As noted in yesterday’s Information Bulletin, the MUNFA Executive contacted senior administration to request that the return to in-person teaching be delayed until February 28th, the date for which classes are scheduled to resume following Winter Break, or alternatively, that instructors be given the flexibility to decide whether they will continue to deliver their courses remotely.
Earlier today, January 25th, Dr. Vianne Timmons, acknowledged receipt of MUNFA’s request and indicated that she would take it into consideration. She continued, informing us that “Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador takes guidance from health professionals of our province and will continue to stay in close contact with them during the remainder of the semester. Also, we are working closely with Atlantic Canadian Universities and monitoring the situation daily.”
While MUNFA continues to seek clarity on health and safety information/protocols, and other pandemic related guidance, the MUNFA Executive will be sending all Academic Staff Members a short survey to further assess concerns. If you do not receive such a survey by end of day, please contact membership.munfa@mun.ca.
Once again, we encourage ASMs to communicate any concerns they have directly to their administrative head and senior administration – President Vianne Timmons (president@mun.ca), Provost Florentine Strzelczyk (vpacad@mun.ca), Chief Risk Officer Greg McDougall (cro@mun.ca), and Faculty Relations (facrel@mun.ca).
We suggest that ASMs discuss any health-related concerns with their doctor and seek medical advice/documentation as required. We also remind ASMs of the University’s workplace accommodation policy. If you encounter challenges with this process, please contact our office, munfa@mun.ca.
