Updated on May 10, 2022Your Fall 2022 Session
As we welcome you into your law school community, we ask that you monitor this page regularly for updates on the evolving plans for the academic year.
The University of Toronto is still developing its Fall 2022 plans. You can read University President, Prof. Meric Gertler’s message about last year’s return here.
Things have changed since then and we will update this with information about the upcoming year when we can. In the meantime, you can read a recent update (from January, 2022) here.
On March 8, 2021 Prof. Gertler outlined the careful and considerate balance between maintaining the interpersonal experience that students cherish with the undeniable need for personal and public health and safety. To learn more about the University's guiding principles for planning our recovery efforts, we encourage you to check the messages and resources on this web page.
The Faculty of Law Planning
The Law Faculty is working hard on planning for Fall 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us. And while we know that uncertainty is stressful, we have learned over the past year that making firm predictions can be risky. Our ultimate objective is to return to a fully in-person academic program.
At this point, consistent both with the guidance we have received from the University and with the nature of the JD program, we are committed to offering as much in-person learning as we can in the Fall 2022.
Students should plan to be in Toronto to attend classes and to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
- Student Attendance & Program Delivery
We anticipate that we that we will be able to offer most of our courses, important co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences, and student services on campus starting in September. The Faculty expects students to participate in-person, given that interactive learning is an essential part of our curriculum. We are optimistic that students will be able to enjoy significant in-person learning experiences at the law school during the Fall 2022 term.
- Course Enrolment
Course enrolment is proceeding without reference to “in-person” or “remote” class sections. If public health guidelines or University requirements indicate otherwise, we will make necessary adjustments before classes start.
- Fall Exams will be In-Person
We will stay fluid in our planning to the extent possible. While the University and the Faculty of Law are prepared to modify the program pursuant to public health guidelines, please note final assessments at the Faculty of Law will take place exclusively in-person.
Fall 2022 FAQ
Notification of Updates
We are aware that students need to think about travel and housing arrangements and we will provide more specific information as it becomes available. Again, we do expect students to be in Toronto and to be prepared to attend classes in person. Given the uncertainty, around precise details, we will continue to provide updates on our planning for during the first weeks of July and August, as well as whenever other information becomes available.
The COVID-19 pandemic may continue to pose difficulties for some students, faculty, staff, and their families. But we are optimistic about the future as we plan for a return to more activity in Jackman Law Building, and we look forward to welcoming you to the law school.
#1) How are the University and the Faculty of Law preparing for Students, Faculty, and Staff in September 2022?
The University of Toronto has developed a comprehensive plan for a safe campus. The current plans include changes to the physical environment such as clearly marked physical distancing measures; enhanced cleaning routines and increased number of sanitizing stations; and significantly upgraded building ventilation and air filtration.
It also includes changes to community behaviour, including
mandatory UCheck health screenings, proof of vaccination, a requirement for non-medical face masks in indoor spaces; and the use of contact tracing through QR codes. We will continue to update students as these rules evolve.
We are prepared for a variety of potential scenarios in classroom capacity, piloting rapid screening for some staff and supporting Ontario’s vaccination efforts.
#2) Will students be signing up as either “in-person” or “remote” attendees for the 2022-2023 academic year? 
The Ontario provincial government released guidance on July 19, 2021 which provides that post-secondary education can safely take place in-person at 100% capacity. The University of Toronto delivers academic programs through an in-person learning environment. All students should therefore plan to attend on-campus activities in-person in order to successfully complete their program/ degree unless:
(i) students have been approved by the University to participate in off-campus activities (such as study abroad or work terms), or(ii) the calendar entry (i.e. academic handbook) for a program/degree explicitly states that no in-person activities are required.While the University strives to maintain an in-person learning environment, the University reserves the right to alter the manner in which it delivers its courses and co-curricular opportunities in response to health and safety emergencies and public health guidance.
Therefore we expect that:
- Students should expect to attend the law school in-person.
- Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities will also be offered primarily in person.
#3) Are masks mandatory at the law school?
Yes, until at least until June 30.
In accordance with the public heath directives, in the law school buildings all students, faculty and staff are required to wear masks at all times including during class, in all hallways, common areas and public spaces, when physical distancing of at least two (2) metres cannot be maintained.
We will follow this guidance at the law school this fall. We will continue to update students as these rules evolve.
#4) Must I be vaccinated in order to attend?
As of May 1st, faculty, staff, and students are no longer required to be vaccinated to come to campus
- For information on how to get a vaccination appointment in Ontario, including on-campus vaccination sites, look here.
- We will continue to update students as these rules evolve.
#5) Travel / Immigration timing
Students should be mindful that they should make every effort to arrive in time to be able to attend the first week of classes. They will need to comply with public health guidelines and observe any testing and quarantining obligations.
- Students who are experiencing travel or immigration issues should contact the law school’s Accommodations Committee via accommodations.law@utoronto.ca as soon as possible.
