Our Shared Community Commitment

Do the Knight Thing

COVID-19 is still present in all 50 states. Until there is a safe and effective vaccine available, we cannot guarantee a completely risk-free environment. However, we can take steps to mitigate the impact on you and our campus. YOU are part of that solution.

Please read this document carefully and share it with your parent or guardian. It will explain the steps that Saint Michael’s College is taking to mitigate the risks from COVID when you return to campus, as well as outline the steps you can take. This may include assessing your medical risk and consulting with your healthcare provider. Our goal remains to take steps to reduce the risk to your health and the health of others, while realizing that we will see some disease presence on this campus once students reconvene.

What is Saint Michael’s doing?

Here are some of the things your campus community is doing to prepare:

• Monitoring disease presence and prevalence in the country as well as the state of Vermont and Chittenden County.
• Following all government, state and local guidelines.
• Having all faculty and staff follow a set of health guidelines (which will apply to students as well).
• Setting up spaces to allow for physical distancing (in common areas, dining, classrooms, etc.).
• Increasing cleaning, especially in high use areas.
• Conducting Surveillance Testing, Tracing and Isolation – obtaining adequate testing supplies and making testing available to any student who may either be symptomatic or a direct contact of a diagnosed individual, with rapid ability to support a student’s recovery in their room or in an assigned isolation space on campus.
• Providing instruction that is flexible and available to all – whether it is in-person, remote, or a hybrid of the two.

What Can YOU do?

KNOW YOUR RISK!

• Have a discussion with your healthcare provider if you feel you may be more medically vulnerable than others. Some medical conditions that may need assessment of risk include:
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • Obesity
• Ask your provider if living in a communal collegiate setting right for you at this time.
• Get a flu vaccine as soon as they are available!

Take vigilant steps to STAY WELL!

• Bring a self-care kit with you to school. This may include a thermometer, over the counter medicines, vitamins, etc.
• Keep track of any symptoms and refrain from going to class if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms.
• Take advantage of Vermont’s wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. Your off campus-activities should follow the same safety guidelines as on-campus.
• As of July 3, 2020, you will be required to cover your nose and mouth with a cloth mask whenever you are in a public space on campus, including the hallways, common space and multiuse bathrooms in the quad buildings, until further notice. Please refer to the following when on campus:
• When outdoors: All employees, students, and visitors are required to have a mask or facial covering readily available on their person (e.g., around neck) when on campus outdoors, and to put on their mask or facial covering when it is NOT feasible to maintain physical/social distancing measures (i.e., at least 6 feet of separation).
• When indoors: Anyone entering a building is required to put on a mask or facial covering prior to entering the building and to continue to wear a mask or facial covering in common areas such as elevators, lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, when traveling around the building and working in shared spaces. Masks and facial coverings are required in common areas of academic buildings, office buildings, residence halls, dining halls, and community gathering spaces across campus. Facial coverings or masks can be removed when alone in an office or residence room or when eating/drinking but must always be available in case circumstances change.
  • Note: Make sure your facial covering covers your nose and mouth. Wash your cloth facial covering often. Have 3-4 coverings available to use. Students and employees are expected to supply their own facial coverings.
  • Click here to visit the CDC website for additional mask guidance.
• There may be some instances where a face shield might be an alternative to the use of a cloth mask. NOTE, a face shield does not offer as much protection as a cloth mask and MUST fully cover the face expanding out to both ears and below the chin. Some instances where this may be an alternative could include:
  • In science labs where chemical droplets getting on cloth masks may cause harm.
  • In a theater setting where facial expression is critical to instruction.
  • In a counseling setting where facial expression is critical to instruction/care.
  • In a setting where the wearer has a medical reason that prohibits them from wearing a cloth mask.
• Face shields may hold droplets on them, so clean them frequently with the recommended solution. AGAIN, this should not be seen as a universal alternative to cloth face coverings.
• Wash your hands well and frequently with soap and water.
• Know your pod of people and strive to keep each other healthy.
• GET TESTED as soon as you feel ill.
• Keep your appointment when you are scheduled for random, surveillance COVID screening days on campus.

DO THE KNIGHT THING and be a good steward of your St. Mikes Community!

• Stay away from large gatherings.
• Keep track of your interactions with others.
• Keep a list of your contacts.
• Agree to educate yourself about the virus and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
• Understand that no person or group is responsible for this virus, and so agree to not blame it on anyone in our community.
• Comply with these COVID-19 guidelines, not only to keep yourself safe, but for those around you who may be at greater risk. Help remind others to wear masks and to practice physical distancing and to stay home and care for themselves when they feel sick.
• Know and follow the guidelines of the campus community.
  • Off campus visitors and guests are not allowed at this time.
  • You are required to wear a mask in all public areas of every building.
  • You are required to stay 6-feet away from others when outside of your room.
  • The number of people using a multiuse bathroom will be limited, so follow the signs and directions of your residence hall staff.
  • There will be no registered parties on campus.
  • You cannot be in a gathering of more than 10 people either inside or outside of your residence hall.
  • You will only have access to your own residence hall with your Knightcard.
  • There will be very specific guidelines when going to Alliot to eat.

Compliance with these standards is required and subject to the student Code of Conduct.  If you do not comply, your status on campus will be impacted.

If we all work together and make some adjustments to our daily lives, together we can CREATE a safe and vibrant campus for all!