EMU Safe

The following excerpt from President Smith's Sept. 1 message to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

COVID-19 Protocols

On Monday, students received a comprehensive update on the University’s protocols related to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and University employees received a similar update last week. I encourage you to visit the EMU Safe website and view “Latest Updates” to review those messages in detail and refer back to them as needed throughout the semester.

Considerable effort has been made over the last two years to keep our community as safe as possible and we will continue to work with our local health department and follow all guidance from the CDC and other agencies. A reminder that the COVID-19 Testing Center, which is free and located in the Student Center, is open most days. Please check the website for hours of operation, and registration is required in advance.

The following information was sent to EMU students on Monday, Aug. 29 and to EMU employees on Monday, Aug. 22. 

The excitement of the start of the fall semester is also an important time to update the EMU community about the EMU Safe protocols and resources that are in place. Please read this email carefully and save it for future reference.

COVID-19 vaccines

Policies regarding employee vaccination remain unchanged. Specifically:

• All employees are required to provide their COVID-19 vaccination information – including any booster shots you have received – to the University’s confidential and secure database.
  
  
• Employees who are required to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines (which includes a booster shot when eligible) due to the nature of their assignments have been notified by their supervisor.
  
  
• Employees may be required to undergo periodic evidence-based COVID-19 testing and will be notified via email when such testing is required. Although enforcement of the University policy requiring unvaccinated employees to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing is paused, the University may resume enforcement of the policy in the future.

Policies regarding student vaccination and/or testing will continue for on-campus housing residents; student-athletes, including members of the Marching Band, Cheer Team, and Dance Team; students enrolled in certain academic courses; students who participate in certain academic teams; and students with an in-person academic experience. All students who are subject to these policies are notified via their University email.

Learn more here about opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including the new Novavax vaccine, which provides a more familiar type of COVID-19 vaccine technology using no genetic material. COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe, and effective at dramatically reducing serious illness from COVID-19.

Face masks

Face masks are optional in most indoor spaces but will continue to be required in the following spaces: 

• Instructors may require students in their specific class/lab to wear face masks while class/lab is in session. Specific details about this policy were emailed from the Office of the Provost to instructors this week.
  
  
• Face masks will continue to be required in the COVID-19 Testing Center, located in the Student Center, and in other specific settings that have been approved by the Office of the President.
  
  
• Face masks may also be required in private individual offices at the office occupant’s discretion because these spaces are typically smaller and used for longer interactions. However, there will be no requirement for masking in shared reception or student or employee service areas. By way of example, in an office such as the University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC), the reception areas will have no masking requirement, while an individual advisor or career coach may require face masks in their private individual office. Face mask signage is available for printing here.
  
  
• Consistent with CDC guidance, employees or students may be required by University Telehealth to wear a face mask for a period of time after having a close contact or testing positive for COVID-19.

It is important that we respect the choice of community members who choose to continue wearing face masks. No employee may prohibit any other person from wearing a face mask. The University will continue to make face masks available for free at various public locations throughout campus, including the Student Center Information Desk and at DPS Headquarters (1200 Oakwood). Employees may also request supplies of face masks for their offices or classrooms.

Facilities

The University continues to analyze wastewater generated in numerous campus buildings as part of a layered strategy to detect and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The University has aligned ventilation and circulation systems consistent with guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge” and other appropriate agencies.

Classrooms will be configured in their normal format consistent with CDC and EPA recommendations.

Employees may request hand sanitizer, face masks, or disinfectant wipes for their office/classrooms/labs here.

COVID-19 testing

The University may periodically require students or employees to receive a COVID-19 test. Individuals who are required to receive a COVID-19 test will be notified via their EMU email.

Separate from any mandatory testing as outlined above, members of the campus community may receive a free COVID-19 test at the on-campus COVID-19 Testing Center, which is located on the 1st floor of the EMU Student Center. Appointments are required and may be scheduled here.

What if you get COVID or have a close contact?

Employees and students must continue to report to the University’s Telehealth Clinic if they (1) test positive for COVID-19 or (2) have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Employees and students must comply with instructions from Telehealth about isolation, quarantine, mask wearing, etc.

EMU Telehealth

The University’s Telehealth Clinic manages cases of COVID-19, instructs employees and students about isolation/quarantine, and is available to answer questions about COVID-19, including from individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19 but have not tested yet. Learn more about Telehealth here.

