FAQs

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. People without symptoms can spread the virus.

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

The CDC advises that the best way to protect against infection is to get vaccinated and avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Here are actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, including any additional recommended boosters.
• Wear a face covering when around others.
• Get tested before attending social activities. Free PCR and rapid antigen tests are available on campus.
• Get tested after close contact exposures, and be sure to wear a mask for a full 10 days.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• 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.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states individuals — regardless of vaccination status — no longer need to quarantine following a close contact exposure but should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 (ten) days. Those who experience exposure from contact in their living environment should wear a mask when around others for 10 days, and get tested between day 3-7 following exposure. Others should consider wearing a mask for 10 days, at a minimum, in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals. Individuals who work in health care settings must still follow health care guidance per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Please see this additional FAQ on self-monitoring.

Students

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

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must follow CDC guidelines to complete the isolation process outlined here. If you test positive using a rapid antigen test, report your positive test result here.

On- and off-campus quarantine and isolation spaces will be identified for use by any U-M student who needs them. You also may choose to isolate or quarantine with your family at home. Review the isolation living arrangement checklist here.

Faculty & Staff

If you become ill with symptoms associated with COVID-19, isolate and follow the guidance outlined here. If you have tested positive, contact OHS and do not come to work. This applies to employees on all campuses and in Michigan Medicine.

Employees with symptoms of COVID-19 can access testing through their MyUofMHealth patient portal. Instructions on how to access the testing through the patient portal are available here. Workforce members who are unable to access the portal may call Occupational Health Services to report symptoms and arrange for testing if appropriate. OHS can be reached by phone at (734) 764-8021 7am-5pm.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must follow CDC guidelines and directions received from Work Connections and/or EHS to and complete the isolation process outlined here. Follow the appropriate timeline for isolation as outlined here.

Please see the HR COVID-19 information page.

For more information on testing, click here.

Students

If you test positive for COVID-19, you must follow CDC guidelines to complete the isolation process outlined here. If you test positive using a rapid antigen test, report your positive test result here.

On- and off-campus quarantine and isolation spaces will be identified for use by any U-M student who needs them. You also may choose to isolate or quarantine with your family at home. Review the isolation living arrangement checklist here.

Faculty & Staff

If you have tested positive, contact OHS and do not come to work. This applies to employees on all campuses and in Michigan Medicine. You must follow CDC guidelines to complete the isolation process outlined here. If you test positive using a rapid antigen test, report your positive test result here.

Follow the appropriate timeline for isolation as outlined here.

Please see the HR COVID-19 information page.

Individuals can get surgical masks, N95s and lip-reading masks (clear masks) at all Community Sampling and Tracking Program testing locations; testing is not required.

The COVID-19 data on the dashboard, which is for the Ann Arbor campus only, refreshes daily, and weekly data is posted on the Wednesday of each week to show the prior week's information (Sunday-Saturday).

Please visit the Michigan Housing website for health and safety information at: https://housing.umich.edu/health-safety/.

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.

Updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states individuals* — regardless of vaccination status — no longer need to quarantine following a close contact exposure but should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days. Those who experience exposure from contact in their living environment should wear a mask when around others for 10 days AND get tested 3-7 days after exposure or if symptoms develop. Others should consider wearing a mask for 10 days, at a minimum, in settings with higher risk of exposing vulnerable individuals.

*Individuals who work in health care settings must still follow health care guidance per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan Medicine employees can discontinue isolation 7 days from symptom onset or test date (if asymptomatic) as long as they have no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved. A negative test is NOT required prior to returning to work.

HOW DO I ISOLATE?

Click here for information on how to count your isolation dates.

Students:

• Isolate at least 5 days from your test date as long as you remain without symptoms or symptoms are resolving.

  • Wear a tight-fitting mask when around others for 5 days following your isolation period to minimize the risk of infecting others.
• Continue to isolate for a full 10 days if symptoms are not improving.
• Alert who you have been in recent contact with of your positive COVID-19 results.

