As the fall semester starts, the University of Guelph will have some services available for those who need to be on campus.

The University continues to prioritize physical distancing and asks all those who don’t need to be on campus to stay home to help keep our community safe.

For those on campus, face coverings are required when entering any buildings and in any situation where it is difficult to maintain two metres of physical distance from others.

Access to academic buildings is currently restricted. Students and instructors must use their U of G ID cards to access academic buildings and instructional spaces each time they enter to help ensure accurate contact tracing, if needed. Only students enrolled in classes in those buildings and instructors teaching in those spaces will have access.

All those coming to campus must follow the steps and complete the training on the Before You Return page of the Return to Campuses website before coming to campus. Students, staff, faculty and visitors must complete U of G’s COVID-19 Screening Form every day before coming to any U of G location.

The McLaughlin Library re-opens to current students, faculty and staff on Sept. 10. The first two floors of the library will be accessible with a limit of 209 people in the building at one time. Library visitors will be able to access book pickup and return, printing and scanning, study space and computers and printing course reserves. The library will continue to support students by offering online resources and virtual services. Check the library’s website for more information and steps to take before you arrive.

The University Centre has reopened to the university community for fall with enhanced safety measures in place. The building is open 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., seven days a week, for limited business activities, service offerings. A list of the services currently open is available on the UC Services website.

The UC also has enhanced study spaces in various areas of the building to increase the number of study seats while accommodating physical distancing measures.

GO bus service to U of G continues, but on a reduced schedule from previous years. All riders must wear a face covering. Check the GO website for the full schedule.

The Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre is opening in phases. The fitness centre and gym are currently open for use of cardio and weight equipment. All visits must be reserved in advance. Drop-in basketball and the walking track at the Gryphons Athletic Centre are also available, but times must be booked ahead.

Personal training and aquatic & safety certification programs (CPR, First Aid, Bronze Cross, etc.) re-started Sept. 8. Further community programming will open in phases. Learn more about what’s open, hours and what to expect on the Athletics Centre’s COVID-19 website.

Several U of G Hospitality Services food outlets are open with limited hours, including those in the University Centre and the OVC Café. The dining hall in the Lennox-Addison residence and the East Residence Grocery Store are open for students living in residence. Check the website for full hours.

The University Bookstore, Gryph’s Locker, Gryph’s Pro are also open. This fall, students must purchase their textbooks online and book an appointment to pick up their order. Course materials can also be shipped to students.

Retail outlets on campus are no longer accepting cash for purchases. This cash-free environment includes the library, dining outlets, the Bookstore, parking and all independent commercial stores within the University Centre. All transactions must be carried out using debit or credit cards, or with the U of G ID card for the U of G meal plan for students or the Express Plus Credit Account for full-time faculty and staff.

The U of G Child Care and Learning Centre re-opened its doors on Monday, Aug. 31. The CCLC now has a new pandemic protocol that states that child care staff will practice physical distancing with children as much as possible and wear a mask at all times. Those interested in applying for a spot in the CCLC are asked to fill out a waitlist application.

Health Services  through Student Wellness are open by appointment in the J.T. Powell Building. Students are asked to book appointments. In many cases, the physician will hold the appointment through phone or video call. Counselling, sexual violence supports, student accessibility services and health promotion programs will also be available by phone or online appointment. The Health and Performance Centre (HPC) is also open to treat sports and activity-related injuries.

The U of G Arboretum is open for walking and other permitted activities although currently, there is no access to indoor spaces, including washrooms. The Arboretum’s disc golf course is also open to the public. Players should abide to COVID-19 rules and reserve a tee time before arriving at The Arboretum.

For more on what’s open and close, visit the U of G COVID-19 information page.

To learn more about what the U of G student experience looks like this fall, visit the Virtual Campus page.