Preventing Monkeypox

Monkeypox (MPV) is a viral illness that can cause flu-like symptoms and a rash. The virus is in the same family as smallpox, but is rarely fatal. It is contagious (much less than COVID-19) in some settings and requires isolation of those infected and potential quarantine of those exposed. You can learn more here about how to prevent, identify, and test for Monkeypox.

Stay home if you are sick

It is important to stay home if you are sick and to encourage co-workers and students in the classroom to do the same. You may learn more here about when to stay home and steps employees and students can take if they miss work or class due to illness.

As always, you may review the EMU Safe policies here.

The following excerpt from President Smith's May 26 message to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

Summer Hours for the COVID-19 Testing Center

The free on-campus COVID-19 Testing Center, located in the Student Center, will remain open over the summer. Please review the Center’s website for the hours of operation. The hours for next week are as follows:

• Tuesday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Wednesday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Registration is required in advance. You can find the registration information on the testing center website listed above.

The Testing Center will be closed the following weeks:

• June 27 - July 4 (reopen Tuesday, July 5)
• August 8 - 11

EMU employees:

As we have since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the University continues to review key metrics and to update our EMU Safe policies as appropriate. As part of that process, the University is pausing enforcement (effective immediately) of the Employee COVID-19 Vaccination/Screening Policy [PDF] (often referred to as the “employee vax-or-test” policy).

As a reminder, the “employee vax-or-test policy” requires employees who do not meet the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing during any week when they work on campus. The policy exempts employees who are on certain approved leaves, including, but not limited to, faculty/instructors who are not teaching during the summer. 

The employee vax-or-test policy was modeled after a similar standard developed by the U.S. Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) and has been an important part of our EMU Safe program. Fortunately, key metrics support pausing enforcement of this policy at this time. Those data include low hospitalization rates, the high vaccination rate among EMU employees, an overall decline in on-campus COVID-19 cases compared to previous months, and the significant reduction in campus density as we enter the summer semesters.

Please note the following key points:

• The University reserves the right to resume enforcement of EMU Safe policies – including the employee vax-or-test policy – at any time as conditions and metrics related to COVID-19 evolve.
• Although enforcement of the employee vax-or-test policy is paused, policies requiring certain students to be vaccinated or undergo mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing will continue.
• EMU’s on-campus COVID-19 Testing Center will remain open to provide free testing to employees and students who would like to utilize this resource. Please visit the Testing Center’s website to view the hours of operation and reserve an appointment as summer hours may fluctuate.
• We continue to encourage all employees and students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including all booster shots for which you are eligible. You may learn more here about the benefits of vaccination and opportunities to receive the vaccine and boosters.

The following excerpt from President Smith's April 7 message to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

Alignment of COVID-19 Policies with State/Federal Guidance 

We have received a great deal of support and compliance with our adjusted COVID-19 policies that took effect the end of March. The adjustments include making the wearing of face masks optional in indoor public spaces on campus, except for in classrooms, at large gatherings or events, and other designated areas where face masks still remain mandatory. These actions align the University with public health guidance from federal, state and local health agencies, as case rates in our surrounding community and on our campus remain low.

The University will continue to offer free face masks and free on-campus COVID-19 testing (visit the Testing Center website for hours of operation and to schedule an appointment). We’re also deeply appreciative of our campus vaccination rates – which average above 90% for employees and many student groups.

Please visit our COVID-19 dashboard for the latest information on campus positivity rates and vaccination data.

The University will offer another free community COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will take place in the Student Center, and is being offered as part of our ongoing collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to the standard COVID-19 vaccinations, second booster shots will be available to those who are eligible.

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

As I shared earlier this week, our community is now experiencing significant improvements in key COVID-19 data:

• COVID-19 case counts are down dramatically statewide, in our County, and on our campus.
• COVID-19 testing continues to be free and accessible at the campus testing center, and testing positivity rates are among the lowest since we opened the center in fall 2020.
• The EMU community has an extremely high vaccination rate: Over 90% of EMU employees and an overwhelming majority of EMU students with an in-person component have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Importantly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has classified Washtenaw County as having a “low” risk of transmission” of COVID-19, the State of Michigan has determined that we are in a post-surge “recovery phase”, and the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) advises that  there is “no longer broad recommendation to wear face masks in indoor public locations.”

Throughout the pandemic, we have developed and modified our EMU Safe policies based on data and guidance.

After consulting with the EMU Safe Steering Committee, we are therefore ready to take the next steps to align our EMU Safe Policies with these data and recommendations from government health agencies.

New face mask policy

Beginning Monday, March 28, face masks will no longer be required in many indoor public spaces on campus. We remain mindful, however, of providing safe spaces for faculty, staff, students, and community members in all situations. In this regard, masks will continue to be required in spaces that likely involve individuals gathering for an extended period of time in a relatively confined area:

• Face masks will continue to be required in classrooms, labs, and other instructional spaces while class/lab is in session. Instructors who are vaccinated and have reported their vaccination status to the University may be maskless while teaching.
• Face masks will be required in larger events, including the April Commencement ceremonies and tomorrow's Undergraduate Symposium.
• Face masks will continue to be required in the COVID-19 Testing Center, located in the Student Center.
• Face masks must be worn in University vehicles or other shared transportation (cars, vans, buses, trains, air).
• Face masks may also be required in private individual offices at the office occupant’s discretion because these spaces are typically smaller and used for longer interactions. However, there will be no requirement for masking in shared reception or student or employee service areas. By way of example, in an office such as the University Advising and Career Development Center (UACDC), the reception areas will have no masking requirement, while an individual advisor or career coach may require face masks in their private individual office.

These spaces will be clearly identified with the University’s new “mask required” signage. It is important to respect these signs when entering these areas.

As a reminder there may be continued masking and or other requirements for individuals who are verified by University Telehealth as close contacts or diagnosed with COVID-19, and individuals must still report to the University if they are a close contact or test positive for COVID-19.

Finally, it is important to remember that wearing a face mask is a personal choice. As a community of diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect, individuals who opt to wear masks in situations that go beyond our requirements must be fully respected and supported in their choice. The University will continue to make face masks available for free at the Student Center Information Desk, DPS Headquarters (1200 Oakwood), and other locations around campus. Please review the University’s updated face mask policies for employees and students for tips about the most effective ways to wear a face mask. 

Daily Health Screenings

Additionally, we will stop enforcing the daily health screening on Monday, March 28, but the campus community is encouraged to voluntarily continue using the tool as a helpful resource. 

Individuals who are sick should not come to work, class, or other activities. We will soon launch a new online tool to provide helpful tips to promote this important goal.

Other EMU Safe policies remain in place

Employees and students must continue to complete a COVID Report Form if they test positive for COVID-19, experience symptoms of COVID-19, have a close contact with someone with COVID-19, or meet other conditions.

Mandatory COVID-19 testing will continue for unvaccinated employees and unvaccinated students who are subject to a vaccine mandate or the Students Stay Safe program. 

COVID-19 testing continues to be available for free to all members of the campus community at the campus Testing Center at the Student Center. Appointments are required.

Employees and students are encouraged to use the University’s Telehealth Clinic with questions about these policies or if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.

Please visit the EMU Safe website to review other important materials and for regular updates.

James Smith, Ph.D.

The following excerpt from President Smith's March 10 message to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard

The number of COVID-19 cases involving students and employees has declined for the eighth consecutive week. In the seven days ending March 8, the University administered 624 COVID-19 tests that resulted in two positive cases, for a positivity rate of 0.32%. A total of nine positive cases were confirmed during this period. The University’s COVID-19 Dashboard continues to add updated data, including the high vaccination rates among our students, faculty and staff. Free COVID-19 testing remains available at the campus Testing Center.

If the University continues to experience a low number of cases over the next week, there will be renewed consideration of modifying some of our COVID-19 protocols. We need to get past the two-week period following the return from spring break to determine if there is any significant increase in cases. As we get to the end of next week, we should have a clearer picture. Please continue to follow your campus email for updates.

[The complete message, which includes information on Undergraduate Symposium, Amazon Career Choice, Campus Vote Project, and Eastern Excellence, can be found on the President's Office website.] 

The following excerpt from President Smith's Feb. 10 message to campus pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard

For the fourth consecutive week the number of COVID-19 cases involving students and employees has declined. In the seven days ending Feb. 8, the University administered 847 COVID-19 tests that resulted in 18 positive cases, for a positivity rate of 2.13%. A total of 48 positive cases were confirmed during this period. Please visit the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard to learn more. Other than the one-time spike in cases immediately following the holiday break, campus positivity rates remain extremely low. Vaccination data for students and employees is also posted on the site.

A reminder that free COVID-19 testing is available at the campus Testing Center. And, the University will host another community vaccination clinic on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. No appointment is necessary.

