Masks required on all SFU campuses, vaccine card required for residence, athletics, dining, events and others

Effective August 25, masks are required in all indoor common areas and learning spaces on all SFU campuses. I am pleased with the decision by the Provincial Health Officer today to also require masks on transit, as a large percentage of our community are transit users. I am also thinking of our community members with children under 12 and am glad that there will be enhanced safety measures in schools. I know that will provide increased comfort for many of you.

SFU will use the BC Vaccine Card on our campuses beginning September 13. You will need to prove vaccination in order to:

• Live in student housing. (Note that the requirement for proof of vaccination for student housing comes into effect September 7)
• Participate in varsity and intramural athletics
• Use gyms or recreation facilities
• Attend student clubs, sports, theatre, performances and other events
• Dine indoors or on patios

Other activities requiring proof of vaccination will be forthcoming. We are working with the Fraser Health Authority to interpret today’s order and put detailed plans in place, including a centralized system to confirm vaccination requirements are met for these activities. As we have students from outside BC and around the world we are also working to determine that all vaccines are accepted, and that there are efficient ways for students from other provinces and countries to prove their vaccination status.

In the meantime, what you need to know today is to wear a mask when you come to campus and to get vaccinated now if you haven’t already. Vaccination clinics will be available on Burnaby and Surrey campuses with more dates to be added, and there is easy access to vaccination for those on the Vancouver campus.

The measures announced today contribute significantly to our layers of protection. I am grateful to each of you for doing your part to keep one another safe as we return to in-person experiences over the next couple of weeks.

Sincerely,

Joy Johnson