July 17, 2020 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Message from the Principal:

To the King’s Community,

As we prepare to implement our Return to Campus framework, one of the important health and safety considerations is how we will all contribute to stopping the spread of COVID-19 when we are on campus for classes, work, or accessing services.

Across Ontario, and indeed, around the world, people have easily adopted to wearing masks or non-medical face coverings to protect others and themselves from contracting COVID-19. This practice, alongside physical distancing, staying home when you are sick, and hand washing will help us keep our rates of infection low in London.

With this goal in mind, in tandem with the City of London, Middlesex-London Health Unit, and Western University, King’s will require you to wear a non-medical mask or face covering in the presence of others, in common and shared spaces on campus and when physical distancing is difficult to maintain. These masks must cover your mouth and nose.

What will drive the success of all of our safety measures during the pandemic is a culture of care and respect. King’s culture means caring for each other, wearing a mask, keeping social distance, staying home if you are not well, being compassionate for the many challenges we face – the decisions and the errors we make. 

So, as we inch our way closer to returning to campus in larger numbers, let’s keep in the front of our minds the values and grace that drive us to make King’s not only an outstanding academic institution, but also a safe and caring place to be and to become.

King’s will provide everyone who has to be on campus with one reusable branded mask while supplies last. As well, you can choose to wear your own mask. Students and employees can receive a reusable mask in the following ways:

  • Distribution to employees through Budget Unit Head 
  • Distribution to residence students in September in their rooms/welcome packages 
  • Pick-up at Enrolment Services with student card in September (new students)
  • Distribution to students (not in residence) on campus at rotating locations in September (while supplies last) 

We understand that exceptions will need to be made to accommodate people who are unable to wear masks. If you are an employee, you can discuss this with your supervisor. Those students who cannot wear a mask due to medical reasons, i.e. difficulty breathing, are exempt as per provincial guidelines. Students are directed to the Dean of Students at acsd@kings.uwo.ca if they have questions or require assistance.

Thank you, in advance, for your participation in wearing a mask on campus, alongside physical distancing.

As always, take care of yourself, wear a mask to take care of each other, and we will continue to take care of this place together.

David C. Malloy, PhD
Principal
King’s University College