Statements on potential impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)
This page is for official announcements about COVID-19’s impact on the Knox College community. For community encouragement and connection during COVID-19, visit knox.utoronto.ca/careduringcovid19.
December 16, 2021
From Principal John Vissers
Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Knox College has operated with an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of all within our community, while continuing to provide our programs of theological education with excellence. To date, our protocols and plans have served us well. The lingering presence of the Delta variant accompanied by the emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant suggest that the next few months will be challenging.
Under current government guidelines and public health advice, existing COVID-19 protocols and restrictions are in force at Knox College. Please note the following:
- Knox College is open for business, but the building remains closed to the public.
- The Caven Library is now closed until January 3, 2022.
- All Winter 2022 Knox College courses will begin, as scheduled, during the week of January 10, 2022. All Knox College courses will be offered remote-synchronously, as they were in Fall 2021.
- Faculty and staff will continue to work remotely from home, except in cases where supervisors determine that the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
- All requirements for vaccination, physical distancing, masks, and reporting remain in place and will be strictly enforced.
We will continue to review the academic, administrative, and pastoral resources required to support students, staff, faculty, and residents through this stage of pandemic. Please watch for an update at the beginning of the next term, in early January.
We appreciate that the developments of the past few days have been disappointing, especially as we head into the Christmas break. I want to thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we make plans for the winter term. In the meantime, I take this opportunity to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy new year. May the peace of Christ be with us all.
October 21, 2021
From Vice Principal Stuart Macdonald
To all Knox College students:
Please be advised that all Knox College Winter 2022 courses will be offered remote-synchronously (Section code 9101), just as they are being offered during the Fall 2021 semester. If you intend to register for Winter 2022 courses at other TST Colleges, please be aware that courses may be offered online (6101), remote-synchronously (9101), or in-person (0101) on campus.
Though we will be offering our Winter 2022 courses remote-synchronously, it is our intention to begin to hold specific events and meetings in the Knox College building and to continue to provide in-person access to the Caven Library. Please continue to monitor your email for more information and invitations.
If you have any questions, please contact your Faculty Advisor or the Registrar.
September 7, 2021
August 30, 2021: Update on Caven Library services
Curbside requests through the catalogue have now ended. The last day to pick up curbside materials is Thursday, September 2.
Caven Library stacks will reopen on September 7 and will be open to current TCard holders, Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm.
The Reading Room will be open to current students and residents of Knox College by appointment only.
August 27, 2021: Updated COVID-19 protocols at Knox College
From Principal John Vissers
To all members of the Knox College community:
As we begin a new academic year, I am writing to update you on COVID-19 protocols at Knox College. Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Knox College has operated with an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of all within our community of faith and learning while continuing to provide our programs of theological education with excellence.
We are preparing for a safe and gradual return to in-person activities. The College will continue to monitor the latest public health guidance, including directives from the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial authorities, including the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Working in concert with the Toronto School of Theology, Knox College also monitors developments and decisions at the University of Toronto.
Effective September 7, 2021, the following operating protocols will be in effect:
GENERAL OPERATIONAL PROTOCOLS
1. Knox College is open for business (academic programs, library, residence, rentals), but the building remains closed to the general public.
2. For the Fall Semester 2021 (September through December) all classes in regular academic programs will be accessible through virtual remote platforms online. An announcement concerning the Winter Semester (January through April 2022) will be made November 2021.
3. Knox College requires all students, faculty, staff, residents, and current TCard holders to be fully vaccinated in order to enter the building.
4. Following public health directives and the guidance of the University of Toronto, Knox College requires anyone coming to the Knox building – including faculty, staff, students, residents, and current TCard holders – to complete the UCheck self-assessment before coming onto campus and to be prepared to present it upon arrival.
5. Access to the Academic Wing will be through the north door (parking lot) only. This door will be locked. This entrance will be monitored Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students and TCard holders can access the building by calling a number during these hours that will be provided on the door.
6. The Caven Library is closed to the general public. The stacks are open to current TCard holders from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday. The Reading Room is open to current students and residents of Knox College by appointment only. Contact knox.readerservices@
7. Faculty and staff will continue to work remotely, except in cases where supervisors have determined that their presence on campus is required, or in cases where departments implement an approved plan for the gradual return to onsite work.
8. Faculty, staff, and students who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or who are feeling ill or have symptoms of COVID-19 must self-isolate and get tested. If exposure, illness or symptoms occurred within 2 weeks of visitation to Knox College, then they are to notify Daniela D’Aniello via e-mail, daniela.daniello@
9. All visitors to Knox College will be required to sign in and provide proof of double vaccination to the person/office being visited for contact tracing. This information is to be sent to daniela.daniello@utoronto.