Please review this isolation living arrangement checklist.

Campus employees, stay home:

• at least 5 days from your test date if asymptomatic (no symptoms) or symptom onset if symptomatic and symptoms are resolving.

• at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved.

  • Wear a tight-fitting mask when around others for 5 days following your isolation period to minimize the risk of infecting others.
• Continue to isolate for a full 10 days if symptoms are not improving.
• Alert who you have been in recent contact with of your positive COVID-19 results.

Per CDC guidance for health care personnel, employees at Michigan Medicine, stay home:

• at least 7 days from symptom onset, or test date if asymptomatic.
• at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and symptoms have improved.
• a negative test is NOT required prior to returning to work.

HOW DO I SELF-MONITOR FOLLOWING A CLOSE CONTACT EXPOSURE?

Updated guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states individuals — regardless of vaccination status — should self-monitor for symptoms following their close contact exposure. Those who experience exposure from contact in their living environment should wear a mask when around others for 10 days AND get tested 3-7 days after exposure or if symptoms develop. Additional details are available at MDHHS. If symptoms develop, individuals should isolate and seek testing immediately.

Self-monitor for fever by checking temperature at least twice a day.

The university provides testing for students or employees.

Click here for additional information on how to get a test.

The day of the test is day 0. Count 5 days from that date and you may leave isolation on Day 6 if you meet the symptom criteria outlined here. For employees only, the date of symptom onset can be counted as day 0. Individuals seeking to travel following a positive test should follow public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you test positive, you may discontinue isolation on Day 5 if your symptoms have resolved or are mostly resolved. If you have experienced a fever, you would also need to be fever-free for 24 hours. For counting purposes, we use the test date—not the start of symptom date—for students. The test date would be Day 0 and a student could return to the residence hall after Day 5 is complete. Students should continue to mask when around anyone else until the full 10 day period is complete. If symptoms have not resolved, isolation should continue isolation until they do.

Yes, you may remain in your residence hall. Wear a mask when around others and monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days.

Students living in University Housing: You will be relocated from your residence hall.

• If you have tested positive through a self-administered test or testing done at a non-university facility, please report your positive test results here as soon as possible. Do not report results from the Community Sampling and Tracking Program or the University Health Service.
• Those eligible for Quarantine and Isolation Housing will be contacted as soon as possible to coordinate a move. Depending on timing this may mean that it is necessary for you to remain in your residence hall overnight. If you have additional questions, you can email the Coordination Center at QandICenter@umich.edu.
• QICC will arrange for transportation if you are unable to drive yourself, and will help with the check-in into Quarantine and Isolation Housing.

• You may also 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 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 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.

COVID testing options at U-M include:

• 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.
• Symptomatic testing of students through University Health Service and of faculty and staff through Occupational Health Services. Employees with symptoms of COVID-19 can access testing through their MyUofMHealth patient portal. Workforce members who are unable to access the portal may call Occupational Health Services to report symptoms and arrange for testing if appropriate. OHS can be reached by phone at (734) 764-8021 7am-5pm.
• Exposure testing for close contacts identified though case investigation, contact tracing or workplace exposure investigations.
• 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.
• Antibody testing for Michigan Medicine faculty and staff involved in patient care.

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

Students should get tested at University Health Service.

Employees can isolate and consider themselves as probable cases. Employees with symptoms of COVID-19 can access testing through their MyUofMHealth patient portal. Instructions on how to access the testing through the patient portal are available here. Workforce members who are unable to access the portal may call Occupational Health Services to report symptoms and arrange for testing if appropriate. OHS can be reached by phone at (734) 764-8021 7am-5pm.

No. There is no need to get a confirming PCR test following a positive result from a rapid antigen test. You should isolate and follow the guidance outlined here. Report your positive test result here.

Students and employees who are not considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including those who have an approved exemption (primary series or for the booster) or postponement, are required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.

