spring and summer courses are being offered virtually through self-directed learning platforms and many university departments are working remotely. The province has encouraged virtual delivery of classes to continue where possible.

Separate consultation and planning is also underway for the Fall regarding campus activity and delivery of academic programming. This will take into account the Province’s recovery phases and will consider the possibility of phased recovery being halted or reversed if necessary. Further details on these plans will be communicated when they are available.

More details on the Province of New Brunswick’s Phased Recovery plan can be found at gnb.ca/coronavirus

Thank you to the entire Mount Allison community for your collective support, work, and patience as we navigate this uncharted territory.

Sincerely,

Jean-Paul Boudreau

President and Vice-Chancellor