Union family,
As we move into the Christmas holiday this week, I hope all of you have a chance to enjoy a well-deserved rest.
The spring semester is fast approaching and we are working on ensuring a safe start for our campus on January 11. Here are some things you need to know.
Q: Why is Union starting on the normal date (Jan. 11) when some colleges have chosen to start later?
A: We believe that changing our start date by a week or two will not impact our ability to contain the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. Rather than eliminating spring break, this schedule allows us to spread out small, much-needed breaks throughout the semester and still end on time.
In addition to measures already in place such as a mandatory mask policy, health checks, reduced classroom capacities, extra cleaning, etc., we will be implementing mandatory COVID testing at the beginning of the semester (see below).
The college will also initially implement tighter restrictions on gatherings and events to minimize the risk of coronavirus spread on campus while we do the mandatory testing. This will impact things like eating in the Union Market dining hall along with holding worship services and SA activities. Once everyone goes through the testing and we are able to isolate any cases that have come back to campus, we will be able to start relaxing restrictions on in-person events.
We believe aggressive testing will allow us to keep COVID-19 under control on our campus so that we can have a successful in-person semester.
Q: Will I be required to take a COVID test?
A: Yes, all students and all employees will be required to take two tests. Here’s how it will work:
Test 1: All students and employees must take a COVID-19 test within six days before returning to campus.
Test 2: All students and employees will be required to take a second COVID-19 test between Wednesday, January 13, and Sunday, January 17.
- Union’s expanded testing center will be open in Woods Auditorium on those days (except Sabbath) to make testing convenient. The test is free of charge.
- You may test at another location if you choose.
- You need to submit your test results using this form (you must be logged in to uGroups).
Q: What if I get sick during break?
A: Even if you’re not positive for COVID-19, please remain at home until you have recovered from illness. If you do contract COVID-19, please follow your health care provider’s instructions for quarantine or isolation before returning to campus.
Please contact the Campus Health Nurse and their professors if you need to come back to school late.
Q: How will Registration work on January 10?
A: All offices related to registration (including academic programs) will be open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, to help students and families with registration. We will not require appointments like we did in August.
Q: When can students return to the residence halls?
A: The residential halls open for all residential students on Thursday, January 7, at 12:00 p.m. If you plan to return before January 7, contact Dean Stocks at stacy.stocks@ucollege.edu
Thank you for your continued support of Union College. It takes all of us to make the Union experience special for our students.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
|