Ann Arbor Campus: For asymptomatic individuals, weekly testing must be administered through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program. For symptomatic/exposed students, testing must be administered by the University Health Service.

Students arriving from international locations who have been granted a temporary postponement are expected to obtain weekly testing through CSTP upon arrival to Ann Arbor/campus, until they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

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.

Free, rapid at-home antigen COVID-19 tests and KN95 masks are available by presenting an M-Card at select campus testing sites (Palmer Commons, Pierpont Commons, Ross and the 1310 N University Ct building).

The federal government is also offering every home in the U.S. the opportunity to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Each residential address is eligible for one order of four test kits to be used when needed. You can place an order online using this link here.

Employees with a university health plan are also eligible to receive up to eight FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests each month. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the member or eligible dependents as long as the tests are purchased at network pharmacies. More information can be found here.

Local pharmacies, including the UHS Pharmacy, carry rapid antigen tests for purchase.

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.

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.

All students, faculty and staff on the three U-M campuses, including Michigan Medicine, are required to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations (including a booster shot) and to submit their vaccination information. This includes all students and employees (regular and temporary), including:

• Employees who are not currently working (e.g., off work on unpaid leaves of absence, in unpaid reduction-in-force status, no longer working in a temporary appointment where the termination hasn't been processed yet).
• Students and employees in fully remote situations.
• Students in fully remote programs and located in international locations where the vaccine is available. These students are advised to request a temporary postponement using the appropriate form on Wolverine Access.

Bargained-for University of Michigan employees who work in Michigan Medicine or in a health care facility must comply with a federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate.  Employees must have received their first dose or submitted an exemption request by January 27, 2022, and have received their second dose or an approved exemption by February 28, 2022. Additionally, some bargained-for employees have additional requirements pertaining to the booster; any bargained-for employee who is uncertain what is required of them should consult with their union representative for further information.

Timing and type of a COVID-19 booster depends on which primary series you received, which the CDC outlined here.

Please note: If you have a known COVID-19 infection, you should defer your booster shot at least until you have recovered (if symptoms were present) and have met the criteria to end your isolation.

Boosters shot need to be received within 30 days of eligibility to meet the university requirements.

Reminder: Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card to your booster shot appointment so your provider can fill in the information about your booster dose.

If you have a known COVID-19 infection, you should defer your booster at least until you have recovered if symptoms were present (typically within 7 to 10 days) and have met the criteria to end your isolation.

The CDC has expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals. At this time, an additional booster is not required by the university.

No. Please do not submit additional booster information beyond the initial booster to the university. Additional boosters are not required under university policy and therefore should not be submitted for verification.

Students who do not comply with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy will be subject to a number of interventions and administrative actions, including a hold on their student account.

Employees out of compliance with the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy will face accountability measures, up to and including a 30-day unpaid leave and dismissal if they fail to come into compliance at the end of that period. For more information, see the University HR website.

Individuals are considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations if they have received their booster shot or are within five months of a two-dose series or two months of a one-dose vaccine. Getting a second booster is not necessary to be considered up to date at this time.

Individuals are not up to date if they are unvaccinated or more than five months have passed since their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted.

For assistance in determining whether you are in compliance with the vaccine mandate, please review this decision tree resource: https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/uploads/are-you-vaccine-compliant.pdf

Yes, exemptions to the booster requirement are available here for those who completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series. If you previously completed an exemption request and were approved for the initial COVID-19 vaccine series, you need not apply for an exemption to the booster requirement. Individuals who still have not completed their primary vaccine series and would like an exemption from the vaccination series should submit the COVID-19 vaccination exemption request form (not the booster exemption form). Students and employees who have an approved booster exemption are still required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing.

If you are out of the country and do not have access to get the booster, you should submit a request for a booster postponement.

You can use Vaccines.gov to find a location offering the COVID-19 vaccine near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides information, by county, on available vaccines and how to make an appointment.

