Messages From Champlain College Regarding COVID-19

July 1, 2020 – April 5, 2021

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Below, you’ll find communications that have been sent to the Champlain community regarding COVID-19 and its impact on the College (organized by sending office, in chronological order, beginning with the most recent).

Messages sent prior to July 1, 2020 can be found here.
Messages sent April 6–present can be found here.

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Updates from the President

November 13, 2020: Message to Students—Pre-Thanksgiving Guidance and Gratitude

Today Governor Scott announced several new restrictions, including some that impact our students and we want to make you aware of them.

November 13, 2020: Message to Faculty & Staff—Pre-Thanksgiving Guidance and Gratitude

Today Governor Scott announced several new restrictions, including some that impact our students, faculty, and staff.

November 4, 2020: Champlain Community Semester-End Update

This message includes details on our end-of-semester plans, including campus facilities, testing protocols, our move-out and academic schedules and a virtual learning survey for students.

October 9, 2020: Preliminary Spring 2021 Update

This message includes early decisions and thinking on the following topics: 

• Academic Calendar
• Commencement
• Spring Housing 
• Health & Safety 
• Study Abroad

September 2, 2020: Fall Update #15

The College has received its first positive COVID-19 test result.

August 24, 2020: Update on Fall 2020 Housing and Meal Plan Policy

This message provides additional context and revised guidance regarding refunds for housing and meal plan fees in the event of a complete closure of campus.

August 20, 2020: Fall Update

Faculty and staff returning to campus must sign the Community Health Pledge, take part in weekly testing and the daily health screening.

August 7, 2020: Fall Update #12

All students must sign the Champlain Community Health Pledge and participate fully in all health measures in order to return to campus this fall.

July 16, 2020: Fall Update #5

The fifth in a series of updates to students, faculty, and staff providing details for the Fall re-opening of campus.

July 10, 2020: Fall Update #3

The third in a series of updates to students, faculty and staff providing details for the Fall re-opening of campus.

July 10, 2020: Supporting Champlain’s International Student Community

President Akande shares how the recent guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) impacts Champlain’s international student community and the actions we are taking to support our students.

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Student Affairs, Residential Life & Student Health Updates

Messages from the Division of Student Affairs, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, the Dean of Students and the Student Health Center

March 10, 2021: Preliminary Fall 2021 Preview

Champlain College will open for in-person teaching and learning in the fall with the goal that classes will be taught face-to-face in the classroom.

February 18, 2021: Expanding the Household Definition

The data for our campus indicates that, as hoped for, we can moderately expand the definition of “household” on our campus to allow for more interaction among residents. 

February 3, 2021: Spring 2021 Update for Students

Today marks the end of Phase 1a of campus quarantine. Additional students will return to campus February 4 and 5, and in-person instruction will begin as scheduled on February 8.

January 14, 2021: Spring 2021—January Update for Students

Our current plans remain consistent with what we shared in October, with the understanding that we are monitoring local and regional conditions on a daily basis and these plans are subject to change based on city and state guidance. This email contains critical information for Champlain College students.

January 14, 2021: Spring 2021–Important Return to Campus Details for Students

Our residential students, students currently on campus, and commuter students received specific emails today with details regarding the return to campus for the spring semester.

December 18, 2020: Preview of Spring 2021

At this time, the plans we announced in October remain in place, however, we will continue to monitor all available data and guidance to determine if additional changes are necessary to protect the health of our students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.

November 20, 2020: Important Update for 194 St. Paul Street Residents

Effective Sunday, November 22, students who reside at 194 St Paul street who have a primary or family residence available must vacate their apartment.

November 20, 2020: Reminder—Thanksgiving Travel & Gathering Restrictions

Travel to other residences in and out-of-state is prohibited. Do not get together or socialize with anyone you do not live with, per order of the Governor. This includes Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.

November 13, 2020: Pre-Thanksgiving Guidance from our Medical Director

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want your holiday to be a safe one, and encourage you to consider the increasing rates of the virus in New England as you make your travel plans and the date of your last COVID test. Additionally, these messages includes important updates to the College guest and event policy.

November 4, 2020: 194 St Paul Street Winter Break Campus Closing Update

Our intention is that residents of 194 St Paul Street will be allowed to stay in their apartments through the end of the semester and over winter break provided that they do not travel outside the state at any time.

