Back to Mac: Employee Guide to September

With days to go before the start of the fall semester, employees have questions about what to expect. This guide is intended to provide key information and resources you will need for the first few weeks of term. We each have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our community safe. 

In this guide: 

• Employee checklist for coming to campus
• Working together to keep you and campus safe
• Navigating campus spaces
• Resources and support

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Employee checklist 

Before coming to campus 

• Complete the mandatory COVID-19 awareness training. 
• Visit MacCheck starting September 7.  
• Upload proof of vaccination to our digital tool MacCheck. All faculty and staff must upload proof of vaccination between September 7 and October 18. More details in our FAQ. Information on exemptions can be found here. 
• If you are not fully vaccinated, you must get tested to come to a McMaster location or off-site affiliate location.  
• Complete the COVID-19 health screening on MacCheck in the hour prior to leaving for campus. 
• Bring with you: 
  • A mask or face covering; and 
  • Your employee ID card – if you need a new or replacement card, here’s instructions for staff. 
• Plan for how you’ll get to campus, including applying for or renewing a parking pass, researching public transit schedules or looking into bike racks and secure bike storage options. 
• Review the Principles and Practices for an Inclusive Community. 
• Review the Back to Mac website for additional information and safety measures. 

While on campus 

• • Keep at least 2 metres distance from others except in designated instructional areas such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries.  
  • Wear your mask covering your nose, mouth and chin.  
  • Sanitize your hands when entering a building.  
  • Follow health and safety signs on campus. 
  • Be respectful of others and have compassionate conversations. 
  • Report to the university through Mosaic if you test positive for COVID-19. 

Working together to keep you and campus safe 

• Requiring vaccination: The scientific evidence in support of vaccination as the best defense against new COVID-19 infections is overwhelmingly compelling and McMaster’s own infectious disease experts agree.  
• Ventilation assessment and upgrades: McMaster’s ventilation plan involves assessing and making any required updates to the ventilation systems. 
• Enhanced cleaning: McMaster has a comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting plan that includes increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. 
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes: These are provided in public spaces. 
• Signage: Our buildings have been equipped with clear signage providing direction on masking, hand washing, screening requirements including symptoms and staying home when sick, and other health and safety measures. 
• Masks: As per provincial regulations, non-medical masks or face coverings continue to be required in all indoor spaces, and in outdoor settings when 2 metre distance cannot be maintained. Complete guidelines and protocols here.
• Safety requirements for individuals: Everything you’re required to do, others are too. We expect the whole community to follow health and safety measures set out by the University and the province, including wearing a mask, doing the daily COVID-19 screening via MacCheck, completing required training, uploading proof of vaccination or exemption, and following good hygiene practices.

Navigating campus spaces 

Building hours: Buildings on campus opened on Monday, August 30, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starting September 7th, the schedule for opening and closing of buildings will be adjusted to cover class times. 

COVID-19 testing: Report all positive COVID-19 test results on Mosaic. 

• Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre on campus: If you are not fully vaccinated, you must get tested to come to a McMaster location or off-site affiliate location and receive a negative test result twice a week. Go to the  Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre on campus (Location: McMaster University Student Centre, Room 311). 
• Student Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre: Students with symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19 can get tested at the Student Symptomatic COVID-19 Testing Centre (Location: Les Prince Hall, Room 109). Call (905) 525-9140 ext. 27700 to book an appointment. Open Monday to Friday.  
• Faculty members and staff with symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure can book a test at an assessment centre in the community. In Hamilton, you can book a COVID-19 test online. 

Composting office plants: Sadly, some of us may return to office spaces to find plants that are no longer alive. Facility Services is offering a more sustainable disposal option, including composting the natural plant material and recycling the container if possible. Please bring any plants you no longer want to the green bin located in the receiving area beside Chester New Hall. 

Where to eat on campus: Many hospitality services locations are open. Details and hours of operation are posted on the Hospitality Services website. Employees need to remain physically distanced while eating. 

Outdoor spaces to gather: In addition to preparing indoor spaces, we have reimagined our outdoor spaces on campus to maximize opportunities for people to safely socialize and collaborate in the fresh air.  

Resources and support 

Feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed by the transition? There are a number of resources available to employees to support their wellbeing and mental health, including: 

• Employee Well-being wellness sessions  
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Smart Coaching offerings such as Parenting, Caregiving and Wellness coaching. 
• A Way Through portal, supporting people in managing grief, loss and bereavement during COVID-19.