University Health Service:

• All U-M students and patients/employees who have an active patient portal account can schedule a vaccination appointment through the portal.
• Appointments are available Tuesdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Pop-up vaccine clinics are being offered in partnership with local pharmacies. Check the UHS website for current information on pop-up clinics.

Occupational Health Services:

• OHS offers the two-dose Pfizer vaccine for university employees by appointment only.
• Employees coming to OHS for their vaccination must have their UMID and their vaccination card, if coming for a second-dose vaccination.
• Employees can review available times and sign up here.

Michigan Medicine:

• Vaccination clinics are located at the North Campus Research Complex Building 200, Brighton Health Center, and Northville Health Center. See the "Your Vaccination Appointment" page for maps and other details specific to these locations.
• Appointments can be scheduled online through the MyUofMHealth patient portal. If you do not have a portal account, you can schedule an appointment by calling 734-763-6336. At the prompt, press 1 for COVID-19 vaccinations and then 2 to speak with an agent.
• You do not have to be an established Michigan Medicine patient to schedule an appointment, but you do need a Michigan Medicine medical record number (MRN). Please call 734-936-4990 to set up an MRN before scheduling an appointment.

For up-to-date university vaccination opportunities, please visit https://campusblueprint.umich.edu/vaccine/.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adults and children may have some side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine, including pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. Serious side effects are rare, but may occur. More info is available here.

If you have been immunized in the state of Michigan, you may be able to download your Immunization Record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry: https://mdhhsmiimmsportal.state.mi.us/. Those vaccinated at a local pharmacy, such as CVS, Rite Aid or Walgreens, may be able to contact those pharmacies to obtain vaccination records. You can also find out-of-state vaccination records using this resource on the CDC website.

The university’s decision to require its community to receive a COVID-19 booster is rooted in the goal of minimizing community spread of the virus, limiting containment efforts, and minimizing possible disruptions to the academic term to keep the campus community together for another successful term of providing a vibrant Michigan experience.

The decision was made with the input and consideration of a large committee of campus and public health experts and supported by university leadership, and is in alignment with the recommendations of national organizations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American College Health Association).

Please visit the U-M Human Resources website for additional information: https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/covid-19-information-employees/u-m-covid-19-vaccination-requirement

The verification team reviews each submission for accuracy and authenticity.

Bargained-for University of Michigan employees who work in Michigan Medicine or in a health care facility must comply with a federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate.  Employees must have received their first dose or submitted an exemption request by January 27, 2022, and have received their second dose or an approved exemption by February 28, 2022. Additionally, some bargained-for employees have additional requirements pertaining to the booster; any bargained-for employee who are uncertain of what is required of them should consult with their union representative for further information.

No. If you have already been granted an exemption to the vaccination policy you do not need to take any further action. Continue to complete the required weekly testing and mask while indoors.

Individuals can submit their information via the links available on Wolverine Access: https://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/collection/all/covid-19

For more FAQs on vaccination exemption and postponement requests visit:

• Student FAQs
• Employee FAQs
• Data/Privacy FAQs

The university is not not allowed to access employee MiChart records without the permission of the employee. Therefore, employees must self-report their vaccination information using the completed vaccination link.

• If you did not receive a COVID-19 vaccination card at your first appointment, contact the vaccination provider site where you got your first shot or your state health department to find out how you can get a card.

• If you have lost your vaccination card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record.

  • Students vaccinated through Michigan Medicine or UHS, click here for more information on how to request your records.
  • Employees who received their vaccination at a Michigan Medicine (MM) COVID-19 vaccination location (Ford Auditorium, Danto Auditorium, Michigan Stadium, Brighton Health Center, etc.) can access information on how to request your records here.
  • If you cannot contact your vaccination provider directly, contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). You can find state IIS information on the CDC website. Vaccination providers are required to report COVID-19 vaccinations to their IIS and related systems.
• Bring your vaccination card with you to your second shot appointment so your provider can fill in the information about your second dose.
• Keep your vaccination card in case you need it for future use. Consider taking a picture of your vaccination card after your second shot appointment as a backup copy.