November 4, 2020: Main Campus Winter Break Campus Closing Update

Students will be able to leave their belongings on campus over winter break. All main campus residential students will be required to leave campus by November 22 through the end of winter break.

October 9, 2020: Spring Housing Update

The Spring Housing update provides details regarding availability of on-campus housing and details specific to students’ current living situation. Messages were sent to:

• Students currently housed on Main Campus
• Students not currently residing on campus
• Students currently living at 194 St Paul Street

September 30, 2020: Update to Residence Hall Guest Policy

We have updated our residence hall guest policy to allow residential students, and off-campus students participating in Champlain’s routine testing program, to visit each other in any residence hall.

August 27, 2020: COVID-19 Testing for Students

All students living on-campus and any student living off-campus who plans to visit campus must get tested on a weekly basis. Students will find their test results in their CareEvolve account.

August 21, 2020: Additional Move-In & Health Pledge Details

Important details for students returning to campus August 28, 29 & 30.

August 20, 2020: Fall Update: Testing for Off-Campus Residents

Testing for students living off-campus who intend to visit campus for classes or to take part in activities begins August 26.

August 6, 2020: Fall Update #10

Fall Update #10 provides details for residential students to select their move-in date and time. Versions include:

• Main Campus residents
• 194 St. Paul Street residents

August 1, 2020: Fall Update #8

Fall Update #8 is specific to each student’s housing for Fall 2020. Versions include:

• All incoming and transfer students
• Returning students who received Main Campus housing for Fall 2020
• Students with a contract at 194 St. Paul Street
• Students who did not receive housing and have been placed on a waitlist
• Students who did not request campus housing

July 24, 2020: Fall Update #7

Requests for on-campus housing exceed our ability to supply housing for everyone. Action is required by students who indicated they may be interested in on-campus housing.

July 10, 2020: Fall Update #4

In order to reduce density on campus, all students will live in single and double-occupancy rooms with priority given to incoming first year and transfer students. ALL students must complete the Housing Intention Form by July 16.

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Academic Instruction Updates

Messages from Academic Leadership

April 1, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #102

This brief includes:

• COVID Vaccination Survey Data
• OIE Update

March 30, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #101

This brief includes:

• CLT Events

March 25, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #100

This brief includes:

• Faculty Advising Resources
• IDEA Student Rating of Instruction
• SMART Space News

March 23, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #99

This brief includes:

• A Conversation and Q&A With MSNBC Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki
• CLT Events

March 18, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #98

This brief includes:

• A Conversation and Q&A with MSNBC Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki
• Tutoring Support: Any Referrals?

March 16, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #97

This brief includes:

• Academic Nudge Feedback Survey
• CLT Faculty Support: Faculty Writing Group
• CLT Events

March 11, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #96

This brief includes:

• Midterm Grade Reminder
• Student Wellbeing
• COVID-19 Vaccination Survey
• Service-Learning Course Designation for Fall 21 Courses

March 9, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #95

This brief includes:

• Fall Preview
• Spring Break Next Week
• Travel Reminder
• COVID-19 Community Spread Update
• CLT Announcements: Free Professional Development Opportunities and Brown Bag Lunches
• Midterm Grade Reminder
• 14th Annual, And 1st Virtual, Elevator Pitch Competition

March 4, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #94

This brief includes:

• Student Success Nudge Update
• Share Work In The Professional Development Exhibition
• Reminder: Student Experience Grant Rolling Deadline

March 2, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #93

This brief includes:

• CLT Tips: Student Feedback
• Micro-endorsement Launch
• Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fair: Jobs | Internships | Networking

February 23, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #92

This brief includes:

• National Survey of Student Engagement opens March 1

February 18, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #91

This brief includes:

• Blind Date with a Book
• Summer Course Inquiry for Students

February 11, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #89

This brief includes:

• Week 4 Academic Nudge
• Face Shields Available
• Campus Access
• SMART Space Study Sessions InSpace

February 9, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #88

This brief includes:

• CLT Support: Gradebook
• An Insider’s View Of Internships At Procter & Gamble

February 4, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #87

This brief includes:

• Campus Quarantine Update & Reminder to Test
• Plagiarism Detection Platform
• Black History Month Student Programs

February 2, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #86

This brief includes:

