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Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff:

In recent days, there has been a renewed and palpable sense of energy on our campus. Many of us are feeling optimistic for the future, especially as more and more members of our community receive the COVID-19 vaccination. This is indeed good news.

And while brighter days are ahead, the current reality is that we continue to experience a troubling number of new COVID-19 cases among our student population. I can’t stress enough how important it is for our community to remain vigilant. We must stay committed to the actions that have kept us safe this long.

To that end, it is frustrating and disappointing to learn from our Public Health Team that some students are choosing not to participate in the contact tracing process. Our ability to quickly identify, trace and quarantine individuals potentially exposed to the virus is contingent on our students’ participation in this critical public health process. To knowingly withhold information that could prevent another member of our community—or their family members—from becoming infected and possibly very ill is categorically wrong and indefensible. We expect every member of our campus community to participate fully and honestly in the contact tracing process.

As we head into another weekend, I urge all our students to recommit themselves to responsible public health behaviors to keep you and those around you safe, healthy and on campus.

I have a few updates to share today regarding:

• On-Campus Vaccination Appointments
• Proof of Vaccination
• Stadium Testing Hours

Register for On-Campus Vaccination Appointments

The team at the Barnes Center at The Arch has been administering COVID-19 vaccines over the last several days. We appreciate those of you who have been vaccinated already and urge those of you who still need to be vaccinated to make an appointment immediately. There is no shortage of vaccine so please don’t delay!

• Students: For students who have yet to register or haven’t received a vaccine at an off-campus vaccination clinic, please make your appointment now through the .
• Faculty/Staff: For faculty and staff interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on campus, we ask that you  at your earliest convenience.
• Important Reminder: The Barnes Center staff will contact you via text or email to confirm your vaccination appointment. Please keep your cell phones and devices on hand so the Barnes Center staff can easily reach you.

Submit Proof of Vaccination

For those who are vaccinated through the Barnes Center, no further action is required. However, if you have received a vaccination at an off-campus clinic, we need you to submit proof of vaccination as soon as possible.

• Students: Students who have already received or will receive the COVID-19 vaccine at an off-campus site, we ask that you please submit your documentation through the .
• Faculty/Staff: The Office of Human Resources is asking faculty and staff to complete a brief to confirm their vaccination status. Faculty and staff can also use the form to claim exemption from this requirement for medical or sincerely held religious reasons.

Stadium Testing Hours

Thank you for your continued cooperation with our surveillance testing program. Please be aware of the revised hours at the Stadium Testing Center, which have been enhanced to include additional availability on Wednesdays.

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

More than a year ago, we started working together to get to a point where we could authentically begin to talk about life after COVID. We are almost there, but work remains to ensure that every member of our community finishes the spring semester safely.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation