Campus dining will be limited to students living in the residence halls. This is the best way to ensure physical distancing and compliance with public health mandates about the density of interior dining spaces. We anticipate that a significant proportion of dining will be of the “grab and go” variety whereby students will select items “to go.” Dining Services is exploring and refining a system to order ahead online, and we’ll share more when we know more details. We anticipate that students will be able to “grab and go” from a variety of locations across campus to minimize queuing and crowding. Should public health guidance change and enable a larger number of students to safely participate in campus dining (via commuter meal plans, for example), we will share that information. More specific information will be provided as the academic term approaches.

We look forward to welcoming new students to campus this fall! First-year students will start engaging virtually with their Peer Leaders and seminar group by mid-August. In addition, new students will be invited to watch a faculty/staff panel discussion about the broader themes of the Summer Common Reading. More information about both will be forthcoming.

First-year students will receive their housing assignments via their K email during the first week of August. Students will move into the residence halls on Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9 (9 a.m.–4 p.m. on both days). Early move-ins cannot be accommodated. Students will be permitted to bring up to two people to assist them with move-in. Everyone must wear masks and we will be engaging in physical distancing practices. After moving their students in, we invite families to stop by the Information Table outside the Hicks Student Center (or inside in the event of rain) to pick up their welcome bag that will contain an abundance of helpful information. Families will then be required to depart campus. Family orientation sessions will be entirely online this year.

Formal Orientation activities for first-year students will begin Wednesday night, September 9, and run through Sunday, September 13. Orientation is required for all incoming first-year students. Virtual options will be made available for students who are studying remotely. Students will be engaging in a variety of sessions to help them know what it means to be a Kalamazoo College student and be successful academically, gain useful information, and engage socially. They will spend time with their Peer Leaders in their small seminar groups, and there will be many opportunities for fun experiences both in-person and virtual. The full schedule will be emailed to new students in early August.

Transfer Student Orientation is scheduled for Friday, September 11, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. This one-day orientation is required for all transfer students. There will be optional activities scheduled for Saturday, September 12. More information will be emailed to transfer students in early August.

In the event we are entirely online for fall, all Orientation activities will be offered virtually. Questions about orientation can be directed to Jon Collier, Director of Student Activities (Jon.Collier@kzoo.edu).

The College will offer classes in person, in a hybrid (partly in person and partly virtual) format, and in a virtual format. Students who wish to take a full load of courses remotely will be able to do so, as nearly half of fall courses will now be offered in a virtual format.

Information about the final mix of classes in each format (and directions on how to search the course schedule by format) is now available on the Registrar’s website. As a reminder, the add/drop period reopens for returning students on August 3 so that students have several weeks to adjust their schedules as needed before the start of fall term.

Faculty have been working throughout the summer to prepare fall courses that are engaging and intellectually rigorous, regardless of the mode in which they are offered. During the month of August, faculty will be discussing the issue of fall term grading and determining whether modifications should be made to published grading policies in the Academic Catalog. Any faculty-approved changes will be shared before the fall term begins.

The College is prioritizing the housing of first-year students and Visiting International students. Students living on campus will reside in rooms or in individual bedrooms by themselves, with no roommates. This is the most effective way to create physical distance in a group living environment. Residential student expectations in the context of the coronavirus and logistical details will be communicated later in the summer, once the housing process is underway. Residential students will be charged the double room rate.

After reviewing the “opt out” data from first-year and sophomore students, it is clear that there will not be space to house sophomore students on campus, including those who had planned to live in Living Learning Houses. This means that sophomores should make plans to live off campus (in Kalamazoo or at home). This is not what we had hoped would happen, but it is now clear that we must greatly minimize the number of students in residence in the interest of student health and safety.  

Staff Working on Campus

• What is K’s reopening plan for faculty and staff?

K has adopted a phased-in approach to the re-engagement of in-person work for employees. The reopening plan covers how to keep our valuable human resources safe while we perform in-person work as permitted under the State of Michigan’s orders related to emergency management of the COVID-19 crisis. Find more on the reopening plan.

• If I am on campus, do I need to wear a face covering?

Effective April 26, the order states that any individual able to medically tolerate a face covering must wear a covering over his or her nose and mouth—such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief—when in any enclosed public space. With the majority of campus working and learning from home, this may be of limited necessity; however, please wear a face covering when entering any enclosed public spaces where others may be present and social distancing may be difficult.

