1. Do I have to hold in person office hours? 

University of Winnipeg Faculty Members are not obliged to hold in-person office hours. The RAS and CAS collective agreements mandate that members make themselves available for student consultation, but the mode is not specified (see UWFA-CAS 14.2.3, UWFA-RAS 14.07(1), 14.10(1a)). This is more complex for Librarian, Counsellor, and Collegiate members and we welcome questions.  

  1. Do I have permit people into my office?

University of Winnipeg faculty members do not have to permit visitors into their offices. 

  1. Do I have to teach online if I am sick or covid-positive and do I need a medical note?

University of Winnipeg Faculty Members who are sick are not obliged to work – for an illness of fewer than five days (RAS) or three days (CAS) duration, members are not required to submit medical certificates but need only notify their chair or supervisor (UWFA-RAS 26.37, UWFA-CAS 16.5.1). That is to say, members who are sick are not expected to work.  

University of Winnipeg Faculty Members who are sick and may wish to teach online during this period should check with their Chair or Dean.  

Sick notes have generally not been necessary for short-term illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. You must notify your chair or supervisor if ill. 

  1.  Do I have to make-up classes for University students who are sick?

In the event that students are sick for short or long periods, members are not obliged to provide individual tuition, individual Zoom teaching sessions, or to repeat classes. Students who miss class for any reason may be dealt with by members as they wish.  

  1. Do I have to make-up classes if I am sick?

 No University of Winnipeg faculty member may be compelled to teach make up classes. 

  1.  Should I stay home if sick?  

It is strongly recommended you stay home if sick or test positive for Covid-19, even if asymptomatic.  

  1. Can I require University students to wear masks in my class?

You can strongly recommend students wear a mask but you cannot mandate mask use unless you have an accommodation.  An accommodation may be granted if you or someone you care for is at severe risk from Covid-19. To learn more about accommodations please contact the Employee Health and Wellness Specialist (EHWS), Linda Harrison, directly at li.harrison@uwinnipeg.ca or 204-789-4230. 

  1. Where can I order masks or test kits?

To order masks or test kits see https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/safety/uwinnipeg-mask-and-test-kit-request.html 

  1. How do I respond to students, faculty, or staff with Covid-19?

See https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-faq.html 

Members may also consult the University website dedicated to Covid-19 info and FAQs,  https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/index.html 

For answers to questions about returning to work and other COVID-19 protocols see https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/faculty-and-staff-faq.html 

We strongly suggest that members also contact their chairs, deans, and the upper administration directly. If you feel you are treated unfairly or unjustly or have questions about your rights and responsibilities under our collective agreements, please contact the UWFA Executive Director, Lisa McGifford (l.mcgifford@uwinnipeg.ca).  

*This FAQ is aimed at RAS and CAS members. Collegiate members with questions about COVID-19 policies may contact their Dean and/or the UWFA. 

For updates and FAQS about research see  

https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/research.html  

The University has a website dedicated to Covid-19 info and FAQs, see https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/index.html 

For answers to questions about returning to work and other COVID-19 protocols see https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/covid-19/faculty-and-staff-faq.html