News

Dear CUE Community,

I hope that you are well and that you are continuing to successfully manage many of the challenges that this year puts in front of us. As you are probably aware, yesterday afternoon Premier Kenney declared a State of Public Health Emergency and announced new measures to address the current COVID-19 surge. While no changes were specifically recommended or required for post-secondary institutions, I believe that a response is warranted. Effective immediately, in addition to our existing CUE COVID-19 rules:

• All employees, both faculty and staff, who can conceivably work from home are to do so until we return to campus on January 4, 2021. This is mandatory regardless of any personal preferences to work on-campus. Employees should discuss any new arrangements with supervisors.
• In-person Thunder Athletics practices have been cancelled.
• All on-campus meetings and events are to be moved to a virtual format. Unless it is unavoidable, there should be no in-person meetings until January 4, 2021.
• Various in-person campus services will be closed until January 4, 2021. All services will remain available virtually. Those requiring in-person service should check if the service they need is available in that format prior to coming to campus.
• For those who need to study on campus, the Library will remain open physically and virtually as before, operating at 25% capacity. This will now be the only study space available on campus, and there is adequate capacity to safely meet demand.
• Our protocols for on-campus attendance will be strictly enforced. Only masked students and employees are permitted inside of our buildings. Guests, including children and family members, are not permitted unless special permission has been granted prior to the visit by administration. Importantly, CUE identification must be carried at all times. Those without CUE identification are likely to be refused entry to campus.
• Instructors of on-campus classes may consider moving online for the remainder of the semester, but this is not mandatory. Classes can be conducted safely by following the existing protocols we have in place, and thankfully we are nearly over the line! Please inform your Department Chair of any changes.

In most instances these additional measures will not impact our students or employees, who have already become all too familiar with virtual work and study. They will, however, help to ensure that our current run of good luck in avoiding a COVID-19 outbreak on campus continues.

On a different matter, this year more than ever students could use a financial boost, so consider applying for our CUE Scholarships. Every year hundreds of scholarships and bursaries in Canada are not awarded because students do not apply for them. It takes work to put together an application, but it can really pay off. There are 50+ donor-funded scholarships included in our competition at CUE, and you need complete only one online application in order to submit for all of them. Scholarships range in value from $350 to $3,000. Full-time domestic and international undergraduate degree students registered in the fall and winter terms are eligible to apply through Online Services. Concordia’s financial aid advisors are available to answer your scholarship questions. Email them at finaid@concordia.ab.ca or visit financialaid.concordia.ab.ca to book a Google Meet online advising appointment.

Finally, it goes without saying that things are becoming tougher in Edmonton, across Canada, and around the world as the pandemic picks up speed. Take whatever steps you can to protect yourself, those close to you, and your community. Follow the rules and remember that supports are always available for students through Student Life and Learning, and for employees through Human Resources. We care about you, so do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,

Tim Loreman, PhD.

President and Vice Chancellor.