Coronavirus Response
If you have any questions or concerns related to Covid safety—in the Wycliffe College building in general, or your classroom(s) in particular—please email wycliffe.covid@utoronto.ca
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, or are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, please refrain from entering the building and follow the guidance given by the Province of Ontario.
If you test positive for COVID-19, please complete the COVID Reporting form by clicking on the link below:
Fill Out the COVID-19 Reporting Form
Latest Update: June 29, 2022 10:35 A.M. ET
Mask mandates to be lifted July 1, 2022
As previously announced, Wycliffe College is following the guidance and policies of the University of Toronto related to the lifting of COVID-era mandates.
In keeping with UofT guidance, current mask requirements will be lifted as of July 1, 2022.
Some members of our community may choose to continue to wear a mask after July 1. We ask everyone to respect each other’s decisions, comfort levels and health needs.
Updated: April 28, 2022 05:00 P.M. ET
COVID Safety Update
At yesterday’s meeting of Wycliffe College's COVID Response Team, members affirmed the desire to move in tandem with the broader University of Toronto community—and indeed with the Province of Ontario—in transitioning away from the most restrictive pandemic era policies and procedures.
Effective May 1, 2022, both UCheck and WYCcheck are being discontinued. However, in keeping with University of Toronto guidelines announced earlier this week, the requirement to mask in common-use indoor spaces will continue up to and including June 30, 2022. (The College recognizes some limited exceptions are permissible—a reader, preacher, or special event speaker may remove their mask provided that physical distancing is maintained. Members are reminded that adequate ventilation can contribute to reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in indoor settings.
Please note that a streamlined and up-dated version of Wycliffe College's vaccination policy is now available. Read it here.
Updated: April 13, 2022 12:20 P.M. ET
During a meeting of Wycliffe College's COVID Response Team this morning, members determined to continue with all current COVID policies and protocols up to and including May 31, 2022.
In keeping with University of Toronto guidelines, this means that masking and physical distancing measures will remain in place.
Click here to see the most up-to-date version of Wycliffe College's vaccination policy.
Updated: February 2, 2022 4:30 P.M. ET
COVID 19 Vaccination Policy has been updated.
Updated: January 20, 2022 5:20 P.M. ET
Yesterday, the University of Toronto announced the intention to resume in-person teaching and activities effective Monday, February 7.
In keeping with the University’s plans, at Wycliffe College we expect all in-person classes to begin to return Monday, February 7 with the goal of students being situated in their chosen sections by February 28.
Recognizing that there exists ongoing uncertainty and concern within the community regarding the possibility of infection, we understand that some students may feel hesitant to return to in-person study. Please share with your instructor any concerns you may have about returning to class in person to arrange an accommodation plan.
Please note that course sections may be reviewed by the College after section enrolments have been recalculated. If you are currently enrolled in a 1000, 2000, or 3000 level course at another TST college, please contact the Wycliffe Registrar with any concerns and to discuss options.
Updated: January 12, 2022 11:20 A.M. ET
Classes for the Winter 2022 term began on January 10, 2022.
In line with recent U of T announcements, all Wycliffe College classes have resumed with remote instruction only and will continue to meet remotely until at least Monday, January 31, 2022. Please note - that this date is subject to change. The Wycliffe Coronavirus Response Team is continuing to closely monitor public health and University guidelines and will update the College community in due course.
Updated: December 16, 2021 4:40 P.M. ET
Due to concerns surrounding the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, the College will close on Friday, December 17 at 12 noon. Only those employees performing essential work (those for whom the nature of their work requires them to be in the building) may continue to attend in person. All others must work remotely until the official end of the semester on December 22 at noon, and then again from January 5 until further notice.
Classes will resume on January 10, 2022. In line with recent U of T announcements, all Wycliffe College classes will resume with remote instruction only, and will continue to meet remotely until Monday, January 31, 2022. The Wycliffe Coronavirus Response Team will continue to closely monitor public health and University guidelines, and update the College community in due course.
Please note that Chapel will conclude for the semester with Morning Prayer tomorrow, Friday, December 17. It will resume for Morning Prayer, on January 10 at 8:30 am. Students and residents are encouraged to attend, public health guidelines permitting, either in person or online.
Updated: October 14, 2021 9:30 P.M. ET
COVID19 Vaccination Policy has been updated.
Updated: October 8, 2021 3:40 P.M. ET
COVID 19 Vaccination Policy has been updated.
Updated: September 8, 2021 3:40 P.M. ET
COVID 19 Vaccination Policy has been updated.