Health and Safety Reminder

As we head into the weekend, it is important to reiterate some of the key safety protocols we should follow:

• Practice effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers;
• Wear face coverings, particularly when indoors in public areas;
• Observe physical distancing; and,
• Get vaccinated (or boosted) if you are eligible.

These actions, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in most situations, for those who do contract the virus. 

As always, I thank you for your work on behalf of the University and your ongoing support of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your University email for future updates.

James Smith, Ph.D.

[The complete message, which includes information on Black History Month, the Changing the Cycle program and PBS NewsHour coverage of EMU's efforts to resettle Afghan Refugees, can be found on the President's Office website.] 

The following is an excerpt of President Smith's Jan. 27 message to campus as it pertains to the University's response to the pandemic:

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

Fortunately, we are beginning to see a slight decline in the number of COVID-19 cases across the state and nation over the record numbers from early January. Researchers are hopeful the latest wave has reached its apex. We are by no means out of the danger zone or at a point where we can rest on any successes, as case counts and hospitalizations remain very high.

As they have throughout the pandemic, the case numbers at Eastern Michigan University continue to average far below the region, state and nation. We believe this is directly attributable to our robust plans and policies to mitigate the spread of the disease in our community.

COVID-19 Cases, Dashboard, and Mitigation Efforts

 For the second consecutive week, the number of COVID-19 cases involving students and employees has declined. Please visit the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard to learn more.

Testing Center Extended Hours

 The University’s on-campus Testing Center has expanded its hours to include additional early-morning and evening appointments for employees and students to receive a free COVID-19 test on campus. Visit the Testing Center website for details.

Employee Vaccination/Testing Policy Underway

The University’s mandatory vaccination/testing policy for employees is underway. We’re pleased to report that since the policy was implemented, the number of regular employees who have reported that they are vaccinated has increased to 90.2% (up from 88.2% two weeks ago). This data is also reflected on the bottom of the dashboard. The remaining 9.8% of employees who are either unvaccinated or who have not reported their status, will undergo weekly testing until such time that they document they are vaccinated.

Student Vaccination Policies

Students who live in on-campus housing, student-athletes, and students who participate in certain academic programs are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All other students with any in-person courses or who participate in on-campus activities must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.

Face Masks Required Indoors

Reminder: All individuals (regardless of vaccination status) must wear face masks indoors with limited exceptions. Learn more about the University’s face mask policy and best practices for wearing face masks.

The University is providing free KN95 masks (up to two per person) and/or free EMU-branded three-layer green or white surgical masks to employees and students who want one. Masks are available at the following locations:

• Student Center Information Desk (900 Oakwood)
• Department of Public Safety Headquarters front desk (1200 Oakwood), and

Health experts also strongly recommend utilizing the “Knot & Tuck” method for wearing a face mask. It is shown to increase filtration by 21%. Watch this 50-second video demonstration of the “Knot & Tuck” method to learn more.

Student and Employee Wellness

The University’s Safe Return Steering Committee had a robust discussion this morning about the level of trauma, despair and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students and employees. The deep level of concern expressed among Committee members reflects observations in classes and in workspaces, both on campus and remote. The emotional challenges that many are experiencing are exacerbated by the length of the pandemic and the ongoing changes in guidelines and protocols that are necessary as a result of the variant strains of the virus.

With awareness of this extremely challenging environment, I implore you to be kind to one another, respect one another, and support one another. Be sensitive and empathetic to the difficulties that your friends and colleagues may be facing at school, at work and at home. If you are a student, I encourage you to utilize the resources of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). If you are an employee, please consider contacting the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 

Next Vaccine Clinic scheduled Feb. 19

The next community COVID-19 vaccine opportunity will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Student Center Ballroom. The clinic is open to all persons 12 years of age and up, and no appointment is needed. Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson will be available. Booster shots, as well as first or second round doses, will be provided. For booster shots, individuals must bring their vaccine card or an image of their vaccine card on their cell phone.

Vaccinations are also offered at the Campus Medical Pharmacy located inside the IHA Health Center @EMU. For additional details, please contact the pharmacy at 734.547.5995.

Health and Safety Reminder

Given the still high numbers of positive cases of COVID-19, it’s important to reiterate some of the key safety protocols we should follow:

• Practice effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers;
• Wear face coverings, particularly when indoors in public areas;
• Observe physical distancing; and,
• Get vaccinated (or boosted) if you are eligible.

These actions, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in most situations, for those who do contract the virus. 

As always, I thank you for your work on behalf of the University and your ongoing support of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your University email for future updates.

James Smith, Ph.D.

