Information for the Ivey Community

This webpage is intended to provide the Ivey Business School Community with general information on the evolving situation, and links for Western University, the Middlesex-London Health Unit and the Ontario Ministry of Health regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).

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UPDATE, AUGUST 26

All members of our community planning to be on campus this fall – including students, employees and visitors – must upload proof of vaccination by September 7. Those who have not provided proof that they are fully vaccinated have until October 12 to submit proof of full vaccination and will be required to be tested for COVID-19 twice per seven-day period in the interim to attend campus, with results submitted to the University. 

Individuals must receive their second dose no later than September 28, 2021, to be considered fully vaccinated by October 12, 2021. 

Following the directive from the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health, only in rare circumstances may individuals be granted an exemption for medical reasons and other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.   

Individuals granted an exemption will be required to undergo testing, with test results submitted to the University. 

• Student/ Employee Statement of Medical Exemption Form 
• Student Statement of Creed/Religious Exemption Form 
• Employee Statement of Creed/Religious Exemption Form 

Questions may be directed to vaxinfo@uwo.ca for students and takecare@uwo.ca for employees. For more information on Western’s testing and vaccination centre and enhanced safety measures please visit www.uwo.ca/coronavirus. 

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UPDATE, APRIL 6

Effective immediately, HBA, MBA and MSc students will no longer be able to use the Ivey Building as a study space. This decision will be revisited as soon as public health and Western directives enable us to do so.

Students looking to retrieve items from the Ivey Building must connect with their respective program office to receive access to the building.

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UPDATE, APRIL 1

Effective April 5, Ivey will return to a situation similar to the January 2021 provincial lockdown, including:

• All Ivey classes will be virtual until further notice. Students will hear from their program office with any further program specific details;
• Research activity can continue, with the new face covering measures outlined on March 30. All field research, or research projects requiring face-to-face contact with off-campus participants, require a two-level approval process – sign-off from the Dean’s office and the office of the Vice-President (Research);
• Ivey faculty, staff, and PhD students will continue to have access to the Ivey building for required work including virtual class delivery, the Ivey IT helpdesk will continue to offer on-site support;
• Ivey students will have card access to the building for independent study provided the new triple layer face covering measures and all safety protocols are followed at all times.

Please note that the COVID-19 testing centre on campus continues to operate, and will now also be open on the long weekend. For hours or to schedule an appointment, please visit the online booking tool.

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UPDATE, DECEMBER 22

Yesterday, the Ontario government announced a province-wide shutdown effective Saturday, December 26 for a minimum of 28 days. See below for updates as they apply to Ivey students, faculty and staff:

• Ivey programs will commence on the dates and times previously communicated but ALL classes will be virtual until at least January 25th.  Should there be any deviation from this, you will hear specifically from your respective program office.
• International students may continue to travel to Canada, provided they follow all mandatory travel guidelines, including registering their 14-day quarantine plan with Western in advance. Students are advised to watch for travel advisories and government updates and contact an international student advisor with specific questions.
• Faculty, staff, and PhD students can still access the Ivey building during the winter break and during the extended period of virtual class programming.
• During this period, to at least January 25th, staff working from home are encouraged to continue to do so, unless your supervisor specifically indicates differently.

Western’s COVID-19 Testing Centre will reopen Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a new online booking tool to schedule appointments up to three days in advance. If you’re remaining in the London area and require a COVID-19 test before January 5, please visit one of the city’s COVID-19 assessment centres.

For further information, check out: uwo.ca/coronavirus/updates/dec22.html

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UPDATE, DECEMBER 11

Today, the Ontario government announced the Middlesex-London Health Unit region is moving from the orange (restrict) to red (control) level of the COVID-19 response framework, effective Monday, December 14, 2020.

There is no impact on classes or exams at this time. In-person structured teaching, instruction and exams can continue to take place with physical distancing limitations. The total number of students in the space cannot exceed 50.

Western Libraries and study spaces remain open, and research activities can continue. Faculty and staff can continue to access campus to carry out work and meet and serve our students.

In the red level, Ontario gathering limits have been reduced to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors – however, we strongly encourage all social gatherings be postponed. All meetings on campus are limited to 10 people with physical distancing.

For more information on the impact to a few specific areas on campus, visit: uwo.ca/coronavirus/updates/dec11.html

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UPDATE, DECEMBER 7

On December 4, 2020 the Ontario government announced the Middlesex-London Health Unit region is moving from the protect (yellow) level to the restrict (orange) level of the COVID-19 response framework, effective Monday, December 7, 2020.

Since September 18, Western has been operating in a modified phase 3 of our Return-to-Campus plan, which is compliant with the province’s new classification.

There are no new operational changes required over and above the current measures in place on campus and there is no impact on classes or research activities at this time.

We continue to work closely with federal, provincial and local health officials, and should things change, we will communicate with you via email, social media and the university’s dedicated COVID-19 website.

