COVID-19 Mask Student Exemption Form

Students

Note: This Mask Exemption Form is to be used by students that require an exemption to wearing a mask in common areas and classrooms at VIU.

VIU recognizes that, for medical or other reasons, it may not be possible for some students and employees to wear a mask while at VIU, as per the current BC Public Health Order. VIU must also ensure there is a balance between the rights of people who cannot wear a mask on the basis of protected grounds in B.C.’s Human Rights Code (such as disability) and the public health risks, especially for people who are at risk of more severe illnesses.

If you are not able to wear a mask, please minimize your time on campus and only attend for essential services such as instructional class time.

To qualify for mask exemption, students are required to:

  1. Submit medical documentation to support the exemption to Student Affairs administration at StudentAffairsAdmin@viu.ca.

  2. Complete the below online form. The form will be sent to Student Affairs.

To protect your privacy, VIU will not store in any fashion, any medical documentation. Proof of medical documentation only needs to be presented once throughout the course of the student’s time at VIU.

If you have a mask exemption, it may be necessary for VIU to implement alternative risk mitigation strategies for you in order to protect the health and safety of students and employees around you if you are unable to meet the requirements listed below.

If you live in VIU Student Residences, please work with the Residence Manager to identify how your mask exemption will be managed.

Employees

Employees seeking a mask exemption should contact their Human Resources Advisor.

Options available for VIU Services

All VIU community members receiving a mask exemption are required to assist in minimizing the risk to others. Below you will find examples of options that will allow you to continue to access student services. Please review the following options and determine which will best work for your individual needs. 

1.    Attending in-person classroom learning

  • Notify your instructor of your mask exemption
  • Whenever possible physically distance from other class members and instructor(s)
  • Trial alternative face covering options such as face shields, plastic face masks or different fit/materials

 2.  Purchasing items on campus (e.g., books, food, groceries)

 3.  Access library materials, resources, services and equipment

 4.  Access a computer

 5.  Study on campus

  • Book a private study room (Spaces and Technology tab, Book a Study Room)
  • Wear a mask to and from the study room if possible
  • Wear a face shield to and from the study room if possible
  • Attend campus outside of peak hours

 6.  Access the printers or photocopiers in the library

  • Limit trips to common printers and photocopiers
  • Wear a mask or face shield to and from your work station if possible
  • Follow existing policies (hand washing/disinfecting, sanitizing equipment before and after use)

Student supports for technology can be accessed via: 

Requirements for those unable to wear a mask

The following VIU COVID-19 transmission prevention methods are required to be followed at all times on all VIU campuses. These practices help to protect your health and those around you.

  1. Stay home when you are sick, even when symptoms are mild.
  2. Assess yourself: conduct a COVID-19 daily self-assessment using the VIU Safety App or ThriveBC for each day you require access to a VIU campus. You are no longer required to share your results.
  3. If you are unable to wear a mask, avoid, as much as possible, public and common areas at VIU where mask use is mandatory. Access to these locations will not be restricted, however, you may be provided with alternate options that balances your right to access educational services and equipment while allowing the University to provide a safe learning and work environment for all VIU community members”. We also ask the mask exemption students: 
    • Maintain a physical distance of 2 meters from other people at all times
    • Clean shared equipment before and after use (e.g., shared computer workstations photocopiers)
    • Clean your hands on entry to and exit from all VIU Buildings and common areas that are accessed

Please complete the following information

By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet at least one of the about noted reasons for a mask exemption and agree to follow the VIU requirements as outlined above or communicated by VIU. You agree to cooperate with VIU to develop methods to access educational resources and you will minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure to others by following the steps outlined above. You also agree to have the information in this form shared with the following parties: Accessibility Services, Health and Safety Services and Security.

The personal information requested on this form is collected under the authority of Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (British Columbia) and will be protected under Part 2 of that Act. It will be used for the purposes of mask exemptions under Ministerial Order M012 under the Emergency Program Act.

By submitting this form, you hereby authorize Vancouver Island University share your name, student ID number and the reason for your mask exemption with GardaWorld for the purpose of identifying a person with a mask exemption.

Finally, when submitting your medical supporting documentation you also agree and understand that falsifying information will be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code (Policy 32.05).

Direct any questions about this collection to: William Boyte, University Secretary Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5, Email: William.Boyte@viu.ca, Telephone:  250-740-6661.