The University of Olivet CARES: Fall Classes to Be Predominately In-Person

Dear Students,
YOU did it! What an achievement this is for you, to have completed this academic year in the middle of a pandemic. Each of you has shown grit, focus and determination. You have also expressed gratitude, kindness and support for one another. When you look back on the pandemic years from now, be sure to share with your children and grandchildren this accomplishment. YOU have reason to celebrate, whether you’re a first-year student ending out the semester or a senior preparing for Commencement.
This week’s communication includes the following important information and reminders:

1. Classes to Return to Predominately In-Person Learning Experience Fall Semester
2. Is Quarantine Required if I am Fully Vaccinated?
3. Residential Students End-of-Year Check-Out Reminder
4. Vaccine Resources

Classes to Return to Predominately In-Person Learning Experience Fall Semester

We are pleased to confirm that students will have a predominately in-person learning experience for the 2021-22 academic year, beginning on August 16, the start of the fall semester. Undergraduate classes will be taught face-to-face with safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of faculty and students. Accommodations will be made for students, faculty or staff who are not unable to learn, live or work on campus for health reasons.
Students have overwhelmingly said they want to return to the classroom to learn and participate fully in the residential college experience they desire. You chose The University of Olivet because of our relationship-based environment, both in the classroom and beyond. Part of what makes a small, independent college experience so rewarding is that the student is guided and encouraged by faculty and staff who become more than mentors; they become family.
With the COVID-19 vaccine now available to all individuals age 16 and up, the College is confident classroom instruction is possible for all residential undergraduate classes. We understand the pandemic is ongoing and that we must remain vigilant. The Pandemic Response Team will continue to develop or revise guidelines and protocols as necessary to prioritize the health and well-being of every member of the The University of Olivet community.
We ask that everyone – students, faculty and staff – continue to do their part to maintain their own health and to support the health and well-being of all members of our campus community. We have a shared commitment to Individual and Social Responsibility. Together, we can learn and live in community.

Is Quarantine Required if I am Fully Vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
Did You Know…

• As per CDC guidelines, OC students or employees who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated against the disease and show no symptoms. Proof of vaccination is required.
• As outlined in the OC CARES Pandemic Response Plan, if a student or employee has not been FULLY vaccinated and they have come in close contact with someone suspected of a COVID-19 infection or has tested positive for COVID-19, a 14-day quarantine is required.

How Do You Know When You are Fully Vaccinated?
It is important to remember three things:

1. If you receive a two-shot vaccination, such as Pfizer or Moderna, you are not considered vaccinated until after your second shot — the second shot is required!
2. If you receive a two-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna, you are not FULLY vaccinated until TWO WEEKS after your second dose.
3. If you receive a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, you are not FULLY vaccinated until TWO WEEKS after your required dose.

Precautions Still Required on OC Campus and Recommended in General
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. The CDC encourages individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to keep taking precautions — like wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces — until more is known.
What Can I Do or Not Do After I’m Fully Vaccinated?
Can Do

• Visit inside a home or private setting without a mask with other fully vaccinated people of any age.
• Visit inside a home or private setting without a mask with one household of unvaccinated people who are not at risk for severe illness.
• Travel domestically without a pre- or post-travel test.
• Travel domestically without quarantining after travel.
• Travel internationally without a pre-travel test depending on destination.
• Travel internationally without quarantining after travel.

Should Not Do

• Visit indoors, without a mask, with people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Attend medium or large gatherings.

Learn more from the CDC about what it means to be fully vaccinated.

Vaccine Resources

• If you have questions about the vaccine or potential side effects, you are encouraged to speak to your medical provider or a pharmacist.
• If you experience side effects after having a vaccine that you believe are not common side effects, call or visit your family doctor or visit an urgent care.

Finding a Vaccine Provider Near You

• Olivet Pharmacy offers the Moderna (2 shot) vaccine. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to schedule an appointment with the pharmacy for the free vaccination. To make an appointment, call 269-280-5005. Olivet Pharmacy is located at 116 N Main St, across the street from Willow Tree Coffee & Bakery. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Check your local health department or hospital website to find out their process or for registration forms.
• Check additional vaccination sites, such as local pharmacies like Meijer, Rite Aid, Kroger, Walmart (Mid/Central and Northern MI) or Snyder Drugs (U.P. residents).
• Residents who don’t have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Ford Field
  • Regardless of their county of residence, any Michigan resident may register for an appointment to get their vaccination at Ford Field.
  • After the registration process is completed, people who have registered will receive an invitation either by voice or text when it’s their turn to schedule the appointment. Vaccine appointments will be scheduled a few days in advance.
  • The Ford Field site will operate from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days a week, for eight weeks under the federal government’s vaccination pilot program. The State of Michigan manages the facility with support from FEMA, Wayne County, the City of Detroit, Ford Field, Meijer, Henry Ford Health System and the Detroit Lions.
  • Sign-up is available through these three options:
    1. Online registration (through the Meijer portal)
    2. Text EndCOVID to 75049
    3. Call the MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1)
  • The vaccine is offered at no cost, and insurance is not required, nor will it be requested at the vaccination center.

• Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine.
• Click here to learn more from the CDC about the COVID-19 vaccine.
• COVID-19 Vaccines Frequently Asked Questions, State of Michigan.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — former South African president Nelson Mandela