Respiratory Virus Information
The policies outlined below will be updated as appropriate and consistent with applicable government guidance. Last updated June 20, 2024.
Expanding Guidelines
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDC has maintained routinely evaluated and updated guidelines. The latest updates have begun to reflect the progress made in preventing serious illness in Covid-19 cases. This guidance has expanded to reflect respiratory viruses in general, including Covid-19, flu, and RSV.
Learn more about the guidelines, how to minimize the risks, how to slow the spread of of these respiratory viruses.
About Covid-19
COVID-19 vaccination policies
Students and employees are strongly encouraged to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes booster shots for those who are eligible.
Learn more about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines [PDF].
Get a COVID-19 vaccine
Members of the EMU community may also receive COVID-19 vaccines through the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD). Visit the WCHD website for more information.
Many pharmacies and retail outlets offer vaccinations, including:
There are numerous other opportunities to receive a COVID-19 vaccine:
- Find a vaccination location in Washtenaw County
- Find a vaccination location anywhere in Michigan.
- Find a vaccination location anywhere in the nation.
You may also seek vaccination through your primary health care provider.
Continue to monitor this website for updates about on-campus vaccine clinics.
Testing policies
Students and employees are encouraged to receive a COVID-19 test if they experience symptoms of COVID-19. At-home tests are also available for purchase at local drug stores or at off-campus licensed facilities of your choice (e.g. medical provider, pharmacy, or laboratory).
Get a COVID-19 test
At-home COVID-19 tests are available for purchase at local drug stores or at off-campus licensed facilities of your choice (e.g. medical provider, pharmacy, or laboratory).
What if I test positive for COVID-19?
Students who are sick (including those who test positive for COVID-19) should (a) leave campus immediately, taking care to avoid contact with other people (or, if they are not on campus, they should stay home) and (b) notify their instructors that they are ill. Students who work on campus should also notify their on-campus supervisor that they are ill. Additionally, students who test positive for COVID-19 are also encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Report Form. Students are not required to notify anyone else about a positive test for COVID-19. Other individuals on campus are notified as appropriate pursuant to government protocols for contact tracing and notification.
Employees who are sick (including those who test positive for COVID-19) should (a) leave campus immediately, taking care to avoid contact with other people (or, if they are not on campus, they should stay home) and (b) notify their immediate supervisor that they are ill.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 are also encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Report Form. Employees are not required to notify anyone else about a positive test for COVID-19. Other individuals on campus are notified as appropriate pursuant to government protocols for contact tracing and notification.
Email [email protected] if you have questions.
Face Masks
Face masks are available for free at the Student Center Information Desk and at DPS Headquarters (1200 Oakwood).
Face masks are optional in most indoor public spaces on campus, but are required in the following spaces:
- Instructors may require students in their specific class/lab to wear face masks while class/lab is in session. The syllabus for a class/lab in which face masks are required must include language approved by the University.
- Face masks may be required in private individual offices at the office occupant’s discretion because these spaces are typically smaller and used for longer interactions, and because only one individual occupies the space. 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 masks will continue to be required in various specific settings that have been approved by the Office of the President.
- Consistent with CDC guidance, employees or students may be required by the University to wear a face mask for a period of time after having a close contact or testing positive for COVID-19.
It is important to 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.
We expect every member of the campus community to follow these standards as part of our community commitment to safety. Students who do not comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Community Responsibility.
- Instructors may require students in their specific class/lab to wear face masks while class/lab is in session. The syllabus for a class/lab in which face masks are required must include language approved by the University.
Request an External Accommodation
If you are an EMU student with an internship or other placement at an outside organization, and you are required by that external organization to be vaccinated against COVID-19 but you wish to request a religious or medical accommodation from vaccination, click here. You should expect to wait at least ten (10) business days to receive a response.