Back to StFX.ca/coronavirus
Updated: as of 4:20 PM, Friday September 4th, 2020
We have a new email box for the campus community to use should they have questions/concerns that are not covered within our FAQs. This is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to reach out with any comments, questions or concerns related to COVID-19: Comments&Questions@stfx.ca
The mailbox is monitored Mon – Fri, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Please indicate your arrival time on your Travel and Self-Isolation Plan, and email residence@stfx.ca. Some flexibility on arrival and move-in times can be pre-arranged if arrival is not possible within the designated window that will be assigned to students in the coming weeks.
Yes. All students are expected to bring at least 2 non-medical masks, which they will be required to where everywhere on campus. Students may only remove their mask while in their own room with the door closed.
Please note these following items:
On August 20, the Nova Scotia Government announced mandatory COVID-19 testing for all university students arriving in the province from outside the Atlantic Canada bubble on or after August 20. All students from outside the “bubble” will be tested three times, whether they are isolating in residence or off campus.
As part of this requirement, all students entering Nova Scotia from outside Atlantic Canada must complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in form. This includes students coming from all other Canadian provinces/territories and from other countries. Once you submit the form, you will be given directions about COVID-19 testing.
Please note this check-in form is in addition to the arrival form that students were already required to submit to StFX.
For students self-isolating on campus
Family members are permitted to assist their student as they move into residence so long as the student is then about to complete their 14-day isolation period. In this instance, parents and family members are expected to make as few stops as possible within the province and return home at first opportunity. This includes avoiding public areas and entering into businesses. If family members plan to stay in Nova Scotia for any length of time, they are expected to self-isolate for 14 days. These guidelines are set by Nova Scotia Public Health Officials.
For students self-isolating off campus
If your student has completed their self-isolation off campus, you are not permitted to help them move to Antigonish unless one of the two following scenarios applies to you:
1. You are from within Atlantic Canada; OR
2. You have also completed a 14-day self-isolation period.
This is because you will come into close contact with your student (which signifies a higher risk of infection) after they have completed their isolation period.
Anyone travelling into Nova Scotia is encouraged to review information related to provincial requirements for travel. It is the responsibility of students and their support persons to review and understand the travel requirements set forth by provincial health authorities. For the latest information on travel restrictions and requirements for Nova Scotia, please visit novascotia.ca/coronavirus.
Currently, the Province of Nova Scotia requires any person travelling from outside of the Atlantic Provinces to seIf-isolate for 14 days from the date of their arrival in Atlantic Canada. Students who are required to self-isolate must submit their Travel and Isolation Plan to StFX by Friday, July 31, 2020. The plan can be submitted online via this link: https://stfx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AQ4Ida6kYyq3FH
Please note that students are not required to complete their self-isolation period in Antigonish if there is another location within Atlantic Canada where they can complete their isolation. Students must indicate where they are self-isolating via the Travel and Isolation Plan link above.
All residence students who wish to complete their isolation period in their residence rooms must indicate this on their Travel and Isolation Plan by Friday, July 31, 2020. The plan can be submitted online via this link: https://stfx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AQ4Ida6kYyq3FH
Students from outside of Atlantic Canada who are choosing to complete their self-isolation period in residence must arrive on campus on either August 27 or 28, within a two-hour window that will be assigned by University Housing.
Students living in these residences must arrive on August 27, at the time assigned by University Housing:
Students living in these residences must arrive on August 28, at the time assigned by University Housing:
All residence students who are self-isolating on campus will be supported with meal delivery (3 meals a day) and laundry service (once) during their isolation period.
For students who are not completing their isolation on campus, or who do not need to self-isolate:
Students who are not completing their isolation on campus, or who do not need to self-isolate, will move into residence on either September 10, 11, 12, or 13 within a two-hour window that will be assigned by University Housing.
Students who live off-campus are integrated within the town and have a responsibility to do their part for the safety of themselves and the entire community. The Town of Antigonish, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Antigonish detachment, the Landlords’ Association, and StFX have partnered on a plan to support students who live within the town, and to ensure the safety and peace of mind for the permanent residents of the town.
Students living off-campus are citizens of the Town of Antigonish, sharing neighbourhoods with permanent residents of the town and representing StFX in the community. Good neighbours cre- ate strong communities. All citizens have a responsibility to each other to adhere to the provincial rules regarding social gatherings, self-isolation, diligent hygiene practices, self-monitoring for symptoms, and any additional requirements that may be in place when you arrive in the commu- nity. Local businesses and organizations may have additional requirements such as the require- ment to wear a mask or move through the building by following arrows and other directions. Please be diligent about watching for, and following building specific requirements.
