With the new term underway, we write with some key reminders in advance of the resumption of limited in-person learning. Please note the revised information related to arrival and surveillance testing at the end of this message.

Academic Expectations
Just a reminder that winter term courses scheduled in the online-only modality will remain in online modality for the entire term. Courses in hybrid or required in-person components modalities are permitted to begin in-person activities on January 19, but some courses, particularly those in the hybrid modality, might not begin any scheduled in-person activities until sometime after that date. Keep in mind that masks, physical distance, frequent hand washing, and completion of the daily symptom checker are required for in-person settings.

Community Commitments
All members of the campus community are expected to abide by the Community Safety Commitments. These commitments include completing the daily symptom checker before coming to campus, masking, remaining physically distant from others, washing hands frequently, and participating in arrival and surveillance testing (unless you will not be on campus during the term and completed the opt out option).

Daily Symptom Checker
As noted above, one of the requirements for being on campus this winter is completion of the daily symptom checker using the MyChart app, which is available to students via their existing MyChart electronic medical records. When meeting with faculty or staff in person, students may be asked to show the green “clear” indicator to demonstrate that the daily symptom check has been completed. Get in the habit of completing it each morning to avoid hiccups when accessing campus resources.

TESTING PROTOCOLS AND EXPECTATIONS

Off-Campus Students

Off-campus students who will spend any amount of time on campus during the winter term for any reason will need to complete arrival testing. Off-campus students who will not spend any amount of time on campus in the winter term may opt out of arrival and surveillance testing using the opt out form. Please complete the opt out process by Friday, January 8, 2021. This will ensure that we work with the most accurate list of students to be tested.  

Arrival testing for off-campus students will occur at the following times in the Hicks Banquet Room:

•             Saturday, January 9       2–5 p.m.
•             Sunday, January 10       2–5 p.m.
•             Monday, January 11       3–5 p.m.
•             Tuesday, January 12      3–5 p.m.

Students can schedule their specific testing time and date. 

Reminders: Bring a photo ID of yourself, arrive at your scheduled time, do not bring friends, and wear a mask. If you are ill, stay home and contact the Student Health Center at 269-337-7200.

Residential Students

Every student living in a residence hall will complete COVID testing upon their arrival to campus, prior to moving into their residence hall. Testing times align with move-in times and will occur in the Hicks Banquet Room:

•             Friday, January 15         4–6 p.m.
•             Saturday, January 16     2–5 p.m.
•             Sunday, January 17       2–5 p.m.

Students will be guided through the process individually by campus staff, while families will wait outside of the Hicks Student Center. Though the testing process itself is very quick, you may need to wait while others move through the process. We appreciate your patience. 

Reminders: Bring a photo ID of yourself, do not bring friends, wear a mask. If you are ill, stay home and contact the Office of Residential Life. 

Student Athletes

Information regarding your initial testing protocols will come through the Director of Athletics and coaching staff. 

Surveillance Testing

Once we get through initial testing, we will begin scheduling surveillance testing. Students will be notified via email when they are selected to test and will be sent a link to schedule their appointment.

CAMPUS ACTIVITY LEVELS

K will continue to adjust its balance of online and on-campus activities throughout the 2020-21 academic year (or as long as it takes for the COVID-19 pandemic to become controlled) based on current regional and local conditions. We have developed a Campus Activity Levels chart that indicates various levels of on-campus activity, using color-coded categories: 

Shifts in level will depend on regional, local, and campus conditions. For example, changes in the number of regional COVID cases, hospital capacity, testing response time, or staffing levels in critical areas could trigger a change in level. The College will conduct daily monitoring of relevant factors and communicate changes via Hornet Hive updates, K Alerts, and signs on campus. You may visit the COVID-19 webpage to learn more about the Campus Activity Levels.

The College will begin the Winter 2021 term at the Red (restricted; online classes only) level while conducting initial baseline testing of all students, faculty, and staff who plan to participate in on-campus activities. Once the initial testing is complete, we anticipate moving to Orange, operating at reduced density.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on campus and virtually. 

Sarah B. Westfall
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students

Danette Ifert Johnson
Provost