Welcome back info for Fall Term

As we begin another wonderful year at Brandon University, it is delightful to welcome everyone back to in-person learning. We are proud of our open campus, and it’s been great to see so many people filling our courtyard, front lawn, and other shared spaces. We know there are a few questions about building access as we transition back. Here’s what you need to know:

Our doors are open to the community — Doors to most campus buildings are typically unlocked from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with extended hours in some buildings, such as the library and HLC. This allows public access to the campus during regular business hours.

Your employee key fob or BU Student ID will get you in after hours — With your BU Student ID card, students will have access to most buildings as early as 6 a.m. as well as late-evening access for classes, labs, studios, and studying. Those with additional needs (for overnight research, for example) can request additional hours through your instructor and Dean. Employee access remains unchanged. Your employee key fob will allow you to access any building at any time.

We have extended access for a limited time — For now, most buildings are unlocked until 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, so that all students can get to evening classes. This is only until Sept. 21, allowing students time to get a BU Student ID for permanent evening access. If you haven’t yet ordered your card, do it asap at https://www.brandonu.ca/ancillary/student-id-centre/student-id-order-form/

Coming together for classes, studios, labs, research, studying, sport, and friendship provides untold benefits, and the university is taking steps to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable year.

Masks are encouraged and recommended — A high-quality, well-fitted mask, such as a KN-95, can protect yourself and others. Mask-wearing is encouraged in all shared indoor spaces. If entering a confined space, such as an office, where someone is wearing a mask or prefers mask wearing, please carry a mask so that you can put one on as well.

Vaccines are encouraged and recommended — Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of catching illness, of getting seriously sick, and of passing it on to others. Please ensure all your vaccinations are up to date, including all boosters, as soon as you are eligible. Alongside Covid-19, you should check your eligibility for the monkeypox vaccine, as well as for other common illnesses where you may require a booster or initial vaccine, including tetanus, polio, whooping cough, measles, mumps, and more. Speak with your family doctor or visit the BU on-site medical clinics, which are held Wednesdays in the Knowles–Douglas Student Union Centre.

Stay home if you are sick — Please continue to follow public health guidelines for illness, especially Covid-19. Public health currently recommends isolation for five days following the onset of symptoms or after a positive test. Please communicate as quickly as possible with your instructor or your supervisor/manager/dean if you are isolating, so your unique circumstances can be properly addressed.

Enhanced ventilation continues — We have enhanced the ventilation and filtration in campus buildings to ensure as much fresh air as possible. This helps reduce your risk of exposure to airborne pathogens. While the weather is nice, consider meeting friends and colleagues outdoors as much as possible.

Wash and/or sanitize your hands — Sanitization stations are provided at entrances and in many common areas. Regular hand-washing is also encouraged.

As we kick off the Fall Term with renewed energy and vigour, all of us can work together to ensure that Canada’s Finest Regional University continues to be a healthy and engaging place to work, study, and learn.

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