Dear Students and Families,
We can’t wait to have you back “home” in August – YOU have been missed! We are thrilled that the The University of Olivet family will be together again.
In the coming weeks and throughout the fall semester, you will receive emails and see signage posted around campus themed, “The University of Olivet CARES.” It is critical that you read all of these communications, as each will provide important details related to the College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the entire The University of Olivet community.
Today’s communication includes the following:
- What is The University of Olivet CARES?
- Initial Move-In details
- Financial aid and payment plan reminder
- Changes to the academic calendar
The University of Olivet CARES
The University of Olivet Pandemic Response Team, which consists of faculty, staff and student representation, is working to provide you with a quality learning and living environment. Knowing our students and employees are grateful for being a part of a community that values relationships, our current efforts are focused on taking essential actions to mitigate risk and operate as safely as possible, understanding we cannot guarantee a COVID-19-free campus.
Each of us must take personal responsibility to help stop the spread of the virus so that we can return to our treasured residential and participation-based educational community for the 2020-2021 academic year.
It’s because we care about you that we are implementing new guidelines and precautions this academic year. In return, you must take the health and safety of other members of the OC family into consideration upon your return to campus. All students, faculty and staff will be expected to exemplify Individual and Social Responsibility by complying with guidelines and procedures. After all, Comets take CARE of each other.
During Move-In, the Student Engagement team will lead mandatory education sessions detailing guidelines, precautions and expectations. Information will also be sent via email before Move-In and as needed throughout the fall semester.
Upon your return to campus, you will receive a CARES package that will include the following items:
- Two reusable face masks
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Educational materials
All students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to do a daily health screening survey with a temperature check. Face masks will also be required on campus. Specific details and instructions on the daily screening and face mask requirements will be shared in future email communications and during Move-In.
Move-In: A Waved Approach
This fall, the College is taking a waved approach to Move-In to allow our students to return and onboard in groups. The waved approach will allow for necessary social distancing and provide opportunities for the Student Engagement team to work with our students on the new social expectations.
Wave 1: August 1 and 2
This group will consist of student residential advisors and other student leaders who have been pre-approved to move in at this time.
Wave 2: August 4 – 6
This group will consist of fall student-athletes and the Marching Comets in preparation for practices to start on August 10.
Wave 3: August 8, 9, 13 and 14
All other students will move in on one of these dates, which will be coordinated in advance by the Housing team. Students may request a specific Move-In date in advance. A Move-In date must be scheduled before a student arrives on campus.
Watch for Move-In instructions and details in a future email communication coming soon.
Financial Aid and Payment Reminder
Students must have financial aid paperwork completed before their Move-In date. Students must also have their fall bill paid in full or a payment plan set up in advance. Email sas@uolivet.edu or call 269-749-7645 if you have financial aid or payment questions.
NEW Academic Calendar Dates
Fall 2020 Semester will end Wednesday, November 25, 2020, prior to Thanksgiving Break. In an effort to mitigate the increased risk of transmission of the coronavirus as students travel during the holidays, the fall 2020 semester will begin as scheduled Monday, August 17, 2020, but end Wednesday, November 25, 2020, immediately prior to the Thanksgiving Break. Students will leave at Thanksgiving Break and not return to campus until the start of the spring 2021 semester, Monday, January 11, 2021. A revised Academic Calendar for fall 2020 is posted on myOlivet.
Classes will be held Labor Day and Fall Break Day. The College must provide sufficient instructional time to meet federal requirements. As such, classes will be held Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020, and on the scheduled Fall Break Day, Friday, October 16, 2020. The College will remain open with all services operating Labor Day and Fall Break Day.
Modified Final Exam Schedule Available. Due to the earlier ending of the fall 2020 semester, final exams will take place Saturday, November 21, 2020, and Monday through Wednesday, November 23-25, 2020. The exam schedule is posted on myOlivet.
Summers always fly by. We hope that you will take particular joy in the beauty of this summer. Stay safe, and remember,
We will be back in August.
We will be a family again.
We will embody Individual and Social Responsibility.
We will take CARE of one another.
We are The University of Olivet.