Last Updated: May 2, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we are constantly re-evaluating our plans in light of new information. Being both prepared and flexible is essential to making the best possible decisions at the right time. Carleton University is continuing work with the Ontario university sector and monitoring the advice provided by Ottawa Public Health and other health agencies such as the Public Health Agency of Canada and Ontario Public Health.
For more information relating to COVID-19, please visit Ottawa Public Health.
Should you have additional questions after reviewing this FAQ, please contact covidinfo@carleton.ca.
Other FAQs
Visit these pages for more specific FAQs.
General Information
- What are the current self-isolation guidelines?
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For self-isolation guidelines, please visit the symptom reporting webpage.
If you are experiencing symptoms or would like clarification on how long you need to self-isolate, please submit a COVID-19 Symptom Reporting Form through cuScreen. Environmental Health and Safety or Health and Counselling Services will be in touch following the report to advise on appropriate timelines.
- What is the protocol when students disclose symptoms potentially linked to COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test result?
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Should a student disclose symptoms potentially linked to COVID-19 or a positive COVID-19 test result, and they have been on campus within the past 5 days, please ask the student completes the Symptom Reporting Form on cuScreen.
Health and Counselling Services (HCS) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will conduct a risk assessment based on information obtained from the Symptom Reporting Form and a conversation with the student.
HCS and/or EHS will advise you on the next steps as appropriate. No additional actions will be necessary.
Please see the Student Symptom Reporting COVID-19 Protocol on the policies and protocols web page.
- How is the application process or my offer of admission impacted by the current public health crisis?
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Prospective graduate students should visit the Graduate Admissions COVID-19 FAQ website.
Prospective undergraduate students should visit the Undergraduate Admissions COVID-19 FAQ website.
- What is happening with Convocation?
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We will be resuming in-person Convocation ceremonies beginning in June 2022.
Convocation for the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 will be held June 13-17, 2022.
Convocation for the Class of 2022 will be held June 20-24, 2022.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice. At this time, masks are expected to be worn at all Convocation ceremonies.
For more information, please visit the Convocation website which will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
- What are the changes to event and catering guidelines after May 1, 2022?
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An Event Risk Management form is required for events with 50 or more participants.
Event and Catering Guidelines
Below are the changes to event and catering guidelines. They may change, depending on any changes to Public Health, Provincial and/or university regulations:
Masks: On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice. Masks must be worn in all university buildings. There are no exemptions from the masking requirement for speakers or performances.
Capacity Limits: Capacity limits related to COVID-19 restrictions will no longer be used A. Room capacities are set as per fire code regulations; there are no capacity limits on outdoor events.
Physical Distancing: Although not required, we encourage event organizers to suggest to their guests that maintaining physical distancing is still a best practice where possible.
Food and Beverage: Masks must be worn at all times except when consuming food and beverages.
Outdoor Events: The above requirements for masking and food consumption do not apply to outdoor events. It is recommended that signage at outdoor events is implemented to suggest masking and encourage physical distancing.
Masks
- Do I need to wear a mask or face-covering when I am on campus?
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Yes. As required by Carleton’s Mask Policy non-medical masks are required in enclosed public spaces and in non-public spaces when in the presence of others and you are not able to consistently maintain a two-meter physical distance, or where maintaining such distance could be unpredictable or impossible (such as high-traffic areas, hallways, common rooms, washrooms or elevators).
Further, masks must be worn in all indoor university facilities including shared offices, meeting spaces, athletics facilities, classrooms and labs.
All faculty and staff are required to read and familiarize themselves with the Policy.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
- Where am I required to wear a mask or face-covering on campus?
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The Carleton University Mask Policy requires:
- Mask use in Enclosed Public Spaces: A mask is required as outlined in Section A of the policy by all members of the public and the Carleton community.
- Mask use in Non-Public Carleton Workspaces: Within non-publicly accessible Carleton Workplaces, wearing a Mask is required when in the presence of others and you are not able to consistently maintain a two-meter physical distance, or where maintaining such distance could be unpredictable or impossible (such as high-traffic areas, hallways, common rooms or elevators).
Further, masks must be worn in all indoor university facilities including shared offices, meeting spaces, athletics facilities, classrooms and labs.
