August 12, 2021

Dear Queen’s Law community,
 
Earlier today, Queen’s University announced that all students, staff, and faculty returning to campus will need to be fully vaccinated or have a plan to do so, by September 7. The decision to move to mandatory vaccinations was made on the advice of, and in consultation with, medical and public health experts. 

As a Faculty, we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, staff, and local community, as we continue to address the ongoing challenges and recovery efforts related to the public health crisis. Today’s announcement is intended to further protect the campus community from COVID transmission, and ensure a safe and healthy return to in-class activities. 

Some of the logistical details of the new vaccination mandate have yet to be announced by the University. We will, of course, keep you informed as these details are released.

In the meantime, I can summarize the main outline of the return-to-campus policy as it now stands:

  • As communicated previously, in-person learning remains the primary mode of course delivery (subject to possible adjustments through the formal accommodations process on Ontario Human Rights Code grounds).
  • The health and safety provisions and planning parameters to support a safe return remain in place and can be found here. As part of the safe return framework, mask wearing will be required (with limited exceptions) while indoors on campus, including in classrooms, auditoriums, office spaces, and other common areas. You can read more here.
  • Before accessing the Law Building and downtown Queen’s Legal Clinics (or other University buildings), faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be required to complete a short COVID-19 assessment questionnaire; all regular users of these buildings will be expected to complete the questionnaire before entering the buildings through the University’s SeQure App which can be downloaded onto a phone.
  • Individuals accessing campus or other University property must be fully vaccinated, and those who have not been fully vaccinated will be required to undertake additional health and safety protocols and COVID-19 testing as recommended by Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health (details to follow).
  • Accommodations for anyone who establishes a medical or other reason under the Ontario Human Rights Code to be exempt from the vaccination requirement will be established through the formal accommodations process and may vary depending upon the circumstances.
  • Students of the Faculty of Law who require accommodations or support based on their circumstances can review the full list of education and equity services, here.

Staying informed: 

We will be providing ongoing updates via the ListServ distributions and weekly newsletters. In addition, you can consult the following sites, which will be updated as new information becomes available: 

We look forward to welcoming students, staff and faculty back to the Law Building and the Queen’s Law Clinics in downtown Kingston, as we continue our academic mission of providing Canada’s best legal education.

Regards, 
Mark