COVID-19 FAQ

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend classes?

The Quebec government has deemed in-person classes an essential service, so no vaccination is required to attend.

Are students back 100% in-person, or will some classes still be hybrid or remote?

Will some classes still be hybrid or remote?

Classes are in person, which means strictly in presence. Only classes scheduled to be online according to the timetable will remain online.

If there is another COVID-19 outbreak, can courses be moved online?

That is a possibility. The University will be prepared for a smooth transition to online classes at any given time.

What are the guidelines for masks on campus this fall?

There are currently no mask mandates in place. Please monitor future announcements.

What are the guidelines for physical distancing this fall?

There are currently no physical distancing requirements in classrooms for the fall semester. Please monitor future announcements.

What safety measures are in place for those on campus in the fall semester?

Hand sanitation stations at the entrances of all buildings and public spaces.
Signage and traffic control in buildings to limit crowding.
Taxi vouchers and other vaccination support programs (more info coming soon).
The Purple Community Key self-registration program.
Application of the government mandated Vaccine Passport guidelines.

Do I need to be vaccinated to participate in orientation week?

Can I get information on vaccination rates on campus or in my classes?

Vaccination history is personal health data and confidential, therefore vaccination rates are not available. Bishop’s is launching the Purple Community Key initiative through the SafeGaiter app for self-reporting vaccination status for those willing to do so. If you are interested, please download the app and submit your proof of vaccination.

What is the Vaccine Passport and who needs to use it?

Will public transport in Sherbrooke require that I be vaccinated?

No, public transport is an essential service, therefore proof of vaccination is not required.

My situation has changed, I no-longer can attend Bishop’s in the Fall but want to attend in Winter or next year – what should I do?

What mental health supports are available?

The Student Services Counselling website offers a number of online and phone-based community mental health and wellness supports. Please refer to the detailed list of resources if you need remote support.

Empower Me

Empower Me is a confidential support service available to BU students 24/7, 365 days a year. No issue is too big or too small – regardless of what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone.

You can get support for issues of any kind, such as:

Stress or anxiety
Depression
Relationships or interpersonal conflicts
Family responsibilities
Substance misuse/abuse
Disordered eating
Time management
Career counselling
Financial planning or financial insecurity
Nutrition, and more

Visit studentcare.ca or call 1-833-628-5589. Calls are confidential.

Students with urgent mental health concerns should contact the following resources:

In Sherbrooke:

Urgence-Detresse (819) 780-2222
24-hour mental health crisis line

Jevi Centre de Prevention du Suicide | 1 (866) 277-3553
24-hour crisis line for people who have suicidal thoughts and for the friends and family supporting them

Empower Me | 24-hour crisis Line: (844) 741-6389
24-hour clinical response centre for students supported by SRC

Rest of Canada:

Kid’s Help Phone | (800) 668-6868 | https://kidshelpphone.ca/
24-hour national, bilingual, anonymous phone counselling, web counselling and referral service for youth

Good2Talk | (844) 741-6389 | text: 686868
Confidential emotional support services for post-secondary students

Hope for Wellness | (855) 242-3310
Emotional distress support for First Nations and Indigenous peoples

Are double rooms being offered in residence?

Will my Residence Assistant (RA) still put on activities this semester?

Yes. Residence life activities will continue. Public Health guidelines will be respected at Residence Life events.

Are there any mask or distancing rules in residence?

Residents will not need to wear a mask in their bedrooms, or apartments if they live in Paterson. Physical distancing guidelines may apply, please respect all signage.

Are vaccines required for students living in residence?

No, all students are welcome in residence. Once on campus, students can either self-report their vaccination status through the Purple Community Key or participate in our weekly on-campus testing program.

Will all dining facilities be open on campus this fall and will there be physical distancing requirements?

Yes, dining facilities will be available. Please respect all signage on campus.

What do I need to know as a new or returning international student for Fall 2021?