Off-campus students are responsible for any guests they permit in their home. They are responsible for ensuring that:
Social gatherings are within the regulations set by the province. Current maximum gathering sizes are available at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restriction-updates;
Requirements for physical distancing are maintained at all times;
The property is kept clean and environmental waste is placed curb side on the designated day for pick up;
Noise is not a nuisance or disruptive to the neighbours;
They and their guests do not have open alcohol on the sidewalks or while in transit, to or from the home;
They and their guests use appropriate washroom facilities (no public urination); and,
They and their guests are respectful and kind towards members of the community at all times.
Any student coming from an area where self-isolation is required by the Nova Scotia government must self-isolate, even if they live off campus.
Students who are required to self-isolate, including those who live off-campus, must submit their Travel and Isolation Plan to StFX by Friday, July 31, 2020. The plan can be submitted online via this link: https://stfx.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0AQ4Ida6kYyq3FH
StFX will designate a community support person for these students, who can purchase groceries and complete other errands for the student while they are in self-isolation. Please note the student will be responsible for the cost of groceries and/or other supplies purchased.
The 14-day self-isolation period will extend to 14 days from the arrival of the last person in a shared living space. Atlantic Canadian students with roommates who must self-isolate will themselves also be required to self-isolate for a full 14 days, if they arrive prior to completion of their roommate’s 14-day self-isolation period.
To this end, students are encouraged to coordinate arrival times.
Once settled within Antigonish, we strongly encourage students to restrict and limit travel to es- sential travel only during the academic term. In fact, StFX’s Fall Reading Week has been cancelled in order to minimize campus community travel and the risk of exposure from other communities outside of Antigonish. This follows StFX’s employee protocols, which only permit essential work-related travel during the term.
The StFX Students’ Union is hosting a number of virtual orientation events during the month of September. Visit theu.ca to learn more and buy an X-Fest kit, which includes some SWAG and giveaways.
Bracelets can be retrieved at the Keating Centre between 10 AM – 2 PM, Monday to Friday
Students will be issued a green wristband when:
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Yes, arrangements can be made for you to leave your belongings in residence while you isolate. When you submit your Travel and Self-Isolation Plan, please indicate this arrangement on the form and be sure to indicate both your arrival time in N.S. and where you plan to self-isolate. University Housing will contact you to arrange a time to drop off belongings in residence on either August 27 or 28.
All students travelling into Atlantic Canada are encouraged to review this tip sheet, including information on provincial requirements for travel. It is the responsibility of students and their support persons to review and understand the travel requirements set forth by provincial health authorities. This tip sheet is offered as a guideline only.
Please note that provincial regulations can change. Visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus for the latest updates.
Those accompanying their student from outside of Atlantic Canada must follow the self-isolation guidelines for the duration of their stay. If less than 14-days, parents should make as few stops in Nova Scotia as possible, continuing to self-isolate as much as possible. StFX will allow one support person to assist students with the move-in process. The support person and student must wear masks at all times while on campus.
Yes. Students living in residence for the 2020-21 academic year may choose to complete their self-isolation in residence, where they will be supported with 3 meals per day delivered to their door and laundry service. Students planning to self-isolate in residence must inform the university on the StFX Student Travel and Isolation Plan.
The designated dates for early arrival to residence for isolation are August 27th and 28th. Students who request to do their isolation in their assigned residence will be contacted by University Housing to schedule their arrival and check-in.
All students isolating in Antigonish, whether on or off-campus, will be assigned a support person who will:
No. Residence students are not required to self-isolate on campus if they have another location in Atlantic Canada where they can complete their isolation period. All students, whether living in residence or off-campus, who are required to self-isolate upon arrival must submit a Travel and Isolation Plan to the university prior to travelling to Nova Scotia. (StFX Student Travel and Isolation Plan)
If a student becomes symptomatic during the self-isolation period, they are required to consult with 811.novascotia.ca and follow the direction of public health officials for testing. A student who develops symptoms must also notify their support person.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19 while in isolation, they must inform the university by telling their support person or emailing isolate@stfx.ca. Student supports (meal delivery and laundry service) will continue, and a representative of the local Public Health authority will be in regular contact with the student. Students living in a building with shared washrooms will be relocated to a designated space on campus until they are cleared by Public Health to return to their residence.
Upon completion of the self-isolation period, students will be issued a green bracelet and be able to access campus facilities.
