Message from the President | Return to campus updates for faculty and staff

Hi everyone,

I hope you have each had time for rest over the winter break. As we start what will be another unusual term at SFU, plans are in place to ensure our continued, safe operation. 

SFU is an essential service and our services must continue, even in complex times. As we are all now aware, the Omicron variant moves quickly. We know that cases will rise and expect an impact for our faculty and staff. Leaders have been asked to put a plan in place to maintain service with a potential reduction in faculty and staff availability due to illness in the coming weeks. Talk with your supervisor about your team’s continuity plan to be sure you understand what is expected and that any specific needs you have are considered.  

The layers of protection will continue to keep us safe. Ensure you are wearing a properly fitted three-layer mask, adhering to physical distancing and washing your hands. We are paying close attention to public health guidance regarding masks and strongly encourage the use of properly fitting three-layer masks. Learn more about masks. Three-layer masks are available in central stores. 

Vaccines are the most powerful tool against COVID-19. Get your booster as soon as possible. You are provided up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 

Case management and contact tracing has changed and will now be self-managed in most cases. See updated guidance from BCCDC.

As we move through another stage of this pandemic, I am reminded how much we have come through together. Though this wave appears to be less challenging than previous waves, it comes at a time when we are all increasingly ready to resume activities and connections. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support, and thank you for everything you are doing to support our students and continue to advance our mission. 

Take care and stay safe,

Joy Johnson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
President and Vice-Chancellor
Simon Fraser University