August 17, 2021 Update: COVID-19
Fall 2021 Return-To-Campus COVID-19 Protocols
Dear Students,
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to campus for the fall semester!
I want to provide a few updates on our health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. This email includes critical information and we appreciate your careful attention to these details.
Champlain has done remarkably well in minimizing the transmission of COVID-19 on our campus, thanks to students and employees working together to follow protocols. The health and safety of our community remains our highest priority. We will continue to monitor the national and local landscape of COVID-19 and the impact of the Delta variant, and will adjust our plans as needed.
Action Steps for Students to Return to campus (see detail below):
- Submit your COVID-19 vaccination documentation
- Submit a pre-arrival test result within 5 days of arrival
- Complete the Fall Community Health Pledge
Academics & Campus Experience
This year we return to full in-person living and learning for our on-campus undergraduate programs. All classes will be held in person. The academic calendar has also returned to our traditional timeline, with classes beginning August 30, 2021 and a fall holiday in October. Our campus has returned to standard occupancy levels including classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, residence halls, and the dining hall. We do not plan to require physical distancing at this time.
Masking
The College currently has a masking requirement in place for all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, when in shared indoor spaces (see COVID-19 FAQs for more specifics). Masking is not required for students in their own residential bedrooms or apartments/suites. This measure will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis in the coming weeks, is consistent with current recommendations from the City of Burlington as well as our regional peer institutions, and supports our efforts to sustain a safe and healthy campus as we prepare to welcome students back this fall.
Orientation
The College is offering two Orientation programs this year: one for incoming first-year and transfer students and another for returning second-year students. Incoming first-year students will move into residence halls Thursday, August 26 with the Orientation program running Thursday, August 26 to Sunday, August 29. Questions can be directed to orientation@champlain.edu.
Second-year students registered for the Second-Year Experience will move into residence halls Friday, August 27 with the Orientation program running Friday, August 27 to Sunday, August 29. Second-year students that have not registered for this event will move into residence halls on Sunday, August 29 along with juniors and seniors. Please contact studentengagement@champlain.edu with questions.
Pre-Arrival Testing
Pre-arrival testing is required of all residential students and strongly recommended for all commuter students. Summer residential students do not need to meet this requirement. Residential students are required to submit a negative test result for testing conducted no more than 5 days before returning to campus. Students who have questions or concerns should contact Student Health Services at (802) 860-2711 for assistance.
| Arrival to Campus Date | Pre-Arrival Testing Date | |
| Students Attending First-Year & Transfer Orientation | Thursday, August 26 | Saturday, August 21 or after |
| Students Attending Second-Year Experience | Friday, August 27 | Sunday, August 22 or after |
| Returning Residential Students | Sunday, August 29 | Tuesday, August 24 or after |
| Commuter Students (recommended but not required) | Monday, August 30 | Wednesday, August 25 or after |
Move-In for Residential Students
This year we celebrate that residential students are welcome to have move-in assistance from family and friends. All students and guests, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks while indoors. Residential students will not be required to mask in their individual bedroom, suite, or apartment once guests have departed. Residential students will receive detailed move-in information from the Housing and Residential Life Office later today.
COVID-19 Vaccination
As previously communicated, all students returning to campus in fall 2021 (including those studying abroad) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have completed the exemption process due to medical or religious reasons. Students who have not yet submitted vaccination information to Student Health will receive detailed instructions via email. Residential students will not be permitted to move in without vaccination documentation. All students who have not submitted documentation by Friday, August 27 will be removed from their classes. If you need help identifying a vaccination site, please contact Student Health Services at (802) 860-2711.
Testing and Quarantine/Isolation Practices
All students will have access to COVID-19 testing throughout the fall semester. The Testing Center is located in Whiting Hall and will be open Mondays 9:00 AM–12:00 PM and Wednesdays 1:00 PM–4:00 PM. Mandatory weekly testing will be required for unvaccinated employees and students with medical or religious exemptions. The Student Health Center continues to work closely with the Vermont Health Department, and students will follow all isolation or quarantine practices when deemed appropriate.
Community Health Pledge
The Champlain Community Health Pledge describes the College’s expectations of you—and our expectations of one another—as we work together to establish and maintain the health of our campus community and our Burlington home. All students are required to sign the revised Community Health Pledge before arriving on campus by completing this form.
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together toward a successful return-to-campus this fall. We will share additional information as needed as we approach the start of the semester. All of our COVID-related information, including communications to students and FAQs, can be found on Champlain’s website. Please email feedback@champlain.edu with questions.
Sincerely,
Danelle Berube
Vice President of Student Affairs
