November 12, 2020 Update: COVID-19
Message to Students—Pre-Thanksgiving Guidance and Gratitude
Dear Students,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude to all of you, and encourage those of you returning home for the remainder of the fall semester and winter break to take steps to make your transition as safe as possible. Today Governor Scott announced several new restrictions, including some that impact you and we want to make you aware of them.
Champlain has been one of the safest college campuses in the country this semester. Unfortunately the world surrounding us is far more concerning, with rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 across the country and even here in Vermont. Vermont and other states are increasingly strengthening and enforcing restrictions on interstate travel. In response to the Governor’s latest guidance, we are strongly encouraging our students to depart campus at their earliest convenience, rather than waiting until Champlain’s campus closes on November 22. You may find that you have an easier time traveling home—and can do so with fewer restrictions—the earlier you depart. Faculty members have been given the choice to shift to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester effective immediately. Your faculty members will be in touch if they choose to make an adjustment to their teaching delivery method for the week of November 16.
You will receive an email from Champlain’s Medical Director, Annika Hawkins-Hilke, with information about an update to the College guest and event policy, testing, travel, required quarantine upon arrival home to a Vermont residence, and other logistics. We want your return home to be a safe one, and encourage you to consider the increasing rates of the virus in New England as you make your plans.
One of the key components of keeping the pandemic at bay on our campus has been our students. I want to commend and thank you all for the seriousness with which you have been taking the pandemic, and your adherence to our health and safety protocols.
I wish you all a safe and healthy holiday season. I look forward to a strong end of the semester as well as a successful spring semester at Champlain.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Ola. Akande, Ph.D.