[See the President's Office page to view the full message.]

To the Eastern Michigan University community:

Next week (beginning Monday, Jan. 24, 2022), we will return to our regular course schedule for the winter semester. 

I appreciate the flexibility and patience of students, faculty, and staff during the last two weeks while we temporarily shifted to remote learning.  

Winter Course Schedule

Our two-week deviation from the regular winter course schedule was designed to allow our internal systems (EMU Telehealth Clinic, our on-campus COVID-19 Testing Center, the Dean of Students Office, etc.) to manage the expected increase in COVID-19 cases following the holiday break. Indeed, cases of COVID-19 increased as expected, but case counts are now declining.

As we resume the regular winter semester course schedule, it bears reminding that we have zero documented cases of transmission of COVID-19 in classrooms thanks to our highly-effective EMU Safe protocols. Those protocols include:

• Mandatory face masks indoors regardless of vaccination status;
• Required COVID PASS daily health screening of every person who comes to campus;
• Physical distancing in classrooms;
• Free rapid COVID-19 testing at our on-campus Testing Center; and
• Mandatory vaccination and vaccination-or-testing for students and employees.

COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective

The data continue to be clear: For those who are eligible, COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19, and effective in reducing the impact on those who do contract COVID-19. The vast majority of individuals who are hospitalized for COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Vaccination is our collective path to returning to “normal”.

If you have already been vaccinated, thank you! As a next step, please receive a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible. If you are not vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible. There are numerous opportunities to receive a vaccine (including booster shots) on-campus and off-campus. 

Additional Updates for Non-Instructional Staff

Staff members who had been working a modified remote schedule during the past two weeks should return to their typical schedules consistent with any approved departmental flexible work and operational excellence plans. Supervisors are responsible for communicating expectations to employees that are consistent with these plans.  

The ongoing dedication of our faculty, staff, and community to adhering to EMU Safe protocols and working together to ensure a safe campus have served our students and our colleagues very well throughout the many challenges of the global pandemic. Your ongoing commitment will continue to help us best serve our mission to support student learning as we move forward together.  

James Smith, Ph.D.

The following is an excerpt of the Jan. 14, 2022 message to campus that pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic:

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

Welcome to 2022 and the first week of the winter semester. I understand our remote start to the semester is not what any of us had planned as 2021 concluded, but the volatility of COVID-19 again reared its dangerous head with a new variant and an explosion of new cases. As I have promised since the start of the pandemic, Eastern Michigan University is committed to moving rapidly to adjust our multi-layered safety protocols as events dictate. And this latest surge in cases – locally, statewide, and across the country – is certainly such an event. This is a key factor in our decision, announced earlier this week, to extend remote learning for an additional week through Jan. 23. New information emerges each day about this variant’s transmissibility and potential differences in symptoms and severity from past infections. We will keep monitoring and adapting to what’s learned. We will stay focused on the safety of our shared spaces and take necessary measures to ensure it through our policies and practices. Thank you to all for your support of these public health measures.

COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

• Mandatory testing of non-vaccinated employees to begin: EMU's policy that all employees must be vaccinated or tested weekly remains in effect. This policy was outlined in detail last month. Yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that OSHA does not have authority to require employers to impose a policy of this nature does not impact EMU’s institutional policy The Court has allowed public employers such as EMU –separate from any action by OSHA– to enact policies just like ours. The University has consistently communicated that our Employee Vaccination/Screening Policy is the correct and balanced approach for our campus, and the policy will be implemented as planned.
  
  Mandatory weekly testing begins on Monday for regular employees who are not vaccinated and who have not reported their vaccination status to the University. The vast majority of University employees are vaccinated and have reported their vaccination status to the University, and are therefore not required to complete weekly testing. Those employees who are required to undergo weekly testing have been notified repeatedly via email. A new feature on the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard details the University’s overall employee vaccination rate, which currently is 88.2%. The data also show vaccination rates among the various full-time, regular employee groups.
  
  
• COVID-19 testing: The COVID-19 Testing Center in the Student Center reopened after the winter break last Wednesday, Jan. 5. The one-day volume of tests provided on that day was our highest ever, at more than 400, and the remainder of the week and beginning of this week we continue to see a high number of tests conducted. As you would expect given the recent surge, we also are seeing a significantly higher than average number of positive cases. The number of tests conducted from Wednesday, Jan. 5 to Tuesday, Jan. 11, totals 1,649. Of those, 209 positive cases were identified for a weekly positivity rate of 12.67%. During this time, we reported a total of 369 positive cases, which includes information reported from students, faculty and staff who had external tests. This represents the University’s highest weekly positivity rate to date, and is consistent with the dramatic increase in case numbers and positivity rates we see in the surrounding community, state and nation. As noted above, these data are a factor in our decision to extend remote class formats through Jan. 23 and reinforces the rationale for the additional mandatory testing protocols in place.
  
