The University of Windsor is ready to welcome international students to its campus, with pandemic guidelines as a guide.
The school is expecting international students to begin returning to Windsor starting this month, and these students will be expected to abide by a series of regulations designed to protect them from COVID-19, as well as stop its spread in the university community.
The students' arrival on campus coincides with the identification Wednesday of a student who tested positive for coronavirus. Five other students were infected following an unauthorized Halloween party at a student residence.
Students coming to campus from abroad, including the United States, will be asked to complete a comprehensive checklist before travelling to Canada, and then under the federal Quarantine Act, be ready to self-isolate upon arrival for 14 days. Students will be asked to provide an address of where they will stay during that time period, and be ready to explain how they plan to get food and necessities while quarantining.
"We’ve developed a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and well-being of both our international students and the broader community," said U of W Vice-President of Enrollment Management Christopher Busch. "The plan helps students stay healthy and puts in place supports if they fall ill."
For those needing it, a special COVID-compliant shuttle service will transport international students from Toronto to Windsor.
The plan for international students is a necessary one since they are often under circumstances that are different from their domestic counterparts. The university says it is a challenge for many of them to learn remotely in home countries where there is poor hydro or internet service, or from a different time zone.
According to U of W, a study by KPMG showed that non-local university and college students contribute $133 million a year to the Windsor-Essex economy. Busch said the presence of these students is a necessity for the school.
"International students contribute actively to the community, both economically and culturally. We are not whole without them," said Busch.
The school's International Students Centre will be primarily responsible for staying in touch with the students and tracking them. Complete information for international students can be found on the official U of W website.
