What you need to access campus

The beginning of the fall 2021 semester is just around the corner, with orientation activities officially underway. While the fall will be a transition semester as the university works towards a broader return to campus in winter, we’re looking forward to the increase of activity and energy on campus. 

We appreciate the community’s commitment to adhering to the health and safety guidelines below, and ask that we engage each other with empathy and patience as we transition to broader on-campus activities.

Here are six things you need to know about accessing campus this fall.

Building access is by OneCard only

During the fall 2021 semester, exterior entrances to campus buildings will be locked and will require you to tap your OneCard against the card reader to gain entry. 

An overview of changes to building access at Ryerson, including instructions for what to do if you’ve forgotten your card or if you’ve invited an external guest to campus, is available on the building access during COVID-19 page on the Community Safety and Security website.

If you do not already have a OneCard,  please follow the appropriate link below to learn how to obtain one: 

• Apply for your card (students)
• Get your card (students)
• Get your card (faculty and staff)
• Replace your card (students)
• Replace your card (faculty and staff)

Requirement to submit proof of vaccination

To access campus this fall, Ryerson University will require all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors coming to campus to attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status by submitting proof of vaccination or participate in testing. Submitting your proof will be done via the RyersonSafe app or on desktop. While we will share more details about requirements and processes in the coming days, we encourage community members to download the RyersonSafe app in preparation. 

Health screening required each time you come to campus

Prior to each visit to campus, all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors must complete a mandatory health screening before being granted access to campus buildings. Mandatory health screenings must be completed via the RyersonSafe app or the RyersonSafe Health Screening webpage. You may be asked to show proof of your passed health screening to access some areas on campus, such as the Library or Student Learning Centre.

Wear a mask when indoors

Ryerson’s mask policy requires that a mask or face covering must be worn by every person at all times while indoors in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin. As with all COVID protocols, we ask community members to be courteous and kind. For more information on guidelines and exemptions, visit the Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) page.

Voluntary COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing available on campus

We are pleased to offer voluntary COVID-19 testing to vaccinated community members participating in higher risk activities, such as living in residence or participating in athletics. Voluntary testing is a layer of protection that can complement the various health precautions already in place. Testing will be available as of August 30. Learn more about how to get tested on campus.

Continue to physically distance

The two-metre physical distancing requirement continues to be required by law, and will remain in place until further notice. It is recommended that faculty members hold office hours online, and that staff continue to meet virtually where possible, avoiding meetings in enclosed spaces that cannot support physical distancing requirements.

Check in on any department specific protocol for visiting campus

Specific areas on campus will also have additional COVID-19 processes that must be followed in addition to health screening, such as booking an appointment in advance or completing local contact tracing logs. We recommend confirming any local procedures with the area you’re visiting prior to visiting campus to avoid access delays or confusion.

For more information

To learn more about requirements for accessing campus during the fall 2021 semester as well as health and safety guidelines, please visit Ryerson’s COVID-19 Information and Updates website.

Support continues to be available for the community 

It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to gather, and this has been an extended period of uncertainty and change, both of which are likely to continue. A number of supports continue to be in place to support those coming to campus, as well as those continuing to study and work remotely. Students can learn more about services available to them at the Ryerson Centre for Student Development and Counselling. Employees are encouraged to review the resources made available on the COVID-19 website regarding wellbeing as well as the Ryerson Recharge campaign.