Updated: September 1, 2021 1:50 P.M. ET
As was recently announced and effective immediately, Wycliffe College students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and visitors are required to furnish proof of full vaccination before they will be permitted to enter the building, or to take up an off-campus student placement. Full vaccination requires a comprehensive course of Health Canada-approved or WHO-recognized vaccines, with the final shot administered on or before October 4, 2021. In the interim (from September 7–October 4) community members who are undergoing a course of vaccinations who wish to access the College or U of T campus are required to undergo rapid testing.
Exemptions to this policy will be granted—in writing, upon approval—only under validated human rights grounds. Validated human rights grounds include medical conditions that would prevent a person from receiving COVID vaccinations.**
Proof of full vaccination must be presented in person and a paper copy provided to Wycliffe College, which will be retained and securely stored for a period of time. After the presentation of such proof, a swipe card will be provided to the individual that permits access to the building. Students are asked to enter the College only on those days when they have a scheduled class, meeting or event. Staff are asked to enter the College only on those days when they are scheduled to be in the office.
Before each visit (whether to the Wycliffe College building or to other buildings on the U of T campus) students are required to complete a U-check self-assessment. Staff will be required to complete an online self-assessment the link to which will be emailed to them each weekday.
For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), visit Your Guide to the 2021-22 School Year.
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** To begin the process of applying for a medical exemption to this policy: students must provide a doctor’s note specifying that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to registrar@wycliffe.utoronto.ca; staff must provide a doctor’s note specifying that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to karen.baker@wycliffe.utoronto.ca.
Those who receive written exemptions will be connected with appropriate resources to develop a reasonable accommodation plan that will include—but not be limited to—rapid testing prior to each campus visit.
Updated: August 19, 2021 2:45 P.M. ET
Today, the Wycliffe College Board of Trustees endorsed a policy affecting any who anticipate being on campus this fall. We are following the practice of a number of universities and have framed our protocols in light of the recently announced health plan of the University of Toronto, which requires full vaccination against COVID-19 for those on University of Toronto property.
In our College policy, students, staff, faculty, volunteers, and visitors will be asked to furnish proof of full vaccination before being allowed to enter the building or take up an off-campus student placement. More details regarding this policy and its implementation will be available shortly.
Updated: August 17, 2021 2:30 P.M. ET
The University of Toronto recently announced a vaccination requirement for students, staff, faculty and librarians that is informed by the latest public health guidance.
UofT will require all those intending to be on campus to be fully vaccinated – as vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective ways to minimize the dangers of COVID-19. For all the details, see this August 11, 2021 UofT news story. See also, this helpful list of FAQs related to Fall 2021.
Updated: June 16, 2021 1:15 P.M. ET
The University of Toronto (including Wycliffe College) will require students living in residence during the 2021-2022 academic year to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For all the details, click here to see the UofT's June 8, 2021 announcement.
Updated: May 6, 2021 3:00 P.M. ET
Wycliffe has been notified that non-OHIP insured patients who reside in Ontario (including UHIP members) are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost—regardless of where it is administered. The Government of Ontario is committed to ensuring access to ALL people in Ontario (including visitors and non-OHIP insured individuals).
Currently, there are no private clinics in Ontario that have the vaccine to administer, but this may change. When/if it changes, it means that UHIP members should not be charged—these physicians will have instructions to bill the Ministry of Health directly. If there is a charge, members should contact case.mgmt@sunlife.com for handling. Right now, it’s not clear if other provinces will follow suit. This means if private clinics outside of Ontario have the ability to administer the COVID-19 vaccination, there still may be a charge to UHIP members.
Updated: April 14, 2021 3:00 P.M. ET
Beginning in September, Wycliffe College will once again offer in-person classes, chapel, and events (as public health guidelines permit). For those who cannot come to Toronto, we will continue to make available a full array of online courses, chapel, and events until the end of August 2022.
Updated: February 23, 2:30 P.M. ET
New Government of Canada Quarantine Requirements
If you are arriving in Canada by air:
As of February 22, 2021, students arriving by air must stay at a Government of Canada-approved hotel near the airport while they wait for the results of a mandatory COVID-19 test taken upon arrival at the airport. Please see the links below for further information, including the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Canada, hotel booking information, and ArriveCAN app details:
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Government of Canada: Flying to Canada checklist
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Government of Canada: Bookings and lists of hotels
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Government of Canada: Traveller expectations during hotel stay
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University of Toronto: Emergency Funding undergraduate; graduate
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University of Toronto: Quarantine Programs
If you are arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport
Following the mandatory hotel stopover and upon receipt of a negative COVD-19 test, students will complete their quarantine time in the University of Toronto program. Further information about the government-mandated program is available upon registration.
