Given the significant rise in Covid cases in the city of Toronto and an increase in the university itself, St. Michael’s has implemented a number of additional safety protocols and restrictions and is encouraging students to delay their return wherever possible, in an effort to make the residences as safe as possible.
To support this, the University is offering a special financial rebate package to all students who can delay their return until the end of January. We do not expect to extend this offer beyond January however, if circumstances change, we will communicate this as soon as possible.
Below you will find (1) Details about the rebate; (2) Updates on enhanced COVID protocols; (3) Information about isolation procedures; and (4) Information about screening and third vaccinations.
1. Financial Rebate Packages: Students who are able to delay their return to residence, will receive a $350 rebate for their room and meal plan for each full week until they return, until January 30, 2022. The financial adjustments will be made in February, after we have verified everyone’s return to campus with the Porter’s Desk.
2. Enhanced COVID protocols: If students cannot delay their return to residence, rest assured that the residence will remain a welcoming home, with dons, programs, and services running in a virtual format and enhanced protocols that will be in place for (at least) the month of January: all meal service will be exclusively take-out until at least the end of January;
all common rooms, student lounges and music practice spaces will be closed; there will be no in-person programming or events; there will be a “no guest” policy that applies to all non-SMC residents.
3. Isolation Procedures: Self-isolation will be required for anyone who becomes symptomatic along with their close contacts. Please note: based on the congregate nature of the residence living environment, the isolation period for residents remains a minimum of 10 days for: anyone who tests positive, anyone who has symptoms, anyone considered a close contact of someone who tests positive or has symptoms of COVID-19.
4. Third Dose of Vaccine: If students have had two Health-Canada approved vaccines, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson, we encourage them to get a third dose as soon as they are eligible and then upload it to StarRez. Boosters in Ontario may be taken 3 months after the last dose. Please review our FAQs on vaccines for complete information. For information on where to obtain vaccines, please visit COVID-19 vaccinations | University of Toronto (utoronto.ca).
Rapid Antigen Test: When students do return to residence, we ask that, if available, they complete a rapid antigen test as close to move-in day as possible. If they have a positive result, or have been instructed to self-isolate, they should remain off-campus until their isolation period is complete.
Items in Room: If students want to delay their return to residence but have left some essential items in the residence room, please let us know at: smc.residence@utoronto.ca. We can set up a time to have a guard assist with to collecting necessary items.
Sign up for Delayed Return: If you would like delay your return to residence to qualify for the financial incentive, please contact smc.residence@utoronto.ca. All students who sign up for a delayed return will have their existing key cards deactivated and will be required to check in at the Porter’s Desk to receive new cards upon returning. We strongly encourage residents who sign up for a delayed return to campus, to continue to participate in on-line residence programming with their fellow housemates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during as we work to make our residences as safe as possible for everyone.