Update on the final weeks of the fall 2021 term

The emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Canada has led the Quebec government to urge everyone to step up their vigilance in following public health directives.  

The health and safety of our Concordia community remain our first priorities. Equally important is the university’s focus on delivering on its academic mission.  

To minimize further disruption and stress, we are committed to completing the fall 2021 term as scheduled, while keeping a watchful eye on the public health situation. Details follow below. 

No change to academic and research activities, including exams

All academic and research activities will continue as planned until the end of the term.  

In-person exams will take place on campus as scheduled. 

The Webster and Vanier Library, the Birks Student Services Centre and other student services will remain open until December 22 at 5 p.m. as indicated in the Holiday Schedule webpage. 

Public health guidelines for social activities both on and off campus

Given the circumstances, public health authorities are urging students to minimize the number of parties or social gatherings they attend. However, if you do take part in any social activities either on or off campus, please be sure to follow these public health guidelines: 

• Social activities such as receptions, parties and holiday gatherings are limited to 25 people in indoor spaces and 50 people in outdoor spaces; 
• Vaccine passports must be shown if required by activity organizers;  
• Physical distancing must be maintained if vaccine passports are not required; 
• Even if vaccine passports are required, physical distancing is recommended when you are moving around; and 
• Wearing a mask is required at all times except when eating or drinking.  

Key health and safety measures remain in place

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the many measures we’ve put in place to protect the health and safety of the Concordia community. A few highlights can be found below: 

• Procedure masks must be worn when entering university buildings and using shared indoor spaces, including classrooms, libraries, hallways, elevators, lobbies, reception areas, kitchens and washrooms. Learn more about mask requirements.  
• Those working on campus must maintain a minimum of two metres of physical distance or be separated from others by a physical barrier before they can remove their procedure mask. Read about Library exceptions and other space management details. 
• Vaccine passports are required for events, activities and locations not directly linked to the university’s academic, research and institutional work.  
• Those who display COVID-19 symptoms, suspect they have contracted the virus or are confirmed positive, should not come to campus. Instead, they must follow the procedure for COVID-19 cases. 

Resources are available to those in need of support

The holidays can be a challenging time for some members of the community, particularly against the backdrop of the pandemic. If you are a student who is feeling isolated, in crisis or in need of support, there are several resources available. 

Plans for January 2022 and the winter term

As of today, we are planning for the winter 2022 term to take place mostly in-person. We will continue to work in accordance with public health directives and in the best interest of our community. Should plans change over the coming weeks, details will be communicated as soon as possible. 

For any questions related to COVID-19, please consult the FAQs available on our Coronavirus website, or send an email to covid19info@concordia.ca.