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Toronto Pearson Airport: COVID-19 Testing
If you are arriving at Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, or Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you must complete the mandatory stopover in that city before travelling on to Toronto.
Following the mandatory hotel stopover and upon receipt of a negative COVD-19 test, students will be able to complete their travels to Ontario and their quarantine time in the University of Toronto program. Further information is available upon registration in the program.
If you are driving to Canada:
As of February 22, 2021, students arriving by a land border must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival. This test is in addition to having a negative test result within 72 hours prior to arrival. See links below for further information including testing requirements, booking information, and ArriveCAN app details.
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Government of Canada: Driving to Canada checklist
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Government of Canada: Backgrounder including list of Land Ports of Entry with onsite testing
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University of Toronto: Quarantine Programs
University of Toronto Quarantine Programs
There are two programs: The Full UofT Program and the “At-Home” program for students who have their own suitable location in which to quarantine.
As part of the Full program, the University will provide:
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Transportation from the Government of Canada designated hotel to the UofT quarantine location. If you are travelling from another Canadian city where you completed your mandatory hotel stopover, transportation will be provided from Toronto Pearson Airport to the UofT quarantine location.
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Private room with washroom
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3 meals/day delivered to your door
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Other supports (daily check-in/nurse monitoring, quarantine supplies including personal thermometer, on-location staff, and connections with your academic division for information on programming, orientation, etc. during your quarantine)
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On-site COVID-19 testing
As part of the At-Home program, students will receive:
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Regular health checks by U of T’s Health and Wellness team
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Connections with their academic division for information on programming and orientation during quarantine
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Downloadable resources such as food and pharmacy delivery services
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A confirmation letter to support your entry into Canada, i.e. confirming that you have registered for the program and will be receiving regular health checks during the quarantine program.
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In addition, At-Home students will be required to get a COVID-19 test and await negative results before coming to campus including, if applicable, moving into residence. Information on how students can be tested will be provided upon arrival.
Registration for the At-Home and Full program is available at starrez.utoronto.ca (students will need to login using their JOIN/UTORid). Currently, registration is available for arrivals up until March 31st. An update will be provided regarding quarantine support beyond the end of March on the U of T website and StarRez on March 15th.
Students will need to sign and agree to comply with self-isolation protocols aligned with relevant government guidance, and remain in their rooms for the quarantine period. Guests will not be allowed during this time.
For further information please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca.
Updated: November 23, 7:00 A.M. ET
On Friday, the University of Toronto announced its decision to delay the start of the Winter term by one week. President Gertler reflects the concern of all academic administrators for the wellness of students, faculty, and staff when he writes, “We want to make sure that you’re able to rest and recharge, and to make the most of the upcoming holiday break.”
As a result, the heads of the TST colleges have agreed to adjust the start of our term also. For all the details regarding this and other important delays, read the announcement from Principal Stephen Andrews.
Updated: October 22, 2:30 P.M. ET
Recently, Wycliffe College's leadership made the decision that as in the Fall term, all classes offered in the Winter term will be accessible remotely. We are heeding the directives of the Province of Ontario and following the practice of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts and Science, as well as those of the other colleges of the Toronto School of Theology. Read the announcement from Principal Stephen Andrews.
Updated: October 07, 10:00 A.M. ET
The symptoms of COVID-19 can resemble a cold or flu. Any member of the Wycliffe College community who is experiencing any symptoms related to cold, flu, or COVID-19 must self-isolate and complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form. It is critical that if you have at least one symptom of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing), or even mild symptoms, you must self-isolate to avoid spreading illness to others.
Immediate actions you should take include:
- Immediately isolate yourself to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19;
- Contact your local public health authority and follow their advice; and
- Complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
You need to self-isolate if you:
- Have symptoms, even if mild, associated with COVID-19;
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19;
- Are waiting for laboratory test results after being tested for COVID-19; or
- Have been advised to self-isolate by your regional public health authority.
Self-isolating means staying home and avoiding all contact with others.
If your symptoms worsen, immediately contact your healthcare provider or public health authority and follow their instructions.
If a positive case is reported within our community, it is communicated to the UofT and will be reflected on their case count dashboard. Note: Wycliffe College is located on the St. George campus. Case counts indicated on the UofT dashboard represent those of the entire St. George campus.
