From Joy Johnson | All in-person and remote classes cancelled June 28

This message is sent on behalf of Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor. It has been sent to all students, faculty and staff.

All in-person and remote classes cancelled June 28

Due to the current heat wave, SFU is cancelling all in-person and remote classes Monday, June 28. Mid-term exams scheduled for June 28, both in-person and virtual, will be rescheduled. All events on Burnaby campus are cancelled, including athletics and recreation training and activities. The Burnaby campus library will be closed. 

If you are scheduled to be at SFU tomorrow, please note that all Vancouver and Surrey campuses have air conditioning, however, not all buildings in Burnaby campus do. 

The following campus buildings at Burnaby have cooling systems and study spaces for students:

• Blusson Hall
• Saywell Hall
• Shrum Science Centre - Chemistry
• Maggie Benston Centre
• Applied Sciences Building
• West Mall Centre
• South Science Building
• TASC 1
• TASC 2
• Discovery 1

All other buildings on Burnaby campus do not have cooling systems. If you are able to work from home, you are encouraged to do so. Those who work outdoors have been provided detailed guidance from WorkSafe BC. If you are scheduled to be in a building on Burnaby campus that does not have a cooling system, please contact your professor/supervisor about available options to study/work from home or from another location. 

Please note that with this heat wave, cooling systems will be challenged and buildings with air conditioning may be warmer than usual, so please dress accordingly. If you must be on Burnaby campus, ensure your supervisor knows and knows where you are working and that you check in regularly to ensure your personal safety. Staff trained in first aid will be available on all campuses through Campus Security at 778-782-4500. 

Pandemic safety measures remain in place at all campus locations, which include wearing a mask indoors and social distancing. Water bottle refill stations are available throughout all three campuses. To find a water station location on Burnaby mountain go to: https://simonfraseru.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d3c12d38a552454ba70d5653d6b61c1c

If you are not on a campus and looking for a cooler place during the day, please check with your local municipality about the cooling centres available in your local area. Here are some tips to help manage the heat and reduce your personal health risk:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Work in the coolest part of your home.
• If possible, work during the cooler times of the day. Discuss options with your supervisor.
• Turn off unused appliances to help keep indoor air temperatures down. 
• Avoid using laptops in your lap.

More tips https://www.sfu.ca/srs/work-research-safety/general-safety/indoor-air-quality/extreme-heat.html

Stay safe, and as cool as you can during this time.

Sincerely,

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