10. All persons must wear a mask while in the Knox College building and must physically distance from others.
11. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will be provided at all entrance and egress points. Meeting rooms and offices will be cleaned and sanitized daily.
As we monitor developments related to the global pandemic, we will communicate any changes to these protocols. We look forward to the time when we will once again be able to gather for in-person activities on the campus of Knox College. We hope and pray it will be soon. In the meantime, stay safe, be well, and welcome back to Knox College. The Lord be with you.
April 27, 2021: Fall 2021 at Knox College
At Knox College we look forward to the time when we will be able to reopen the campus and host classes in person onsite. For the Fall 2021 academic term, however, Knox College will continue to offer all its academic courses, for both Basic Degree and Graduate Degree programs, using virtual remote platforms online.
Our primary goals are to provide uninterrupted access to our academic programs and to promote the health and safety of all in our community of faith and learning. As public health guidelines permit, we hope to begin to reopen the Knox campus during the Fall semester for study, meetings, and co-curricular activities, with the possibility of return to in-person classes beginning in January 2022.
While we hope and pray for improved health conditions in 2021-2022 with the vaccine rollout, Knox College will continue to operate with an abundance of caution as we fulfill our mission and our commitment to excellence in theological education.
Each of the Member Colleges of the Toronto School of Theology is planning to fulfil its mission in theological education in ways that it deems appropriate for its constituency, in concert with TST and the University of Toronto, as public health conditions allow. Some Member Colleges will provide remote access to courses, while others will plan for in-person courses.
Knox College will continue to work with students to fulfil curricular requirements, including those who anticipate practicums in experiential learning, theological field education, and clinical pastoral placements. We will also continue to work with our faculty and librarians to make available the research resources required to support our academic programs.
Watch for more information from the Academic Office of Knox College on matters related to program requirements for both Basic Degree students and Graduate Degree students.
April 16, 2021
Due to the provincial measures put in place on Friday, April 16, Caven Library has suspended curbside pickup/ book return service, as well as scan and deliver service, until further notice.
February 23, 2021
Next week due to a scheduling conflict, Caven Library’s curbside pickup/dropoff service will be available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday — March 1, 2, and 5 — from 10am to 4pm. (Curbside services are typically available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.)
Please see information here on curbside pickup/book return, and scan and deliver services.
January 14, 2021
To all members of the Knox College community:
I am writing to update you on COVID-19 protocols in relation to the state of emergency declared by the Province of Ontario, beginning today, Thursday, January 14, 2021.
Since the pandemic began in March 2020 Knox College has operated with an abundance of caution in order to protect the health and safety of all within our community while continuing to provide our programs of theological education. Under the state of emergency, the existing COVID-19 protocols remain in force and will continue to provide the basis of operations at Knox College, including the following:
- Knox College will be open for business, but the building will remain closed.
- The Caven Library will provide curbside pickup and drop-off of books on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
- In accordance with the provincial stay at home order, faculty and staff will continue to work remotely from home, except in cases where supervisors determine that the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the College, in accordance with the provincial order.
All protocols for physical distancing, screening, face coverings and reporting remain in place and will be strictly enforced.
We will continue to review the academic, administrative and pastoral resources required to support students and faculty through the state of emergency and beyond. We will also assess the situation daily and make adjustments as may be necessary to participate in the province-wide effort “to reduce the number of contacts people are having, in order to prevent illness and death” and “to protect the health care system.”
We’d like to think that with the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines we are heading into the final stretch of this pandemic marathon. But this will be a challenging term for us all. I urge patience, prayer, and persistence in all things. Knox College will stand with its students, faculty, staff, and residents as we face this together. May the Lord be with us.
John Vissers
Principal
January 6, 2021
Caven Library’s curbside pickup service has resumed; please see information here on curbside pickup/book return, and scan and deliver services.
December 9, 2020
In accordance with revised COVID-19 protocols, Caven Library’s curbside pickup service is not available until January 2021. Please contact library staff at knox.readerservices@utoronto.ca for assistance with research and online resources.
Update for November 23, 2020 from Principal John Vissers
Change to Winter term schedule for Knox College and the Toronto School of Theology
Classes for the winter term will now begin on Monday, January 11, 2021. All semester academic deadlines (including ROSI deadlines) will be delayed by one week. Reading Week (February 15-19) will not be changed. The final week of classes will now be April 5-9 and exam week will be April 12-16. As previously announced, all classes will be delivered using virtual remote platforms online. Further information will be coming from the Registrar’s Office and posted on the TST Website in the next few weeks.
To quote President Gertler of the University of Toronto, these decisions are “prompted by the fact that we’ve all been under an extraordinary amount of stress for months now, because of the burdens imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic…we care deeply about the wellness of each and every one of you. We want to make sure that you’re able to rest and recharge, and to make the most of the upcoming holiday break.”
