Latest University messages
Mask protocol update – effective June 25 (June 22, 2022)
Dear MSVU students, faculty and staff,
I’m writing to remind you that our mask protocol at MSVU will change effective Saturday, June 25 (the end of Summer Session 1).
In keeping with the latest provincial guidance and practices across our sister institutions, mask use will be strongly recommended in common indoor areas on campus starting June 25; masks will no longer be mandatory in these locations (common indoor areas include classrooms, computer labs, the Library, lobbies, elevators, the dining hall, etc.).
Masks still required in Health and Counselling Offices on campus
Please be advised that there are certain exceptions to the change in mask protocol at MSVU effective June 25. Masks will continue to be mandatory in MSVU’s Health and Counselling Offices (including Career Counselling), and Accessibility Services. This means that masks must continue to be worn at all times in these particular areas, including for the duration of appointments and in reception and waiting areas.
The MSVU community has been exemplary in our support of one another throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and I encourage continued patience, understanding and respect for individual choices as we implement this latest change on campus. Please continue to stay home if you’re sick or have tested positive for COVID-19. Following Public Health’s guidance, I encourage you to get a COVID-19 booster shot(s) as soon as you are eligible.
Of course, we will continue to monitor the ever-evolving pandemic situation and make any adjustments required to help keep our campus safe, including with a view to the fall semester.
Sincerely,
Sheila
Dr. Sheila A. Brown
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University
COVID-19 update — Mask requirement extended until the end of Summer Session 1 (May 31, 2022)
Dear MSVU students, faculty and staff,
I’m writing to share that the mask requirement in common indoor spaces (including classrooms) at MSVU will be extended until June 24, 2022 (inclusive). Masks must also continue to be worn at events on campus until June 24, except while eating or drinking.
This brief extension will take us to the last day of classes for Summer Session 1. It was felt that a consistent approach throughout this academic session would be most prudent. It is also an approach that is in keeping with that being taken by some of our sister universities in Halifax, two of whom have mask requirements extending into June.
It is anticipated that we will shift to strongly recommending the use of masks indoors after June 24 (instead of requiring them), given that a continued improvement in our COVID-19 context is anticipated as summer sets in. Further, due to the Flexible Work Arrangement Pilot Program for staff, vacations, etc., the density on campus will be reduced throughout July and August.
As always, we will continue to monitor our ever-evolving pandemic situation and make any adjustments required to help keep our campus safe.
Thanks for your continued support.
Sheila
Dr. Sheila A. Brown
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University
COVID-19 update — A message from the President and Vice-Chancellor (April 26, 2022)
Dear MSVU students, faculty and staff,
Congratulations on weathering another Nova Scotia winter and pandemic semester! It’s hard to believe that the second anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has come and gone. Likely few of us would have predicted that we would still be navigating pandemic impacts some 25 months later.
As we look to the start of our summer sessions, I’m writing to share an update on pandemic protocols on campus.
Mask requirement extended
Masks are one of the simplest measures of protecting yourself and others. In light of current high COVID-19 case numbers in our Province, and in keeping with the extended mask mandate at P-12 schools in Nova Scotia, we will continue to require masks be worn in all indoor common spaces (including classrooms) at MSVU until at least May 31. Among other benefits, this extended mask requirement will help us ensure the safety of attendees at our spring convocation ceremonies, scheduled to take place May 19 and 20.
Classroom capacity limits continue
Classroom capacity limits will continue throughout both summer sessions. Capacity limits in other spaces on campus will be lifted effective May 1.
Vaccine mandate and on-campus rapid testing paused
Also based on our evolving context, including protocols across similar organizations (including provincial and federal governments), we will be suspending the vaccine mandate at MSVU effective May 1 (including suspension of the use of the visitor declaration form). We continue to benefit from exceptionally high rates of vaccination among members of the MSVU community (more than 98% during the fall and winter semesters) and strongly encourage all who are eligible to get your boosters as soon as possible. Should a change in circumstance necessitate it at any point, the university’s vaccine requirement could be re-instated.
Effective May 1, the on-campus COVID-19 rapid testing clinic will also be suspended. Those in need of rapid testing can pick-up tests from provincial sources. You can find more information about rapid and PCR COVID-19 testing in Nova Scotia here.
Faculty and staff travel update
While the government of Canada has lifted the pandemic-related global travel advisory, international travellers are encouraged to check for government travel advice and advisories before travelling, including those that are destination specific. Faculty and staff travelling for work purposes are expected to adhere to national and provincial protocols, and should be aware that MSVU will not cover COVID-19 related costs that are not covered by our insurers (for example, quarantine costs).
Events permitted
Events are permitted on campus; however, masks must be worn (until at least May 31), except while eating or drinking. Distance between attendees should be facilitated to the greatest extent possible – though it is no longer required, in keeping with provincial protocols.
As we’ve done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor our evolving context and adjust our protocols as appropriate. As members of the MSVU community, you’ve been exemplary in your commitment to keeping one another safe – and I know that will continue through to the end of this journey. Continue to stay home if you’re sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 and get your COVID-19 booster shot(s) as soon as you’re eligible.
Wishing you a healthy spring and summer,
Ramona
Ramona Lumpkin, CM, PhD
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University