Message from the President: Faculty and Staff returning to campus this summer and fall

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

Dear faculty and staff,

Earlier this week, SFU’s senior leadership and union heads, along with colleagues from BC’s post-secondary institutions, were invited to participate in a COVID recovery town hall event. Hosted by Thompson Rivers University, the guest speakers were Dr. Bonnie Henry, Dr. Réka Gustafson and Dr. Brian Emerson.

In the video you will hear Dr. Henry speak about accelerated timelines for completion of second vaccinations, access to vaccinations for young people, and what to expect when community transmission is significantly decreased. Their insights give us confidence in our return to campus this summer and fall.

We anticipate that most of our faculty and staff will be engaged in some level of on-campus work starting in July with a full return by the fall. Many sectors have been working safely from their workplaces throughout the pandemic, and as a critical part of society, it’s important that we resume our in-person work. As you make plans for your return, now is the time to begin conversations with your manager, team and family.

The impacts of the past 14 months will be with us for the long-term. There is much we need to think about and change on an institutional level. But I want to pause to acknowledge the human impact. No matter how this pandemic has impacted you, we will all be changed in some way. SFU offers supports for you to access, and I hope you’ll make use of them. I also encourage you to begin conversations with your team about vacation plans. We all need rest.

While things are beginning to stabilize in BC, this is not the case around the world. There are members of our community who are in India, Brazil and other countries that are severely impacted by the pandemic. We are working with partners to offer support for individuals and organizations. I want to recognize the many members of our faculty and staff who have personal connections around the world and who cannot yet see the end of the pandemic. Please reach out for supports and speak to your supervisor if you need help.

Though there are challenges ahead, I am confident in our ability to work together for the benefit of our students and one another. I am so proud to be part of this community, and truly cannot wait to see you in person very soon.

Joy Johnson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Simon Fraser University