October 7 (9:40 PM) - Campus access Oct 8
This message is sent on behalf of ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Emergency Operations Centre
Dear ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community members,
Tomorrow, October 8, our campuses will remain open only to current students and employees with a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID, as well as essential visitors with a letter of entry. The other current measures implemented on October 5 remain in place as well.
Throughout the day today, events planned by some student and faculty groups representing different communities at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ were peacefully held. These events had been planned in collaboration and discussion with the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ administration over the past weeks. We thank the students and colleagues who worked with us to plan these events that allowed members of our community to support each other on this very somber day for so many.
Unfortunately, however, another group of protesters, large in number, travelled to campus from outside ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and resorted to violent and disruptive activities. They breached fences to access the lower downtown campus; on a street outside of lower campus, protestors also carried out acts of vandalism on a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ building that is currently being renovated. We have a report that one security agent was assaulted.
The Montreal police (SPVM) had a substantial presence on site and our campus safety was maintained. Thanks to the combined efforts of the SPVM, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ security, and many others within and outside the university community, as well as the measures pre-emptively put in place, the disruption caused was temporary. McTavish and Sherbrooke Streets are now open.
We have seen social media posts announcing further plans to disrupt classes and other university activities throughout this week. And all this is occurring during midterm week – a critical time when disruptions may be especially challenging for students. We note that thousands of midterms are being written by ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students this week.
While we aim to ensure an open campus to the fullest extent possible, we also have a vital obligation to safeguard our community and help ensure that classes, midterms and other key activities can continue. Regrettably, given today’s events, the current heightened risk of disruptions, and the increased impact of these potential disruptions during midterm week, these measures remain necessary tomorrow. We will continue to assess the situation as it evolves; and we will update you again tomorrow at the latest. Our earnest hope is for a return to usual conditions as soon as possible as we understand that the present state of affairs is limiting and not how we want our campus to be.
Again, we take this opportunity to note that this week in particular will be profoundly difficult for many students, faculty and staff with ties to the Middle East. Please remember that the following resources are available to you.
Resources for students and staff:
- Wellness Hub (for students) 
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (for faculty and staff) 
-  (for all: for inquiries or to report incidents of sexual violence, harassment, and/or discrimination) 
- Security Services (for all): 514-398-3000 on downtown campus and 514-398-7777 on Macdonald campus
October 7 (5:50 PM) - Lower downtown campus re-opened
This message is sent on behalf of ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Emergency Operations Centre
Montreal police have now reopened the two access points to downtown lower campus, which were closed temporarily due to protestors from off campus attempting to gain access.
Mid-term exams, assessments and other university activities at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, including on lower campus, will continue this evening as planned.
We will update you shortly to provide details on the events of the day and to outline the measures in place on campus tomorrow.
October 7 (5:00 PM) - Update on protest activities / McTavish
This message is sent on behalf of ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s Emergency Operations Centre.
Police have temporarily closed the two access points to downtown lower campus, due to protesters on site. Members of the community can leave lower campus; however, no one can gain access.
We understand that this will be concerning to students and instructors who have exams or assessments scheduled for this evening in buildings in this area. We will update you shortly to provide further information.
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ security is working closely with the Montreal police (SPVM).
We ask you to be alert as you move around campus. Classes, mid-term exams, assessments and other university activities outside of lower campus are currently continuing as planned.
October 4 (12:45 PM) -Â Important: Lower Downtown Campus Access Oct. 5-7
Dear members of the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community,
On Wednesday, we announced a range of measures regarding access to ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s campuses from Saturday, October 5 through Monday, October 7. We urge you to read the full list to ensure you have the information needed for your courses and/or work during these days.
In addition to those measures, from October 5 to 7 the lower downtown campus will be accessible only via two points:
- The Milton Gates (on the corner of Milton and University); and
- The McTavish Gates (on McTavish south of Docteur-Penfield).
These access points will be open between 6 a.m. and midnight. A ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID card for current students and employees or a permission letter for visitors will be required to enter.  The Roddick Gates on Sherbrooke Street and all other access points to lower campus will be closed.