Remote Work and Pay

• Who should be working from home under Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order?

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state of Michigan, the governor’s office has issued an executive order requiring Michigan residents to remain at home to the maximum extent feasible. Kalamazoo College will follow the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order to our utmost ability, allowing on campus only those employees who must be physically present to provide essential services. Under no circumstances should a person who is ill come to campus.

These are the services that require employees to be on campus:

With the exception of Campus Safety, other services will be limited. The main phone line, 269.337.7000, will continue to be answered.

• Will we receive pay and benefits through this Stay Home period?

The College intends to pay employees and maintain benefits for as long as possible into the future.

• What resources does the College provide for working remotely?

The Kalamazoo College Information Services website provides information and instructions on resources that can help you work remotely, including access to collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams. They are also regularly updating their page with announcements.

If you are unable to find the information you need from the IS website, you may contact the Help Desk. Please understand that the Help Desk team is experiencing a high volume of calls and requests and response times may be longer than usual.

• What if items I need for remote work are still at the office?

Staff who need to come to campus to retrieve equipment may do so; however, please coordinate the timing with your supervisor and practice social distancing. Please ensure that return visits to campus are only for essential items in keeping with the governor’s order.

• How should we track time for hourly employees working from home?

Hourly employees must track all time worked. No untracked work should be performed. Employees may not work overtime without express, written approval from the supervisor. Time spent performing work should be recorded as work time, regardless of your physical location. We anticipate that there may be funding sources available to help offset costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Properly tracking this time will aid the College in providing documentation on COVID-19 response expenses.

Hourly employees should use the special code ‘C19’ on their timesheets to note time that they were available to come to work but were unable to do so because of social distancing requirements or the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

The C19 code should be used to fill in for hours that you would have worked if COVID-19 response were not at play. Here’s an example.

Typical, pre-COVID-19 schedule: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with one-hour unpaid lunch:

• In: 8 a.m.
• Out: 12 p.m.
• In: 1 p.m.
• Out: 5 p.m.
• Total hours worked and paid: 8

Current COVID-19 response situation: Work three hours in the morning.

• In: 8 a.m.
• Out: 11 a.m.
• C19: 5
• Total hours paid: 8

Employee Health

• What if I’m sick during this Stay Home period?

In the event you are ill, taking care of someone who is ill, and you are an hourly worker, please use the “Break Day” code rather than Emergency Time.

While the College expects you will honor your work commitments and share childcare duties with other adults in the household (if applicable), if you are caring for a school age child because school is closed due to COVID-19, or taking care of a child whose daycare is closed, you may use the “Break Day” code rather than Emergency Time for hours spent caring for your children.

• If I am diagnosed with COVID-19, who should I notify and what are my leave benefits?

In such an event, you should notify Jenn Williams at Jennifer.williams@kzoo.edu. She will work with you to identify the leave benefits for which you might be eligible. When you provide notice that you have been confirmed positive, please also provide a list of any members of the Kalamazoo College community who you recall being in direct contact and close proximity to during the previous 14 days.

• What if someone in my family is diagnosed with COVID-19? Do I need to notify the College? Can I take time off to care for them?

Please notify your supervisor and plan to self-quarantine for the recommended 14 days. You may take time off to care for a member of your household as a result of COVID-19.

• How is the College supporting the health and safety of essential staff on campus?

The College has taken important steps in support of social distancing so that those who must remain on campus have minimal contact with others. Faculty and staff are strongly advised to stay away from campus as much as possible during the “Stay Safe Stay Home” order in order to minimize contact for essential services  staff who must be on campus. Custodial services are limited to occupied residence halls, reduced bathroom cleanings, centralized garbage pick up for essential service employees, and other limited services. Only a member of President’s Staff can designate an essential service employee who must be on campus to fulfill their duties.

• What resources are available for employee well-being?

Please be reminded that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help navigate through many of life’s ups and downs. A licensed professional counselor can help with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, and more. The work/life specialists can help to find resources in the community on many topics including elder/child care and financial services.

Learn more about this free and confidential program by visiting https://hr.kzoo.edu/current-employees/eap/

Human Resources and Payroll Support

• How do I contact HR or the business office if I have questions about pay or benefits?

