Queen’s confirmed it’s planning for an in-person fall term Wednesday morning.

In a message to the Queen’s community, Principal Patrick Deane said the imminent roll-out of mass vaccinations has led to “a new optimism” about the upcoming year. 

“Because of what our public health experts are predicting […] the University is planning for a resumption of in-person activity in September,” Deane wrote.

“There are of course still many things unknown, but we are hopeful that by the time classes resume in September, most of the restrictions will be lifted and our daily operations able to return to a condition much closer to what prevailed prior to the pandemic.”

Members of the administration, students, staff, and faculty have been involved in discussions about the return to campus, Deane said. Current planning includes flexibility for staff with a gradual return so University can prepare to support in-person teaching and learning in September.

“As we have done throughout the last year, we will continue to work with local public health, and follow whatever guidelines they and the province provide,” Deane said. “Keeping our community safe and healthy is integral to all our planning for the future.”

The University said its first priority is getting students back into physical classrooms, though Deane said it’s also focused on supporting the advancement of research activity. 

“It is likely that there will still be some restrictions in place at that time, but while these may impact our ability to host large gatherings and certain events, we believe they will not prevent our academic program moving forward.”