The current list of publicly accessible buildings and spaces, offices that are now open and hours of operation are listed on the Building Updates webpage.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
- What type of mask or face covering am I required to wear?
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The Carleton University Mask Policy defines a mask as “a cloth (non-medical) Mask, medical Mask or other face coverings for filtering respiratory droplets that securely covers the nose, mouth, and chin and is in contact with the surrounding face without gapping”. Visit our Mask Guidance webpage for more information.
We strongly recommend that individuals continue to seek guidance on masks and face coverings from the Government of Canada website in order to receive the most up-to-date information.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
Vaccines
- Is proof of vaccination required to come to campus?
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In line with the Ontario university sector, proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen.
- Do I need a third dose booster to access campus?
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Individuals now have the option to report their booster vaccination status in cuScreen. In order to report a booster vaccination status, individuals must first report their first and second dose information which must be verified by the Carleton verification team.
Individuals must upload a copy of their enhanced vaccine certificate or related document in PDF format. Please do not include any special characters such as a “#” in the name of the file when uploading your proof of vaccination to cuScreen.
Although not required to access campus, we strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit it in cuScreen as soon as possible.
- How do I add subsequent booster doses to cuScreen?
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We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get subsequent booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible.
At this time, cuScreen can only accommodate the third-dose booster. We are working with the vendor to implement the ability to allow individuals to add a fourth-dose booster.
In order to report your third-dose booster vaccination status, individuals must first report their first and second dose information which must be verified by the Carleton verification team.
- Do children aged 5 and over need to be fully vaccinated to access campus?
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Like other universities in Ontario, Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. All individuals should keep their vaccination status up-to-date.
- Are there exemptions to these vaccination requirement rules?
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Any individual who cannot be vaccinated on medical grounds or other protected grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an exemption. Unvaccinated individuals without an approved permitted exemption will not be able to attend campus or any University activity in-person.
All individuals who are unvaccinated due to permitted exemptions or who are awaiting their second dose are required to adhere to additional health and safety measures, including frequent rapid testing. Carleton community members with approved permitted exemptions will be able to book a mandatory rapid testing appointment through cuScreen.
There is no exemption from rapid testing.
- What vaccines meet the university’s mandatory vaccination requirement?
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Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen. Please review the definition of being fully vaccinated.
- I have had one dose of the vaccine. Is that enough?
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Two doses deliver stronger protection against COVID-19. It is important to receive both doses of the vaccine to complete the vaccine series. The protection offered by the first dose helps your body build immunity and the second dose boosts your immunity.
Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and completing the full course of vaccination further reduces your risk of being hospitalized as a result of COVID-19.
In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines approved by Health Canada and received the last dose at least 14 days before the date of their attestation.
- Do I still need to comply with masking and physical distancing if I am fully vaccinated?
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On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice. Masks must be worn in all indoor university facilities including shared offices, meeting spaces, athletics facilities, classrooms and labs.
Although not required, we strongly encourage all members of our community to practice physical distancing where possible. Capacity limits for on-campus events and activities are no longer adjusted for physical distancing.
Like other universities in Ontario, Carleton University has suspended its vaccination requirements for participation in in-person Carleton activities beginning May 1, 2022.
- Will students living in residence require vaccination?
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Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen.
We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get a full course of vaccination, including booster doses as soon as they are eligible, and submit their booster dose information in cuScreen as soon as possible.
Drop-in vaccinations are available at any community clinic, pop-up clinic, or neighbourhood vaccination hub in Ottawa.
Information regarding Fall 2022 will be communicated as it becomes available.
- I am an international student arriving in Canada and not able to get my vaccine until after I complete quarantine. What are my options?
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Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen.
Please review the definition of being fully vaccinated in Ontario.
- Is Carleton able to offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster?
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At this time, vaccine clinics on campus are not being offered.
Drop-in vaccinations are available at any community clinic, pop-up clinic, or neighbourhood vaccination hub in Ottawa.
We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get a full course of vaccination, including booster doses as soon as they are eligible, and submit their booster dose information in cuScreen as soon as possible.
Submitting Proof
- Will I still need to complete a screening self-assessment before coming to campus if I show proof of vaccination?
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Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen.
We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get a full course of vaccination, including booster doses as soon as they are eligible, and submit their booster dose information in cuScreen as soon as possible.
Remaining vigilant and not coming to campus when sick or with symptoms is critically important. Although no longer required, it is recommended that individuals continue to complete the COVID-19 screening self-assessment in cuScreen each time they come to campus.
- Do I need to provide proof of vaccination status if I am not coming to campus?
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All University employees, including, but not limited to, faculty, contract instructors, staff, teaching/research assistants, postdoctoral researchers, and casual staff are required to submit their attestation of vaccination status (and, if vaccinated, their proof of vaccination) in cuScreen. This requirement applies to all employees, whether or not their employment duties currently require them to be on campus and whether or not they intend to attend University property or in-person University activities now or in the future.
Individuals who cannot be vaccinated on medical grounds or other protected grounds should file an exemption form and submit them well in advance of any planned in-person activities to allow time for review. Unvaccinated individuals without an approved permitted exemption will not be able to attend campus or any University activity in person.
Like other universities in Ontario, Carleton University has suspended its vaccination requirements for participation in in-person Carleton activities beginning May 1, 2022.
Although proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities starting May 1, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. To ensure we can minimize any disruption to our learning and work environment, all individuals should keep their vaccination status updated in cuScreen.
- Will I be required to disclose my vaccination status?
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Proof of vaccination is no longer required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities. However, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. Everyone must attest to their vaccination status and if vaccinated, upload proof of vaccination and subsequent booster doses in cuScreen.
We strongly recommend that all members of the Carleton community get a full course of vaccination, including booster doses as soon as they are eligible, and submit their booster dose information in cuScreen as soon as possible.
- How do I provide proof of vaccination?
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To attest to being vaccinated:
- Log into cuScreen
- Click on “Report your latest vaccination status”
- Carefully read each question and answer appropriately
- Upload proof of vaccination (vaccine dose administration receipts or equivalent documents), preferably in PDF format
To assist with planning purposes, we encourage all members of the Carleton University community to complete the vaccination attestation form and submit their documents as soon as possible even if you are not planning to participate in in-person activities at this time.
- How is my personal information protected?
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Carleton University has partnered with Thrive Health Inc. to provide the cuScreen web portal. As a health care technology company, Thrive Health Inc. has expertise in protecting individual private health information. All data provided or received through the platform is encrypted and your personal information is stored within Canada. Thrive Health Inc. follows data security and privacy standards that align with federal and provincial laws and guidelines such as PHIPA, FIPPA, HIPPA, PIPEDA, PCI, and NIST. Thrive Health Inc. removes all health screening responses from the application after 30 days and does not use this data for commercial purposes or marketing to our community.
cuScreen has also been assessed by Carleton University’s Privacy Office and Information Security team which confirmed its compliance with applicable privacy standards. For more information, please visit our privacy webpage.
Students
General
- How will the summer 2022 term be affected?
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Carleton will be completing its full return to campus over the summer. The summer 2022 class schedule will see a regular in-person schedule with the majority of course components being delivered in person. The schedule is available in Carleton Central via Carleton360 and includes which courses will be available for in-person and online learning.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
Like other universities in Ontario, Carleton University has suspended its vaccination requirements for participation in in-person Carleton activities as of May 1, 2022.
Although proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities starting May 1, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. To ensure we can minimize any disruption to our learning and work environment, all individuals should keep their vaccination status updated in cuScreen.
- How will the fall 2022 term be affected?
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Carleton will be completing its full return to campus over the summer. As such, the fall 2022 term will see a regular in-person schedule with the majority of course components being delivered in person. All students planning to take classes in the fall 2022 term are advised to return to Ottawa in time for the beginning of classes in September.
The class schedule and registration course planning tool will be available in Carleton Central via Carleton360 on May 26. This will indicate which courses are in-person/online.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
Like other universities in Ontario, Carleton University has suspended its vaccination requirements for participation in in-person Carleton activities as of May 1, 2022.
Although proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access campus or participate in in-person Carleton activities starting May 1, it may become necessary to bring back proof of vaccination requirements on short notice if the situation and public health advice changes. To ensure we can minimize any disruption to our learning and work environment, all individuals should keep their vaccination status updated in cuScreen.
