Dear students, faculty and staff,

Earlier this week, we began the gradual return to in-person learning with skills-based lab sessions in the PharmD program held onsite and administrative staff beginning the return to work on campus.

In our previous update on plans for the Winter Term, we committed to assessing whether further in-person learning would be feasible following Winter Reading Week. I am pleased to confirm that starting Monday, February 28 we will move forward with a full return to in-person learning at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. This includes courses and exams for the PharmD program and graduate courses and seminars for the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate program.

The ability to gather and learn in-person is important to the formation of professional identity of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists and I appreciate the effort and collaboration of our community as we return to in-person instruction.

Throughout this transition, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our community. A reminder that on-campus COVID-19 protocols in place prior to the pivot online in December 2021 remain the same. These include:

  • Ensuring proof of vaccination is uploaded to UCheck
  • Completing your health screening through UCheck prior to coming to campus
  • Checking into the building at the main entrance using the posted QR code
  • Wearing a mask in all indoor areas except while eating or drinking in designated spaces 
  • Following building entry and exit instructions as outlined in this video.

Medical masks are recommended for all staff, students, faculty, and visitors. The University is now providing medical masks to community members with an active UTORID as supplies allow and for a limited time. You can pick up a medical mask at the following locations.

Building Hours and Access

The Faculty building will continue to be open Monday to Friday from 8am – 5pm. Starting February 28, students in the PharmD program will have key fob access extended to 9pm on weekdays only. PharmD students can arrange to pick up their fobs by contacting Vera Costa (vera.costa@utoronto.ca).  Graduate students, faculty, and staff who need to access the building after 5pm and on the weekends can continue to do so using key fobs.

Please be aware that the possibility of protests at Queen’s Park continues to be an issue that may impact our ability to access the building. The University will continue to provide updates   as necessary and high priority information will be shared through the emergency UTAlert system. Register for UTAlert here.

Student Study Spaces and Eating Areas

As a reminder, we ask that students using the study spaces and eating areas continue to abide by the following rules to maintain safety for all:

  • Masks must continue to be worn, except while eating and drinking in designated eating areas
  • We have designated the main floor Atrium, Top of the Pod Podium and Undergraduate Lounge as designated eating areas
  • Masks must be worn except while eating and drinking
  • Physical distancing must be maintained while eating and drinking
  • Disinfectant will be provided and students are reminded to clean their eating area
  • Eating and drinking outside of designated areas is not permitted

Research Operations

As previously communicated, research at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy will continue to operate in STEP 2 of the of the LDFP Guidelines for Research Restart and Recovery. Please refer to the email sent on January 7 as a reminder of the policies and procedures that should be followed.

I look forward to our return to in-person learning and to seeing many of you on campus again. I also recognize how challenging the last few months have been as the omicron wave has significantly impacted our lives. Please continue to be patient, kind and supportive as we transition back to in-person learning. And, as we have learned since the beginning of the pandemic, the situation is always evolving. In coordination with our partners in the healthcare system and across U of T, we will continue to remain vigilant about evolving public health conditions and adjust our plans based on the guidance of our community of experts.