Please note that the Western COVID-19 Testing Centre has shorter hours from Dec. 14-18, and will be closed Dec. 19-Jan. 4 (reopening Jan. 5). For more information, please visit the Centre's webpage.

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UPDATE, NOVEMBER 30

Western has adjusted the closing and opening dates for the holiday season. See below for updates as they apply to students, faculty and staff:

• Western will close on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. after the last exam has been written and will reopen Monday, January 4, 2021.
• Students should consult with their respective program offices regarding the timing of the resumption of activities and classes at Ivey.

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UPDATE, OCTOBER 30 

Western is now offering free influenza immunization clinics for Western students, faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars in the Western Student Recreation Centre, lower gymnasium.

Before you arrive

• Masks and physical distancing are required.
• Please bring your OHIP or UHIP card, or proof of other provincial health insurance.
• Please bring your Western ONECard– we will use it to verify that you have completed the Return to Campus questionnaire.
• A flu shot is the best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu. If we all get immunized, together we help preserve medical resources for those suffering more severe symptoms of the flu and COVID-19. The flu shot won’t prevent COVID-19 but it will reduce your chances of getting sick with influenza & spreading it to others. 

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UPDATE, OCTOBER 16 

COVID-19 TESTING LOCATION ON CAMPUS

Students, staff and faculty are eligible to get a COVID-19 test without an appointment at the Western COVID-19 Testing Centre (located in the Western Student Recreation Centre) if they:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19
• Have been notified by public health or the COVID Alert appthat they have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case
• Have been directed to receive a test by a physician (eg. those undergoing cancer treatment or who require a test as part of pre-operative planning)
• Are required to take a test after arriving from abroad and completing quarantine
• Are required to take a test before boarding an international flight

This is in keeping with Middlesex-London Health Unit directives and prioritizes those most in need of a COVID-19 test.

Please access the testing centre using Western Student Recreation Centre’s accessible entrance facing Huron Drive.

Student Health Care Clinic: Symptomatic patients requiring a physician's assessment can book a virtual visit with a doctor. Follow-up examination and testing in person may be scheduled at the doctor's discretion, which may include a COVID-19 test. To book an appointment, please call the Student Health Care Clinic at 519-661-3030.

Questions about testing on campus? Students can contact Student Health Care at 519-661-3030 and employees can contact Workplace Health at Western at 519-661-2047.

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UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 17

• Western University announced that it has moved back to a modified version of Western Phase Three in its return-to-campus plan.
• Effective immediately, all student co-curricular meetings, club activities, or other events that are not part of a scheduled classroom session are suspended at any Ivey facility until further notice.
• Classes and class learning group activities will continue as planned at the Richard Ivey Building, Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, as well as Donald K. Johnson Centre and the Toronto Hilton.
• All safety protocols must continue to be followed by all faculty, staff, and students, and it is very important that everyone be vigilant.
• Please see the latest update from Western University for full details of the announcement including enhanced safety protocols, and please review the letter from President Alan Shepard with an important message for the entire Western community, including a few simple but important requests:
  • Avoid large gatherings
  • Don’t attend or host house parties
  • Limit social activity to your roommate and significant others
  • Practice proper physical distancing
  • Wear a mask indoors – and even outdoors when you’re close to each other
  • Stay home if you’re sick

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WESTERN UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 16

Important information regarding COVID-19 testing

• Western’s COVID-19 testing trailer, located in the Social Science parking lot, is open Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
• Western encourages members of the campus community to get tested ONLY if they are symptomatic or have been in contact with a positive confirmed COVID-19 case.
• COVID-19 tests are covered by OHIP. Students are asked to bring their Western ONECard and OHIP card and wear a mask when lining up. Students who are not covered by OHIP are asked to bring proof of coverage either from UHIP or the province from which they have health coverage.
• Students with accessibility needs can book a COVID-19 test with a nurse in the Student Health Care clinic by calling 519-661-3030.
• Testing results are expected within 24 hours.
• Find more COVID-19 information on Western's site

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WESTERN UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 13

We have been informed by the the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) that five Western students who live off campus have tested positive for COVID-19. At this time no on-campus exposures have been identified.

This serves as a reminder that Western has developed detailed health and safety plans to allow students to return to campus in a safe manner.

Understand your COVID-19 testing options on campus:

• COVID-19 testing trailer (students and employees): No appointment required. This testing site, located in the Social Science Centre parking lot, is open Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are visiting the trailer, please wait in physically distanced line to access a test.
• Student Health Care Clinic (students): Pre-scheduled, in-person appointments only. To book an appointment, please visit the appointments page.
• Students with accessibility needs can book a COVID-19 test with a nurse in the Student Health Care clinic by calling 519-661-3030and employees can do so via Workplace Health at 519-661-2047.

Additional COVID-19 resources for the campus community can be found on Western’s COVID-19 website and on the MLHU’s website.

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WESTERN UPDATE, AUGUST 14

As we begin to slowly and safely return to campus, there are some new protocols in place that prioritize your health, safety, and well-being. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our campus safe, whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff. Below is a summary of what you need to know before returning to Ivey.