Please email payroll@kzoo.edu or HR@kzoo.edu, and someone will follow up as soon as possible.

• What if I need to pick up a paycheck?

Employees are strongly recommended to register for direct deposit. Checks may not be picked up.  The Business Office is closed to all walk-in traffic and the building is locked.  Checks are being mailed.

• I have a job posted in my area—can I continue through the hiring process?

Yes, the selection process may continue if circumstances permit. There is a message on the staff searches pages that indicates that search processes may be delayed as a result of COVID-19 response. Questions about searches may be directed to Renee Boelcke at renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu.

Return to all Coronavirus Information and Updates

TO: Kalamazoo County Community Partners
FROM: Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department
DATE: March 4, 2020

At noon on Wednesday, March 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 80 cases of COVID-19 from 13 states, with a total of nine deaths. Twenty-four of these cases are travel-related; 16 are believed to be person-to-person spread; and for the remaining 40 the source of exposure is still under investigation. There are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the State of Michigan and no persons under investigation in Kalamazoo County. The criteria for testing have expanded, and testing can now be completed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) lab. The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is working closely with the MDHHS and following guidance issued by the CDC. While the risk of COVID-19 remains low locally, we are prepared to respond immediately should a potential case come to Kalamazoo County.

COVID-19 can be spread from person-to-person. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19, and no medications approved to treat it. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease. We are asking community partners to help prevent the spread of viruses such as the flu, common cold, and COVID-19 by promoting the preventative measures that your clientele and all of those residing in Kalamazoo County can take:

o The best way to protect yourself and your family, and to stop the spread of viruses such as the flu, common cold, and COVID-19 include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• People should be diligent about preventing flu since there have been thousands of influenza-like illnesses reported throughout the country. Individuals within the United States are still at a higher risk of getting the flu than COVID-19. If you have not received your flu shot, it is highly encouraged you do so now.

Right now, there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public in the United States. We are regularly receiving ongoing guidance and information from MDHHS and CDC. We are committed to providing all community partners updated information as it is received so informed decisions can be made. It cannot be emphasized enough, Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is here as a resource for all questions or concerns you may have regarding any public health matter. We thank you for your partnership in protecting the health of our community.

Dear campus community,

The information below is provided to us by Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department.

As of February 26, 2020, there have been no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the State of Michigan and no persons under investigation in Kalamazoo County. The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and following updates to the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are prepared to respond immediately should a potential case come to Kalamazoo County.
COVID-19 can be spread from person-to-person. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease. We encourage community partners, schools, and municipalities to help prevent the spread of viruses such as the flu, common cold, and COVID-19 by promoting the preventative measures that all Kalamazoo County residents can take:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please help us relay the above preventative measures by sharing with your clients, students and parents, and residents. Individuals within the United States are still at a higher risk of getting the flu than COVID-19. Therefore, we encourage people to get their flu shot if they have not done so already.

The CDC is currently reporting fourteen (14) confirmed cases nationwide as of February 26, 2020. To date, the following Travel Health Notices for COVID-19 have been issued for the following countries:

• Level 3 (avoid all nonessential travel): People’s Republic of China and South Korea
• Level 2 (practice enhanced precautions): Iran, Italy, and Japan
• Level 1 (practice usual precautions): Hong Kong

If your organization, school or municipality has questions regarding travel plans, we highly encourage you to consult with us by calling our Epidemiology Nurse Helpline at 269-373-5267.

As a reminder, the role of local public health, and the specific steps Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is taking during this outbreak, are as follows:

• Actively monitor COVID-19 outbreak
• Partner with state and federal agencies for communication and guidance on COVID-19 to the public and healthcare professionals
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies for risk assessment and action steps regarding persons returning from China on or after February 3, 2020.
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals on designating patients as a person under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19
• Coordinate with healthcare systems on determining appropriate setting for evaluation and monitoring of PUI

We are regularly receiving ongoing guidance and information from MDHHS and CDC. We are committed to providing all community partners, schools, and municipalities updated information as it is received so informed decisions can be made. It cannot be emphasized enough, Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is here as a resource for all questions or concerns you may have regarding any public health matter. We thank you for your partnership in protecting the health of our community.

Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department