Plan for Phase GOLD in the Fall
by Ronnie Kayla Neiman
Right now, the university is in Phase Grey, even leading into the Spring/Summer semesters. This means that there is a mask requirement, key fob access is required in order to get into buildings for class, and and safe social distancing.
“Brandon University is focused on providing quality educational experiences in a safe environment. As we navigate the challenges of the ongoing pandemic together, we have outlined three options for greater or looser opening of the campus. These broad phases for safely re-opening campus are an easy-to-understand and flexible framework to guide us as we respond to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, especially locally.”
It has been strange to go from an online university back to one with in-person capacities, even as limited as they are.
While there are plans to go into the next phase of reopening the university in September, it is to be done as the situation evolves. Originally during the previous fall, the university had planned to be open for students and staff to be in the classroom, the increase of COVID-19 cases, especially in Brandon, moved the classes back to an online format. It was frustrating for this to change so suddenly, when students were moving back to be near campus. However, this was done withe the safety of the campus, staff and students in mind.
Phased reopening will move from the most cautious Phase Blue to increasingly more open phases of Phase Grey and Phase Gold. Brandon University continues to have regular dialogue with the Province of Manitoba, especially through the Department of Economic Development and Training, to ensure that our plans continue to meet provincial and federal requirements.
Hopefully, the plans to move towards phase gold will go forward and everyone can start to relearn how to live normally, without the content anxiety of a pandemic.
As long as phase gold goes forward, below is the list of restrictions that will be part of the phase.
BU 3: Phase Gold — Some Limitations
In Phase Gold, Brandon University returns to a mainly in-person experience, while continuing to protect our community through increased protective equipment and processes.
Campus
Campus open to the public with limitations
Campus open to employees
Campus open to students
Facilities
Campus facilities open for students, with restrictions
Research access with no limitations
All campus services provided on campus
In-Person Contact
Most employees to work from campus unless ill
In-class learning permitted, subject to public health guidelines (ie. physical distancing)
Other
Masks optional
Additional cleaning and disinfecting required
Travel approved, subject to public health guidelines