Updated: July 14, 9:30 A.M. EST
An up-to-the-minute list of Frequently Asked Questions especially for Wycliffe College students and residents is now available. Visit Study 2020-21 for the answers to all the questions you're asking as you prepare for Fall.
Updated: June 25, 2020, 2:55 P.M. EST
See important updates for new students, returning students, and International students: "Get Ready for Fall."
Updated: May 8, 2020, 3:20 P.M. EST
See the University of Toronto's Summary of the Government of Canada Support Announcement.
Updated: May 5, 2020, 5:00 P.M. EST
Please see the latest message from Principal Stephen Andrews concerning the Fall 2020 semester.
approved or WHO-recognized vaccines, with the final shot administered on or before October 4, 2021. In the interim (from September 7–October 4) community members who are undergoing a course of vaccinations who wish to access the College or U of T campus are required to undergo rapid testing.
Updated: March 26, 2020, 7:30 A.M. EST
Yesterday, the University of Toronto announced that its June convocation ceremonies will be postponed. Likewise, all May convocation ceremonies at the Toronto School of Theology will be postponed.
At Toronto School of Theology, we share the disappointment expressed in President Gertler’s letter and want to assure our students that those who complete their degree requirements on time will still graduate and receive their degrees and parchments as they become available.
Each Toronto School of Theology College is making plans for the rescheduling of its convocation. Given the changing situation, all of those details are not yet in place. Each College will be in contact with its own students to confirm alternate plans.
This decision was not taken lightly. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements when Convocation ceremonies are able to take place.
Updated: March 19, 2020, 1:50 P.M. EST
In order to comply with government requests that all non-essential staff remain at home, effective Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m., staff will no longer be working on Wycliffe's front desk and taking phone calls. If you need to connect with faculty or staff, we encourage you to do so by email.
Updated: March 17, 2020, 4:30 P.M. EST
For updates on changes to the University of Toronto library services and operations, please visit https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/news/covid-19-updates-library-services-and-operations.
As of 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, the John W. Graham Library will be closed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please visit https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/library/hours, and any changes to Graham Library services are posted on the webpage: https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/library/library-services.
If you are having difficulty locating material for your final assignments, please email your query to the Theology Librarian, Thomas Power: thomas.power@utoronto.ca
Guide to accessing electronic library resources
Updated: March 16, 2020, 11:15 A.M. EST
In order to protect the health and safety of our community, the College building will remain closed and locked until further notice. All classes have been moved online, and faculty and staff are working from home and may be reached by email. All events in the College have been cancelled. The front desk will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday to Friday) to answer phone calls and questions. Wycliffe's COVID-19 response team will continue to monitor local conditions and public health recommendations. Check back to this page for updates.
For changes to library hours, please visit https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/news/covid-19-updates-library-services-and-operations.
Graham Library hours: https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/library/hours/
Updated: March 13, 2020, 2:00 P.M. EST
Attention Students:
Acting out of an abundance of caution and in the interests of protecting the health and safety of community members, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 all in-person classes at Wycliffe College will be moved to a format using remote access using webinar technology. This change does not affect online classes currently underway.
Faculty and staff will (primarily) work from home, coordinating efforts to ensure all students are able to successfully complete the term.
In most cases, students can expect to finish their courses using Zoom for lectures and Quercus to access reading assignments. We will endeavour to record all classes so that in the event that technical difficulties arise, students will be able to watch their lectures at a later time.
Also effective Monday, March 16, 2020, College doors will be locked. Only people with key cards will have access to the building.
Questions can be addressed to Peter Robinson, Academic Dean at: probinson@wycliffe.utoronto.ca
Thank you for your co-operation!
Updated: March 13, 2020, 1:00 P.M. EST
Wycliffe College's Plans for Completing the Academic Year
Many of you have probably heard that U of T has decided to move all in-person undergraduate and research-stream Masters and Doctoral courses across U of T’s three campuses to online formats. In light of this, Wycliffe College is committed to completing the term by moving all classes to online formats effective Monday, March 16th until the end of the term. We will be sending out more detailed instructions to all students and faculty later this afternoon.
Updated: March 12, 2020
Wycliffe College has established a response team to engage with issues surrounding the coronavirus. This team is actively monitoring local conditions related to COVID-19, and will work to provide updates to you as circumstances change and as information becomes available.
Your health, wellness and safety are our top priorities. Members of the College community are encouraged to visit the University of Toronto response page for helpful information and resources.
In addition, we will be providing information of particular interest to the various groups that compose the Wycliffe College community: