Message from the president with update on residences

Dear Concordians,

Since yesterday, a number of people have contacted me and members of our senior administrative team about our decision to ask students who are able to do so to leave residence by March 22. I appreciate the concerns that have been expressed, especially as we are all already coping with many profound changes happening at and to the university, and in society as a whole.

Our decision was taken in consideration of the welfare of our students, our residence staff and our community. It was made in the context of the public health emergency that has been declared in Quebec, in addition to the rapidly shifting situation nationally and internationally. There are currently no cases of COVID-19 at the university and, collectively, we must do everything we can to keep it that way.

We are sensitive to the reality that some students in residence are simply unable to leave. They cannot return to their homes given the current travel and health advisory environment.

I want to assure them, and the community at large, that Concordia will support any student currently in residence who has nowhere to go to the best of our abilities by providing them with accommodation, meals and other services until conditions improve.

We have said from the outset that the university’s actions during the COVID-19 crisis must be focused on the health and safety of our community and on our civic responsibility to Quebec society. In the last several days, public health officials have been adamant that social distancing is a critical preventive action in this regard. Unfortunately, the physical layout of our residences, where individuals share essential amenities and interact in close proximity, simply does not enable this.

Consistent with the public health emergency, we have already announced that there will be no more face-to-face instruction or in-person examinations at Concordia this term. Likewise, our facilities are closed except for essential services.

We ask for the full cooperation of everyone in residence so we can focus our resources on those who need it the most. We all have a part to play during this emergency.  

Sincerely,

Graham Carr
President and Vice-Chancellor
Concordia University