On Wednesday, we explained the need for these special measures. Planned protests and commemorative events call for large crowds to gather on or around our campus during this period. Our goal is to maintain safety for all and the stability of our core academic activities during this time, especially midterms, classes, and research.
On Monday, October 7, you will receive a further update regarding whether measures will be place on October 8. Please monitor your email or consult this webpage in the coming days to ensure you have the information you need to work and/or study.
Again, this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, both within our campus community and beyond. Whatever may happen outside our gates or around the world, we count upon you to join us in redoubling our commitment to empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, especially throughout this sensitive period.
Sincerely,
Angela Campbell, Interim Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and  
Fabrice Labeau, Vice-President (Administration and Finance) 
On behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre’s Rapid Response Group  
October 2 (1:45 PM) - Campus access Oct 5-7
Dear members of the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community,
The second week of October will be an extremely difficult time for many members of our community, particularly for those with loved ones in the Middle East. If you are in distress, please know that you can reach out to the resources listed at the end of this email.
Even more than usual, it is critical that we engage with one another with care and compassion, knowing that sensitivities will be acute. Many people have suffered immense loss, and the sense of grief and anxiety during this period will be profound across lived identities and experiences. We ask that this be kept top of mind as we learn, work, and interact together over the coming days.
During this period of heightened tensions and of mourning, events are being organized that call for significant numbers of people from outside the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community to gather on or around campus. In recent months, the University has seen many peaceful protests and commemorations. We’ve unfortunately also seen incidents on campus that have crossed the bounds of the law and ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s policies, upsetting people, disrupting access to our learning and work spaces, and damaging property.
Given this context, we are putting in place measures for the week ahead. These measures have a range of critical goals. They facilitate the continuity of teaching, research and other activities, support the wellbeing of all at ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, and seek to deter and prevent activities that violate the law and our policies, thereby destabilizing our campus at a very sensitive time. These measures, which are outlined below, have emerged from extensive planning and in close communication with the Montreal police (SPVM).
The following measures are in place for October 5 to 7 inclusive for downtown and Macdonald campuses. Please check your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ email and this webpage in the late afternoon on October 7 for information about campus access on October 8.
Overview of measures for October 5-7, 2024
- The University will be open only to current ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ students and employees and essential visitors on university business, such as deliveries or other operational activities or academic activities such as thesis defences. Campus is otherwise closed to the public.
- Classes that do not need to be in person must move online; midterms, assessments and labs will remain in person. (Details below).
- Graduate thesis defences and comprehensive exams will continue as planned.
- A valid ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-issued ID card will also be required for access to buildings (e.g. a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ student card or ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ employee card) .
- Research activities that require presence on campus, such as animal care, are permitted.
- Events on campus must be approved by the relevant Faculty Dean or, for admin units, by the relevant AVP, and must have a registration list for visitors.
For students:
- Please check myCourses for messages from your instructors given that many classes will move online on Oct 7.
- You should come to the University if you have an in-person exam or assessment. Midterm exams or assessments that are scheduled to be in person will not move online.
- Bring your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-issued student ID card if you come to campus, as you will need it to access buildings, including libraries. Plan extra time to make your way to your in-person activities.
- If you need to attend an online class while on campus, you can use spaces within our University Libraries and classrooms where your class would normally be held. It is useful to bring headphones to be able to listen in to your lectures from a place you may be among others.
For staff:
- Staff who can perform their duties remotely during this period are required to work from home.
- Bring your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ-issued ID (employee card) if you come to campus, as you will need it to access buildings, including libraries.
- Please be aware that visitors will need to show a letter of permission, signed by a dean, departmental chair, unit head or director, to come on to campus. Please contact your supervisor to obtain the letter.
For academic staff and instructors:
- Exams and assessments that have been scheduled to be on campus will remain in person. Please do not change the modality (e.g. online / in-person) for assessment.
- Please move online any classes that do not need to be in person. However, classes that have midterms or other assessments scheduled during regular class times must remain in person. Labs will also continue in person.
- If you move a class online, please notify your students through myCourses.
