Union family,
We are excited to have everyone returning to campus for Spring 2021. As we make final preparations to start the semester, here are some updates and additional clarification on our COVID-19 plans for the beginning of the semester. Please look over this Q&A and make sure you know what to expect.
Mandatory testing questions
Q: Why is Union requiring two tests at the beginning of the semester?
A: Many of you have told us that you choose Union College because you appreciate the mentorship and community created here on campus—something not easily experienced in online classes.
If COVID-19 were to spread in any significant way across our campus, it could jeopardize our ability to continue to offer in-person classes. That's why we have to do our best to ensure that we can contain COVID-19 cases on our campus—especially as everyone comes back from break. Even though most students appear to be in a low-risk category for adverse effects from COVID-19, some students and many employees are not. There is really no way to know how coronavirus will affect someone until they have it. And if even one faculty member contracts COVID-19, that can significantly impact the learning experience for a large number of students.
After consulting with our local health officials, it was determined that two tests at the beginning of the semester and limiting our contact during the testing is our best chance to isolate any COVID-19 cases coming back to campus so we can complete a successful in-person semester.
Q: When can I take the first COVID test?
A: We encourage you to take your first COVID test from any testing center or clinic before you return to campus. If you are not able to take the test before returning, you must test on Sunday, January 10, in Woods Auditorium.
The testing center will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Fill out this Union College test center form before arriving at Woods and bring your QR code. (Note: the time is slightly different than originally published.)
If you won’t be in Lincoln before 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, you may also take a test from any TestNebraska location. Click here to get started.
Q: When and where do I need to take my second COVID test?
A: You must take the second test between Wednesday, January 13, and Monday, January 18.
Union College will be offering expanded testing hours January 13-18 in Woods Auditorium (fill out this form before you arrive and bring your QR code):
- Wednesday - Thursday (Jan 13, 14)—12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Friday (Jan 15)—12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday (Jan 17)—10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday (Jan 18)—12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
You may also take the test at any TestNebraska location.
Q: Are there any exceptions for the mandatory testing?
A: There are three reasons you may be exempt from taking the tests:
- You have received one or both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Submit proof using the form linked in the next question.
- You have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days. Submit proof using the form linked in the next question.
- You have a specific medical issue that makes it impossible for you to take the test. Contact campushealthnurse@ucollege.edu if you need a health exemption. Please note that exceptions will only be given for a legitimate medical reason.
Q: How do I submit my test results?
Please also use these forms to submit proof of vaccination or previous positive COVID-19 test.
Q: Do I have to take the test in order to attend classes and work?
A: Yes, you must have taken the first COVID-19 test before going to work or classes on January 11. If you take the test on January 10, please submit your results as soon as you receive them.
Quarantine questions
Q: Will quarantine still mean 14 days stuck in my room (or at home) this semester?
A: No. The CDC has changed the quarantine guidelines. This semester, quarantine will only last seven days if you have a negative test result in the last two days of quarantine.
Note, quarantine is only for those deemed a close contact with a known case of COVID-19. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to follow Union’s isolation procedure.
Q: If I’m in quarantine, will I be allowed to leave my room to get meals?
A: Yes. If students are not experiencing symptoms, there will be specific times where quarantined students will be able to pick up their own meals from Union Market.
Events and campus life questions
Q: Will Union Market be open this spring?
A: Yes. Union Market will be open for carry-out options only during the COVID-19 testing period. If the COVID-19 cases are under control on campus at that point, we plan to open the dining hall.
Q: Will we be having worship services, sports and SA activities?
A: SA activities may be limited to online events until the two rounds of testing are complete (approximately Jan. 19). At that point, we will decide how to proceed depending on our situation.
Worship services such as Family Worship, V2 and College View Church worship services will be held as normally scheduled—with masks and distancing. However, we will not hold uGather on January 14 to give you another opportunity to get your second COVID-19 test completed.
Athletic teams will not practice during the initial COVID-19 testing period (through approximately Jan. 19). If COVID is under control on campus at that point, we hope to resume practices. Our goal is to start the varsity basketball season at the beginning of February.
Q: Will I still have to get a health check each day, wear a mask, etc.?
A: Yes. All our COVID-19 policies from the fall will remain in effect at this time. Face masks and physical distancing, hand-washing and surface sanitizing are all still required and vital ways to continue to keep our campus safe.
Vaccine questions
Q: When will Union employees get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: We’re not sure. Here’s what we know:
- The county has asked for an accurate count of employees who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The State of Nebraska sets the priority list for who receives the vaccine and when. That list is constantly changing.
- The vaccine will probably not be administered on campus.
- We may not have much warning as to when and where the vaccine will be administered for those who have signed up.
Q: When will students have access to the vaccine?
A: We’re not sure. College students are higher on the list than the general population, but the county has not given us an indication of when vaccines will be available to students.
One exception: The county plans to make the vaccine available to students who will be working in healthcare clinicals at the same time as healthcare workers. Education majors who will be student teaching can also be vaccinated at the same time as elementary and secondary teachers.
Q: Will students or employees be required to take the vaccine?
A: No
More questions?
If you have more questions, please check out our COVID-19 webpage at ucollege.edu/covid-19 or email the COVID planning team at covid@ucollege.edu
We look forward to everyone returning to campus to start a great semester. Thanks for working together to make this a safe and healthy community.
Blessings to you,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
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