January 13, 2022 Update: COVID-19
Follow-Up: Return-To-Campus COVID Protocols for Employees
Dear Champlain Colleagues,
We are following up on Friday’s email with additional details about COVID health and safety protocols. We sent a follow-up email to students yesterday with information and action items for their return-to-campus, and are sharing that here for your visibility and awareness.
This email includes the following:
- ACTION STEPS for employees
- New COVID landscape
- Sentry MD vaccination documentation
- Campus is open during virtual instruction
- Masking
- Cleaning
- What to do if you don’t feel well (stay home!)
- Community Health Pledge
ACTION STEPS for employees
- Submit your vaccination and booster documentation, follow instructions in Sentry MD email, by or before January 21, 2022
- Review the Community Health Pledge
OUR APPROACH IN THE NEW COVID LANDSCAPE
The Omicron variant has created a new reality that requires us to adapt a different mindset. The increased transmissibility means we are experiencing higher COVID case counts, yet vaccinated and boosted individuals are experiencing milder symptoms. We will benefit from our continued diligence around protocols and community requirements such as vaccination and boosters.
It is important to note that COVID-19 guidance from state and health entities is beginning to evolve from pandemic measures to endemic daily practices. We are continuing to align our plans with the latest public health information and guidance, and we will continue to monitor and adjust plans as needed.
Do not come to campus if you test positive for COVID-19, if you are experiencing COVID symptoms, or if you are not feeling well.
SENTRY MD VACCINATION DOCUMENTATION
As a reminder, Sentry MD is Champlain’s secure records vendor for storing employee vaccination and booster documentation. By now, you should have received an email from Sentry MD entitled, “Champlain College Vaccination Documentation Instructions-Sentry MD.” Please follow the steps in the email to fulfill Champlain’s COVID-19 vaccination and booster requirement by or before January 21, 2022. A few notes:
- Check your spam folder if you have not received this email.
- If you have questions about the safety and security of information provided to Sentry MD, please contact champlaincollege@sentrymd.com. For all other questions related to vaccination requirements and employment, please contact the People Center.
CAMPUS IS OPEN DURING VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
As previously communicated, classes for the first two weeks of the semester, January 17-January 28, will be conducted virtually. We plan for in-person learning to resume on January 31.
Employees who want to access campus prior to January 17 should have their badge available or call Campus Public Safety (802.865.6465) as not all buildings are accessible during the student winter break. Campus buildings will be fully open once virtual classes begin January 17.
Employees should work with their direct supervisor or Vice President to determine an office staffing strategy during the virtual instruction period that ensures in-person on-campus coverage and accommodates employees’ needs for flexible work arrangements during this time.
MASKING
The College’s current masking requirement will continue to be in effect for the spring semester. As a reminder, all students, employees and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks when in shared indoor spaces. During this surge, the College will make available surgical masks as well as a limited supply of KN95 masks at various locations on campus as supplies allow. Having said that, given the fact that we are living in an ever-changing pandemic, it is our expectation that employees have their own masks, as face coverings are an essential tool in reducing the spread of Omicron and COVID-19. The CDC provides information about how to select, properly wear, clean, and store masks.
CLEANING
Since the re-opening of our campus in Summer 2020 we have increased our cleaning approach to be “cleaning for health” (disinfecting) vs. cleaning for cleanliness. This practice continues into the spring semester. Our custodial team members (Janitech and CBM) are on campus daily. We will continue to maintain sanitizing stations around campus, including tubs of wipes in each classroom. If your space needs attention or supplies, submit a Physical Plant Workorder for “Custodial” and it will be addressed.
IF YOU ARE A CLOSE CONTACT, TEST POSITIVE, AND/OR EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS
Employees who are not feeling well and/or are experiencing symptoms, including mild symptoms, should get tested and stay home. If you test positive or are identified off-campus as a close contact, please let the College know by filling out this form so that a member of the Employee Health team can conduct contact tracing, assess potential impact to the campus community, and provide you with information. Employees should contact their primary care providers with medical questions.
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. Please refamiliarize yourself with our Community Health Pledge prior to your return to campus this spring.
We thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding as we work together toward a successful return-to-campus.
Sincerely,
Leslie Averill
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Danelle Berube
Vice President, Student Affairs & Emergency Management Coordinator
Monique Taylor
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Sara Quintana
Acting Director of Human Resources