We know that some may be concerned about coming to campus, but we want to reassure you that we know of no threat to physical safety. We are limiting access to the campus during this week to prioritize the stable continuation of critical academic activities at a time of elevated potential for disruption.
If you have any cause for concern to your safety at any time, please call Security Services at 514.398.3000 (downtown) and 514.398.7777 (Macdonald campus).
We will provide you with an update by end of day on October 7 about whether these measures will need to persist. Between now and then we will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with community safety partners.
We close by underlining, again, the cruciality of empathy, respect, and care in our interactions at this most difficult time. Thank you for your ongoing collaboration in working with us as we weather this most challenging period.
Sincerely,
Angela Campbell, Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and
Fabrice Labeau, Vice-President (Administration and Finance)
On behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre’s Rapid Response Group
September 13 (8:50 AM) - Update on September 12, 2024 protest activities
On September 12, 2024, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ security received reports of the entry to a few classes being blocked briefly by small groups of masked protestors. As a result, some of these classes were cancelled. Â
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ security responded quickly to the scenes, and any protestors who were still on site left after security personnel arrived.  Â
As well, at approximately 1 p.m., a protest gathered in front of the Arts Building and moved off campus within 45 minutes. Â
Obstruction to accessing classrooms is completely unacceptable. This is not an allowable form of protest or expression and assembly. It directly targeted students and student learning, disrupted university activities and violated University policies. We are investigating the matter and any members of the university community who can be identified will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.Â
-- Rapid Response Group, Emergency Operations CentreÂ
September 3 (10:55 AM) - Update on August 30 protest
Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental guarantees protected by the Canadian and Quebec Charters. ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ extends wide protection to these freedoms and will move to intervene only when their exercise crosses the boundaries of the law and the University’s policies. The University is also committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive campus climate.
On August 30, a protest took place on ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s downtown campus. Social media accounts had issued a callout to ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ, Concordia and CEGEP students to join what was billed as a “student walkout.â€
The University was prepared for this event, with added security in place and consultation with police ahead of time, ready to act if matters became violent or obstructed our activities.
The protest started at approximately 1 p.m. in front of the James Administration Building and lasted approximately 2.5 hours. At its height, there were about 200 protesters on campus.
Around 2 p.m. the protest moved inside the Macdonald Engineering Building for approximately 10 minutes. There were reports that protesters may have walked into a class or classes to ask students to join the protest. This did not incite further participation in the protest. When protesters exited the building, some began tearing up the sod on the lower main field at about 2:50 pm. Police were immediately called and responded within minutes, causing protesters to disperse. Police made no arrests.
The ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ grounds team worked swiftly and repaired the damage to lower field by 3:30 p.m. The team also promptly removed chalked slogans left by protesters outside of the James Administration Building.
Protests that are peaceful, lawful and abide by ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ policies are a legitimate part of campus life. The overwhelming majority of ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵians take seriously and uphold their responsibilities to foster a university environment in which all can thrive.
From the information we currently have, last Friday’s protest and associated activities did not cross the bounds of law or policy until two things occurred:
- Entry into one of our academic buildings and disruption – even if short-lived – of a class in progress. This was an interruption of our academic activities which is not acceptable, and ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ denounces this act;
- Vandalism to the campus field. Vandalism is not a legitimate exercise of one’s freedom of expression. ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ condemns such acts unequivocally.
The University is investigating these two incidents. Identified members of the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community who participated will be subject to a disciplinary process.
-- Rapid Response Group, Emergency Operations Centre
August 1 (1:30 PM) -Â Reopening of downtown lower campus
Dear ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community members,
We write today to announce the reopening of our downtown lower campus on Monday, August 5.
As of August 5
- Campus opening hours have been extended:
- Weekdays (beginning Monday, August 5): 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Weekends (beginning Saturday, August 10): 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle access will be restored as usual.
- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID will no longer be required to enter the lower campus.
- All classes will take place in their usual locations, and on their usual schedules.
- All buildings will return to their regular opening hours, and libraries will return to their usual schedules.
- Some faculty, students and staff may need to conduct university business on campus outside of opening hours. They may do so, but must carry their ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID card and may be asked to present it.
