With the implementation of a mass COVID-19 vaccination program, and widespread uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, Carleton prepared for a gradual return of in-person learning for the 2021–22 academic year, offering a number of course delivery methods to students, including fully in-person classes, hybrid classes, and virtual classes. In August 2021, the university announced that all students, staff, and faculty would need to receive a complete series of a Health Canada or World Health Organization-approved COVID-19 vaccine to receive full access to campus, including attending in-person classes. In May 2022, Carleton suspended its COVID-19 vaccine mandate, following similar decisions made at other Ontario schools. The following month, the university indefinitely paused its mask mandate, while maintaining strong recommendations to students, staff, and visitors to continue wearing masks indoors.
