Dear members,
I am writing to inform you the Association of Academic Staff at the University of Alberta (AASUA) is calling on the University to reinstate the indoor mask mandate, and for the University to provide transparent, evidence-based criteria under which a mask policy can be modified or suspended.
During our Annual General Meeting on Friday, Nov. 18, members made it clear they want learning and working conditions on campus to be made as safe as possible through evidence-based health measures. Members passed the following two motions:
• AASUA members recommend that the AASUA Executive call upon the University to reinstate the indoor mask mandate, requiring all employees, students, contractors, and members of the community to wear a face mask covering mouth and nose while inside university-owned buildings.
• AASUA members recommend that the AASUA Executive call upon the University to provide transparent, evidence-based criteria for the conditions under which an indoor mask policy or any mask mandate may be modified or suspended.
In response to this direction from membership, I have sent a letter to President Bill Flanagan and Board of Governors Chair Kate Chisholm calling on the university to act on both motions.
At a time when rates of COVID, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza are on the rise, we are requesting university administration be our partners in protecting staff, students, and all members of our campus community.
Gordon Swaters
AASUA President