Weekend of August 3-4
Current measures will remain in place on the weekend of August 3-4:
Lower campus access
- Lower campus opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID (or access letter signed by a Dean, Unit head, or Director of Administration) required.
- Pedestrian/cyclist access: Milton, Roddick, and McTavish Gates.
- Vehicle access: Milton Gates.
Building access
- Building entrances within the lower field area are open as usual.
- Entrances to these buildings from city streets remain locked.
- Libraries in the lower campus area will open as per their regular operating hours, but will close no later than 5:30 p.m.
We understand that this phased reopening has posed significant challenges for some of our community members, and we truly regret these unavoidable impacts. We are grateful for the collaboration and understanding you have shown during this challenging period.
Sincerely,
-- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University Emergency Operations Centre
July 25 (11:10 AM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
The phased reopening of our downtown campus is proceeding well, with access restrictions further easing next week. This gradual approach aims to stabilize our environment during the relatively quiet summer period. We envisage a return to an open campus by Fall orientation.
We remain thankful for your collaboration and understanding.
Lower campus access
- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID or letter (signed by a Dean, Unit head, or Director of Administration) required.
- Lower campus will be open:
- This weekend (July 27-28): 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Next week (July 29-August 2): 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Pedestrian/cyclist access: Milton, Roddick, and McTavish Gates.
- Vehicle access: Milton Gates.
Building access
- Building entrances within the lower field areas, including library entrances, will reopen as usual.
- Entrances to these buildings from city streets remain locked.
- The James Administration Building will remain on card access.
- Libraries in the lower campus area will open as per their regular operating hours, but will close no later than 5:30 p.m. on the weekend and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Classes
- In-person classes will return to their usual locations in buildings on the lower campus. (See Minerva class schedules for details.) Please ensure you bring your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID so that you may access the lower campus.
We expect to send our next update on Thursday, August 1.
Thank you,
-- ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University Emergency Operations Centre
July 18 (6:15 PM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
The downtown campus continues to reopen gradually as planned, with our priority work focused on ensuring the continuity of academic activities.
We understand that this phased reopening is causing complications for some, and we are working closely with Faculties and Units to ease these impacts. While these measures are necessary for the time being, we do not envision them to be long-lasting. Our goal is to stabilize our environment during this relatively quiet summer period, with the aim of reopening progressively in the coming weeks and returning to a fully open campus by the fall. Present limitations on access are providing the space needed to allow the small group of individuals who have been working diligently over the last weeks and months on campus safety and climate to regroup and plan for the months ahead. We ask for and deeply appreciate your collaboration and understanding during this challenging period.
Beginning next Monday, you will see that we are easing restrictions on lower campus, notably by increasing access points and by ensuring that all students have access to the affected libraries.
What follows is detailed access information for July 20-26:
Access to lower campus
A. ACCESS POINTS (ENTRY/EXIT) TO LOWER CAMPUS
Weekend: Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID is required to access lower campus.
There are two access points:
- McTavish – pedestrians, cyclists
- Milton – motorized vehicles
Entry access from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exit access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Workweek: Monday, July 22 to Friday July 26, inclusive
ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID is required to access lower campus
There will now be three access points:
- McTavish Entrance – pedestrians, cyclists
- Milton Gates – pedestrians, cyclists, motorized vehicles
- Roddick Gates – pedestrians, cyclists
Entry access from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; exit access from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
B. ACCESS TO BUILDINGS SURROUNDING LOWER CAMPUS
The affected buildings on lower campus are:
- Burnside Hall
- Dawson Hall
- Ferrier
- Frank Dawson Adams
- James Administration
- Leacock
- Macdonald Engineering
- Macdonald Harrington
- McCall MacBain Arts
- McConnell Engineering
- Morrice Hall
- Otto Maass
- Pulp & Paper
- Redpath Hall
- Redpath Museum
See section C, below, for information on libraries.
Weekend: Saturday July 20 and Sunday –July 21
Buildings listed above are on card access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Workweek: Monday July 22 to Friday July 26, inclusive
Buildings listed above are on card access from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For buildings on card access:
- Building users who have permission can swipe with ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID to enter.