Off-Campus Students
Beginning August 25, all off-campus students who have completed the 14-day self-isolation requirements ORs off-campus students from inside the Atlantic Bubble can pick up their green bracelet at the Keating Centre foyer between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Residence Students
Students isolating on campus are not eligible for a wristband until they have completed their isolation period. A residence team member will confirm when they have finished their isolation and direct them to a pick up location.
Residence students arriving after September 10th who are not required to isolate will receive their green wristband upon check-in at the Keating Centre.
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. With regard to residence, we will introduce a number of procedures, including:
No. The university will only offer single rooms, a move that reduces our residence capacity by almost 300 students.
Students who selected a double room will be contacted by University Housing for relocation to a new room. The student will be charged the lower residence fee where there is a difference between the original assignment and their new assignment.
Two of our residence buildings (Cameron and MacKinnon Hall) have shared semi-private stall washrooms. The washrooms in these buildings will be restricted to one-person occupancy at a time, to ensure physical distancing.
MacIsaac Hall washrooms will have a reduced number of sinks available to ensure two metres of space between user.
To ensure safety in meal-hall, we will:
No. Access is restricted only to residents of a given building, and any approved university staff or contractor. Allowing unauthorized guests into a residence is a serious violation of this policy.
Students who require health accommodations should contact the University Housing office (residence@stfx.ca) with their documented needs. It is recommended that these students consider a later arrival date after other students have completed their mandatory self-isolation. They may request suite-style rooms with separate washroom facilities.
Community is integral to StFX, and part of what makes us so special. To this point, we have already introduced community building activities for all incoming students through our new X and U initiative. Through X and U, students will be able to virtually meet their residence-mates over the summer months and take part in a number of community mixers. To learn more about X and U, email studentlife@stfx.ca
Our residence communities will also offer more programming and social opportunities (within each residence building) throughout the fall term. Rest assured it will still be possible to make friends!
To allow for new and returning students to adapt to the new way of living and studying on campus, the arrival and settling in period will be substance free in residences. Students, regardless of age, are not permitted to consume alcohol or cannabis on campus during the adjustment period. With adherence to the Community guidelines and demonstrated evidence that community spread of COVID – 19 has not occurred, alcohol may be permitted in designated spaces (see the Alcohol in StFX’s Residence Policy). Smoking or vaping in building is a fire hazard and is never permitted in residence.
Other than at the Golden X Inn during operating hours, students who possess or consume alcohol or drugs including cannabis while restrictions prohibiting such substances remain in place, are in violation of this policy.
It is important to note that intoxication or being under the influence will not excuse behaviour that puts the community at risk. Students must be aware that they are accountable for their actions if they return to residence under the influence/intoxicated.
The move-in process will be tightly controlled this year to reduce the number of students and families on campus at any given time. To this end, all students will be assigned a specific move-in date and time by University Housing.
For students to be on campus, they must follow these seven protocols:
Anyone accessing campus must be able to answer ‘no’ to the questions noted below. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk to the community, please conduct this questionnaire daily (before you come to campus or leave your residence room.) Further, accoring to the provincial government you should call 811 for assessment if in the past 48 hours you have had, or you are currently experiencing:
OR
Two or more of the following symptoms (new or worsening):
You should also call 811 for assessment if you think you've been exposed to COVID-19 or have any other symptoms that concern you.
Only persons who are not experiencing any of the symptoms noted above will be permitted on campus.
Any individual who answers ‘Yes’ to one of these symptom questions should consult 811, Nova Scotia’s tele-health service and follow the advice presented. They should not come to campus (or leave their residence room) until their symptoms subside and, if directed for a COVID-19 test by public health officials, their test results come back negative.
Students must wash and/or sanitize their hands frequently. Hand sanitizer will be available in office buildings near common areas used for work. Students using shared surfaces and equipment will be required to sanitize their hands prior to use (photocopier/door handle, study spaces, etc.) and again after use of a common area.
Students will be provided wipes to use on contact areas within their residence/study area.
Students are encouraged to bring ample supplies of hand soap, hand sanitizer, and prescriptions/medications to last the duration of the term. We also recommend that students bring 2-5 clean, reusable non-medical masks.
Everyone on campus must maintain a physical distance from other persons of two metres whenever they can. Current Public Health directives require that all Nova Scotians follow physical distancing guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of getting sick.
When MPD is not possible and two or more people are required to be within two metres of each other, each person must wear a non-medical mask.
Students are expected to have at least two washable masks and are responsible for ensuring they are cleaned regularly in the laundry. Masks are required to be worn on campus at all times, unless there is no potential to be in contact with others (I.e. when you are alone in your own residence room). This measure may change depending on the ongoing risk assessment of the virus in our region and campus.
