FAQs

Guided by public health and safety experts, university units are planning more in-person events, to help students become engaged outside of the classroom and to facilitate celebrating end-of-year milestones.

To attend any upcoming in-person event or activity on campus, all students are required to complete the daily ResponsiBLUE App health questionnaire and weekly COVID-19 testing to meet U-M requirements for accessing campus buildings and facilities.

For more information or to download the App visit the ResponsiBLUE page.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

U-M has adopted the guidance released by the Washtenaw County Health Department in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding quarantine post COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Are fully vaccinated:

  • 2 or more weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series.
  • 2 or more weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
• Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure.

If you have traveled (considered a probable exposure), U-M public health officials continue to recommend you get tested within 72 hours of returning to the Ann Arbor area following travel (out of state and/or country).

Additional information is available on the WCHD website.

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.

Students, stay home:

• at least 10 days from your test date (symptomatic/asymptomatic).
• at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and
• symptoms have improved.

Employees, stay home:

• at least 10 days from symptom onset, or test date if asymptomatic.
• 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

As a result of the current low transmission rate of COVID-19 in the university community, U-M — in alignment with the Washtenaw County Health Department — has adopted a 10-day period of quarantine for unvaccinated individuals following a close-contact exposure. Fully vaccinated individuals who remain symptom-free are not required to quarantine following a close-contact exposure to COVID-19, which follows guidance from the CDC. More details are available in this WCHD update.

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 for 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.

*If the COVID-19 exposure is to a known or suspected case of variants P.1, B.1.351 or travel related to India, you are instructed to quarantine for 14 days.

Employees can be released from quarantine after Day 10.

The university provides testing for students or employees. Any person who tests positive while in quarantine would then have 10 days of isolation from the test date, in line with WCHD guidance.

HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED DURING MY QUARANTINE OR ISOLATION PERIOD?

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges when it comes to staying connected to family and friends. UHS has created a series of tips and ideas to help students stay connected to fellow students. Click here for more information to help you stay connected during your quarantine or isolation period.

Well-Being Resources:

• Quarantine and Isolation Support Group
• Share experiences with other students who are in quarantine and isolation by joining this support group created by UHS.
• Counseling and Psychological Services: Schedule your first virtual counseling meeting by visiting our online scheduling system. CAPS is also available for Urgent/Crisis needs, including CAPS After-Hours (24/7) which can be reached by calling (734) 764-8312 and pressing 0 to speak with someone.
• Wellness Coaching: It is hard to have your semester disrupted by COVID. If you want to talk about how this experience is affecting your well-being and/or explore available wellness resources, you can schedule a virtual wellness coaching appointment online. If you don’t see a time that works, please email wellnesscoaching@umich.edu.
• Find ways to stay connected by checking out Student Life’s weekly email highlighting events and opportunities for students to participate in.
• More information on quarantine and isolation information can be found here.

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.

Individuals practicing enhanced social distancing also are encouraged to stay home as much as possible. 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.

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.

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 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 and mandatory testing through the U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking program, open to students, faculty and staff on the Ann Arbor campus, including Michigan Medicine.
• 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 and COVID-19 testing verification (undergraduates students only) through ResponsiBLUE.
• Departure testing for students prior to returning to their permanent residences and surrounding communities.

Visit this page for more information.

Check out our guide for the U-M community on how to get a COVID-19 test at U-M.

Weekly COVID-19 testing through the university is required for all Ann Arbor students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) as follows:

• Students who live in on-campus residence halls, excluding on-campus apartment-style communities that include private outdoor entrances (Northwood Community Apartments).
• Students who are registered for an in-person/hybrid class, excluding students whose only enrollment is in a dissertation course (990/995) or independent study.
• Students who access on-campus facilities and buildings, including for work or research.

Check out the changes to the policy for mandatory testing for Spring/Summer term. Note: vaccinated students who report their vaccination information via Wolverine Access will be exempt from weekly testing requirements.

Regular testing is one part of the university's multi-layered COVID-19 prevention strategy. Regular testing aims for early detection of COVID-19 which enables individuals to isolate themselves — reducing the chances that they will infect others and allowing them to seek treatment earlier.

If you are not in the mandatory group and do not have a need to enter into any university buildings, you are not required to be tested, and can ignore the COVID testing box in your app.

However, unvaccinated students living off campus who otherwise would not need to come to campus still are encouraged to participate in routine COVID-19 testing through the Community Sampling & Tracking Program.

The following U-M testing programs will meet the weekly testing requirements and information will be shared with the compliance group tracking and monitoring undergraduate student testing status.

• Community Sampling & Tracking Program.
• Athletics weekly testing program.

In addition, if you are tested through UHS or OHS, your test status will reflect this testing.

Testing through U-M testing programs ensures the timely and accurate tracking of testing completion and compliance.

COVID-19 testing off campus can cause delays in immediate information sharing with the university and may disrupt the timely and accurate tracking of testing completion and compliance information.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be excluded from testing requirements for 90 days from the date you were swabbed for your positive test. After 90 days, you will be required to resume weekly mandatory testing. Please report an external positive COVID-19 test result here. Documentation of your test result is required and can be uploaded through this process. The survey results can take 2 to 3 days to be pushed to ResponsiBLUE. At that time, the app will give you a green completed mandatory test status.

Antibody test results cannot be accepted in lieu of positive test results to meet the testing requirement.

Note: "External test results" are any test result outside Athletics, University Health Service (UHS), Occupational Health Services (OHS) or the Community Sampling and Tracking Program (CSTP). If your testing was through Athletics, CSTP, UHS or OHS, your test result should have a green completed status in ResponsiBLUE.

Vaccinated students who self-report their COVID-19 vaccination information via Wolverine Access will be exempt from weekly testing requirements as described in the policy for mandatory testing for Spring/Summer term. If you are fully vaccinated and would like an exemption to weekly testing for Spring/Summer 2021 please click here or call the Covid Call Center at 734-936-7000 for more information.

If you are vaccinated,you can receive an exemption from mandatory testing by reporting your vaccination information via Wolverine Access. Please allow a few days for the records to be processed and updated in your ResponsiBLUE app.

Those students who are required to be tested are expected to get their first U-M COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival to campus or the Ann Arbor area. Please complete your first COVID-19 test at U-M before you engage in campus activities. Register and sign up for testing here.

It was determined during the Winter term that most students in a dissertation course or independent study are not required to be on campus or meet with anyone in person, although the course may be listed as in-person. Therefore, students enrolled in only a 990/995 or independent study course are exempt from mandatory weekly testing in Spring/Summer.

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.

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

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.

Appointments to get vaccinated remain available through Michigan Medicine as well as University Health Services.

Students planning to live in Michigan Housing (i.e. on-campus housing) in the fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to request an exemption from this requirement and follow additional mitigation strategies, such as weekly testing and following quarantine requirements for close contact exposures/travel.

All members of the U-M community are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Experts do not yet know how long you are protected from reinfection following COVID-19. The most effective way to reduce your risk is to get vaccinated.

People who have had COVID-19 can be vaccinated once they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes, the CDC has updated its guidance about this. COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days.

According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

The University of Michigan understands that access to COVID-19 vaccines is variable worldwide and is committed to offering any student arriving on campus who is in need of vaccination the opportunity to get vaccinated when they arrive in Ann Arbor. This includes students arriving from domestic locations as well as students arriving on campus from abroad.

For the purpose of meeting U-M COVID-19 policies and quarantine and isolation requirements, the university recognizes vaccines that are authorized for use in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization. Recognized vaccines currently include those made by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, AstraZeneca, Serum Institute of India (Covishield), Sinopharm and Sinovac (CoronaVac). The list of recognized vaccines may change; you can view the current WHO list on their website: https://www.who.int/​emergencies/diseases/novel-​coronavirus-2019/covid-19-​vaccines.

U-M will assist those seeking to comply with U-M COVID-19 policies and requirements, as needed. This will include offering the opportunity of additional vaccination upon their arrival with a recognized vaccine, or requiring additional mitigation strategies (mandatory testing/quarantine requirements) for those vaccinated with a vaccine not on the recognized list.

As an example, students planning to live in Michigan Housing (i.e. on-campus housing) in the fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or to request an exemption from this requirement and follow additional mitigation strategies, such as weekly testing and following quarantine requirements for close contact exposures/travel.

For more information or to request assistance, contact the U-M COVID-19 Campus Call Center at 734-936-7000.

Please visit the Michigan Housing website for the latest information.

What is the scope of the self-report requirement?

The U-M face covering policy applies to students, faculty, staff and guests on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. U-M community members should report via Wolverine Access. Michigan Medicine will be following their own policies, and employees of Michigan Medicine will be updated within the next couple of weeks.

Campus guests are expected to complete ResponsiBLUE Guest, the daily COVID-19 symptom check tool, prior to accessing campus buildings. ResponsiBLUE Guest now includes information on the U-M face covering policy and a vaccination status question to inform users on their eligibility to go without a mask indoors while on campus.

What is expected of campus guests?

Campus guests are expected to complete ResponsiBLUE Guest, the daily COVID-19 symptom check tool, prior to accessing campus buildings. ResponsiBLUE Guest now includes information on the U-M face covering policy and a vaccination status question to inform users on their eligibility to go without a mask indoors while on campus.

How will the information be used?

Your COVID-19 vaccination information will be used to protect our community in many ways including waived or reduced testing and quarantine requirements, social distancing needs, public health informed housing decisions, and administrative planning.

Who has access to my vaccination record information? Vaccination record information may be shared with university officials who have a legitimate business need to access the information, public health officials, U-M service providers to aid with COVID-19 response efforts, or as required by law. For more information, see the COVID-19 Self-Reported Vaccination privacy policy.

What happens after I submit my vaccination information?

Within five business days of submitting your vaccination information, you will receive an email alerting you to whether your information was verified and accepted or denied. Common reasons for denied records include no name on the vaccination card, vaccination card was not legible, or missing information.

• Employees are encouraged to share their verification email with their supervisors.
• Students expecting an exemption from mandatory testing must be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated you must have received all doses of the vaccine at least 2 weeks ago. If you are expecting a quarantine waiver associated with an exposure to COVID-19, you must be fully vaccinated. Please be sure that the Contact Tracing Corps knows that you have submitted this form so that they can expedite the validation process.

Can I go maskless before my vaccination information is verified?

You are expected to wear a face covering and distance while indoors until your information has been verified by the university. Verification occurs when the information is manually verified and an individual is considered fully vaccinated ( two weeks after their final dose) with an authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for details on what vaccines are accepted.

I submitted my vaccination record but have not received notice as to whether it was verified or rejected. Who should I contact?

Please allow up to five business days for the review of your record submission. Individuals will receive an email alerting them to whether their information was verified or rejected. If it has been more than five business days, contact the Campus COVID-19 Call Center 734-936-7000. Call Center hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

My vaccination information submission has been rejected, what should I do?

Some of the common reasons a submission is rejected include: no name on the vaccination card, vaccination card was not legible, the lot number entered on the form did not match the lot number on the vaccination card, or the vaccination card image did not upload properly.

Please resubmit your vaccination information in Wolverine Access via the reporting tool, or contact the Campus COVID-19 Call Center 734-936-7000. Call Center hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As a supervisor, am I allowed to ask my employee about their vaccination status? What is my responsibility? How can I request a records report?

Supervisors can encourage employees to self-report vaccine status voluntarily through the university process.

Once they self-report, employees can voluntarily show their supervisor their ResponsiBLUE status, forward their supervisor their approval email or verify that their supervisor received a report of their status.

A supervisor may request that an employee that reports to them display their verified vaccination status information if the employee is not wearing a mask in an indoor setting.

Additional details and information for supervisors on how to request a report will be provided soon.

I'm a student and I don't want to share my vaccination information, what is required of me?

Students who are unvaccinated or choose not to share their vaccination information with the university will be required to continue to mask and distance and complete weekly COVID-19 testing in the fall. Sign up, or update your previous registration/address, for the Community Sampling and Tracking Program as soon as possible.

Yes. Students who are not able to get a vaccine that is recognized by U-M policy are welcome on campus in the fall. Although it is strongly encouraged, there is no requirement at this time to be vaccinated in order to come to campus; however, there is a requirement for living in campus housing. Unvaccinated students will need to comply with required testing and mitigation procedures until they are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine. In addition, students will be offered the opportunity of vaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine when they arrive on campus. Specific details on mitigation strategies and vaccination opportunities will be communicated to students during the summer as more information becomes available.

Yes. You will still be able to live on campus if you have received a vaccine that is not authorized for use in the United States. You will not be considered fully vaccinated, so you will be expected to comply with required weekly testing and mitigation procedures until you are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine. More information will be shared during the summer on how to access a vaccine upon arrival.

For the purpose of meeting Michigan Housing requirements, the university recognizes vaccines that are authorized for use in the United States by the U.S. FDA and the World Health Organization (WHO) as meeting COVID-19 policies and requirements. Recognized vaccines currently include those made by Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen and AstraZeneca (Covishield). The list of recognized vaccines may change; you can view the current WHO list here.

If you have received a vaccine (including one that is not authorized for use in the United States), please still submit your vaccination information on Wolverine Access. The university will be in touch with you in the summer regarding next steps.

U-M will offer vaccination opportunities to any student arriving on campus, including those who are interested in getting revaccinated with a vaccine that is authorized for use in the United States by the U.S. FDA and the World Health Organization.

Do not wait to get vaccinated against COVID-19: get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to you. Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, you may wish to seek additional vaccination upon your arrival in the U.S., if necessary. Students who have received a non-approved vaccine can either choose to be revaccinated with an approved vaccine upon arrival on campus or comply with mitigation measures such as weekly COVID-19 testing.

Bring your proof of vaccination and there will be opportunities to receive the second dose in Ann Arbor for many of the FDA-authorized vaccines, even if this is past the recommended second-dose timeline. Currently, Michigan Medicine is offering second-dose shots of Moderna and Pfizer, and retail pharmacies or county health departments are another option for second-dose shots as well.

At this time there is not a vaccination requirement for those coming to campus for daily activities.

Vaccination is not required to enter the U.S. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. More details on travel guidance are available in this FAQ.

Yes, U-M is home to world-class researchers and a longstanding dedicated team committed to community outreach. Research and efforts on education around vaccine hesitancy are too numerous to individually list but are growing from teams across Michigan Medicine, our School of Public Health, Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research, School of Social Work, and beyond.

Vaccination is free for faculty, staff and students. Health insurance is not required, but if you have insurance, please bring your card to your appointment. There are no out-of-pocket costs to you.

Second dose appointments do not have to be scheduled at the same location as the first dose. Second-dose-only appointments are available through U-M, and nationwide through retail pharmacies, if needed. To schedule a second-dose appointment through U-M, individuals should call 734-763-6336 to provide information on their first-dose manufacturer and be scheduled.

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.

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.

U-M's face covering policy aligns with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and meets the COVID-19 requirements of employers as outlined by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

A full FAQ has been developed by Environment, Health and Safety.

Who is required to wear a face covering on campus?

Effective June 21, 2021, individuals who are fully vaccinated and self-report their status to the university are generally exempt from the indoor masking and social distancing requirements. Until further notice, face coverings are still required - regardless of vaccination status - in classrooms, on U-M transportation and in health care areas where patients may be present. Michigan Medicine will be following their own policies, and employees of Michigan Medicine will be updated within the next couple of weeks.

Where are face coverings still 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. Vaccination is also an effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Individuals who are fully vaccinated and self-report their status to the university are generally exempt from the indoor masking and social distancing requirements.

At this time, we continue to require face coverings regardless of vaccination status in classrooms, on campus transportation​, with participants for human research, and in health care areas where patients may be present​. As we are able to better assess vaccination rates in our community, we may modify our approach for classrooms.

Michigan Medicine will be following its own policies, and its employees will be updated within the next couple of weeks.

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. Please see U-M Face Covering Policy for COVID-19 for more details and a list of exceptions.

Why are masks being required in the classroom regardless of vaccination status?

As we plan for increased capacities within U-M classroom spaces that do not afford distancing opportunities, masking is the right approach to help prevent spread of COVID-19 until we have a better understanding of the vaccination coverage in our community. As we are able to better assess vaccination rates in our community, we may modify our approach for classrooms.

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.

How do I become eligible for weekly or monthly prize drawings?

Vaccination incentives are for the Ann Arbor campus. Students and employees at Michigan Medicine and on the Dearborn and Flint campuses should watch for future communications from their campus leaders. If you are a student who has already submitted your vaccine information, you will be automatically entered into a kickoff prize drawing scheduled for later this month.

To be eligible for a future weekly drawing, students and employees must submit their vaccine information into Wolverine Access in the seven days prior to the drawing. Individuals will automatically be entered into a monthly drawing at that time, as well. Participants are only eligible for one weekly and one monthly drawing.

How are the incentive programs being funded?

An incentive implementation team is currently exploring possible sources of funding. It is likely that many of the incentives will be provided in-kind from campus partners.

Are faculty or staff members who are not receiving the vaccine for religious or medical reasons still eligible for incentives?

To be eligible for incentives, a faculty or staff member must submit proof of having received a final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the purpose of this program is to strongly encourage all faculty and staff to be vaccinated and share their proof of vaccination as soon as possible for the betterment of our campus community, there is no requirement for doing so.

Protecting the campus community throughout the pandemic is paramount. All students are responsible for understanding the COVID-19 related expectations and their responsibilities this semester.

A Compliance and Accountability Team has been established to monitor participation in the mandatory testing program, follow up with students to encourage and facilitate compliance, and escalate issues of non-compliance as appropriate.

Accountability for students and student groups who do not maintain compliance with COVID-19-related policies and requirements could include probation, canceling housing contracts, referral of the complaint for formal student conduct processes, and denied Mcard access to facilities.

The university will continue to carefully monitor a number of data points as we move forward in the winter term. 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.

More details on Campus Response Metric are available 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.

FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. More information is available on the FEMA website > COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. Watch this informational video or call FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline at 1-844-684-6333 for help.

The University of Michigan is sending text messages from the number (855) 738-2230 to all U-M Ann Arbor undergraduate students throughout the Winter Term to provide important updates on health and safety information. In general, you should expect to receive texts once or twice a week. This amount may increase if there is a lot of important information to share during a specific week. You cannot opt out of receiving these text messages at this time. Message and data rates may apply depending on your cell phone plan.

If you are not receiving texts or your number changes, make sure to update your contact information in Wolverine Access for accurate contact tracing, case investigation and to receive Emergency Alerts and updates regarding public health practices.

Yes, all members of our campus community who enter campus buildings and facilities are required to use ResponsiBLUE daily to check themselves for COVID-19 symptoms by answering a brief set of questions. The tool offers advice on where to seek care if you are not well and provides visibility and insights into the state of public health at U-M.

All guests, contractors and vendors are required to complete a preliminary health screening via ResponsiBLUE Guest.

ResponsiBLUE includes the following:

• Brief set of COVID- 19 daily screening questions (for students and employees).
• COVID-19 Test verification (for students only) notes the date of the last COVID-19 test through U-M testing programs.
• COVID-19 vaccination (for students and employees) shows status of users' self-reported vaccination record to the university via Wolverine Access.

No, you are required only to have gotten your COVID-19 test prior to entering a campus building.

Users will see a large red 'X' at the top of the screen if their screening results have expired. Screening check results expire after 18 hours. Click on the "start screening check" prompt to renew your daily screening requirement.

The COVID-19 Testing indicator is only visible for students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) who are required to complete weekly mandatory testing.

For students, the COVID-19 Testing indicator will either read "COMPLETED" or "EXPIRED." The weekly testing requirement will be waived for fully vaccinated students and the testing box will be removed from ResponsiBLUE. Students will continue to see their mandatory testing card until their fully vaccinated date is reached. All users will continue to see the daily symptom check screen.

If your COVID-19 Testing Indicator reads as "EXPIRED" and you live on campus, are registered for an in-person or hybrid class or come to campus for research, work or other activities (e.g. libraries, union, Rec Sports) in campus buildings you must immediately schedule an appointment AND get tested for COVID-19 through the Community Sampling & Tracking Program.

The COVID-19 Testing indicator will change from "EXPIRED" to "COMPLETED" upon getting your COVID-19 test.

It takes about 2 hours for Community Sampling and Tracking Program test information to show up in the ResponsiBLUE app. For test results from University Health Service and Occupational Health Services, please allow 2-3 days to show up in the app. Results from the self-reported external COVID results survey also can take 2 to 3 days to be pushed to ResponsiBLUE.

Your test status will expire 8 days from the testing date.

Students should not share their ResponsiBLUE records (including screenshots of completed testing status) with others, as that could be a violation of the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities that prohibits "Making, possessing, or using any falsified University document or record; altering any University document or record, including identification cards and meal cards." Producing a screenshot of the ResponsiBLUE app for the purpose of providing it to others for use as a falsified University record would violate this expectation and is prohibited.

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 midsummer. Michigan Medicine employees currently working remotely have been given similar guidance to continue remote work through the end of June. Click here to learn more.

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.

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.

Mcard deactivation for building access does not interfere with access to residence halls for those students residing on campus.

Prior to the deactivation notification, students were sent reminders via email and ResponsiBLUE that they needed to complete their weekly test because they are in the mandatory testing cohort.

Loss of building access via Mcard is one of the accountability measures in place to address student compliance with COVID-19 policies. Other measures include probation, canceling housing contracts, and referral of the complaint for formal student conduct processes.

• Failure to complete a COVID-19 test through a U-M testing program or failure to provide a prior test to the university. 
• Failure to respond to previous outreach from the university. 
• Use of campus building or facilities despite being out of compliance.

Students can either get tested through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program(CSTP,) or the University Health Service if they are symptomatic, or submit a request for an exemption if they believe they should not be included in the mandatory testing cohort.

Students should then request Mcard reactivation and be able to verify how they resolved the issue. The material submitted by students will be reviewed by the Compliance and Accountability Team.

• 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.
• The student who had a positive test will remain anonymous unless they identify themselves. Faculty should continue to provide academic support to all students during this period.

• Students who are notified by contact tracers that they are close contacts are expected to quarantine for up to 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), but the student may choose to self-identify.

• 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 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 & 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 quarantine period is determined to be complete by the Contact Tracing Corps. This period is longer than the positive students 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 and less than 6 feet from the person with the positive test.

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.

The temporary $50-per-term COVID fee was approved as part of the university's general fund budget. The revenue generated from the fee helps to 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.

Annual tuition and fees for the most common lower-division undergraduate rate are $16,178 for in-state students and $53,232 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 living in University Housing must relocate for the duration of their quarantine or isolate period. Options include:

• Relocate to on-campus quarantine and isolation housing — contact the Contact Tracing Corps (734) 647-0001 during operating hours or DPSS (734) 763-1131 after hours for relocation
• Relocate to another residence, such as a permanent residence

Students living off campus may use U-M's quarantine and isolation housing if they cannot do so safely at their residence.

The Division of Student Life's Quarantine and Isolation Coordination Center supports students currently residing in quarantine and isolation housing. If a student needs to isolate/quarantine on campus, a staff member from Student Life will facilitate the 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.

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 this video here to learn more about U-M’s quarantine and isolation process. Learn things like how to get to your assigned housing, what you’ll find when you get there, how to ask for help and what resources we have in place to support your stay.

U-M residential communities and apartments will be open to welcome students in the Fall of 2021. M Housing is requiring the COVID-19 vaccination of all students residing in M Housing. Additional information is available on the Housing website: https://housing.​umich.edu/faq/

For details on how to apply, what room types are available, and what timelines you can expect, visit: https://housing.umich.​edu/michigan-housing-open-​this-fall/

For the latest information on available campus dining options and menus, please visit Michigan Dining's website: 

https://dining.umich.edu/​menus-locations/dining-​operational-updates/

The Inter-Cooperative Council has worked closely with its Board of Directors and house leaders to develop a comprehensive plan of action, 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.

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.

Learn more about the educational programs and community-building opportunities here.

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

• Walk and bike outside while enjoying fresh air.
• Indoor social gathering of groups of 10 or less.
• Virtual and in-person programs and activities will be made available by Recreational Sports.
• Join various student organizations, many of whom are planning virtual programs and meetings. Find ways to stay connected by checking out Student Life’s weekly email highlighting events and opportunities for students to participate in.
• Beyond Campus is a collection of virtual offerings from across campus to help students meet people and make connections, even if you cannot physically be on campus.

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. 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.

Testing is available to FSL through the U-M COVID-19 Community Sampling and Tracking program, a free, asymptomatic testing program open to students, faculty and staff, including those from Michigan Medicine, on the Ann Arbor campus. CSTP testing meets the weekly mandatory testing requirement for undergraduate students living on or coming to campus.

See the FAQs pertaining to symptoms, testing, or quarantine and isolation. Find more information about FSL at here.

NOTE: U-M’s Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association have made the decision ​to further extend the suspension of all social events, first enacted in March 2020, for the Winter 2021 Semester​. This decision was made in accordance with current guidance from the CDC and State of Michigan, and under the ​guidelines provided by the Center for Campus Involvement​ for student organizations. Learn more here.

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.
• Listen here to learn how U-M senior Chase Camp addresses and promotes mental health on campus and within the community, and highlights the work of the Wolverine Support Network (WSN), where he serves as director of marketing and outreach.

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.

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.

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. As a reminder, in any review, student evaluations shall not be the sole measure of teaching performance. 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.

The U-M suspension of nonessential travel has been revoked, effective June 21st 2021. Faculty and staff should follow school, college and unit-specific travel approval steps, if any.

Faculty and staff traveling internationally for UM-related purposes need to register travel, as described in the SPG 601.31 for International Travel.

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, meaning undergraduate students prohibited from travel and graduate students on UMRT must follow the Safety Plan approval process.

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.

Details are available on Global Michigan.

Please visit the UHS COVID-19 Testing for International Travelers page if you plan to travel abroad. If you are an international student, also review the Travel Guidance for International Students webpage.

Yes. Visit Engaged Michigan for guidance.

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 domestic travel guidance.

Please visit the UHS COVID-19 Testing for International Travelers page if you plan to travel abroad. If you are an international student, also review the Travel Guidance for International Students webpage.

Arriving by plane, bus or train

All faculty, staff and students arriving from 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:

• Get COVID-19 tested within 72 hours after travel, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
• Stay home as much as possible for a period of 7 days following your travel.
• Please note that fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from the “stay home for 7 days after travel” requirement. See this FAQ for details about quarantine exemptions for fully vaccinated individuals.

Travelers arriving from within the United States have no restrictions 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

Before Travel:

Per CDC Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States page, if you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States (U.S.) and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show documentation of recovery (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your health care provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

After Arriving in the United States:

• Get tested within 72 hours after travel, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
• Stay home for 7 days after travel. Please note that fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from the “stay home for 7 days after travel” requirement. See this FAQ for details about quarantine exemptions for fully vaccinated individuals.
• If you are unvaccinated, avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
• Testing appointments are available to all members of the U-M community through the Community Sampling & Tracking Program. Those arriving from international destinations are directed to get tested at the Michigan Ross location.
• • Individuals who do not have an Mcard will need to register for the CSTP program here in advance of coming to get tested.
  • Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days unless fully vaccinated.
  • If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days after travel.
• Follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.
• Follow U-M COVID-19 Enhanced Social Distancing protocols.
• Delay your travel if you are waiting for test results.

See the International Center website for additional guidance for international students, scholars, and employees.

Before you travel, please participate in Enhanced Social Distancing during the 14 days prior to your travel, per U-M guidance.