  The Testing Center will be open today (Friday, Jan. 14) from 9 a.m. to noon, and tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The full schedule next week can be found on the Testing Center website. We welcome the increasing number of students, faculty and staff who are being tested regularly, as this is an important element of our mitigation strategy.
  
  
• Evolving face mask guidance: In light of evolving Centers for Disease Control guidance, we are reviewing our face mask policy and will be recommending changes to our current protocols in the days ahead.
  
  
• Residential students, vaccinations and testing requirements: Vaccinations continue to be required for students living in University housing. In addition, residential students must provide verification of a negative test following the winter break.
  
  
• Vaccination clinic draws more than 600: Last Saturday’s (Jan. 8) vaccination clinic in the Student Center Ballroom resulted in more than 600 people receiving a first, second or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. More than 800 people attended, including parents bringing in children 12-15 years old for vaccinations. Leadership from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was extremely complementary to the University and our team, led by Dean of Students Ellen Gold, who coordinated the effort alongside MDHHS staff. Given the large turnout, more clinics are planned in the future.

These items represent just a handful of the many initiatives in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among our campus community. We continue to closely monitor public health guidance, and meet with Washtenaw County Health Department experts regularly to evaluate, reassess and to consider adjustments to our protocols. The full range of policies, guidelines and safety protocols, for students, faculty and staff, can be found on the #EMUSafe website.

Health and Safety Reminder

Given the recent surge in positive cases of COVID-19, it’s important to reiterate some of the key safety protocols that each of us should follow:

• Practice effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers;
• Wear face coverings, particularly when indoors in public areas;
• Observe physical distancing; and,
• Get vaccinated (or boosted) if you are eligible.

These actions, when taken together, dramatically reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. And, vaccination minimizes the severity of cases in most situations, for those who do contract the virus.

As always, I thank you for your work on behalf of the University and your ongoing support of our #EMUSafe initiatives. Please continue to monitor your University email for future updates.

James Smith, Ph.D.

To the Eastern Michigan University community:

I write with an update to my previous communication in which I shared that the winter semester will begin today with classes being delivered in an entirely remote format. All classes will be delivered in an entirely remote format for both this week and next week (the week of Monday, Jan. 17, 2022). The regular class schedule (which includes courses with an in-person format) will resume on Monday, Jan. 24.

Instructors should contact students with more specific information about attending class remotely during these first two weeks of the winter semester. Understanding that students typically balance several instructional settings, instructors are requested to share this information as soon as possible after planning these revisions.

There will be a small number of exceptions to allow in-person instruction next week (the week of Jan. 17), primarily within the School of Nursing and other schools in the College of Health and Human Services. Students will be notified individually of any exceptions as soon as possible and should check their email accounts for further direction.

We did not reach this decision lightly, and did so after carefully evaluating the conditions in our community, rapidly-evolving guidance from government health agencies, and feedback from the EMU Safe Steering Committee. Initial indications from our on-campus Testing Center, which reopened last Wednesday, Jan. 5, are that positivity rates for student and employee populations reflect the increasing case count that is occurring in Washtenaw County, in Michigan, and across the country.  

We understand that the shift to fully remote classes for two weeks will impose a burden on both instructors and students. We believe, however, that this two-week modification is important to managing the dramatic increase in cases of COVID-19 occurring across the nation, the state, and our region. We are confident that this modification to the winter course schedule, combined with our effective EMU Safe protocols, will position us well to resume the regular course schedule on Monday, Jan. 24. 

As a reminder, the EMU Safe protocols include mandatory face masks indoors, vaccine and testing requirements for most students and employees, daily health screening for all individuals who come to campus, and free COVID-19 testing at the on-campus testing center.

This two-week change impacts only the academic course schedule, and thus I want to close with an important thank you to the dedicated staff who perform critical infrastructure roles. This includes our colleagues who work in custodial services, maintenance, dining, police, and other areas. These hard-working individuals have never worked from home because of the nature of their work. They have come to work on a daily basis since March 2020 performing vital work without which this campus could not function. They deserve our continued recognition and gratitude.