All the vaccination policies at Ontario universities

Residence

All Algoma students living in residence must have one dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved vaccine by Sept. 3 and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Students who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an accommodation and will be tested twice per week.

Athletics

All student athletes, coaches and support staff must have one dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 3 and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Those who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an accommodation and will be tested twice per week.

General Campus Access

All Algoma community members who intend to access any of its three campuses must have one dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 3 and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Those who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an accommodation and will be tested twice per week. 

Those with accommodations must have a negative COVID-19 test result 72 hours prior to accessing campus.

Residence

All Brock students living in residence must have one dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine or one dose of a vaccine on the WHO’s emergency use list prior to moving into their rooms, and their second dose within 14 days of moving into residence. Exemptions will be allowed based on medical reasons or on grounds covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Athletics

All Brock student athletes on a varsity or a club team roster must be fully vaccinated with either a Health Canada approved vaccine or a vaccine on the WHO’s emergency use list by Sept. 4, or 14 days prior to their competition, whichever day is sooner. Requests for accommodations on human rights grounds, including medical conditions or religious beliefs, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

General Campus Access

All Brock students, faculty, staff and visitors who will enter campus in the fall will be required to have at least a first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine by Sept. 1. A second dose will be required by Sept. 28. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an accommodation.

Those with accommodations are required to complete antigen screening twice a week as well as screening measures when accessing campus.

Residence

All Carleton students living in residence must receive their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 10 and their second dose no later than Oct. 15. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption.

Athletics

All Carleton student athletes must have their first dose of a Health Canada or World Health Organization approved vaccine by Sept. 10 and their second dose no later than Oct. 15. Student athletes who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical reasons or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption.

General Campus Access

All individuals coming to Carleton, including students, faculty, staff and visitors are required to have their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 8 and their second dose no later than Oct. 15. Community members who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption. 

Those with exemptions will still be required to adhere to additional health measures, including rapid testing. Unvaccinated individuals without an exemption will not be able to attend campus or any in-person Carleton activities.

Residence

All residence students at U of G must be fully vaccinated within 30 days of checking into residence. Students must submit either a confirmation of full vaccination by a Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine, a confirmation of one dose and a plan for obtaining a second dose, a vaccination plan for two doses or an exemption request to the university by Aug. 16.

Students who have one dose must arrange a second dose as soon as possible after their arrival. Unvaccinated students must receive their first dose within seven days of arrival and make arrangements for a second dose within 30 days of their move-in date. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption.

Athletics

All student varsity athletes at U of G must provide an official confirmation of full vaccination by a two-dose vaccine, such as a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, by Sept. 30. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption.

General Campus Access

All faculty, staff, students and visitors at U of G must have their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 7 to access university buildings and managed facilities. By Oct. 15, all faculty, staff and students must have their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code can request an exemption. 

Those with exemptions must submit a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours prior to arriving on campus.

Residence

All Lakehead students living in residence are required to have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination with plans to receive a second dose. Exemptions can be requested for medical or other reasons.

Athletics

All student athletes at Lakehead will be required to be fully vaccinated in accordance with other post-secondary institutions with varsity and Ontario Colleges Athletic Association sports teams. 

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff and visitors arriving on Lakehead’s campuses and properties must have received their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 7 and be fully vaccinated no later than Oct. 7. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an exemption. 

Those with exemptions must present a negative COVID-19 test before being allowed to access Lakehead properties.

Residence

All Laurentian students living in residence will be required to have at least one dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine or a dose from the WHO emergency use list by Sept. 4 and a second dose by Oct. 15. Residence students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will be able to submit an accommodation request. 

Athletics

All varsity athletes at Laurentian will be required to have at least one dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine or a dose from the WHO emergency use list by Sept. 4 and a second dose by Oct. 15. Varsity athletes who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons will be able to submit an accommodation request.

General Campus Access

Any person attending Laurentian’s campus from Sept. 7 and onwards must be fully vaccinated or have a permitted exemption for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

The university has also said that because of the limited time to request an exemption before its vaccination policy takes effect, those who are not yet fully vaccinated between Sept. 7 and Oct. 15 will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test regularly. After Oct. 15, those who are not fully vaccinated and do not have an exemption will not be allowed to attend campus.

Residence

All McMaster students living in residence will be required to be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved vaccine within 14 days of moving into residence, with at least one shot before their move-in date.

Athletics

All student athletes at McMaster who wish to participate in varsity athletics must have two doses of a WHO approved vaccine or one dose of an approved single-dose COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 5. Student athletes who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or on other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.

