April 6, 2021 Update: COVID-19
Vaccinations & Returning to the Champlain Campus
Dear Faculty and Staff:
Over the last several weeks, many of you have reached out with questions on two topics:
- Whether the College can or will require the vaccine for our students, faculty, and staff this fall; and
- When staff who have not yet returned to work on campus will be expected to do so.
We do not yet have definitive answers to these questions, but are working to address them and want to share the information we have so far.
Vaccines
Governor Scott recently announced vaccination registration dates for all Vermonters 16 years of age and older. If vaccine supplies continue to reach the state as planned, all Vermonters who choose to get the vaccine will be fully vaccinated by July 1. As a result of the survey we distributed in March, we know that the majority of the Champlain community intends to be vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. (Of the 1336 survey respondents, 85% indicated they have received the vaccine or intend to do so.) Our goal is to achieve herd immunity as an institution.
You may have seen that some institutions have already announced plans requiring their students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated before returning to campus in the fall. Champlain College has not yet determined whether we will require our community members to be vaccinated. We do expect that to some degree, practices such as social distancing, masking, and surveillance testing will be needed regardless of the College’s vaccine policy.
Returning to Campus
As we look to the fall semester and a return to a traditional on-campus living and learning experience for our students, it is imperative that we begin to plan for our faculty and staff to return to campus as well. To assist in our planning for a successful return-to-campus for employees and students, we are establishing a Return to Campus committee that will include faculty, staff, and student representation.
Over the course of the next several months the state will release guidance for Vermont higher education institutions regarding reopening for fall. This guidance, along with our own planning and analysis will define the policies and safety protocols for returning to campus. Employees should expect that the majority of staff will be asked to return to their campus offices over the summer. Please funnel any questions you have regarding return to work to your manager. Managers will receive specific guidance and support from the People Center early this summer regarding return to work.
We are committed to keeping you informed as our plans evolve.
Sincerely,
Sara Quintana
Director, Talent & Engagement
Danelle Berube
Vice President, Student Affairs & Emergency Management Coordinator
Leslie Averill
Vice President, Academic Affairs & Chief Operating Officer
