Protocols set for foreign students

The University of Windsor has developed a pandemic plan to ensure the safe integration of international students into the university community and the community at large.

“We've developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and well-being of both our international students and the broader community,” said Christopher Busch, associate vice-president of enrolment management. "The plan helps students stay healthy and puts in place supports if they fall ill.

“The university's plan is meticulous, right down to securing a Covid-compliant shuttle service to transport students from Toronto to Windsor,” Busch added.

Students must complete a checklist before travelling to Canada and a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. The university is requiring students to provide the address where they will stay during quarantine, plus details regarding how they will feed themselves and obtain other necessities.

University spokeswoman Lori Lewis said staff in the university's International Students Centre will track the newly arrived students and keep in contact with them.

Lewis said the pandemic plan has been approved by federal, provincial and local health agencies.

International students last year made up nearly one-quarter of the university's enrolment. Some have established residences in Canada or are enrolled in programs that

require them to attend campus.

Pursuing online studies is difficult for those whose home countries experience electricity outages or poor internet access or are in different time zones making it difficult to attend online classes in real time.

Busch said integrating an international or inter-cultural perspective is important to higher education and is one of Windsor's key priorities. “International students contribute actively to the community, both economically and culturally,” he said. “We are not whole without them.”