Steps you must take before you return to campus

The following steps are mandatory and focused on important public health measures to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

1. Watch this eight-minute COVID-19 training video (accessed via OWL using your Western login) on return-to-campus essentials;
2. Read this two-page PDF document on the actions you must take while on campus and the health and safety measures at Western;
3. Complete this Return-to-Campus Questionnaire (accessed through https://myhr.uwo.ca/) before each visit to campus; and,
4. Plan to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when in the presence of others and in common and shared spaces on campus. Western will be supplying masks, but please bring your own in case they aren’t available.

It is also important that you do not come to campus if you are feeling unwell.

Once you are on campus

• Practise physical distancing of two metres apart. Directional signage and seating arrangements in classrooms and common areas are in place to accommodate physical distancing in Ivey’s buildings. In some cases, plexiglass shields have been added to reception desks, service stations, and classrooms;
• Keep groups to 10 or less to maintain physical distancing;
• Wear your mask at all times when in the presence of others, indoors, and at meal-service stations. Masks can be removed while eating your meal;
• Wash or disinfect your hands thoroughly and often. Sanitizer stations and dispensers have been added to Ivey’s buildings;
• Avoid direct contact with high-touch surfaces; and,
• Disinfect your desk, work area, computer equipment, and tools frequently and avoid sharing tools where possible.

Additional information

• Those returning to campus will experience a new environment. Our buildings have been adapted to accommodate physical distancing;
• Our building services follow cleaning protocol recommendations of the Middlesex-London Health Unit, Public Health, and Government of Canada;
• Not all food services are available at this time;
• Students arriving from outside of Canada must self-quarantine for 14 days;
• On-campus parking lots are being monitored;
• If you are carpooling to campus, please ensure safety, including wearing masks and physical distancing.

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WESTERN UPDATE, JUNE 1

President Alan Shepard announces return to campus plans for fall including phased approach to return and health and safety measures.

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UPDATE, APRIL 22

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announces support for post-secondary students and recent graduates, including the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and Canada Student Service Grant. Read more.

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UPDATE, APRIL 21

Western Human Resources announces online resources to support faculty and staff. Read more.

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UPDATE, APRIL 9

• Research Western announces more than $1 million of COVID-19 research funding. Read more. 
• Research Western announces the Western Undergrad Summer Research Internships, which provides match funding for Faculty to hire undergraduate students for research-related projects through the summer. Read more.

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UPDATE, MARCH 26

Western University announces that Spring Convocation will be postponed. This includes all scheduled ceremony dates from May 22 through June 19. Degrees will still be conferred for those graduating. Full details here.

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UPDATE, MARCH 24

All Ivey services continue to operate remotely, and all classes have been moved online. Following the announcement from the Ontario Premier’s Office that all non-essential businesses must close, Western University moved to an essential operations model and the Ivey Building closed until further notice.

The well-being, health and safety of our students, staff and faculty remains our top priority. Ivey is working to ensure current students receive the programming required to progress or graduate on time. All Campus updates continue to be provided here.

Ivey Students:

• All current Ivey classes are being delivered online until further notice;
• All assignments and exams will be completed virtually until further notice;
• All departments including the Programs Offices and Career Management continue to operate normally and can be reached online and by phone;
• If you are in need of support, please feel free to contact any Ivey staff or faculty member, Western Health & Wellness Services, or Student Financial Services .

For additional Student information, including Student support & well-being, exam info, illness reporting, International students, FAQs, students at residence and more, please click here. 

Ivey Staff & Faculty:

• All staff and faculty are now working remotely until further notice;
• All departments continue to operate and can be contacted by phone or email;
• The Ivey Academy will be offering Free Virtual Events, details will be available here;
• If you are in need of support, please contact your supervisor, Human Resources, or access Employee and Family Assistance through Morneau Shepell by phone at 1-844-880-9142 or through the My EAP app

For additional Staff information, including absence reporting, International travel & FAQs, please click here.

For additional Faculty information, including absence notifications, travel, FAQs and more, please click here. 

Ivey Facilities:

• The Ivey Building is currently closed, however all departments are open and continue to operate remotely;
• Western campus is operating essential services only. For a full list of services, please visit uwo.ca/coronavirus/
• The Ivey Spencer Leadership centre is operating for essential services only and will be closed April 1-30th until further notice;
• The Ivey Academy executive education programs will be delivered online until further notice;
• Ivey Publishing is operating virtually until further notice;
• The Ivey Donald K. Johnson Centre in Toronto is closed until further notice;
• Ivey will not be booking campus tours for the foreseeable future;
• The Library is closed, however online tools will remain accessible;
• The Ivey Trading Company is operating virtually with a limited assortment of diploma frames available for order online.

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WESTERN UPDATE, MARCH 24

Western moves to essential services for on-campus activities uwo.ca/coronavirus/