- Graduate students and research assistance needing building access can request it through their Chair or Director.
C. ACCESS TO LIBRARIES ON LOWER CAMPUS
July 20-21
All libraries are closed.
July 22-26
The following libraries on lower campus are open to all students with a ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID card:
- McLennan-Redpath Library Complex (Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Rare Books and Special Collections, and ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ University Archives): Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Islamic Studies Library (in Morrice Hall): Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
D. CLASSES IN BUILDINGS ON LOWER CAMPUS
July 20-26
Classes are relocated – see Minerva class schedule for locations.
July 15 (4:05 PM) - Gradual reopening of campus continues
Lower campus is gradually reopening; detailed information for the period of Tuesday, July 16 to Friday, July 19, is available below.
We are proceeding with caution, in light of ongoing risks of additional property damage or new occupations. As well, work to decontaminate the lower field was delayed by wet conditions and therefore is only expected to be completed by this Tuesday.
We understand that the dismantlement and restricted access to some buildings have been disruptive for many of you; however, the steps taken have been necessary.
Lower campus and surrounding buildings
For those who need to access the buildings surrounding lower campus between Tuesday, July 16 and Friday, July 19, please note:
1) Buildings surrounding lower campus are on card access between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Starting 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, buildings that had been closed will change to card access. Card access means that members of the community who normally can use their ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID to access buildings during quiet hours can enter.
The buildings on card access are: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
As is usual practice when buildings are on card access, we ask that you do not let others into the building but invite them to swipe their ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID after you have entered.
Please note that students needing in-person services from Service Point should contact those offices directly.
2) Lower campus is accessible via two access points, which should be used for entry and exit between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Members of the community arriving on foot or bicycle must access lower campus through the McTavish Gates, between Morrice and Redpath Halls off McTavish Street.
- Vehicular access is through the Milton Gates at University and Milton.
As the campus remains closed to the general public, security personnel will check your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID before allowing access so please ensure that you have your ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ ID card. You must exit the buildings and campus by 6 p.m. through one of these two access points.
The Roddick Gates remain closed for the moment.
3) In-person classes normally held in buildings on card access will be moved to other locations on the downtown campus.
Enrolment Services staff has contacted departments who have in-person classes scheduled in the buildings listed above (section A.1) to provide the new location. The new location is also viewable in the Minerva class schedule.
4) Staff should return to campus as per their normal working routines.
Staff who are working in the buildings listed above (section A.1) should return to their normal work practices, including working in person as they normally would.
5) Please consult the Library website for information on user services.
The McLennan-Redpath Library Complex, Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering and the Islamic Studies Library are closed to users. Other libraries on campus are open. The ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ Libraries website will post information shortly about user services, including book pick up.
Open buildings
All other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open on their regular schedules. Staff in those open buildings should return to their normal work practices, including working in person as they normally would.
We remain grateful for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging period.
July 12 (12:15 PM) - Downtown campus remains partially closed through Monday
We continue to work toward a safe and gradual return to regular activities on the downtown campus. Again, as this process will take some time, we remain grateful for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging period.
To help ensure the safety of our community, buildings closed today, July 12, will remain closed through at least the evening of Monday, July 15.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If there is urgent reason for you to be present on campus (e.g. animals requiring immediate care, research that will be lost without immediate intervention, etc.), contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
Other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open on their regular schedules. Nonetheless, we ask staff in these buildings who can perform their duties remotely to work from home.
We expect to send our next update on Monday, July 15.
July 11 (6:45 PM) - Downtown campus remains partially open
Following the dismantlement of the lower field encampment, we are working toward a safe and gradual return to usual activities on the downtown campus. As this process will take some time, we thank you for your patience and understanding.
To help ensure the continued safety of our community, buildings closed today will remain closed Friday, July 12.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed: Burnside Hall, Dawson Hall, Ferrier, Frank Dawson Adams, James Administration, Leacock, Macdonald Engineering, Macdonald Harrington, McCall MacBain Arts, McConnell Engineering, McLennan Library, Morrice Hall, Otto Maass, Pulp & Paper, Redpath Hall, Redpath Library, Redpath Museum, Schulich Library.