General Campus Access

Anyone accessing McMaster’s campus from Sept. 7 and onwards must be fully vaccinated or have a permitted exemption for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

The university has also said that because of the limited time to request an exemption before its vaccination policy takes effect, those who are not yet fully vaccinated between Sept. 7 and Oct. 18 will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test twice a week. After Oct. 18, those who are not fully vaccinated and do not have an exemption will not be allowed to attend campus.

Residence

All Nipissing students living in residence will be required to present proof of their vaccination status through an online portal. The university has said details for this process will be sent to those directly impacted. 

Athletics

All Nipissing varsity athletes will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status through an online portal. The university has also said details for this process will be sent to those directly impacted. 

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff and other individuals coming to Nipissing’s campus will be required to attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status through an online portal. The process and dates for this requirement have not been announced yet. Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or on other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation. 

Unvaccinated individuals must commit to regular testing and receive a negative COVID-19 test result before coming to campus.

Residence

OCAD does not have a student residence.

Athletics

While OCAD does not have varsity or club sports teams, the school has not shared COVID-19 vaccination policies for intramural sports.

General Campus Access

All community members who be accessing OCAD’s campus for in-person activities will be required to have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 7. A second dose is required by Oct. 12. Those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption. 

Those with exemptions must submit a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours prior to arriving on campus.

Residence

All Ontario Tech students living in residence will be required to have received their first dose and either a second dose or an appointment for a second dose of a WHO approved vaccine prior to moving into residence. Exemptions will be allowed on medical or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Athletics

All student athletes at Ontario Tech must provide official confirmation of their full vaccination status. Exemptions will be granted for medical reasons or under grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff and other individuals coming to Ontario Tech’s campus must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 17. Individuals will be asked to attest to their vaccination status through an online portal. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or on other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated between Sept. 3 and Oct. 17 must undergo rapid-testing and provide a negative test result every time they come to campus. After Oct. 17, those who are not fully vaccinated will not be permitted on campus.

Residence

All Queen’s students living in residence must be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Oct. 15 unless the university has received a completed and signed attestation for the reason they are not being vaccinated, which can be due to medical, religious, or personal reasons. The attestation must be submitted by Aug. 30.

Athletics

All Queen’s students who are participating on varsity teams and clubs must be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine or have a plan for their vaccinations by Sept. 7. 

Student athletes must also disclose their vaccination status by Sept. 2 and provide a confirmation of full vaccination by Sept. 30. Athletes who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or on other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.

General Campus Access

All students, staff, faculty and visitors who are participating in activities at Queen’s must attest through an online tool to having their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine from Sept. 1 and onwards. A second dose is required by Oct. 15. Anyone who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or on other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation. 

Those with exemptions will be required to adhere to additional safety measures such as twice-weekly rapid testing. Those who are unvaccinated without an approved accommodation will not be able to attend campus or participate in any in-person university activities.

Residence

All Ryerson students living in residence must have their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine prior to their move-in date. Students who cannot be vaccinated on medical or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.

Athletics

All student athletes at Ryerson who are competing on varsity and competitive club teams must be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine by Sept. 16 to be medically cleared for competition. Vaccine exemptions for medical reasons are available, but require a doctor’s signature. Exemptions for religion or creed require a personal attestation and must be signed by a notary.

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors coming to Ryerson’s campus must submit proof of vaccination. Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption to be permitted to attend campus.

Those with exemptions will be required to adhere to regular testing requirements and other health and safety measures that may be implemented by Ryerson.

Residence

All Trent students living in residence will be required to have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before move-in day in September. Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Athletics

There are currently no mandatory vaccination policies for student athletes at Trent University.

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff and visitors at Trent must provide proof of two vaccinations by a WHO approved vaccine from Sept. 7 and onwards. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated will need to complete COVID testing before coming to campus. Accommodations may be requested for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Residence

All University of Ottawa students living in residence must receive their first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine before their move-in date and provide proof of vaccination before moving in. After receiving a first dose, students in residence must receive their second dose within the timeframe recommended by Ottawa Public Health. Students who cannot be vaccinated on medical or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.

Athletics

All student athletes at the University of Ottawa are required to have received one vaccination dose by Aug. 1. By Oct. 1, student athletes are required to have received two vaccination doses. Student athletes who cannot be vaccinated, either for medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, can request an accommodation.

General Campus Access

All students, faculty, staff and visitors who intend to access the University of Ottawa’s campus from Sept. 7 and onwards must be vaccinated with either a Health Canada or WHO approved vaccine. Testing will be required and available only to those who either have an approved accommodation for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code, are waiting for an approved accommodation, or are partially vaccinated and awaiting their second dose.