• Next Week: Start of In-person Instruction
• Week 4 Academic Nudge
• Generator/Champlain Flex Space and Spring 2021 Membership Information
• CLT Events

January 28, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #85

This brief includes:

• Final Reminder: Enrollment Verification Monday
• CLT Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Events Spring 2021
• Faculty & Staff Learning Community Sign-Ups
• Internship Information
• Reminder: Start COVID Testing Before On-Campus Instruction
• New Academic Policy: Class Recording Policy
• Faculty Chairs: New & Returning

January 26, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #84

This brief includes:

• Enrollment Verification
• Last Call for Student Engagement Proposals
• Reminder From The Office of Accessibility
• SMART Space Newsletter

January 21, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #83

This brief includes:

• Important Upcoming Dates
• Advice For Initial Announcement In Spring Courses
• CLT DEI Resource
• Enrollment Verification: Updated Timeline
• Week 4 Faculty Survey – Student Success

January 19, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #82

This brief includes:

• National Day of Racial Healing
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement for your Syllabus
• New Faculty And Staff Learning Community: Well-being Initiative
• Center for Learning And Teaching Events, 1/19 – 1/22
• Student & Employee Emails From Last Week
• Updated COVID-19 Testing Times
• People Center Announcement: W2’s

January 14, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #81

This brief includes:

• Advice for an Initial Announcement in Spring Courses
• More CLT Faculty Development and Spring Sign-Ups
• Google Groups Per Course Section
• IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction dates: April 12-23
• Spring Semester Access To Generator and Champlain Flex Space
• Preliminary Return to Campus Information

January 12, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #80

This brief includes:

• Student Experience Grant Information & Evaluation Criteria
• Academic Calendar Reminder
• Spring Course Schedule Updated
• Virtual Students And COVID Classroom Capacity
• CLT Faculty Development and Spring Sign-Ups

January 7, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #79

This brief includes:

• President Akande’s message to the Champlain community

January 5, 2021: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #78

This brief includes:

• Spring Calendar & Course Planning Information
• Upcoming CLT Events
• Student Experience Grant Information
• Google Hangouts Transition to Google Chat

December 17, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #77

This brief includes:

• A Final Grade Reminder Poem
• Student Experience Grant Information
• Updating Class Start/End Times
• List Of Fully Remote Students Per Class
• CLT Updates: Upcoming Events and DEI Opportunities

December 15, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #76

This brief includes:

• Final Grades Due Sunday
• COVID-19 Follow Up Reflection Survey

December 10, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #75

This brief includes:

• InSpace in the News
• Reminder: Final Grades are Due Sunday 12/20
• Friday – Last Day For Students To Submit Medical Withdrawal

December 8, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #74

This brief includes:

• Cyber Study Sessions in InSpace
• VPAA Coffee Hour Tomorrow
• Incomplete Deadline Tomorrow

December 3, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #73

This brief includes:

• Incomplete Work Form for Registrar
• CLT Spring Course Prep Support Options
• IDEA SRI Deadline Extended Through December 9
• Student Engagement Update

December 1, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #72

This brief includes:

• Incomplete Work Policy Reminder

November 17, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #71

This brief includes:

• Faculty & Staff Access To Campus Nov 22-January
• Helpdesk Support During Remote Instruction
• Recent Messages from the College

November 12, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #70

This brief includes:

• Incoming and Returning Student Surveys
• Reminder: Friday, November 13 – Last Day To Withdraw
• Monday/Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week
• Student Engagement Update

November 10, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #69

This brief includes:

• Reminder For Student Projects Within The Community
• Reminder: Friday, November 13 – Last day to Withdraw
• Changes To Perry Hall Testing Traffic Flow
• IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction for Trad Students Nov 16 – Dec 4
• Student Engagement Update

October 20, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #63

This brief includes:

• Flu Shot Clinic
• Updated State Guidance on College Restart
• Provost Search Committee Meetings
• Town Hall Reminder: Wednesday 9AM

October 15, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #62

This brief includes:

• Midterm Grade Reminder
• Field Trip Guidance
• Zoom Recording Space
• Adobe Licensing
• SCART Update
• The Legacy Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A SIS Panel Event

October 13, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #61

This brief includes:

• Midterm Grade Reminder
• Faculty & Staff Listening Session Feedback
• Recent Messages from the College

October 12, 2020: 2021 Commencement Date Change

Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2021 will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2021, one week later than originally scheduled.

October 8, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #60

This brief includes:

• Student Cross-State Travel
• Town Hall Reminder

October 6, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #59

This brief includes:

• CLT Teaching Tip: Mid-Term Feedback
• Reciprocal Borrowing with UVM Libraries
• SCART Report Reminder
• Vermont Mask Day Today
• Town Hall Reminder: Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 AM
• Transportation Update

October 1, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #58

This brief includes:

• CLT Teaching Tip: Using the Canvas Gradebook
• Residential Student Visitor Policy

September 29, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #57

This brief includes:

• Webinar: Preparing For And Responding To Covid-19 At Vermont Colleges

September 24, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #56

This brief includes:

• Incoming Student Survey
• Campus Visitor Policy Reminder
• Voter Registration Reminder

September 22, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #55

This brief includes:

• Virtual Tour of Campus Highlighting New Safety Measures
• Voter Registration Message

September 17, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #54

This brief includes:

• Food drive results – Feeding Chittenden and Champlain College Food Pantry
• Class-Related Behavior Policy – Updated
• Community Read Event – Film Discussion on September 28

September 15, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #53

This brief includes:

• Enrollment verification reminder
• Incoming student survey Sept 21-25
• Discussion facilitators needed for The Hate U Give film event

September 10, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #52

This brief includes:

• Anti-Racism Events
• Enrollment Verification Reminder & Update
• Using Document Cameras
• CLT Faculty Development Opportunities (a correction)

September 8, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #51

This brief includes:

• #ScholarStrike Tue 9/8 and Wed 9/9
• Activating Anti-Racism with Appreciative Inquiry
• Faculty Reminder: Remote Learning Spaces for Students
• CLT Fall Faculty Development Opportunities *Free Book
• Canvas Tip: Publishing Items and Managing Student Access
• Feeding Chittenden Food Drive – Sponsored By EHS Making Connections Classes

September 3, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #50

This brief includes:

• Important Dates for FALL 2020 
• Reminder about Masks and 6ft guidance
• Classroom Technology Update
• Fall 2020 Parking Reminder
• SMART Space Update

September 1, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #49

• Moving Classes Outdoors
• Compass Fall 2020 Covid-19 Information
• Attending Virtual Classes On-campus
• Work-study And Part-time Job Fair Update
• Information Booth/Lemonade Stand
• Work-study And Part-time Job Fair Update
• Student/Faculty/Staff ID Access

August 27, 2020: Fall Update #14 – Academic Reminders

As we near the start of the fall semester, we would like to provide students with some important Academic reminders.

August 27, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #48

This brief includes:

• Student Laptop Update
• Remote Teaching & Classroom A/V Resources
• My.Champlain Portal Update
• Campus Dining and Fitness Center Updates
• Moving Classes Outdoors

August 20, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #47

This brief includes:

• Updated Internship Guidelines
• Information Booth Sign-Up
• Faculty Testing
• Testing Dashboard
• First Day Announcements
• Enrollment Verification/First Week Assignment
• Faculty Technology Mentors
• Classroom Cleaning
• VPAA Forum Reminder
• Recent Messages from the College

August 20, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #46

This brief includes:

• Clarification on Synchronous Course Components and Attendance
• Campus Building Access will Require ID Card 
• Computer Lab Hours
• Announcements from CLT
  • CLT Pre-Semester Support
  • Upcoming Webinars & Response to Faculty Requests
  • Pre-Course Surveys
• From Champlain Staff Council: How To Create A Virtual Office
• Recent Messages from the College

August 18, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing #45

This brief includes:

• Faculty Return to Work
• Faculty Zoom Accounts
• Demo Classroom Technology Joyce 202
• Library Reopening: Week of August 24
• Possible Classroom Relocations
• Recent Messages from the College

August 13, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

• New Course Coverage Practice for Fall 2020
• Teaching Flex-Hybrid: What Happens after Ramp-Up?
• CLT Announcement:  Canvas Support 
• Classroom Technology Ready for Practice: Joyce 202

