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 Aug. 12, 2020

Phase 1: Essential Services

Effective Wednesday, March 18, the University of Windsor will transition to an essential services only model, and will be asking those employees who are able to work remotely from home, to do so.

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

Regional Conditions	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 US Border raise further concerns
Operations and Services	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	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
Teaching and Learning	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

Effective Wednesday, March 18, the University of Windsor transitioned to an essential services only model, since that time critical research projects have been approved for resumption in this phase.

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

Regional Conditions	All educational institutions remain closed Windsor-Essex is the last region to transition into the Province’s Phase 3 framework effective Aug. 12 Windsor-Essex Agri-Sector continues to surge in cases Pop-up testing sites open across the city to encourage COVID- 19 testing Mandatory face coverings to be worn in commercial spaces
Operations and Services	Up to 20 per cent of staff approved to be on campus associated to Research Initial Residence plans for Fall in place On-line Wellness Services Cleaning 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, sanitizer and additional cleaning products Staff who can work remotely, continue to do so Essential Workers continue to work on campus
Research	Restricted to approved Critical Research allowed to proceed Majority working remotely aside from those involved in approved Research areas Project approval currently underway Graduate students associated to approved research are permitted to resume participation in research For the Resumption of Research Framework, click here
Teaching and Learning	Continued support of faculty for on-line delivery in Fall 2020 Continued support for the limited approved in-person courses in Fall 2020 Exploring considerations and options for 2021
Effective: June 1, 2020

Phase 3: Progressive Stages to Resumption of Campus Activities

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

Regional Conditions	Province continues to lift restrictions for commercial businesses and public gatherings Continued practice of physical distancing, handwashing to limit health risks
Operations and Services	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	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
Teaching and Learning	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

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.

Regional Conditions	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
Operations and Services	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	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
Teaching and Learning	Exploring options for program delivery in 2021
Date: TBD