Let me add this word of encouragement to our students: this is a very challenging time to be engaged in theological study and you deserve to be commended for what you are accomplishing under the conditions of COVID-19. Many of you are studying at Knox College while meeting major demands at home, managing the needs of your family, often under financial stress. Others are facing isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and mental health challenges which have been caused or exacerbated by the pandemic.
Let’s continue to reach out to one another, especially if you’re struggling, or you know someone who may be struggling. Let’s continue to pray for another. Let’s believe what we say we believe, especially as we enter Advent: God is with us. The pandemic may be with us for some time yet, and we will continue to face times of stress, uncertainty, and discouragement. But God is with us always. This is the assurance of faith given to us in Jesus Christ.
May the Lord be with you through the remainder of this term, and always.
John Vissers
Knox College Principal
Update for October 19, 2020
Winter 2021 courses will be offered remotely via Zoom and online platforms, continuing in the same manner as Fall 2020 courses.
Update for July 10, 2020
Admissions applications and mailing services update
We can now accept mail sent via Canada Post. However, as our building remains closed due to COVID-19, we cannot receive any mail coming from other mailing services. Reference letters and transcripts may be mailed to us only via Canada Post. All documents except for official transcripts can be submitted by email as PDF files. Electronic Official Transcripts are welcomed. Unofficial electronic copies (PDF) of transcripts directly from the issuing institution will be accepted as placeholders. If you have any questions, please contact the Recruitment Officer and Admissions Counsellor, Megan Shin, at megan.shin@utoronto.ca.
Update for May 28, 2020
Knox College continues to work closely with the Toronto School of Theology and the University of Toronto in monitoring government regulations and protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, and in order to ensure student support and success, it is our intention to offer all Fall 2020 courses remotely via Zoom and online platforms. Students will not be required to attend classes on campus in Fall 2020, though access to academic resources and support services will be provided as physical distancing restrictions are adjusted. Please note: A decision had not been made regarding proposed course offerings in Winter 2021. Knox College will continue to respond to developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will announce any decisions. Please monitor this website for more information as it becomes available.
Update for May 7, 2020
Update for May 6, 2020
Fall Semester Classes at Toronto School of Theology: Principles in effect until December 31, 2020
We have received many questions from students and prospective students about Fall classes. It will be several weeks before the University of Toronto announces plans for Fall; however, TST is in regular conversation with the University and understands itself to be consistent with the U of T’s goals by announcing the following:
Our primary organizing principle will be providing access to classes and extra-curricular responsibilities that allow students to make progress with their degrees and to engage with their fellow student and college communities in this exceptional time of pandemic and its aftermath.
In light of this we are actively planning for the following:
- To provide for Fall 2020 remote access to most classes, except practicums, and to communicate decisions about the scope of remote access for future academic terms in consultation with the University of Toronto and public health directives.
- To provide for some person-to-person opportunities in some classes, if public health conditions permit.
- To work with students, including those who anticipate healthcare-based practicums, to fulfill curricular requirements in appropriate ways.
- To work with international students who have met admission requirements but do not have a visa and/or study permit in hand, or who cannot travel to Toronto, to begin classes through remote access.
- To work with our librarians to make research access available.
Students should stay in touch with their faculty advisors and administrators when they need more information.
Minimal technological requirements to access Quercus, can be found here.
Update for April 23, 2020
During Caven Library closure
A new Resource Guide for TST students to access electronic resources: visit this page and click “UTL Guide to Accessing Electronic Resources 2020” (to be updated weekly).
Library help for research is also available through knox.readerservices@utoronto.
Update for April 2, 2020
Concerning Admissions and Applications: transcript submission
Because postal service for Knox College (and the University of Toronto) is currently suspended, Knox College encourages all applicants to send their application materials electronically rather than by mail. All documents except for official transcripts can be submitted by email as PDF files; see the Basic Degree Application Checklist for details.
For information on submitting transcripts during the postal suspension, see Submitting transcripts. Contact Megan Shin with questions.
Update for March 26, 2020
Updates for March 25, 2020
Convocation
Today the University of Toronto announced that its June convocation ceremonies will be postponed: https://www.utoronto.ca/message-from-the-university-regarding-the-coronavirus
Likewise, all May convocation ceremonies at Toronto School of Theology, including Knox College, will be postponed.
At Toronto School of Theology, we share the disappointment expressed in U of T President Gertler’s letter, and we want to assure our students that those who complete their degree requirements on time will still graduate and receive their degrees — and parchments, when they become available.
Each Toronto School of Theology College is making plans for the rescheduling of its convocation. Given the changing situation, all of those details are not yet in place. Each College will be in
contact with its own students to confirm alternate plans.