StFX will require NMMs be worn by all employees, students and visitors to campus. The university will train students about correct use, care, and their limitations.
StFX recognizes that masks represent a significant change in the day-to-day routine of most people and may require specific accommodations. Accommodations will be based on a hazard assessment of each person’s work and learning environment and duties.
Face-to-face meetings should be avoided wherever possible. In cases where face-to-face meetings are unavoidable, the number of people may not exceed the current public health regulations, and those meeting must maintain a two-metre distance between people.
All members of the StFX community have a responsibility to follow these mandatory measures and do their part to keep each other safe and healthy. To this end, all students are required to respect the Public Health and StFX directives regarding:
All students that successfully complete the check-in process will be issued a green bracelet that must be worn until September 30. The green bracelet is required to access academic and admin- istrative buildings on campus. Your green bracelet signals that you are fully aware, understand and agree to your role and responsibilities, including behavioural expectations, to keep the StFX campus and the community of Antigonish safe.
Students who are required to self-isolate for 14 days will be issued a green bracelet by their support person after they have completed the isolation period.
Yes. Non-medical masks are required to be worn on campus at all times, indoors and out, unless there is no potential to be in contact with others. This measure may change depending on the ongoing risk assessment of the virus in our region and campus.
Students are expected to have at least two washable masks and are responsible for ensuring they are cleaned regularly in the laundry.
If the student lives on campus:
If the student lives off campus:
StFX has a Community Code of Conduct that governs appropriate behaviours for all students, whether they live on or off campus.
A violation of any health and safety measures related to COVID-19 will be considered a violation of our Community Code of Conduct, and could result in penalties that range from fines to suspensions, or even expulsion from the university without any refund for tuition costs and residence fees.
Under the Emergency Measures Act in Nova Scotia individuals can be fined up to $1000 for failing to follow the self-isolation requirements, physical distancing, gathering size limits, or other regulations imposed under the act. The local RCMP notifies StFX when they respond to a call that results in a charge or summary offence ticket issued to a student. StFX will follow up with the student and may impose additional outcomes such as probation, loss of student privileges, or even suspension from the university.
All community members are encouraged to notify the university of any concerns about behaviour that violates this policy or the Public Health regulations by emailing studentlife@stfx.ca or phoning 902-867-2276. Reports can be made in confidence.
Your health and safety is our top priority. There will be no tolerance for students who wilfully disregard any safety measure in place regarding COVID-19, whether that measure has been introduced by StFX, the Town and/or County of Antigonish, or Nova Scotia public health officials.
If you suspect or are aware of someone who is not self-isolating when they should be, have a conversation with the person to understand why they are not self-isolating – for instance, do they need help getting groceries or medications so that they can stay home? Offer assistance and inform them of the supports and services available on campus. Remind them to email isolate@ stfx.ca. Students can also send a message directly to us using this email address to let us know of an individual who needs support and we will reach out to assist them.
If you encounter an individual, group or business that is blatantly ignoring or going against self-isolation requirements, or any Public Health regulation, you must contact Student Life 902- 870-2976 or the non-emergency line of the RCMP Antigonish 905-867-6500 to report it.
Students are integral to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the Antigonish area. That’s why we continue to work closely with government officials, including the town and county of Antigonish, on our plans to safely and responsibly welcome students back to campus. Our plans have also been reviewed, and have incorporated any feedback provided, by the Province (Public Health and the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of students is our top priority. To this end, we are taking a number of steps this year to foster positive mental health and resiliency:
StFX and the StFX Students’ Union have established emergency relief funds for students facing financial difficulties related to COVID-19. For more information, including how to apply, visit The StFX Emergency Relief Fund and The U’s Emergency Grant Program.
Yes. This fall StFX will offer a mixed method of course delivery, with most classes taking place in person on our campus in Antigonish. Some courses, where there are too many students to ensure safe physical distancing, will take place online. We anticipate that most of our classes will take place in person.
The first day of fall-term classes is Monday, September 14.
Students may elect not to return to campus and complete some courses online. However, as a limited number of courses will be offered online, it may not be possible for them to fulfill and of their program requirements in a timely manner.
The course timetable includes detail on course delivery methods, including in-person and online classes.
StFX has a number of factors in its favour, including a rural location that’s removed from bigger urban centres, and a smaller student population as compared to many larger universities in the province. We are confident we can create a safe environment for students to continue their university education in person. To this end, we have worked carefully on a plan to safely and responsibly welcome students back to campus, including incorporating any feedback provided by public health officials in Nova Scotia.
International students who have questions about visa requirements or are unsure if they will be able to reach campus should email our Office of Internationalization at international@stfx.ca.