- Will my courses have an online option if I am unable to come to Ottawa/campus?
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Carleton will be completing its full return to campus over the summer. As such, the summer 2022 and fall 2022 terms will see a regular in-person schedule with the majority of course components being delivered in person. All students planning to take classes in these terms are advised to return to Ottawa in time for the beginning of classes in September.
Carleton cannot guarantee that we will be able to offer virtual or hybrid learning options for those who are unable to attend campus.
- Are students required to wear masks in the classroom?
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Yes, students and course instructors are required to wear a mask or face covering when in the classroom.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice.
- What academic accommodations are in place?
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Carleton University has suspended the need for a doctor’s note or medical certificate until further notice when requesting academic accommodation related to COVID-19. Students should complete the self-declaration form available on the Registrar’s Office website to request academic accommodation for missed course work including exams and assignments.
Students are encouraged to connect directly with their instructors to discuss required accommodations arising from the COVID-19 situation.
- When can I submit a registration override request?
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In order to submit a registration override request, you must first attempt to register after your time-ticket has opened. Time-tickets will be made available in Carleton Central 1-2 weeks before registration.
The Override Request Form can be found on the Add or Drop Classes page in Carleton Central.
- What financial assistance is available for students?
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If you are in need of emergency financial assistance and are not eligible for other government programs, you can complete the Student Emergency Fund In-Take Form, which is available to graduate and undergraduate students to receive funding for essential expenses that may have arisen as a result of COVID-19.
International students experiencing financial hardship are eligible to apply to the International Student Relief Fund. This funding is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Carleton University international students in Canada experiencing short-term hardship who are not eligible for federal pandemic financial support. It is meant to cover an unforeseeable financial crisis and does not cover expenses relating to travel, rent, student fees, debts, anticipated future financial hardship, or costs that are related to being an academic student.
Online Learning
- What supports are available for online learning?
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As we continue to deliver courses online, we have put together some resources to help you transition to virtual classrooms.
- Where can I get support with Brightspace?
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Please visit the Brightspace support site for students.
- Who do I contact if I have technical questions about computer programs or software?
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Please contact the ITS Service Desk for technical assistance.
- Why does online learning cost the same as face-to-face instruction?
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Designing virtual classrooms and online opportunities for students requires multi-million-dollar investments in technology and experts to deliver the high-quality experience our students expect and deserve.
There is still a need for resources to be directed toward instructors, marking, academic advising and other student support that helps Carleton provide excellent academic instruction in every possible circumstance.
Your education is a significant investment and Teaching and Learning Services has been working closely with course instructors to develop their courses in a manner that facilitates online delivery and ensuring an inclusive learning environment for the fall.
Carleton is also developing resources to help students understand and navigate the online learning environment. We remain committed to continue supporting all students in their success, especially throughout this challenging time.
- What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous courses?
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Synchronous courses are online courses offered in real-times where the instructor and students meet via web conferencing tools. These classes occur at scheduled days and times and students are expected to attend class at these times.
Asynchronous courses are online classes that are not conducted live and do not have a regularly scheduled class time. While there is a scheduled time associated with the course for registration, students can move through course material on their own schedule. Students are still expected to remain up to date with the deadlines and due dates provided by the instructor.
Blended courses are online courses where there is a mixture of synchronous meetings and asynchronous activities. This means students need to be prepared to meet some of the time online via web conferencing tools at scheduled days and times.
In all cases, courses are posted with a scheduled time (Eastern Standard Time) associated. Asynchronous and blended courses may use the time slot for class discussion, office hours, tests or midterms, etc. Students are expected to be available during those times.
For more information on time and equipment requirements for online courses, please visit the Types of Online Courses webpage.
Faculty and Staff
- What is the protocol for reporting self-isolation or illness potentially linked to COVID-19?
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Reporting all cases of symptoms potentially linked to COVID-19 is mandatory through the COVID-19 Symptom reporting process.
- Where can I order supplies for our departmental office?
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To facilitate the safe and gradual return to campus, departments can place orders for critical items through eShop. Departments will be able to order the necessary supplies directly from appropriate vendors or from Procurement Services, as outlined in the Return To Campus Purchasing Guide. For more information, please visit our supplies information website.