This decision was not taken lightly. We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements when the Convocation ceremonies are able to take place.
Spring and Summer Classes at Toronto School of Theology
Toronto School of Theology announces that its classroom based classes will be held through remote delivery through September 2020. Plans are still underway for the delivery or postponement of courses that involve placements and practicums. Each college will announce plans for practicum classes in the near future when we learn about the ongoing restrictions necessary to preserve public health.
Libraries
As a result of the closure of all but non-essential services, all University of Toronto libraries are now closed. Students who have been depending upon libraries for internet or computer access should notify their instructors, who should, in turn, notify their College to determine what kind of support is available.
Updates for March 18, 2020
We learned this morning (March 18) that the University of Toronto has closed its buildings, effective 11:59pm on March 17, to the general public and is asking that only essential staff work on site. University of Toronto residences remain open for those students who are not able to travel home: www.utoronto.ca/message-from-
Following the guidance of the University of Toronto, Knox College’s academic and administrative wings will be closed to all but essential staff, effective 4:30pm today (March 18).
The Knox College residence remains open. Staff will continue to work on site to ensure the safety of our residents.
We will continue to post timely updates to our website and we encourage you to monitor it regularly.
Concerning Admissions and Applications
Due to the building closure with only essential staff on site due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, there will be no mail services at Knox College until further notice. Knox College encourages all applicants to send their application materials electronically rather than by mail. All documents except for official transcripts can be submitted by email as PDF files. Electronic Official Transcripts are welcomed. Unofficial electronic copies (PDF) of transcripts will be accepted as placeholders while the signed originals arrive by regular mail when the College reopens.
The deadline of May 31, 2020, for Fall 2020 admissions remains unchanged. However, Knox College will continue to monitor the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and make changes to the deadline if needed. If you have any questions, please contact the Recruitment Officer and Admissions Counsellor, Megan Shin at megan.shin@utoronto.ca.
Updates for March 16, 2020
Concerning Caven Library hours
Beginning March 17th, the Reading Room (study space) will be closed until further notice. Patrons can still check materials out but will not be able to study in the library. We will continue to monitor the situation daily, so please check back for further updates.
Concerning Summer Courses at Knox College
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer session classes may be delivered via a method other than in-person instruction (including online platforms) for part or all of the term. A final determination of delivery mode will be made by Knox College by April 24. Decisions regarding courses that cannot be accommodated online or that are to be cancelled will be communicated to students who have registered in those courses. Course registration for TST Summer courses opens via ACORN on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Update for March 13, 2020
In coordination with our colleagues at TST and the University of Toronto, Knox College will be completing our Winter 2020 classes online, effective Monday, March 16th.
Knox College itself will remain open, though Chapel services and Community Luncheons will be cancelled for the remainder of the academic year.
We would encourage you to read the statement by the President of the University of Toronto: https://www.utoronto.ca/
Our faculty and staff have been preparing for this eventuality. We would encourage you to continue to check your email and our website for more information as it become available.
For those of you registered in Winter 2020 courses, please check monitor Quercus and your email for direction and information from your course instructors.
Stuart Macdonald
Professor of Church and Society & Acting Principal
Knox College
Update for March 12, 2020
To the Knox College community,
Like you, Knox College is actively monitoring developments related to the potential impact of the coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19) on community and academic life at Knox College and the University of Toronto.
We maintain contact with the University of Toronto and Toronto School of Theology as they develop response and contingency plans, and post updates to their websites. Likewise, we are currently planning for a series of scenarios, should this unsettling situation impact Knox College campus life and academic activities.
At the moment, Knox College remains open and active. Classes are running. The Residence continues to provide a home and community to Knox and UofT students. The Caven Library continues to provide academic resource support and services. The Academic Offices are fully staffed and continue to provide support to students and applicants as we near annual deadlines.
That said, we also appreciate that this may change. Therefore, we ask that you continue to monitor our website and your email for any future announcements.
Please pray for those affected directly – those in quarantine, those are ill, and those who mourn those who have died. Remember as well all of the medical professionals and spiritual care providers who stand on the front-line of this troubling health crisis.
God bless.
Stuart Macdonald
Professor of Church and Society & Acting Principal
Knox College
Update for March 6, 2020
Knox College is actively monitoring developments related to potential impact of the coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19) on community and academic life at Knox College and the University of Toronto. The University of Toronto and the Toronto School of Theology have posted related information and timely updates to their websites. We encourage you to review this information and govern yourselves accordingly.
University of Toronto: https://www.utoronto.ca/message-from-the-university-regarding-the-coronavirus
Toronto School of Theology: https://www.tst.edu/about/news/toronto-school-theologys-statement-coronavirus