The course timetable was released on July 9. At this point, you can see which courses are offered and the format that will be used for course delivery.
For returning students:
StFX’s mixed-method approach to course delivery – including in-person, online-scheduled delivery (synchronous) and online-no schedule (asynchronous) options – presents a number of challenges and opportunities.
By delaying registration for Winter term, we will be able to assess mixed-method delivery and the public health situation related to COVID-19, and make decisions about Winter courses accordingly. It will also prevent unnecessary de-registering and re-registering of courses should the timetable need to be adjusted.
Students who register for Fall term and full-year courses only will have a status of ‘part-time student,’ which will impact their ability to meet student loan requirements and access RESP funds or external bursaries and scholarships. By registering for a placeholder course, students will ensure they maintain their full-time student status.
Therefore, all students intending to take courses this Winter should register in July for a placeholder course that reflects the number of credits they plan to pursue in Winter term. For instance, students who wish to take a full-course load of 15 credits should register for the 15-credit placeholder option. The chart below reflects the placeholder options that will be available to students.
Please note that registering for a placeholder option will not oblige you to take that number of credits in the Winter term should your plans change.
CRN
SUBJ CODE
COURSE
TITLE
CRED
COURSE START DATE
COURSE END DATE
55809
STFX
003:20
Second term 3CR
3
06-JAN-21
21-APR-21
55808
006:20
Second term 6CR
6
55792
009:20
Second term 9CR
9
55791
012:20
Second term 12CR
12
55790
015:20
Second term 15CR
15
StFX is offering a mixed-method course delivery for fall term, with three different styles of delivery:
IN-PERSON
ONLINE–SCHEDULED DELIVERY (SYNCHRONOUS)
ONLINE–NO SCHEDULE DELIVERY (ASYNCHRONOUS)
In the course timetable, there is a column called “delivery.” This column will indicate whether the course will be offered in person, online with scheduled delivery, or online with no scheduled delivery.
Students who require assistance with course selection should contact StFX’s Academic Advising department, who can provide information on program requirements and course pre-requisites.
New students are strongly encouraged to read and follow our helpful registration guide, which outlines how to structure your course timetable and successfully register for courses.
We have also established a virtual help centre to assist students with the registration process. If you have questions or require assistance, please email nsr@stfx.ca. This mailbox will be monitored Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Please be sure to ask questions should there be any part of the registration process that you do not understand.
No. All students will start the 2020-21 academic year in good standing. We will actively reach out to all students who would have been at risk of being placed on probation for the academic year to help you understand why you struggled to achieve your academic milestones and to offer strategies and supports to be successful.
You will return to good standing in the 2020-21 academic year. Please note that the resources (academic advising, student success centre) that helped you accomplish this important academic milestone are still available to you next year so that you continue on this trajectory of success.
In cases where a student has incurred the academic penalty of probation based on the violation of academic integrity policies, the penalty shall remain in force as stipulated in the decision letter by the Senate Committee on Academic Discipline
In cases where a student has incurred the academic penalty of probation or suspension based on failure of field experience or for other professional reasons during the fall term, the penalty shall remain in force as stipulated in the decision letter.
Clinical and co-op placements, as well as limited research activities, including thesis-based Masters co-op work placements can continue.
Yes, for any inquiries related to the Tramble Centre, please email Elizabeth Kell, Coordinator of the Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning.
Yes. Appointments are available through our online booking system, and will be conducted online in real time, via Moodle/Collaborate. Students without access to suitable technology (or in distant time zones) can also get help through alternative media.
Options for tutoring are similarly available. Users of the Nimbus app for tutoring will find it active as normal.
Open group tutorial sessions through Success @ Schwartz have moved online.
The Library building is closed, but most services are still available online via chat, online meeting software or through telephone.
The Library's “Live Help” chat service is available 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Friday, and 4-10 p.m. on Sunday. One-on-one virtual appointments are also available with librarians; please contact them directly to set up a time.
The new Library Services Guide also pulls together a variety of useful information, including tutorials and access to new ebooks and journals.
If you have specific questions, please visit the library website for more information or email library@stfx.ca.
As we have moved to a virtual platform, Academic Advising remains a valuable resource for your academic needs. We are all working from home and offer phone appointments in place of the normal face-to-face option. Two of our advisors are piloting an online appointment option where you connect via online chat in the appointment. For those students who are not in a time zone in line with our regular office hours, or students who prefer this method, we offer assistance via email.
To book an appointment with Academic Advising please use the appointment booking system: https://stfx.mywconline.com Advisors' contact information:
More information can be found on our website.