Overview: Spring Semester Return-To-Campus


Dear Champlain community, 

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to campus for the spring semester! 

We are writing with an overview of our return-to-campus plans and protocols. A more detailed email will follow early next week, including actions you will need to take as you return to campus. As we reopen for an in-person spring semester, our goal is to deliver on the best possible on-campus experience for our students while keeping the health and safety of our community as our highest priority. 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.

This email covers the following:

  1. Classes will begin fully virtual from 1/17-1/28
  2. Move-in begins 1/16, with alternate arrival dates on 1/23 and 1/30
  3. Student testing includes pre-arrival and on-campus arrival tests
  4. Staff work remotely until 1/17 and faculty teach virtually from 1/17-1/28
  5. Booster requirement for students and campus-based employees
  6. If you’re not feeling well, stay home!
  1. BTV & MONTREAL CLASSES WILL BEGIN FULLY VIRTUAL FROM 1/17-1/28

Champlain is opening for in-person living and learning for on-campus undergraduate programs for the spring semester. We are, however, shifting the first two weeks of instruction to be fully virtual, starting on Monday, January 17. Students and faculty should plan for virtual instruction through Friday, January 28. On Monday, January 31, we plan for in-person learning to resume. 

Champlain’s Study Abroad programs in Dublin and Montreal are proceeding on schedule, with Montreal classes virtual and Dublin classes in-person. Third-party study abroad programs are dependent on other schools’ policies and each country’s travel restrictions. Students who are participating in these programs have received separate communications with more detail.

During the two weeks of virtual instruction, the IDX cafeteria will be open for in-person dining and select take-out options. All student services will be open and accessible, including Compass, the Fitness Center, and computer labs. 

Aside from these changes, the academic calendar for spring semester remains as planned. 

  1. MOVE-IN BEGINS 1/16

Residence halls will open on Sunday, January 16 prior to the start of virtual classes on January 17. To build in flexibility and accommodate the variety of health statuses we anticipate, we’ve arranged for additional move-in dates on January 23 or 30 for students who choose to or need to arrive later. Students will receive additional information early next week with move-in instructions and details on how to sign up for a move-in date.

Do not travel to campus if you test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days prior to your arrival date, are in quarantine, or are experiencing COVID symptoms. If you have been identified as a close contact within 10 days prior to arrival please contact the Student Health Center prior to travel to campus.

  1. PRE-ARRIVAL & ARRIVAL TESTING

Pre-arrival testing is required of all residential students prior to returning to campus in the spring semester and strongly recommended for all commuter students. Residential students must also complete a COVID test within two days of arrival on campus. Students will receive detailed instructions next week regarding testing requirements and submitting testing results.  

  1. FACULTY & STAFF SCHEDULE

Staff should work remotely through Friday, January 14 and plan to return to campus on Monday, January 17. Staff members should contact their direct supervisor or Vice President to make specific flexible work arrangements as needed.

Faculty should plan to teach their classes virtually for two weeks; additional information regarding support for faculty through virtual instruction will be forthcoming.

  1. BOOSTER REQUIREMENT

All on-campus students and campus-based employees are required to receive a COVID-19 booster when they are eligible. If you are eligible for a booster by or before January 17, 2022, it is required that you get a booster vaccination prior to returning to campus. Students should upload updated vaccination information as detailed on the Student Health Center webpage. Employees will receive an email soon from Sentry MD with instructions for updating vaccination and booster documentation.

  1. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS

A reminder that students or employees who are not feeling well and/or are experiencing symptoms, including mild symptoms, should get tested and stay home. 

As mentioned, students and employees will receive additional information next week, including more details on the items above. If you have questions in the meantime, please email feedback@champlain.edu.

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