August 11, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

• Student Community Health Pledge
• Students Arriving August 15-17
• Faculty Travel & Quarantine Reminder
• Participate in Champlain’s Community Read
• Invitation To Participate In Faculty Mask Montage Video
• Reminder – Fundamentals of DEI For Faculty Course – Available In Canvas
• VPAA Coffee Break – Thursday, August 13 at 11:00 AM

August 6, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

• Add/Drop Extension for Fall 2020
• Fall Ramp-Up Design Process Reminders
• Faculty Meetings
• Remote Student Section Rosters
• Health Panel Meeting With Vermont’s Commissioner Of Health, Dr. Levine: Tonight, August 6, 5:30pm
• Faculty Technology Updates
  • Zoom Site License
  • Faculty Technology Orders
  • Adjunct Computers
  • Faculty Hardware Loans
  • Personal Technology Purchase
  • Internet Connectivity
• Flex Capacitor

August 4, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Campus Custodial Operations
• Fall Student Internships
• SMART Space Tutoring and Coaching Support
• Panopto Video Management Platform
• Fall Semester Finals Week
• Health Panel Meeting with Vermont’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Levine: Thursday, August 6th 5:30pm
• VPAA Coffee Hour Wednesday, 9-10AM
• Recent Messages from the College and New FAQ’s

August 3, 2020: Fall Update #9

This Update provides individualized, up-to-date course planning information from faculty. Students are asked to take part in a critically important survey regarding learning and technology needs.

July 31, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Responses to Faculty Questions to Help With Course Planning
  • Definitions of Key Terms
  • Classroom Capacities and Room Change Requests
  • Upholding the Community Health Pledge
• Return to On-Campus Work
• Class Stagger Update
• Library Support for Digital Course Materials
• First-year Student Laptop Program
• Recent Messages from the College & FAQs on the View

July 22, 2020: Fall Update #6

Preliminary student schedules are now available in Student Planning. This email provides context for understanding the schedules.

July 24, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Communication Update from the VPAA 
• Responses to Faculty Questions to Help with Course Planning
• Staggered Fall Course Start and End Times
• ACTION REQUIRED BY 7/24: Faculty, Remember To Share Your Course “Blurb”
• Testing Center Update
• Flex-Hybrid Faculty Panel Webinar 
• CLT Announcement

July 16, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Faculty: Please Share Your Course “Blurb”
• Fall Reopening Information
  • Classroom Videos and Classroom Capacities
  • Staggered Course Schedule Update
  • Classroom Cleaning Update
• Faculty Panel Webinar: Flex-Hybrid – Invitation for Faculty
• Milestone One: Kick-Off Conversation
• Milestone Two: Course Design
• President Akande’s Town Hall: 2pm July 23
• Recent Messages from the College

July 9, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Faculty Panel Webinar: Flex Hybrid Course Design – For Students and Families
• Canvas Modules Template Now Available
• Turnitin Upgrade For Fall Including Changes That Faculty Need to Make to Canvas
• State of Vermont College Restart Guidance

July 6, 2020: Flex-Hybrid Webinar

Students and families are invited to a webinar on Monday, July 13th at 7:00pm to learn more about our Flex-Hybrid teaching model for Fall 2020. 

July 2, 2020: Faculty & Academic Staff Briefing

This brief includes:

• Faculty Check-In with Deans
• Section Start/End Time Adjustments
• Fall 2020 Study Abroad Programs
• Faculty Professional Development Opportunity
• Andrew Corrow: Offering Condolences

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Other Institutional Messages

Messages from the People Center, Information Services, Office of Financial Aid, Office of International Education, etc.

January 14, 2021—Spring 2021: Return to Campus Details for Faculty & Staff

Our current plans remain consistent with what we shared in October, with the understanding that we are monitoring local and regional conditions on a daily basis and these plans are subject to change based on city and state guidance.

August 15, 2020: Fall Update: Dining

In addition to IDX Dining Hall and The Grill and Zime @ EATS in the Center for Communication & Creative Media (CCM) we have added two new locations where you can pick up ‘Simply to Go’ meal-plan meals.

August 7, 2020: Fall Update: Transportation

Shuttles will continue to operate on a revised schedule. Parking policies have been revised for commuter students, on-campus residents, faculty and staff.

July 28, 2020: People Center Update: Return to On-Campus Work

As we have been preparing the campus for the return of our students, we have also been developing plans for our faculty and staff. Guidelines vary based on the work needed to assist, teach, and care for our students.