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If you absolutely must come to campus, contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
Other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open.
Nonetheless, we ask staff who can perform their duties remotely to work from home tomorrow.
July 10 (4:45 PM) - Dismantlement complete
The encampment has been dismantled.
Due to current weather conditions, the clean-up at the site will continue tomorrow, as will the excavation and replacement of contaminated soil on the site.
To help ensure the continued safety of our community, part of the downtown campus will remain closed tomorrow.
Closed buildings
The following buildings remain closed tomorrow:
- Burnside Hall
- Dawson Hall
- Ferrier
- Frank Dawson Adams
- James Administration
- Leacock
- Macdonald Engineering
- Macdonald Harrington
- McCall MacBain Arts
- McConnell Engineering
- McLennan Library
- Morrice Hall
- Otto Maass
- Pulp & Paper
- Redpath Hall
- Redpath Library
- Redpath Museum
- Schulich Library
This means:
Students:
- Those who would normally access these buildings must stay home.
- Classes typically held in these buildings will move online. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
Faculty and staff:
- Those who can perform their duties remotely must work from home.
- Those who cannot perform their duties remotely must stay home and will be paid as usual.
- If you absolutely must come to campus, contact your supervisor.
Open buildings
All other downtown buildings, including daycares, will be open tomorrow.
Nonetheless, we ask staff who can perform their duties remotely to work from home tomorrow.
July 10 (1:15 PM) - Dismantlement continuing as planned
The dismantlement of the encampment is proceeding as planned, and largely complete.
Due to the presence of human waste, a rat infestation, discarded syringes, a large amount of rotting food and garbage, and other potentially dangerous and unsanitary conditions within the site, it was necessary to use heavy machinery to remove parts of the camp for the safety of all involved.
For the same reasons, it will be necessary to excavate and replace a layer of contaminated soil on the site.
The downtown campus (including all ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ buildings, outdoor areas, rented properties, etc.) remains closed today and this evening.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
July 10 (10:07 AM) - Encampment dismantlement proceeding peacefully
Between 4:46 and 7:42 a.m., individuals in the encampment were advised three times that they would be escorted off campus if they did not leave of their own accord. Of the approximately 35 people at the site, almost all have chosen to leave. Individuals were given the opportunity to remove their personal belongings as they departed.
The dismantlement process is currently proceeding peacefully. A careful search of the site is underway, to ensure that no other individuals or dangerous materials remain. Steel fencing encircling the site will now be removed. Montreal police are present to ensure the safety of all.
The Downtown Campus remains closed for the day.
Further updates will follow.
July 10 (6:15 AM) - Downtown Campus closed: Please avoid the area
As members of the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community are aware, the University has been subject to ongoing and escalating acts of violence and vandalism associated with the encampment, up to and including criminal acts on campus last weekend.
The encampment is the site of profound health and safety risks that continue to grow in scope and severity. To protect the security of the ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ community and the integrity of our property, the encampment on the lower field of the downtown campus is being dismantled. Security personnel and Montreal police (SPVM) are on site.
As a result, ÎÛÎÛ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ’s downtown campus is closed today, July 10, 2024. Everyone should stay away from the downtown campus. All events, summer programs and activities are cancelled for today.
We regret the considerable inconvenience that this necessary step will cause for many members of our community.
Please read the following information carefully:
- Students should not come to the downtown campus.
- Classes typically held on the downtown campus will move online for today. We ask instructors to please notify their students immediately.
- Libraries are closed.
- Faculty and staff who work on the downtown campus should stay home
- Staff who can perform their duties remotely should work from home.
- Staff who cannot perform their duties remotely should stay home and will be paid as usual.
- We will be in contact with supervisors whose staff may need to be on campus for essential services. If you do not hear from your supervisor, please do not come to campus.
- Daycares on campus are closed.
- The campus is closed to the public.
Again, we regret the disruption caused by this operation. We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.