Return to Campus Framework

The University of Windsor is currently in Phase 2 of its return to campus framework. Phase 2 includes essential and critical research.

The University of Windsor’s Return to Campus Framework is a living document to inform the UWindsor community on the latest updates for a careful and thoughtful phased re-opening of in-person campus activities. It will be regularly updated as new information is confirmed.

While it is our goal to bring our community back together to work, collaborate, socialize and learn on campus once again, the University of Windsor will do so only when it is safe and with great caution. The health and safety of all UWindsor staff, faculty and students is always the top priority.

The progression of each phase is informed by Public Health Official guidelines for our region and specifically for post secondary institutions.

The four institutional phases of the UWindsor Return to Campus Framework is outlined below. The CURRENT PHASE is highlighted in yellow.

Please note: A Resumption of Research Framework has been developed in conjunction with the University of Windsor's institutional Return to Campus Framework. The Research Phased-In timelines may advance prior to the resumption of other campus activities.

Each phase and campus activity continues to develop and is subject to change at any time pending the latest public health directives.

Updated November 23, 2020

Phase 1: Essential Services

Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 the University of Windsor transitioned to an essential services only model, asking employees who were able to work remotely from home to do so.

	Regional Conditions		Operations and Services
Provincial directive to close all schools, places of worship and businesses in Windsor-Essex Regional surge in COVID- 19 Cases associated to long-term care facilities Windsor-Essex agri-sector and proximity to the U.S. border raise further concerns		Campus operating within Essential Services Model 95 per cent of staff working remotely Transition to remote/online programming and services Events cancelled or moved to on-line format Food services accommodating students in Residence Varsity sports cancelled Essential Workers continue to work on campus

	Research		Teaching and Learning
Only essential research activities undertaken to ensure safety and protection of research infrastructure On-going regular care, feeding, conditioning or inspections of cells, animals, breeding colonies, or tissues Inspection and maintenance of sensitive equipment to ensure the continuity of a research program For the Resumption of Research Framework, click here		Transitioning all programs to alternative remote options for remainder of Winter 2020 term Supporting Faculty with on-line features Supporting Students with options for final evaluations Fall 2020 Term migrates to online model

Effective: March 18, 2020

Phase 2: Essential Services + Critical Research

As of August 25, 2020, the University of Windsor is currently operating an essential services only model and approved resumption of critical research projects in this phase.

	Regional Conditions		Operations and Services
Effective November 23, 2020, Windsor-Essex is in the Orange - Restrict level (strengthened measures) of the Province of Ontario's Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. For latest updates, visit the Windsor Essex County Health Unit website for local pandemic status information. The Orange - Restrict level: General instructions for residents (from wechu.org, 11/23/20): Zero tolerance on all COVID-19 prevention measures. Social gatherings to cap 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors irrespective of the event. Minimize your close contacts to your household members only. Minimize visiting to a private home or residential premise, including social gatherings (both indoor and outdoor) except for essential reasons. Cancel, postpone, or hold virtually any other discretionary in-person activities, or participate only with your household and essential supports. Face coverings are required in all public indoor spaces with limited exemptions. Testing at the Windsor Regional Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Centre is available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment online, click here or call (519) 973-4443.		Up to 20 per cent of staff approved to be on campus associated to Research Students move-in to Alumni for Fall term On-line Wellness Services Enhanced cleaning of all areas on campus. Focus on approved labs and periodical visitors to campus Installing signage and traffic flow guidelines Procuring sanitizer and cleaning products Zone & Flow Analysis of all buildings required to identify traffic patterns and occupancy rates Procuring PPE, hospital-grade cleaning products and disinfectants Distribution of Wellness Kits to Staff/Faculty/Students on campus Staff who can work remotely, continue to do so Essential Workers continue to work on campus Limited Food Services begin to open for Fall Curb-side pick-up options available through Leddy Library The Campus Bookstore has moved curbside pick-up indoors, effective Oct. 19

	Research		Teaching and Learning
Restricted to approved Critical Research allowed to proceed Majority working remotely aside from those involved in approved Research areas Project approval research Stages 2 and 3 underway Graduate students associated to approved research are permitted to resume participation in research For the Resumption of Research Framework, click here		Continued support of faculty for on-line delivery in Fall 2020 Continued support for the limited approved in-person courses in Fall 2020 Winter 2021 on-line delivery announced on Sept. 17, 2020

Updated: November 23, 2020

Phase 3: Progressive Stages to Resumption of Campus Activities

	Regional Conditions		Operations and Services
Province continues to lift restrictions for commercial businesses and public gatherings Continued practice of physical distancing, handwashing to limit health risks		Gradually building towards 30 to 50 per cent of staff System for screening and monitoring staff in place PPE and other safety supplies are made available Limited Residence open for Fall Food Services implementing measures to serve Residence Curb-side pick-up for Bookstore Curb-side pick-up for Leddy Library Athletics building framework for access Planning for Varsity sports/training Cleaning all areas on campus Staff who can work remotely, continue to do so

	Research		Teaching and Learning
Research requiring immediate field or lab-based research for research deemed to be time-sensitive and required to minimize negative impacts to resume based on approvals Gradual increases in occupancy based on Zone & Flow analysis Building upon Research Framework to reach 100 per cent capacity in labs For the Resumption of Research Framework, click here		Continued support of faculty for on-line delivery of their courses in Fall 2020 Continued support for the limited approved in-person courses in Fall 2020 Exploring options for program delivery in 2021

Date: TBD

Phase 4: Return to Campus

	Regional Conditions		Operations and Services
Further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings, opening all workplaces and educational institutions responsibly COVID-19 vaccine widely available Timely and available widespread testing Full lifting of international travel restrictions		Gradually building towards 50 to 100 per cent of staff Resume staff complement as approved considering remote/rotating work schedules Resume access to offices and campus activities, where necessary Resume activities, student services and support on campus Resume recreational programs and a plan for varsity sports Maintain new protocols and processes related to COVID-19 Maintain increased cleaning schedules and stocking products Large gatherings and events scheduled according to Public Health guidelines

	Research		Teaching and Learning
Research resumes to normal activities All research facilities and labs have re-opened All research conducted with (in-person) human participants (and not previously deemed as critical or time-sensitive) is able to resume For the Resumption of Research Framework, click here		Exploring options for program delivery in 2021

Date: TBD