JOINT STATEMENT
July 16, 2021 - “As Ontario’s universities and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) prepare to welcome new and returning students this fall, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
OUSA and our universities across the province are proud to recognize the exceptional contributions and dedication of Ontario’s students in accelerating provincial COVID-19 vaccination efforts thus far.
We want to thank each and every one of the many students, staff, faculty and community members who have already received one or both shots, as high vaccination rates play a critical role in bringing student life back to our campuses. Many university students are also volunteering at regional and university-run pop-ups and clinics to help our communities administer vaccines safely and quickly.
With a common goal of ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our university communities and to deliver high-quality university programs and experiences that will support student success, Ontario’s universities will continue to work with public health units and the provincial government to prioritize the health and safety of students in their re-opening strategies.
As we continue to plan for a safe re-opening this September, we are calling on students, staff and faculty to get vaccinated. The more individuals who are immunized against COVID-19 the better we can protect those most at risk, lower the chances of community outbreaks, and begin to offer more enjoyable in-person experiences.
Together, we can work towards an academic year that offers a high-quality, accessible education and continues to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff and faculty.”
-Eunice Oladejo, President, Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
-Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities