FAQs

For the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine at U-M, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Update page on the Michigan Medicine website.

What are the symptoms and how is it spread?

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chills.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Muscle pain.
• Loss of taste or smell.

COVID-19 is spread mainly through close contact from person to person. Some people without symptoms can spread the virus.

More information on how the virus spreads is available from the CDC.

What is the risk?

The CDC considers COVID-19 a public health concern based on current information. The CDC has identified the following as at higher risk for serious illness with COVID-19:

• Older adults.

• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:

  • Heart disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Lung disease.

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Wear a face covering when around others.
• Keep a physical distance of 6 feet between you and others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Students

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact University Health Service at 734-764-8320 and isolate.

If you believe you have had sustained close contact (within 6 feet of a case for a total of 15 minutes or more in 24 hours) with a person who has COVID-19, you should quarantine and contact UHS for testing.

Check out the graphic for on-campus students or off-campus students on what to do based on potential COVID-19 scenarios. Check out this PDF on How to get a COVID-19 test at U-M.

The CDC offers the following guidance on isolation and quarantine. Students who test positive and have symptoms of COVID-19 need to follow CDC guidelines to complete the isolation process:

• isolate for 10 days after your test date,
• be fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medications), and
• see improvement of other symptoms.

On and off-campus quarantine and isolation spaces will be identified for use by any U-M student who needs quarantine/isolation. Students also may choose to isolate or quarantine with their families at home. More details about student quarantine and isolation are available here.

Faculty & Staff

If you become ill with symptoms concerning for COVID-19, isolate and contact the Occupational Health Services hotline by calling (734) 764-8021 to arrange testing through Michigan Medicine. You can also seek testing through your medical provider. If you have tested positive contact OHS. Do not come to work. This applies to employees on all campuses and in Michigan Medicine.

Faculty and staff who test positive and have symptoms of COVID-19 need to follow CDC guidelines and directions received from Work Connections to:

• isolate for 10 days after your test date,
• be fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medications), and
• see improvement of other symptoms.

An employee who tests positive but never develops symptoms can discontinue isolation 10 days after the date of their first positive test.

Faculty and staff notified through contact tracing of exposure to a positive COVID-19 case need to follow CDC guidelines for quarantine for 14 days after their last contact with the case, check their temperature twice a day, and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.

Please see the HR COVID-19 information page. For unit leadership and supervisors, EHS has helpful information on employee COVID-19 exposure and testing.

For more information on testing click here.

The University of Michigan COVID-19 multi-tiered testing and monitoring strategy was designed based on detailed input from dozens of experts including several faculty members from the School of Public Health that are also advising Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Testing helps us better understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community and to respond to reduce further spread of the virus. Our most effective tool in controlling the spread of COVID is to practice preventive measures such as wearing face coverings, physical distancing, frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.

The university's multi-tiered testing and monitoring strategy, includes:

• Baseline testing of nearly 6,000 students before they moved into Michigan Housing, as well as testing of residents of affiliated fraternity or sorority facilities.
• Symptomatic testing of students through University Health Service and of faculty and staff through Occupational Health Services.
• Asymptomatic testing through the voluntary U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking program, open to students living on or off campus as well as faculty and staff, including those from Michigan Medicine, who work in-person on the Ann Arbor campus.
• Exposure testing for close contacts identified though case investigation, contact tracing or workplace exposure investigations.
• Pop-up Testing through University Health Service along with campus partners organize on-site testing for students in their residence halls or off campus living facilities in response to identified clusters within their communal living community.
• Quarantine Testing through University Health Service, in partnership with the Division of Public Safety & Security, delivers test kits to students in quarantine through U-M Quarantine & Isolation Housing.
• Departure testing for students prior to returning to their permanent residences and surrounding communities.
• Antibody testing for Michigan Medicine faculty and staff involved in patient care.
• Daily symptom tracking through the ResponsiBLUE health screening tool.
• Departure testing for students prior to returning to their permanent residences and surrounding communities.

Visit this page for more information.

U-M's Environment, Health and Safety department will continue to work closely with local public health officials to perform case investigation and contact tracing for students, faculty and staff as has occurred throughout the pandemic. U-M also will use students from the health sciences schools trained and supervised by professionals to enhance our contact tracing capacity. Some students may receive appropriate credit for courses or clinical rotation hours for this activity as part of their curricular requirements.

As part of case investigation, the investigator also will gather a list of close contacts for each positive case. Close contacts are defined as having been within 6 feet of a case for a cumulative 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. Contact tracers identify, monitor and support the close contacts who have been exposed to, and possibly infected with, the virus.

Prompt identification, voluntary quarantining, and monitoring of COVID-19 contacts for symptom development can effectively break the chain of infection and decrease further spread of the virus in our community. This is where we can have the most impact.

How is it done?

Contact tracers are volunteers from across many departments who have received specialized training and have been authorized to conduct case investigation and contact tracing in partnership with the County Health Department that has jurisdiction in the Ann Arbor area.

The U-M investigator contacts all UM-associated close contacts who were identified from the case’s investigation. They inform them of their potential exposure, provide education about quarantining, assist with resources to successfully complete their quarantine and initiate symptom tracking. Testing is not required, but may be part of a campus testing strategy if capacity exists to do so.

A close contact is instructed to:

• Stay home for 14 days after their last contact with an infected individual.
• Check their temperature at twice a day and watch for symptoms of COVID-19.
• Stay away from people who are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
• If they develop symptoms, the contact should call UHS (students) or Occupational Health Services (staff/faculty) and they will be counseled to seek medical care.

A negative test does not release a contact from quarantine. They must complete the full 14 days. There is no need for a "release from quarantine" note. U-M employees should visit the UHR COVID-19 website to review options for time off and leave.

Proximate contacts (those further than 6 feet from a case) do not need to quarantine.

An effective contact tracing and case management program can ensure that those at risk of having been infected are rapidly identified and triaged to prevent unnecessary spread of COVID-19.

Sharing the names of colleagues or friends you were in contact with at work, the gym, or a party will not get anyone in trouble. Providing this information will provide a notification so they can seek testing, and guarantee they get the support and resources they may need during quarantine.

Close contact is defined by CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic clients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection).

Close contact is defined as follows:

• Being less than 6 feet apart for brief encounters that total 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period.
• Being coughed or sneezed on.
• Hugging or kissing.
• Sharing utensils or drinking glasses.
• Roommate, intimate partner or caregiver.

Case investigators identify and investigate individuals with a diagnosis of COVID-19.

U-M case investigators are individuals from EHS that are designated by Washtenaw County Health Department to conduct this work. If someone is diagnosed with COVID-19, a case investigator will call and provide education about isolation, criteria to complete isolation, and resources to successfully complete isolation. U-M case investigators will contact all U-M associated individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 either through self-report or who were tested at University Health Services or Occupational Health Services.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO QUARANTINE OR ISOLATE?

Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

• Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

More details about student quarantine and isolation are available here.

HOW DO I QUARANTINE OR ISOLATE?

Isolate

If you test positive for COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, contact your health care provider and isolate for 10 days. Stay home until after:

• at least 10 days from symptom onset, or test date if asymptomatic, for employees, or 10 days from test date for symptomatic/asymptomatic students.
• at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• Symptoms have improved.

The CDC offers the following additional guidance on how to self-isolate.

Quarantine

If you are determined through case investigation to have sustained close personal contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should:

• Quarantine (14 days is recommended, but may be reduced to 10 days*).
• Self-monitor for fever by checking temperature at least twice a day. Contact your health care provider if you develop a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms.

*Following review of new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding close contact exposure and quarantine period, the Washtenaw County Health Department and U-M Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) continue to recommend 14 days of quarantine to monitor for the development of symptoms. For some cases the duration of quarantine may be shortened to 10 days provided:

• The individual does not develop any symptoms or clinical evidence of COVID-19 infection during daily symptom monitoring for the 10 days after the last exposure.
• Daily symptom monitoring (through ResponsiBLUE and by responding to any University Health Service, EHS and Contact Tracing Corps symptom inquiries) must continue through day 14 after the last exposure.
• In addition, students who do not have symptoms can be tested for the virus that causes COVID-19 on Day 8 following their exposure. If that test is negative, and they remain asymptomatic, the quarantine period may be shortened. Students are directed to seek testing through University Health Service.

Employees can be released after Day 10 provided they were asymptomatic but do not require a test.

The university provides testing for students or employees. Any person who tests positive while in quarantine would then have ten days of isolation from the test date in line with WCHD guidance.

Based on individual investigation, Washtenaw County Health Department may require some individuals in more vulnerable settings or populations to quarantine for the full 14 days and as per existing CDC recommendations. Discuss your options with your case investigator or the contact tracing corps.

14 THINGS TO DO IF SOMEONE YOU LIVE WITH HAS COVID-19

Tips for helping a family member or roommate cope with coronavirus effects, while protecting yourself and others.

Students living in University Housing: You must relocate for the duration of your quarantine or isolate period. Options include:

• Relocate to on-campus quarantine and isolation housing — contact DPSS Dispatch at 734-763-1131 to arrange for relocation

  • If you receive notification of a positive test result after 8 p.m. and are required to relocate to on-campus quarantine and isolation housing, you can either contact DPSS that evening for after-hours relocation or remain in your current residence and relocate to isolation housing the following morning. You will be instructed to self-isolate as much as possible prior to relocation, wear a face covering, and ensure common spaces are cleaned and disinfected after use.

• Relocate to another residence, such as a permanent residence, if:

  • You can drive to the location in under 1 day. Use of public transportation or ride sharing is not permitted.
  • You will have access to your own closed-door bedroom.
  • You will have access to your own bathroom.
  • Only one other person will be in the car during the drive.

Students living off-campus:

It may be safe to quarantine or isolate in your current location if:

• You have access to your own closed-door bedroom.
• You have access to your own bathroom or share a bathroom with 1-2 others and can clean and disinfect the space after every use.
• You can articulate a plan with your housemates about cleaning, disinfecting and avoiding shared time in common spaces, such as a kitchen.

You may consider relocating to another residence, such as a permanent residence, for your quarantine/isolation period if:

• You can drive to the location in under 1 day. Use of public transportation, ride sharing or staying in a hotel overnight is not permitted.
• You will have access to your own closed-door bedroom.
• You will have access to your own bathroom.
• Only one other person will be in the car during the drive.

Relocating to on-campus quarantine housing is also an option — contact DPSS Dispatch at 734-763-1131 to arrange for relocation.

Enhanced social distancing separates asymptomatic and healthy individuals from possible exposure.

During this 14-day period, you are expected to monitor your health, reduce your contact with others and follow guidance consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:

• Take your temperature two times a day and monitor for fever.
• Watch for cough, trouble breathing or additional COVID-19 symptoms.
• Stay home as much as possible. Do not go to social gatherings.
• You may attend class, if remote option is not available, or work.
• If you need to leave your residence for essentials (such as buying groceries or for banking needs), wear a face covering, practice 6 feet social distancing at all times, and wash your hands.
• If you develop symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, seek medical attention.

Arriving by plane, bus or train

All faculty, staff and students arriving to campus from international or domestic locations via plane, bus or train are expected to follow COVID-19 prevention measures (wear face covering, social distance, limit contact with others). These individuals also are encouraged to stay home as much as possible for a period of 14 days following their travel. There is no restriction for attending class, work or going out for essentials (groceries, banking, etc) and they may use public transportation to get to their destination.

Additional guidance for international travelers

The CDC has updated its travel guidance and is no longer recommending that individuals arriving from international locations observe a 14-day period of quarantine upon their arrival to the U.S.. We continue to monitor for evolving guidance from public health experts and will modify our approach as appropriate.

WHY DO I NEED TO OBSERVE A 14-DAY PERIOD OF ENHANCED SOCIAL DISTANCING?

The enhanced social distancing expectation is one of many strategies in place to protect the health of the U-M community by reducing the possible spread of COVID-19. Others strategies include the use of face coverings, social distancing, frequent hand washing and testing, isolation and quarantine. There is no action that is 100% effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 but together our multilayer approach strengthens our efforts to support providing public health-informed residential academic year.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENHANCED SOCIAL DISTANCING, ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE?

• Enhanced social distancing separates asymptomatic and healthy individuals from possible exposures to COVID-19 in the campus community.
• Isolation separates people sick with COVID-19 from people who are not sick.
• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or while individuals are awaiting test results to confirm whether they have contracted the virus.

Sign-up for the U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking program, a free, voluntary asymptomatic testing program open to students living on or off campus as well as faculty and staff, including those from Michigan Medicine, who work in-person on the Ann Arbor campus.

University Health Service provides testing to patients who may require testing for a program, employment, travel, pre-procedural clearance and for those who believe they are close contacts of someone who has tested positive. More information about testing criteria is available here.

The testing plan was constructed based on detailed input from dozens of experts including several faculty members from the School of Public Health who are also advising Governor Gretchen Whitmer. It is helpful to remember that “public health informed” does not mean zero cases of COVID-19; rather, it indicates containment of spread and continuing our core mission in a safe manner.

Testing is one intervention in the “layered approach” to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and hand washing are the most prudent actions we can take to protect students, faculty, and staff: COVID-19 is largely preventable with these three measures.

The university sought expertise and advice from dozens of faculty and staff who are leaders in their fields including experts in public health, medicine, innovative teaching, engaged learning, physical space use and much more. Additionally, Student Life engaged hundreds of our students in wide-ranging aspects of planning.

U-M's plan to conduct an in-person semester relied on research-based public health strategies including social distancing, minimizing out-of-area travel, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, symptom screening, clinical testing, contact tracing and quarantine that add up to a highly effective way to limit spread of this illness, allowing students to pursue their Michigan education.

From a public health safety perspective, U-M has public health and medical expertise not commonly found at other institutions. This includes a highly ranked academic medical center, Medical School, and School of Public Health, whose renowned faculty members are advising the State of Michigan leaders on their COVID-19 pandemic response.

Overall campus density has been significantly reduced through a variety of efforts, including:

• The majority of the (non-health care) U-M workforce continue to work from home.
• Density in residence halls reduced to 68 percent capacity.
• U-M Ann Arbor instruction is mostly remote with about 77 percent of undergraduate student credit hours being taken remote (as of Aug. 24).
• The few hybrid and in person classes are small and are ones that instructors and departments identified as deriving a substantial pedagogical benefit from that format, and similar to what peers also are offering in-person.
• Encouragement of unit leadership to work with anyone with concerns about returning to in-person work, teaching or learning to develop a plan and accommodate such requests.
• Adjusted academic calendar to move fully remote on after Nov. 20.
• Events on the U-M campus have been canceled, postponed or taken to a virtual format. There is no intercollegiate athletics and no performances. Buildings remain on keycard access.
• We have spent the past several months gradually ramping up campus in operations, beginning with our research enterprise, athletics and now a reduced number of undergraduates.
• Our health system has continued to operate throughout, as have some other essential staff members on campus.

The university will continue to carefully monitor a number of data points as we move forward in the fall semester. There is no one number that would prompt a change. Among these factors are:

• Spread of COVID-19 locally and regionally.
• Capacity of area hospitals.
• Campus isolation capacity.
• Capacity for case investigation and contact tracing.

The CHRC is working on a more rigorous listing of metrics and types of changes (akin to the indicators framework developed at the state level, mistartmap.info) that will provoke reconsideration of our plans. University health officials will consider the current state in all of these areas when making any future decisions. We are being guided by the same faculty public health and medical experts advising the State of Michigan leaders on their COVID-19 pandemic response.

All information pertaining to the Stay in Place order can be found on the Order message page including FAQs.

Where on campus are face coverings required?

The University of Michigan requires all students, staff, faculty, and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose anywhere on campus grounds. This includes when inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation. Please see U-M Face Covering Policy for COVID-19 for more details and a list of exceptions.

What are acceptable face coverings?

The CDC recently updated their information to provide selection guidance for face coverings: at least two layers of fabric made with a breathable fabric that completely cover your nose and mouth and fits snugly on the sides of your face without gaps is recommended.

Many types of cloth face coverings are acceptable, including homemade masks, scarves, bandanas and handkerchiefs, but face coverings that seal as tightly as possible to the face are preferable to those that fit loosely.

The face coverings provided to students through U-M Student Life contain three layers of cotton fabric which exceeds the current CDC selection criteria of two layers.

The CDC does not recommend face coverings with exhalation valves. They also do not recommend the use of face shields as a substitute for cloth face coverings. However, they can be worn in addition to a face covering when sustained close contact with other people is expected.

Why are face coverings required on campus?

Research shows that transmission of COVID-19 is greatly reduced and lives are saved when all individuals wear face coverings while in public. Because many cases of COVID-19 are mild or asymptomatic and COVID-19 can be transmitted days before an individual with the virus is symptomatic, the community is best protected when all individuals mask up. It is the shared responsibility of the entire U-M community to protect not only their health but the health of those who are most vulnerable for serious illness and death from COVID-19.

Face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing it coughs, sneezes or speaks. This recommendation is based on the current knowledge of the role that respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

If I wear a mask, do I have to maintain physical distancing?

Face coverings will help to slow the spread of the virus, and are part of a multilayered approach for COVID-19 prevention. Other preventive measures—including social distancing, frequent hand washing, routine disinfection of high touch surfaces, and minimizing the duration of contact time with others—need to be maintained even while wearing a face covering. Following these measures will help ensure a successful public health-informed in-person fall semester.

Is the university required to provide me with a face covering?

At the beginning of the semester, students received a starter kit including face coverings and hand sanitizer. While employees may wear an acceptable face covering from home, departments are responsible for providing non-medical-grade face coverings for all workers that perform in-person work that is allowed to be conducted under the Executive Order. U-M Procurement is working on providing additional information for departments regarding procurement of these face coverings.

Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering?

No. A face shield is not a suitable substitute for a face covering. They can be worn as additional protection in conjunction with a face covering but do not meet the requirement for wearing a face covering alone. They are recommended to be worn with a face covering in situations where social distancing cannot be achieved for a specific task and workers may be within 3 feet of each other.

Do outdoor workers working for the university need to wear face coverings?

In general, when working outdoors for the university a face covering is required. However, in certain situations, outdoors workers can be granted the following exceptions provided that social distancing can be maintained:

• Working in an area closed to the public (restrict access with banner tape or barricades).
• Working in a setting where a face covering may increase the risk of a hazard (for example, the face covering could become wet, the face covering could get caught in machinery or the face covering could become contaminated with chemicals used in the work environment.

Where can I remove my face cover to hydrate?

You may briefly remove your face coverings to take a sip from a drink container in all areas including classrooms except for those areas which do not allow beverages provided that they are socially distanced from others.

The University of Michigan requires all students, staff, faculty and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose anywhere on U-M property (including the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses as well as properties off campus). This includes when inside buildings, outdoors and on U-M transportation. Repeated failure to follow the face covering policy will result in sanctions.

U-M community members can address non-compliance with the U-M face covering policy in the following ways:

• Directly with a kind reminder of the policy.
• Denial of service.
• For repeated non-compliance, notification to a local resource (e.g. housing hall director, Student Organization Advancement and Recognition, Dean of Students Office, chair/director/workplace supervisor).

• Escalation beyond local resources to campus resources:

  • Office of Student Conflict Resolution (Complaints involving students on Ann Arbor campus).
  • Compliance Hotline.
• In the event of an emergency or if you are feeling unsafe, contact the Division of Public Safety and Security by calling 9-1-1 (in an emergency) or 734-763-1131.

Pre-arrival testing is an important part of our multilayered strategy to reduce the risk and possible spread of COVID-19 in our campus community and our residential communities.

U-M is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to provide students moving into U-M Housing for Winter Term with a nasal swab testing kit to be completed before their arrival on campus. Pre-arrival testing is also being offered to those living in off campus congregate living environments (Fraternity and Sorority Life and Co-Ops). For more information on the pre-arrival testing program click here.

The University of Michigan advises all students to practice enhanced social distancing and be tested before they leave campus to promote safety by reducing the likelihood of students infected with COVID-19 returning to their permanent residences and surrounding communities.

U-M students play an important role in helping to keep the U-M community - as well as their communities back home - as safe as possible.

Before you leave Ann Arbor, here are important things to plan to do:

• Practice enhanced social distancing before you intend to travel, ideally for 14 days, if possible.
• Get a COVID test within 7 days prior to departure.
• Quarantine for 14 days after arriving at your permanent residence.
• Travel safely.

More details are available here:

• Departure Testing & Protocol
• U-M Housing FAQ website
• U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking Program

Students, faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus, including Michigan Medicine, who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days outside of U-M - that is, outside University Health Service (UHS), Occupational Health Services (OHS) or the Community Sampling and Tracking Program (CSTP) - are asked to report their positive test result here.

The information collected will be directed to appropriate units for follow up including: University Health Service; Environment, Health & Safety; Occupational Health Services; and/or Infection Prevention & Epidemiology. University or county health officials may reach out for case investigation and contact tracing, and the information gathered will help target resources for testing, support and mitigation.

Each day, all members of our campus community who will enter campus buildings will be required to check themselves for COVID-19 symptoms by answering a brief set of questions using ResponsiBLUE, our daily symptom checker tool, to meet state regulatory requirements for health screening. Visitors and vendors must use the guest version of ResponsiBLUE (guest.responsiblue.umich.edu) whenever they come to campus. The ResponsiBLUE mobile app can be downloaded now from the App Store and Google Play, and is available for use by the U-M community. The tool offers advice on where to seek care if you are not well. You also are encouraged to use this tool daily, even when not coming to campus. For more information on ResponsiBLUE, click here.

Yes. Medically necessary health care costs related to testing and treatment for COVID-19 are covered under the student U-M Health Insurance plans (domestic plan and the international plan, and the health insurance plans administered by the U-M Benefits Office, such as GradCare and U-M Premier Care.

Our health and safety officials are continuing to monitor the spread of the virus in our community and beyond. This extensive monitoring is happening in real time and will continue as long as it is needed, allowing us to act promptly if conditions change.

Our Environment, Health and Safety department has been collaborating closely with campus units to help keep employees safe. There are also health screening tools to support self-monitoring and comply with any statewide executive orders that may be in effect. University-wide, we will be supplying hand sanitizer, masks and other forms of personal protective equipment so that we can provide them as needed.

The Division of Student Life worked closely with U-M students across campus this summer to develop the Wolverine Culture of Care — a commitment to keeping the U-M campus community as healthy and safe as possible. Students are encouraged to review and post these guidelines as a reminder on how to best care for yourself and to be respectful of your shared responsibility for the health of others throughout the fall semester.

Our collective safety requires we all do our part by practicing strong personal hygiene habits, wearing a face covering when appropriate, maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet and staying home when sick.

Riders should note the following safety measures are in effect:

• Use the rear doors to board and exit (unless wheelchair access is needed).
• Face coverings are required.
• Increased ventilation with windows open.
• Only allowing seated passengers, capping at 40 passengers per trip.
• Bus routes redesigned for a duration of approximately 15 minutes or less.
• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces in buses.
• Plexiglass shields installed as a barriers between passengers and drivers.
• Signage on the bus exterior, interior, and at stops reminding riders of public health measures.

More details are available:

• U-M Logistics, Transportation and Parking
• University Record: Campus buses to restructure routes, require face masks

We know that some faculty, staff and students have concerns about the return to in-person learning, teaching and working. We believe that the plans we’ve developed will help protect vulnerable members of our community, including encouraging anyone with high levels of risk—whether students, staff, or faculty—to teach, learn and support our mission remotely. Schools, colleges and units are always available to work with individuals to address their specific concerns. Please reach out to your supervisor, unit/department leader or your academic advisor to discuss your options.

Students with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions —including those who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19—are encouraged to contact their professor/instructor, the Dean of Students Office (DOS), and/or Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to explore educational arrangements or accommodations for in-person courses.

Students & Families

Resources and support are available for students through the Dean of Students Office or Counseling and Psychological Services as well as additional Inclusive Campus Resources that help students find support and community on the U-M campus.

Staff & Faculty

If you become ill with symptoms concerning for COVID-19, you should not come to work and should contact the Occupational Health Services hotline by calling 734-764-8021. This applies to employees on all campuses and in Michigan Medicine (read additional guidance for Michigan Medicine employees). Read more on the HR COVID-19 information page.

As a reminder, everyone who can work remotely should continue to do so.

Schools, colleges and administrative units have developed work plans for in-person operations that consider factors including workplace density, dedicated entry points for employees, use of a daily self-screening health questions, limitations on gatherings, and employees’ completion of a basic online safety module. The plans also took into account accommodations for staff members with disabilities or conditions placing them at increased risk for severe illness in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

U-M's Environment, Health and Safety department has developed planning templates that are in accordance with guidance on workplace safeguards and risk mitigation issued by the state of Michigan. “Preparedness and Response Plans” section of the EHS COVID-19 Information page to view these templates.

All employees working on campus are required to take COVID-19 training that at a minimum covers the following:

• Workplace infection controls practices.
• The proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Steps the employee must take to notify the university of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
• How to report unsafe working conditions.

Here are two training modules available in My LINC:

• COVID-19: Working Safely at U-M.
• COVID-19: Working Safely in U-M Research Areas.

Documentation that employees have taken this training is required and is maintained in the system. Departments should also ensure that individuals are trained on their site-specific workplace requirements.

First, remember that the individual will appreciate hearing your support while they recover from the illness. You should clarify whether they have received any specific guidance from the public health department and support following that guidance.

Next, you can anticipate that other students or employees may have heard about, or suspect that, someone is out sick with the COVID-19 related illness. They will understandably have concerns when they hear about this, including concerns over potential exposure risk. Perhaps the most important response to offer is to encourage anyone who is ill for any reason to stay home, to encourage everyone to monitor their own health for signs of illness and to reach out to a health care provider as needed. Any member of our community may call University Health Service if their regular health care provider is not in the local area.

Read more on the HR COVID-19 information page.

Campus employees working remotely will continue to do so through at least the end of the Winter semester in April. Michigan Medicine employees currently working remotely have been given similar guidance to continue remote work through March.

For now, we encourage those who are able to work from home to continue to do so. For those who feel uncomfortable eventually coming to campus, you should begin a conversation with your unit leadership.

Please refer to the Mcard website for information and the latest updates related to this question.

The Michigan educational experience encompasses meaningful interactions, diverse thoughts and ideas, a commitment to educational excellence and student success — all of which stem from having committed and engaged faculty, staff and learners. While physical buildings have traditionally supported these activities, we are committed to recreating and delivering this experience in new and innovative ways, whether in person, online, or a combination of both.

Gunalan Nadarajan, dean of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design, shared how Stamps developed a creative and agile curriculum for the fall semester. See his interview.

U-M faculty have long been recognized as are experts in delivering a high-quality education, whether in person or online, at scale.

Although we are committed to providing the best experience possible, we know that we are better together, even in constrained conditions, and so we are working to provide hybrid experiences, take advantage of safe in-person opportunities and continue to offer the very best remote teaching we can provide.

Our Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) and Center for Academic Innovation (CAI) together have decades of experience harnessing instructional design, technology and educational research to help our faculty transform and develop innovative courses using the latest and most effective techniques.

More than 6 million people have taken robust U-M courses through the worldwide online course platform Coursera — a larger enrollment than any other institution.

We recognized a number of years ago that our large, foundational courses are the basis of a Michigan education for most of our undergraduates. These are typically courses with over 50 students. Our Foundational Course Initiative is transforming these courses into blended courses with in-person and online components that have proven to be a more effective method for learning.

Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje at the School of Education has been leading the Coordinating Committee on Instructional Planning, and helping identify the best practices in delivering in-person, remote, and hybrid courses. Check out her interview.

Ben van der Pluijm, professor of geology and the environment, explains how he developed a dynamic and engaging learning environment for his students. Check out his interview.

On July 24, the U.S. government issued additional guidance and some FAQs to explain how the March 2020 guidance applies to international students studying in the U.S. for the fall 2020 Term, and included information for universities that, like U-M, have chosen to offer a "hybrid" approach. U-M's International Center has shared important information on this topic available here.

• Fall Term 2020 FAQs for New Students
• Fall Term 2020 FAQs for Continuing Students

Students & Families

Fall classes will be delivered in a variety of formats including in-person, remote and a hybrid mix of in-person and remote instruction.

Decisions about which courses and sections to offer in which formats were made by schools, colleges and departments to fulfill their unique educational needs. Their decisions were grounded in a commitment to high-quality teaching and learning experiences, robust course content, teaching and learning demands and public health-informed guidelines, including the size of available classroom spaces and our ability to implement different health and safety measures.

Pamela Davis-Kean, professor of psychology, educates and engage with students through multiple modes of content delivery. Listen to this podcast interview where she explores how faculty hprepared for a successful public health-informed semester this fall.

Not every course is available remotely. You should work with your academic advisor to discuss available options.

There is no requirement to return to campus for your coursework for most majors.

For most students taking in-person classes, you should plan to return to your permanent residences after Nov. 20 and remain there until the start of the winter semester. The university is moving to fully remote courses after Thanksgiving break to minimize the amount of travel back and forth to the area. We recognize that some students may be required to remain on campus due to program requirements (e.g., clinicals, certification requirements).

Beginning August 7, you can adjust your course selection as needed. You are encouraged to talk with your faculty or academic adviser, mentor, or others in your program, school, or college as you make decisions about which courses you’ll take in the fall.

Students & Families

Our goal is to create an educational and workplace experience that is safe and accessible to all with the expectation all instructors and students will follow the current public health recommendations. Our collective safety requires we all do our part by practicing strong personal hygiene habits, wearing a face covering when appropriate, maintaining a physical distance of six (6) feet and staying home when sick.

We have reduced the density of classes, and classrooms are being reconfigured to provide additional spacing between students and appropriate physical distance from the instructor. There are limitations on the use of gathering areas to preserve physical distancing, and access to certain entrances may require Mcard swipes to enter buildings. We’ve also increased cleaning and sanitation efforts across campus.

These and other measures combine to form a “stackable” set of interwoven interventions that will enhance health and safety for all members of our community. Research demonstrates that stacking best practices together and deploying multiple layers of safeguards simultaneously results in the optimal control of the spread of COVID-19.

On the Michigan Minds podcast, Rick Neitzel, associate professor of environmental health sciences, shared strategies and procedures that have been implemented to reduce the risk of transmission. Hear his interview.

The University of Michigan has suspended its undergraduate study abroad programs for the winter term 2021 due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, the continuing travel restrictions and the planning time needed for students.

• Global Michigan website
• Travel FAQ

Members of the Campus Health Response Committee are responsible for continuously monitoring real-time data on virus testing and new infections, as well as the university’s capacity to perform contact tracing and provide needed isolation and quarantine support to those who are infected. The observations and recommendations made by the committee are regularly communicated to leadership, enabling the university to make informed decisions for the health and safety of our community.

There is no one number that will prompt a change. The Campus Health Response Committee has recommended, and university leaders have endorsed, the identification of a set of situations (Response Metrics) that would prompt consideration of further action. Response Metrics that might prompt a broader review by public health and medical experts could include five days of sustained test positivity over 20 percent, inability to provide prompt case investigation and contact tracing, and diminished bed capacity or PPE at Michigan Medicine.

Committee recommendations for thresholds and metrics are based on those currently in use at the state and county level, as well as national guidelines. Additional resources include: the MI Safe Start Plan, the World Health Organization Framework for monitoring COVID-19 Public Health Indicators, and the Preventing Epidemics playbook.

Response Metrics will be used to prompt a broader review by public health and medical experts, who will further review the data and evaluate the options for use of any of the Mitigation Tools and Enhanced Mitigation Strategies.

In the event a review is triggered, the university president will be informed and will consult with academic and executive leadership about next steps in a response based on the recommendations of the public health and medical experts.

Potential responses to increases in COVID-19 transmission will be targeted when possible toward the source of the increase—a cluster of infections within a residence hall, for example. If transmission continues to increase, responses will prompt a wider use of mitigation measures that extend across larger segments of the university community. Tools and enhanced mitigation measures could include, but are not limited to, entrance screening enforcement, restriction of extracurricular activities, travel, gatherings, the suspension of in-person classes, or even the closure of residence halls.

Currently defined metrics, existing mitigation tools, and possible enhanced measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are outlined here.

• View our instructor guide for understanding what happens when a student is diagnosed with COVID-19 or identified as a close contact.

• Students who test positive will need to isolate for 10 days from their test date. The CDC offers this guidance to complete the isolation process.
• When an individual tests positive, the testing facility is required to submit those results to the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS). The local Health Department or EHS will view these results and complete a case investigation to identify close contacts, and contact tracers will notify them directly to quarantine.
• If the student is enrolled in an in-person class , a classroom notification will go out to the class roster, including the faculty and GSIs. The majority of classrooms are set up to avoid close contact exposures.
• So long as fever has resolved and other symptoms are improving, the student will be allowed to return to class 10 days from the date of positive test.
• Faculty should ask the student how they are doing, and ensure they are isolating and have been connected with U-M resources, and should continue to provide academic support to the student during their isolation period.

• Students who are notified by contact tracers that they are close contacts are expected to quarantine for 14 days from the date of exposure and watch for any development of symptoms.
• A classroom notification will NOT be sent for situations involving students identified as close contacts who attended in-person class (these individuals have not been diagnosed with COVID).
• Faculty should ask the student how they are doing, and ensure they have been connected with U-M resources. If they have developed symptoms and/or would like to be tested, direct them to contact University Health Service, and continue to provide academic support during their isolation period.

• The purpose of classroom notification is to provide awareness that a person enrolled in the class has tested positive, similar to the university’s process for other infectious illnesses (e.g., measles, chicken pox). Please note: the person who has tested positive will remain anonymous.
• Notification is sent to the students and instructor(s) of the lecture and/or discussion section of the course, with a copy to the dean of the school or college. Due to mitigation strategies in place, most people in the class will be considered to be at no increased risk than the general population.
• Students who test positive through University Health Service will result in a classroom notification being sent to the student’s in-person class rosters. The notification is typically sent within 24-48 business hours following a positive test result.
• When students are tested off campus through outside testing facilities, the results are reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and then are shared with the university. This process creates a delay (based on when the information becomes available to the university) for sending a classroom notification from U-M.

Advise the student to call University Health Service for guidance and to report their result. Ensure they are connected to resources.

Continue to provide academic support during student’s isolation/quarantine period. Sometimes this can mean getting others in the academic unit involved (e.g. student affairs dean, program coordinator, etc.). It may be helpful to designate who is on the "need to know" list within the unit to help provide support to the student. Consult with your Dean or Environment, Health & Safety if you have any questions.

Share the following resources with students:

• Visit the Campus Maize & Blueprint website for FAQs about COVID-19.
• University Health Service: 734-764-8320 for 24/7 nurse advice | Symptom assessment | Report off-campus test results
• Dean of Students Office: 734-764-7420; deanofstudents@umich.edu for support about any concern or disruption to their campus life (e.g. emergency financial resources, support for physical and/or mental health concerns, academic notification to other faculty, navigation of and connection with campus and community resources). Faculty also can use the public report form on the DOS website under "Request Support for a Student" to refer a concern about a student to the Dean of Students Office critical incident response team: https://deanofstudents.umich.edu/
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 734-764-8312.
• ResponsiBLUE symptom assessment tool: complete daily.

• Anyone identified through case investigation as a close contact will be contacted by Environment, Health and Safety or the Washtenaw County Health Department. Those who are not contacted are considered to be at low risk.
• For the majority of our classes, students and faculty would not be considered to be "close contacts" due to the social distancing protocols in place in the classroom. For our classes where close proximity activity does meet the definition of close contact, those individuals would be notified through the case investigation or contact tracing process.
• If needed, the Dean of Students Office can work with the student to notify faculty about possible absences.

• For positive students: Students must wait 10 days from the date of the positive test result before they can return to class.
• For students Identified as a close contact, students must refrain from attending class until their 14-day quarantine period is complete, even if they receive a negative test during that time. This period is longer than the positive students because due to the incubation period for COVID-19 it may take 2-14 days from the last date of exposure for symptoms to develop.
• Any students who experience persistent fever or worsening symptoms during isolation or a more severe course requiring hospitalization, may have their quarantine or isolation period extended and be delayed from returning to class.

If there is close contact, those who were affected will be notified by contact tracers regarding next steps, including quarantine. It is unlikely this would be the whole class.

If a close contact is identified through case investigation and contact tracing, EHS or the Washtenaw County Health Department (WCHD) would notify those individuals. In most circumstances, faculty or GSIs will not be considered close contacts. Close contact is considered to be not only exposure but prolonged exposure, typically being in contact for 15 minutes or more less than 6 feet from the person with the positive test.

Reducing the amount of back-and-forth travel between different areas and regions is recommended by our public health experts. Many of our peer institutions have taken similar steps with their calendars.

The new calendar also provides a full week break the week of Thanksgiving and allows time for students to return to their permanent residences and remain there until the start of the winter semester.

Students should return to their permanent residences and remain there until the start of the winter semester. We recognize that some students may be required to remain on campus due to program requirements (e.g., clinicals, certification requirements).

Students that cannot go back home due to travel restrictions or other conditions, are directed to contact the Housing office as soon as possible to discuss arrangements.

As of Oct. 16 at 5 p.m., the application for CARES Act funding is no longer available, as all available CARES Act funds have been expended. If you are in need of emergency funding, please explore the options listed by the U-M Office of the Provost.

For information on Fall 2020-Winter 2021 Tuition and Fees, view the Office of the Registrar FAQ page.

The temporary \$50-per-term COVID fee was approved as part of the university's general fund budget. The revenue generated from the fee will be used to help cover the costs of testing and other health and safety-related services associated with the pandemic. The specific details of those measures are still being worked out.

Tuition for the most common lower-division rate is set at an annual rate of $15,520 for in-state students and $51,838 for nonresident students. More details on tuition can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.

The majority of the endowment (nearly 12,000 individual endowment accounts) was originally funded by donors who donated money to the university for purposes — funding a scholarship in a specific field of study, for example — outlined in the terms and conditions of a gift agreement. Each agreement represents a binding legal commitment of the university to use the money for the specific purpose as determined by the donor. The funds cannot be legally used for other purposes, and the university has the fiduciary responsibility to honor the request and/or intent of each donor.

For the other funds in the endowment, these monies represent the working capital reserves of schools, colleges, and other units within the university. In many cases, these units rely upon the investment income generated by these investments to fund a portion of their operating budgets, and in other cases, these units have reserved these funds for purposes to which they have already committed, such as capital projects. These funds cannot be spent without having an adverse impact on the underlying units.

There are no plans to offer tuition and fee discounts or reimbursements at this time.

We know this is a challenging time for our community, and we remain committed to providing high-quality learning experiences, advising, services and support to all our students, whether they are on campus or learning remotely. This includes ensuring our students are making meaningful progress toward attaining their degrees and advancing their own academic goals.

The value of a degree from the University of Michigan—an institution continually ranked at the highest levels nationally and globally—remains the same, even if some courses are taken remotely.

Remote classes are not cheaper to deliver for a number of reasons. While the university saves money by not operating buildings at normal capacity, it has invested considerable resources in technology to deliver instruction effectively. This includes costs for new recording equipment, new licenses for instructional software, expanded licenses for software that students now need to access remotely and others.

We also know that creating excellent online programs that meet the standards of our academic mission requires an institutional commitment to support U-M faculty in the new pedagogies of online teaching so they can create a better experience for students.

To this end, our Center for Academic Innovation has hired additional staff in positions such as learning experience designers, media design, course operations specialists, user experience designers, and research scientists. Another high-priority investment within this center is the Online Teaching Academy, an initiative to connect educators with research-supported information to support the development and facilitation of exceptional learning experiences for the university’s remote students.

Additionally, one of the university’s largest expenses, personnel costs for high-quality instructors, remains fixed no matter the class format.

U-M has implemented comprehensive efforts to help reduce costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s budget includes $102 million in cost savings that come from sacrifices shared among faculty and staff. Faculty and staff that are not part of bargaining units did not get an increase in salary this year, and executive salaries were reduced.

A university hiring freeze means that staff are being asked to do more and absorb additional work as vacancies occur. Travel and other categories of spending have been halted.

Spending this year also includes more than $400 million in distributions from our endowment.

Yes. The temporary $50-per-term fee will continue to be used to help cover the costs of testing and other health and safety-related services associated with the pandemic. The fee helps to ensure U-M can continue academic operations for all, including those who are off campus.

Working with the University of Michigan's Environmental Health and Safety department and following the guidance set forth from the Centers for Disease Control, Student Life Facilities' custodians will be using disinfectants, such as Oxivir TB, that have been preapproved by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against emerging viral pathogens.

These disinfectants will be regularly applied to frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and handles, door pushplates and crash bars, light switches, sink and faucet handles, elevator handles, and more. For additional information on cleaning protocols, read Student Life's New Facility Cleaning Protocols.

Beyond The Diag is U-M’s Off-Campus Housing Program within the Dean of Students Office. Beyond The Diag can provide off-campus safety resources, communication, and education for U-M students living off-campus. You can send questions regarding off-campus leases/housing to beyondthediag@umich.edu.

Students may eat in any dining area open for business, common areas within buildings or in outdoor tent areas installed on campus for the fall semester provided that they are able to social distance from others. Eating is prohibited in classrooms, on buses and in any area that is designated as a no-eating area. Meals or snacks should be consumed in a quick manner to allow for replacement of the face covering. Areas should be cleaned and disinfected before and after eating and all waste should be properly disposed of by the individual.

Our residence halls for housing and dining are open and operating under public health protocols. There is limited access to lounges, and student residents are required to wear a mask when they are in public places like hallways, community bathrooms, etc. (Students' rooms are not considered public spaces). Virtual programs will be provided for student residents to participate on a weekly basis that will allow them to engage with the rest of the community. RAs will be available to assist the residents with any questions. Students with pre-existing health conditions may be assigned to a limited number of singles available for high risk individuals.

Dining halls are now open for carry-out only, following the latest public health guidance. Additional meal plan takeout outposts across the campus are being established to increase convenience, and lower the waiting times at Dining Halls. Touchless technology allows students to access the dining halls. Specialty food like kosher, halal and vegetarian will be available.

More details are available on the MHousing and MDining websites.

U-M is planning for a phased move-in which will further enhance the move-in experience and address any public health worries of residents. Students will be asked to observe a 14-day period of enhanced social distance at home before arriving in Ann Arbor or on campus. It is an important part of our strategy to minimize risk and keep COVID-19 out of our community.

During this 14-day period, you need to monitor your health, reduce your contact with others and follow guidance consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including:

• Taking your temperature two times a day and monitor for fever.
• Watching for cough, trouble breathing or additional COVID-19 symptoms.
• Staying home and avoiding contact with others outside of your home. Do not go to work, school or social gatherings.
• Avoiding public transportation, taxis or ride-shares.
• Maintaining a physical distance from others (about 6 feet).
• Wearing a face covering when in public settings or while interacting with others outside of the home.
• Seeking medical attention if you develop a fever, other symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19. Do not come to campus until you receive further instructions.

During this time, you may be asked to complete an online learning module that serves as an overview of COVID-19: what it is, its symptoms, and best practices for staying safe.

Move-in will occur in controlled, staggered fashion by residence hall, and include physical distancing, wearing face coverings, temperature checking, and, depending on the availability and reliability of tests, may require health testing. The length of move-in will be expanded from 3 days to a minimum of 7 days to allow physical distancing. More details are available on the MHousing website.

There are a limited number of single rooms available for students with pre-existing health conditions. Please connect with the MHousing office to discuss options.

The Inter-Cooperative Council has worked closely with its Board of Directors and house leaders to develop a comprehensive plan of action for Fall 2020, utilizing the CDC Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing. Information is available to house members directly through their internal communication portal. Additional information is available on the Inter-Cooperative Council website.

On and off-campus quarantine and isolation spaces have been identified for use by U-M students who need quarantine/isolation.

Students may be required to quarantine or isolate (as determined by part of a formal case investigation by the health department or designee) if they:

• Test positive (Isolation)
• Are determined through case investigation to have sustained close personal contact with someone who has tested positive (Quarantine)

An assessment by the Washtenaw County Health Department, in collaboration with University Health Service and Environment, Health and Safety, will determine whether a student's apartment/home is adequate for isolation/quarantine, based on specific criteria (e.g. bedroom and bathroom configuration, common areas, etc.)

• In most cases, students will not be able to quarantine or isolate in their on-campus residence hall. Some exceptions may be made for apartment-style Housing assignments.
• If a student is able to travel home, they will be encouraged to isolate/quarantine at their permanent residence, if possible.

If a student needs to isolate/quarantine on campus, a staff member from Student Life will facilitate a student's move to on-campus quarantine or isolation housing, including providing information about items to bring with them, arranging transportation as necessary, and coordinating meal/food delivery for students with a meal plan as requested through Michigan Dining.

Each single-occupancy apartment provided to students through U-M quarantine/isolation housing has a furnished bedroom, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. Each kitchen has a refrigerator and oven. Microwaves are being procured for each apartment, and Michigan Dining will soon be delivering all requested meals in microwavable packaging.

While in isolation/quarantine, various individuals from the university will be in contact with the student everyday to provide ongoing support for student life concerns (e.g. academic, financial, facilities and housing, mental health and well-being), clinical information and check-in, and public health information as necessary.

Please note that if a student receives notification of a positive test result after 8 p.m. and is required to relocate to quarantine and isolation housing, they have the option of either contacting DPSS that evening for after-hours relocation or remaining in their current residence and relocating to isolation housing the following morning. Students will be instructed to self-isolate as much as possible prior to relocation, wear a face covering, and ensure common spaces are cleaned and disinfected after use.

Watch the following videos to learn more on U-M quarantine and isolation housing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooUlQ11pmoU&feature=emb_title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pYniMfjvLs&feature=emb_title

While student life at U-M looks and feels different this year, it's still amazing. U-M will offer many on-campus programs and activities that enhance the college experience.

Many of Student Life’s educational programs, community-building activities and learning experiences are being adapted to serve students during this challenging time. For instance, students have been able to participate in initiatives that focus on community engagement and career skills this summer as many in-person internships and opportunities were canceled.

Students may also see additional changes to their campus experience such as physical distancing requirements in libraries and other common spaces and buildings, limited access to certain areas, additional cleaning, takeout meals, and staggered timelines for activities such as move-in and dining. Safety changes for our bus system, as well.

Michigan sophomore Alana Milow shared her expectations for the fall semester on the Welcome HoMe student podcast. Listen to her interview.

With masks at the ready and practicing physical distancing, there are still many things you can do while on campus including:

• Washtenaw County Health Department has issued a public health emergency order limiting the size of outdoor social gatherings or events in Ann Arbor to 25 people or less, effective as of August 20.
• Indoor social gathering of groups of 10 or less.
• Walk and bike outside while enjoying a typical Michigan autumn.
• Join various student organizations, many of whom are planning virtual programs and meetings.
• Virtual and in-person programs and activities will be made available by Recreational Sports.

There will not be an in-person Parents & Family Weekend this year. More details to come about an engaging virtual experience for families this Fall.

The Big Ten Conference announced on Aug. 11 that it is immediately postponing all fall sports competition and conference championships due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. All athletic contests and conference championships for fall teams (cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball) are postponed. More details are available here.

There will not be a December Commencement ceremony this year consistent with public health guidance on travel and large indoor social gatherings. All students who complete graduation requirements will earn and receive their degrees. Graduates will be invited to participate in spring ceremonies as they normally are.

The university is continuing to plan for an in-person ceremony for graduates who would have attended Commencement in Michigan Stadium in May of 2020.

House Corporations from the Panhellenic Association sororities and affiliated Interfraternity Council fraternities have worked with their inter/national headquarters, local partners, and members to develop protocols for the health and safety of the residents of chapter facilities. Students who will live in chapter-owned or operated facilities should contact their organizations directly for information about health and safety protocols including screening, testing, quarantine, and isolation. The CDC offers the following Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing.

FSL has provided UM Environmental Health and Safety information to chapters, staff and volunteers from all four councils through summer planning meetings. Student leaders from all four councils and each chapter have been provided information from the CDC, Washtenaw County Health Department, and University of Michigan along with guidance from FSL staff to adapt their scheduled activities to employ public-health informed approaches including replacing in-person activities with virtual activities and the use of social distancing, face covering, and enhanced cleaning where they live and wherever in-person activity is required.

U-M has extended testing to all 1,500 Fraternity & Sorority Life congregate living facilities over a 3 week span. The scope of the program is for residents of congregate housing facilities and test results will be added to the dashboard.

See the FAQs pertaining to symptoms, testing, or quarantine and isolation.

Find more information about FSL at https://fsl.umich.edu/article/fsl-covid-19-information.

This Winter, Student Life will deliver a wide range of co-curricular educational programs and support offerings in a virtual format. This includes programming centered on:

• Health and well-being. This includes increased online Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) support and at-home competitions and fitness classes through Rec Sports.
• Student advocacy, support and intervention. Examples include regular check-ins with students in quarantine or isolation and academic coaching through offices like Services for Students with Disabilities.
• Developing a community at U-M. The Community Matters Cohort Program allows incoming students the opportunity to meet people through online conversations, while other spaces like the Spectrum Center and International Center will continue to offer virtual community building.
• Educational offerings. For example, the Career Center has focused its support on the virtual job search.

The following is a list of top questions from faculty, gleaned during recent SACUA Town Hall events and well as other discussions. Detailed information requested is provided here.

Tenure Clock for Untenured Faculty

Recognizing the uncertainties that pre-tenure and pre-promotion faculty face in regard to teaching and publication, the Office of the Provost has told all schools and colleges to provide a simple, straightforward process for affected faculty to request an extension of one year on their tenure clock, and to encourage faculty to make such requests. Faculty members interested in this possibility should consult their dean or the appropriate associate dean or chair in their unit. Standards for tenure are not altered for those faculty who have an approved clock extension.

Evaluation of Teaching

The provost has asked the schools and colleges to encourage faculty to comment on their teaching challenges, successes, and efforts in support of our public health-informed academic activity.

Assessment of Research

Time in rank is not prescriptive: putting faculty forward for promotion should be based on individual achievements. Likewise, units should ensure that approved tenure clock extensions or exclusions are not counted against a candidate.

As with teaching, faculty are encouraged to comment on how their research has been impacted by the pandemic. Research suggests that some groups are negatively impacted by polices such as tenure clock extensions. The provost has reminded deans that reviewers should be aware of this research and of more recent research suggesting that the pandemic has had a negative effect on some groups.

Annual and Other Reviews

Deans, in consultation with leadership at the schools and colleges, are expected to develop equitable frameworks for assessing faculty productivity under these challenging circumstances. The Office of the Provost expects all annual, periodic, and third-year or mid-term reviews to continue as usual, and to provide faculty with appropriate feedback.

UMOR is concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the promotion probationary period of research faculty on either the research professor track or the research scientist track. Current policies allow deans to be flexible and supportive of COVID-19 related requests for additional time: (https://research.umich.edu/appointments-promotions). Individuals should consult with their school/college/department for specific information.

UMOR also notes that research investigators have a four-year review cycle. With an approved COVID-19 exception, that will be extended to a five-year period. These reviews are internal to the school/college.

For faculty appointed as either assistant research scientists or research assistant professors, UMOR guidelines allow the unit to defer the promotion review for a year. If the clock is extended for one year, units will be expected to track carefully the total length of time prior to promotion review for these candidates.

All schools and colleges are encouraged to provide opportunities within review processes for faculty to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their activity and efforts. Faculty members should check with their school or college for specific information.

Teaching evaluations from Winter 2020 will not be used to the detriment of the lecturer. Lecturers may reference their Winter 2020 evaluations for review purposes, as well as other achievements during the Winter 2020 and 2020-2021 academic year. Units will continue under the contractual guidelines for interim, major and continuing reviews. The reviews, where applicable, will continue to have classroom observations, either remote or in-person, depending on the course modality. For the remediation plans that are underway in this time, additional thought is given to the context in which the lecturer is undergoing their remediation review, for purposes of resources, mentoring, and classroom observations.

In his July 15, 2020 message to the university community, President Schlissel noted that face coverings are a critical part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. The U-M Policy requires that everyone on university property wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth both inside, outside, when using U-M transportation, and when in university facilities that are not on campus.

The Department of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) provides detailed information about safety practices it has put in place for campus facilities, including office buildings and classrooms at this site.

Please check with your department or school for recommended language about safety to include on the syllabi for your courses.

The university-wide communications about safe practices across the campus are being shared with all students, faculty and staff. They emphasize the importance of following recommended public health practices.

This material, provided by LSA, has helpful information about how to plan instruction for different formats (i.e., in person, hybrid, or remote) for the courses you will be teaching. You may also want to consult the academic technology office in your school/college.

Ready To Go Blue is a set of workshops and other activities developed by the Teaching and Technology Collaborative to help instructors develop engaging courses. Current resources focus on remote courses and materials on other course formats are being developed. These learning opportunities will continue into the fall term.

Additional resources for instructors can be found at the following sites:

• Online Teaching and Accessibility for Designing Courses
• Center for Research on Learning and Teaching
• Center for Academic Innovation
• Remote Resource Guide
• U-M Library

The university recognizes that instructors have personal circumstances that raise concerns about returning to the classroom. Information about requesting to teach remotely is available here. Individuals should also consult their school/college/department for unit-specific details.

For information on the undergraduate grading for fall 2020 and winter 2021, please visit the Office of the Registrar's FAQ on grading.

Following President Schlissel’s April 20th COVID-19 update, all non-essential expenditures, including travel, remain suspended until further notice.

To travel for essential business reasons, faculty and staff should:

• Request approval from their school/college/unit.
• Register travel in the U-M Travel Registry.
• Ensure that the activity follows relevant state and local regulations, including those related to human gatherings/in-person interactions.

Details are available on Global Michigan.

The following countries are under a U-M Travel Warning, meaning undergraduate students and graduate students on UMRT must follow the Safety Plan approval process.

U-M Travel Restriction destinations: Every other country not listed here is under a U-M Travel Restriction until further notice, meaning undergraduate students prohibited from travel and graduate students on UMRT must follow the Safety Plan approval process.

Following President Schlissel’s April 20th COVID-19 update, all nonessential expenditures, including travel, remain suspended.

U-M travel guidelines do not apply to personal travelers, such as students, faculty and staff traveling back to their homes to live, visit family members, etc. This page will be updated with any changes to the U-M Travel Warning or U-M Travel Restriction list.

Details are available on Global Michigan.

Students must follow the U.S. Off-campus Travel & Engaged Learning Guidance listed on engaged.umich.edu.

Please note that the guidance is in place for University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT). The University of Michigan does not prohibit personal travel, though any travel during COVID-19 should be carefully considered. See Global Michigan for international travel guidance and Engaged Michigan for conducting off-campus activities within the United States.

Arriving by plane, bus or train

All faculty, staff and students arriving from international or domestic locations via plane, bus or train are expected to follow the COVID-19 prevention measures (wear face covering, social distance, limit contact with others) outlined in the Enhanced Social Distancing FAQ. These individuals also are encouraged to stay home as much as possible for a period of 14 days following their travel. There is no restriction for attending class, work or going out for essentials (groceries, banking, ect) and they may use public transportation to get to their destination.

Additional guidance for international travelers

The CDC has updated its travel guidance and is no longer recommending that individuals arriving from international locations observe a 14-day period of quarantine upon their arrival to the U.S.. We continue to monitor for evolving guidance from public health experts and will modify our approach as appropriate.