University of Calgary plans return to campus for fall semester

The University of Calgary announced a plan Thursday to gradually restore campus life back to normal for the fall semester.

More classes will be held in person, more labs will be open for research and more student services will be operating, the school said in a release.

"Safety remains UCalgary's top priority as we return to our campus," said U of C president and vice-chancellor Ed McCauley.

The university says the decision to return to campus is based on the latest guidance from health experts and a growing consensus that a vast majority of Albertans will be fully vaccinated by the fall.

"As the number of vaccinated people grows, health guidelines around physical distancing and public gatherings can finally ease. This is what enables us to safely begin moving back to campus for the fall," McCauley said.

The university said the return to campus will be gradual as faculties and instructors work to chart how individual classes will be offered this fall. Students will be advised which of their classes are to be taught in person later this month.

"Flexibility is key as we move forward," said McCauley.

In a Q and A feature on its website, the school says vaccination will not be a mandatory requirement for returning students, and that student residences will be open.

Mount Royal University says on its website that it, too, isplanning to deliver most programs in person in the fall, assuming health restrictions allow for it.

"Employees will transition back to campus before students arrive, starting with managers and other leaders, and then staff and faculty," the school said.