- As a course instructor, can I meet with students one-on-one?
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One-on-one meetings with students should occur in a space that permits physical distancing and masks must be worn. Where possible, one-on-one meetings should be held virtually.
For more information, please see the In-Class Teaching COVID-19 Guidelines.
On the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health, Carleton will be maintaining the mandatory COVID-19 Mask Policy until further notice. Masks must be worn in all indoor university facilities including shared offices, meeting spaces, athletics facilities, classrooms and labs.
Like other universities in Ontario, Carleton University will suspend its vaccination and masking requirements for participation in in-person Carleton activities beginning May 1, 2022.
- What if a student does not want to wear a mask in the classroom?
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Everyone is required to comply with public health requirements and the University’s policies and procedures to ensure a safe environment. No person shall knowingly create a condition that endangers the health or safety of other persons.
The following steps should be followed if a student does not comply with physical distancing or other COVID-19 procedures. These steps follow existing processes for non-compliant behaviour in a classroom.
- A student in non-compliance should be dealt with in a stepped approach, whereby the instructor first speaks with the student. If the student does not comply with the request or guidance, the instructor should connect with Campus Safety who will triage the incident.
- If the behaviour is repeated, Step 1 is to be followed and the instructor should also elevate the matter to the Chair/Director and Student Affairs, who will engage with the student. If necessary, Student Affairs will consider the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
For more information, please see the In-Class Teaching COVID-19 Guidelines.
- What happens if there is an emergency situation while participating in an online meeting?
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If you are experiencing an emergency situation personally, please follow standard emergency procedures.
- If on campus, contact Campus Safety Services at 613-520-4444
- If off campus, contact your local emergency service(s)
Please review our Emergency Procedures for Online Situations (PDF, 135KB).
- Am I required to fill out the Risk Assessment Checklist for International Travel for Research and Professional Travel form?
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The Risk Assessment Checklist for International Travel for Research and Professional Travel form (PDF, 238 KB) is optional and only has to be completed if specifically requested by your dean.
The form is a tool to help you prepare a Travel Risk Management plan and, as such, it is strongly recommended though not required that this form be completed.
In addition, the Office of Risk Management is available to assist you in preparing a Travel Risk Management plan. They can be reached at risk@carleton.ca.
- As a department that provides in-person services and makes use of a seating/waiting area, is there a process or alternate resources available to assist with the cleaning and disinfection of seating?
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Guidance for disinfecting departmental spaces is provided in the COVID-19: Infection Prevention and Control Training. The cleaning and disinfecting of seating or waiting areas within departmental spaces are the responsibility of the department/unit. If you require additional guidance please contact the FMP Service Centre.
- As a staff or faculty member, am I allowed to make use of a personal fan within my workspace?
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Fans are not recommended to be used in office spaces as they circulate air potentially spreading the COVID-19 virus. This is particularly critical if the space is being used for face-to-face meetings or is considered a shared or common space.
- Who do I contact if I have any questions about the departmental return to campus process?
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Any questions about the departmental return to campus process can be sent to returntocampus@carleton.ca.
Operations
- Will screening be required?
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Remaining vigilant and not coming to campus when sick or with symptoms is critically important. Although no longer required, it is recommended that individuals continue to complete the COVID-19 Screening Self-Assessment in cuScreen each time they come to campus.
- Can I use the tunnels?
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At this time and to facilitate physical distancing, we anticipate the tunnels will remain restricted to authorized individuals only and those with approval for accessibility purposes. Access requests should be directed by email to your manager, supervisor, dean or relevant approver. They will submit your tunnel access approval to covidinfo@carleton.ca.
Access to the tunnels is planned to resume once new ventilation equipment is installed.
- What are the protocols for eating and drinking on campus?
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Although not required, we strongly encourage all members of our community to practice physical distancing where possible.
Masks must be worn and can only be temporarily removed when actively eating or drinking.
We encourage the use of designated eating areas (like cafeterias, dining locations, or existing break rooms) and the outdoors, as weather permits. Those within individual offices that are not shared, may make use of their office space for lunch and breaks. Eating and drinking within shared workspaces should be avoided, where able.
