COVID Vaccine Policy Letter 2021

Dear Valued Students,

I want to start by expressing my heartfelt welcome to the 2021-22 Academic Year at the de Souza Institute at the Michener/UHN School of Continuing Education. As always, we are excited for you to join us across our many courses, programs and workshops, and to offer you exceptional learning with our expert teachers and instructors.

The student experience we aim to create for you is limited not only to the quality of teaching and learning. Michener is committed to the health and safety of our students and our community. Vaccines have been recognized by authorities as a safe and effective way to protect you and those around you from serious illness due to COVID-19. The Michener Institute of Education at UHN – in alignment with the University Health Network policy, mandatory requirements by the Ministry of Heath, and expectations for post-secondary institutions – will require all students and employees who access Michener for in-person events to be vaccinated. For regional chemotherapy workshops, we will also ask you to understand and follow your local, regional, or workshop hosting institution vaccination requirements.

Proof of vaccination is not required of students who are learning completely online.

To work or study in person at Michener, students and employees will be required to have at minimum their first dose of a two-dose approved Health Canada or World Health Organization vaccine by September 7. Michener will release a vaccination policy shortly that will describe how to report vaccination status and the date by which a second dose must be received. The policy will also address all visitors who access the campus. We will also have a process to accommodate individuals who cannot be vaccinated on medical grounds or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code. That policy will be accessible to de Souza Institute learners on Michener.ca. Proof of vaccination is not required of students who are learning completely online. You will, however, need to demonstrate proof of vaccination if you require entry to Michener’s site for any reason.

Michener will continue to follow existing health and safety measures as set by public health – such as mask-wearing, vigorous cleaning, capacity limits in common spaces and regular self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms. Michener will also continue to monitor for any changes to public health guidelines and review our policies accordingly.

If you are coming onsite to Michener or UHN as a Continuing Education learner, you will be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination, and present it with one piece of government-issued ID. You can access your vaccine receipt here. If this policy impacts your ability to participate, please contact us at support@desouzainstitute.com.

Thank you all for your cooperation and understanding during this time.

Regards,
Mohammad Salhia
Director, Continuing Education