Campus family,
I hope you are enjoying your summer—especially as most areas of the country are getting somewhat back to normal thanks to vaccinations being readily available to those who want them.With the start of the school year fast approaching, I want to give you an update on what Union College will look like this fall as it relates to the COVID pandemic.
We believe the availability of an effective vaccine makes it possible for Union to operate in a mostly normal, pre-pandemic manner this school year. Medical research continues to demonstrate that vaccinated people face very little risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. So we plan to hold our regular, in-person academic, worship, athletic and social activities throughout the year.
Union also respects each person’s right to choose to be vaccinated and we won’t require students or employees to get the COVID vaccine. However, we strongly encourage everyone to be vaccinated because it will greatly decrease your personal risk and the risk that COVID will disrupt the academic year for everyone. The vast majority of employees have been vaccinated and we expect many students will be as well.
Here’s a summary of what you can expect:
- Union will not require students or employees to be vaccinated—although it is strongly recommended. If you choose not to be vaccinated, you will accept the risk of illness.
- COVID testing will not be required except in certain circumstances where symptoms indicate a possible COVID-19 infection.
- You will not be required to wear a face mask unless ill. However, we encourage you to wear a face mask if you are not vaccinated and anyone may choose to wear a face mask if they wish.
- Anyone showing symptoms that may indicate a COVID-19 infection must stay isolated in their residence hall room or off campus as stipulated in current CDC guidance.
- Vaccinated students and employees will not need to quarantine if exposed to a known case of COVID-19. Non-vaccinated people will be required to follow current CDC and local health department guidelines for quarantine.
- A few isolation rooms will be reserved for residence hall students who contract COVID or other highly contagious illnesses.
- Academic courses will not be offered in a hybrid format this school year. All classes will be held in person without a Zoom option.
Keeping you safe
Union College will continue to work with the local health department to ensure we are following the best practices to keep you safe—and that means our safety protocols could change throughout the year as the pandemic continues to evolve.The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated! Even as cases begin to rise again in certain parts of the country, AdventHealth and other hospital systems are reporting that nearly all COVID cases serious enough to need hospitalization are people who have not been vaccinated.
If you’re not sure how to get a vaccination, check out vaccines.gov to find a convenient location near you. The website will show you pharmacies, what type of vaccine is available and how to schedule an appointment.
We'll continue to update ucollege.edu/covid with the latest information and feel free to send questions to covid@ucollege.edu
I know we will have a great school year and I believe each of you will make the choice that is best for you and the people around you. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!
Be well,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College