No food is permitted in the Library. Drinks are allowed if they’re in a container with a lid and if your mask is only lifted temporarily to take a sip.
No food or drink are permitted to be consumed in classrooms, except for water as needed.
- What is the bathroom protocol on campus?
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When going to the bathroom, please ensure you are respectful by wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing and washing your hands.
- What are the cleaning policies and frequencies?
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Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) has cleaning protocols for buildings, classrooms, common spaces and study spaces. For more information, please visit our cleaning information website.
- How are hand sanitizer stations being deployed across campus?
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Hand sanitizer stations have been deployed at building entrances for students, faculty, staff and community members to use while on campus. These stations are monitored regularly to determine the frequency of use. Depending on the traffic volume, additional stations will be deployed as needed. Should a hand sanitizer station require servicing, individuals are encouraged to notify the FMP Service Desk. Additional hand sanitizing mitigation measures are outlined in each unit’s approved return to campus plan.
- What is the university doing about building ventilation?
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Across campus, the main air handling systems in all buildings have been fitted with high efficiency (MERV 13) filters. All main air handling systems are providing pre- and post-occupancy flushes of ventilation air at least two hours before occupancy and two hours after occupancy. The systems are continuously monitored throughout the day by Facilities Management and Planning (FMP) Building Operations staff and FMP has engaged a third-party consultant to verify and recommission ventilation systems. More information is available on the ventilation strategy for the return to campus website.
- How is Carleton ensuring our drinking water remains safe?
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Carleton University has been regularly flushing the water in our buildings, as well as testing for the presence of any Legionella bacteria since March 2020 to ensure the safety of all members of our campus community. Carleton University has also been following the testing protocols as outlined in the Public Works and Government Services Canada Standard, MD15161-2013 Control of Legionella in Mechanical Systems. In addition to Legionella testing, Carleton conducts regular testing of our cold-water systems to ensure our drinking water remains healthy and safe. More information is available on the water treatment program and legionella testing website.
- What is the protocol for handling paper in the classroom?
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Paper documents such as handouts, quizzes, sign-up sheets and the submission of some materials in hard copy is allowed. The science on surface transmission (fomites) suggests that surface transmission of COVID-19 occurs very rarely. However, hand sanitizer must be used before and after handling paper documents and individuals should avoid touching their face.
For more information, please see the In-Class Teaching COVID-19 Guidelines.
Examinations
Various assessments and examinations are taking place over the upcoming months:
We understand that there are concerns about technical and infrastructure disruptions. Carleton has planned for potential disruptions. Should you experience any issues while writing your exam, please contact us. Scheduling and Examination Services is collaborating with Information Technology Services to provide you with support throughout the academic year.
We will be operating our emergency support line for in-class tests and midterms from Monday to Friday (and weekends when applicable), 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). During formally scheduled exam periods, the emergency exam support line will operate when exams are running from 8:30 a.m. to 1030 p.m.
- Exam-Related Emergency Toll-Free Call Line: 1-877-557-2930 (Canada/USA)
- Outside Canada/US Exam-Related Emergency: +1-613-518-2601
- Live Chat Support: carleton.ca/ses/help
- Non-Urgent Exam Related Issues: Submit an Exam Support Request
- Email: onlineexams@carleton.ca
For non-emergencies, please contact 613-520-2600 ext. 1571 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time)
- My exam is supposed to start at 09:00 am but I can’t access it?
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Please call the toll-free emergency line (1-877-557-2930) or Live Chat Support.
- I missed the submission deadline by a few minutes for my take-home exam and can no longer submit. Who can I contact?
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Please call the toll-free emergency line (1-877-557-2930) or Live Chat Support. In the meantime, email the completed examination to your course instructor immediately and explain what has transpired.
- I am worried my exam didn’t “submit” on Brightspace
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Please contact our emergency exam line (1-877-557-2930) or your course instructor to confirm the submission. A successful submission will appear as “1 attempt completed” in Brightspace.
- I am worried my exam answers are not being saved on Brightspace.
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Unlike Carleton’s previous learning management system cuLearn, Brightspace will save your work automatically without having to navigate to another page. “Saving” or “Saved” text will appear each time you type or select an answer to confirm that the system is recording your answers.
- I have a family situation, pregnancy, or religious obligation that conflicts with my exam. Who can I contact?