Those who are unvaccinated without an approved accommodation will not be able to attend campus or participate in any in-person university activities.

Residence

All U of T students living in residence should have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to their move-in date. Students in residence who are unable to get vaccinated before moving in will have two weeks following their move-in date to receive their first dose. Any student who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an accommodation.

Athletics

All student athletes participating in varsity sports at U of T must be fully vaccinated and must self-declare their vaccination status. Those who say “no” will be directed to a rapid screening program and provided with rapid screening kits. They will be expected to screen at home twice a week and have a negative result within 72 hours before coming to campus.

In its statement, the university did not say if student athletes would stay on team rosters or be barred from athletic activities if they are unvaccinated.

General Campus Access

All U of T community members who will be present on its three campuses or on premises owned by the university must receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 13 and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption. Those with exemption must participate in a rapid screening program and provide proof of a negative test result before visiting campus. 

Unvaccinated individuals without an approved exemption cannot come to U of T’s campus or premises.

Residence

All students living in residence at the University of Waterloo must receive their first dose of a Health Canada or WHO vaccine before their scheduled move-in date and provide proof prior to arrival. Residents must also get a second dose of an approved vaccine as soon as possible and provide proof by Nov. 1. Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

Athletics

There are currently no mandatory vaccination policies specifically for student athletes at the University of Waterloo.

General Campus Access

Anyone who comes to the University of Waterloo’s campus from Sept. 7 and onwards must provide proof of vaccination. Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

Those who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will have until Oct. 17 to provide proof of full vaccination and must participate in rapid testing. A negative test is required no more than 72 hours before coming to Waterloo’s campuses and buildings.

Residence

There are currently no mandatory vaccination policies specifically for students in residence at the University of Windsor.

Athletics

All student athletes and student physical therapists at the University of Windsor will be required to have their first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine by Aug. 31. A second dose is required by Oct. 1. Proof of vaccination for either a first or second dose must be submitted by Aug. 31. Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

General Campus Access

All staff, faculty and students at the University of Windsor who will be on campus are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a Health Canada approved vaccine. A first dose will be required by Sept. 1 and a second dose will be required by Oct. 1. Community members who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption. 

Those with exemptions or who are unvaccinated must participate in regular testing protocols.

Residence

All students living in residence at Western’s main campus and the campuses of its affiliated colleges, Brescia University College, Huron University College and King’s University College, are required to have received a first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine within one week following their move-in date or no later than Sept. 13, whichever date comes first. Residents must receive their second dose no later than Oct. 12. Residents who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

Athletics

All varsity student athletes at Western University are required to be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved vaccine. According to a report from the Western Gazette, student athletes, coaches and staff must be fully vaccinated to compete unless they request an exemption under grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code by Sept. 1.

General Campus Access

All community members at Western University who plan to be on campus this fall must demonstrate proof of vaccination by Sept. 7, unless they have an approved exemption for medical reasons or under other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Those with exemptions must be tested twice a week. 

Those who choose not to be vaccinated do not have a testing option and will not be allowed to come to campus.

Residence

All students living in residence at Laurier are encouraged to have their first dose of a Health Canada approved vaccine prior to their move-in date. Students who are unable to get vaccinated before moving in will have one week following their move-in date to receive their first dose. Students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

Athletics

All interuniversity student athletes and student trainers at Laurier are required to be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved vaccine for a minimum of 14 days before participating in competition. Student athletes must be fully vaccinated no later than Sept. 30. Student athletes who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may submit a request for accommodation.

General Campus Access

All Laurier community members will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status before attending its campuses from Sept. 7 and onwards. A second vaccination is required by Oct. 8. Community members who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or other grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption and must adhere to rapid testing before coming to campus.

Residence

All students living in residence at York are required to have their first COVID-19 vaccination dose prior to their move-in date. Those who are unable to get vaccinated will have two weeks following their move-in date to receive their first dose. Residents who cannot be vaccinated on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption.

Athletics

All student athletes at York are required to provide proof of full vaccination by Oct. 19 unless they have an exemption for medical reasons or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Those who are not yet fully vaccinated before Oct. 19, including those with approved exemptions, will be required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

General Campus Access

All community members and visitors at York and its campuses must provide proof of full vaccination by Oct. 19. Those who cannot be vaccinated on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code may request an exemption. Individuals attending activities on York’s campuses who are either not yet fully vaccinated or who have an exemption must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

Featured graphic by Sara Mizannojehdehi.