You are now in the main content area

What you need to access campus

September 02, 2021

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, 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 requirements and guidelines below, and ask that members of the university community continue to engage each other with empathy and patience as we transition to broader on-campus activities.

6 requirements to access campus this fall

Requirement to submit proof of vaccination

As of September 7, all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors must be fully vaccinated to attend campus or in-person university activities off campus, per the COVID-19 Vaccination policy. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to participate in the rapid antigen testing program, regardless of any exemption that may apply.

As of October 18, individuals must have submitted full proof of vaccination or been approved for an exemption. The exemption must be related to medical, creed or other protected grounds recognized by Ontario's Human Rights Code. Individuals who have received an approved exemption from the university will continue to be required to participate in the rapid antigen testing program. 

Individuals who have not submitted full proof of vaccination or received an approved exemption from the University as of October 18 will no longer be able to submit rapid antigen test results to access campus or in-person university activities off campus. 

How to submit proof or apply for an exemption: Coming soon!  

Submitting your proof of vaccination will be done via the RyersonSafe mobile app or on a desktop. While we will share more details about the processes to submit next week, we encourage community members to download the RyersonSafe app in preparation. Community members accessing campus or in-person university activities off campus will be required to submit proof of vaccination status or apply for an exemption by September 20Review frequently asked questions online.

Building access is by OneCard only

During the fall 2021 semester, exterior entrances to campus buildings will be locked and only accessible by tapping your OneCard against the card reader to gain entry. If you do not already have a OneCard or need a replacement, please visit the OneCard website for more information.

For an overview of changes to building access at Ryerson, including instructions for what to do if you’ve forgotten your card, visit the building access during COVID-19 page on the Community Safety and Security website.

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 Ryerson 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.

Continue to physically distance 

Physical distancing requirements in indoor instruction spaces 

According to the most recent guidance released from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and amendments to the applicable emergency regulations, physical distancing guidelines have been relaxed for indoor instructional spaces at post-secondary institutions. 

2 metres physical distancing required in all other spaces  

In all other spaces on campus, such as common spaces and corridors, 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. Review information on physical distancing on campus.

Check department specific protocols

Some areas on campus 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 attending campus to avoid access delays or confusion.

Voluntary COVID-19 rapid antigen testing available on campus

In addition to the required rapid antigen testing program for those who are not vaccinated, 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 an added layer of protection that complements the various health and safety precautions already in place. Learn more about voluntary testing available on campus.

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 our 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, which is 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 through Student Wellbeing. Employees are encouraged to review the resources made available on the COVID-19 website regarding wellbeing, as well as the Ryerson Recharge campaign.