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Please contact your course instructor, or to resolve questions please contact the Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at equity@carleton.ca.
- I have questions about my PMC accommodations during my final exam. Who can I contact?
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Please email your coordinator or pmc@carleton.ca. You can visit the PMC website for more information
- How do I apply for a deferral?
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You may apply for a deferral as per the University Regulations in Sections 4.1 – 4.4 of the Undergraduate Calendar.
- I have an urgent exam issue. Who can I call?
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Scheduling and Examination Services, in collaboration with Information Technology Services, is maintaining a toll-free emergency line (1-877-557-2930). We will be operating our emergency support line for in-class tests and midterms from Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 09:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (weekends when applicable). During formally scheduled exam periods, the emergency exam support line will operate when exams are running.
- Can I ask my course instructor or TA a question during an online exam?
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Please ask your course instructor before the exam date if they will be accepting questions and the best way to reach them. If they are not accepting questions, please state your assumptions and continue writing.
- What happens if Brightspace is unresponsive?
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As a first step, please refresh the page. If this doesn’t immediately solve the issue please log out of your Brightspace session and open the exam again in a new browser. If the issue persists please call our emergency exam line at 1-877-557-2930.
- I know the internet in my area is too slow/unreliable for an online exam. Do I need to go somewhere public to write my exam?
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No, please submit an exam support ticket with your phone number or email to discuss further.
- What happens if there is an infrastructure failure at my home (i.e., power outage, internet outage, etc.) during my exam?
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If service resumes, please complete your exam as soon as possible. If you are unable to complete your exam, please email your course instructor and copy onlineexams@carleton.ca to explain the situation once power or Internet access has been restored. Please call our emergency exam line at 1-877-557-2930 if you experience a prolonged outage.
Sustained infrastructure outages are grounds for an exam deferral. Contact onlineexams@carleton.ca to find out more information.
- I think I have an overload on my exam schedule. What is Carleton’s overload policy?
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Visit the overload and conflict page on the Scheduling and Examinations Services website. If you have an overload, please email onlineexams@carleton.ca.
- I have an assignment or take-home exam that is causing a conflict with a formal online exam. Who can I talk to?
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Please submit an exam support ticket and Scheduling and Examination Services will review your situation and contact you with options.
- The exam schedule shows a different exam arrangement than what my instructor has said. How do I verify what is correct?
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Although Scheduling and Examination Services has tried to prevent errors, errors are possible. Please verify exam details with your course instructor, or submit an exam support ticket.
- I missed a deadline because of a COVID-19 related circumstance. How can I request an accommodation?
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Please contact your course instructor to discuss academic accommodations. If you have an accommodation request relating to exams, please submit an exam support ticket.
- My course instructor made an adjustment to the course outline or exam weight that I am concerned about. Can I discuss this with someone?
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Please discuss with your course instructor or the chair of your department.
- My course instructor has requested that I use a webcam to verify my identity when writing my final exam. Is there an alternative option?
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Please contact your instructor to discuss your concerns. They have been briefed on potential options.
- How is the university preventing cheating during the exams?
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Preserving and upholding academic integrity continues to be very important at Carleton. We have provided course instructors with guidance relating to assessment design. In addition, we have internally developed two virtual proctoring software solutions which may or may not be utilized depending on the pedagogical requirements of the course. More information can be found on the Carleton e-Proctoring webpage.
It is the expectation that all students respect and follow Carleton’s Academic Integrity Policy, which governs the academic behaviour of students.
- I currently reside in a country where access to Brightspace is blocked by a firewall. How will I be able to access my exam?
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You can use Carleton’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access Brightspace. Please make sure to configure the VPN prior to the start of your exam(s). Instructions are available from the ITS website.
- I currently reside in a time zone where my online timed exam is scheduled for an unrealistic time (e.g. 3:00-6:00 a.m. in my local time). Can accommodations be made for me?
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These may be considered exceptional circumstances and may be grounds for accommodation. Please submit an exam support ticket as soon as possible to inquire.
- Will final exams be held on campus?
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There will be both online and face-to-face examinations on campus during the winter 2022 final exam period. Exam locations will be posted on the Carleton Exam Schedule on March 31, 2022
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