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.

Student, faculty and staff with lingering questions are able to discuss the topic with advisers provided by the university. Advisers are available to answer general questions about the vaccine, its safety and the role of vaccination in personal and community health. The resource is available to students and employees across all three campuses and Michigan Medicine.

Advisers will field questions from faculty and staff by phone on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The phone number is 734-764-8021; callers should select prompt No. 2.

In addition to accessing an adviser by phone, students may also sign up for a Zoom discussion with a clinician or nurse using the University Health Service website. The advisers are available for sessions on weekdays from 8-10 a.m.

Advisers will not offer medical advice or address any issues related to human resources or university policy.

Within five business days of submitting your vaccination information, you will receive an email alerting you to whether your information was verified or rejected. Common reasons for rejected 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 up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. To be considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations you must have received all doses of the vaccine at least two weeks ago. If you are expecting a quarantine waiver associated with an exposure to COVID-19, you must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Please be sure that the Contact Tracing Corps knows that you have submitted this form so that they can expedite the validation process.

Please allow up to five business days for the review of your record submission. Do not submit your information an additional time. 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 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, seven days a week. Check for any changes to your vaccination status in the ResponsiBLUE App.

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 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Yes. Individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations are required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing until they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. The CDC and U-M consider individuals up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

The University of Michigan understands that access to COVID-19 vaccines is variable worldwide and is committed to offering any community member 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 from abroad.

For the purpose of meeting U-M COVID-19 policies and quarantine and isolation requirements, the university recognizes vaccines that are authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization. The list of recognized vaccines may change; you can view the current WHO list on their website (look for the COVID-19 vaccine EUL issued list): 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 non-authorized vaccine or those granted an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

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

Unit leadership will have access to data about compliance for employees or students in their area. At this point, access is limited to a very small group including deans, top-level unit leadership and human resources departments for the purpose of implementing public health-informed plans and decisions and ensuring compliance with U-M policies.

More information on compliance followup and guidance is available here: https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/covid-19-information-employees/u-m-covid-19-vaccination-requirement

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.

A supervisor may request that an employee who reports to them display their verified vaccination status information. More information is available on the U-M Human Resources website.

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.

No. At this time, the only channel for submitting vaccination and exemption information is via the secure self-reporting forms.

The exemption and temporary postponement request review team reviews employee submissions as quickly as possible. Receipt of a confirmation email confirms that your submission was received. Decisions will typically be conveyed within two weeks, although some requests may take longer to review. Please do not submit duplicate requests as that will complicate the review process. Please continue to check your email for an update on the status of your request.

Get a weekly COVID-19 test and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy. Also complete the ResponsiBLUE daily health screen.

Because you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you are required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the future, you are asked to upload your vaccination information to Wolverine Access at that time.

Download the ResponsiBLUE app for daily use and be prepared to show it when requested.

Because you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you are required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. 

U-M Ann Arbor students who receive a conditional approval for a religious exemption from a primary vaccination series must complete the online COVID-19 health educational module in order for the full exemption to be granted. Completing the educational module is only required for the primary vaccination series; students are not required to complete the module when approved for a religious exemption from the booster. A link to the online module will be sent directly to these U-M community members. After completing the online module, you will receive an email indicating that the exemption is fully granted.

Educational modules will be distributed to UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint in conjunction with compliance efforts.

Obtain an FDA/WHO authorized vaccine as soon as possible. Submit your updated vaccination information by completing the appropriate form in Wolverine Access by September 20, 2021.

Continue weekly COVID-19 testing until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. When you are near or in Ann Arbor, you should obtain that weekly testing through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program.

You should obtain an FDA/WHO authorized vaccine as soon as possible and update your vaccination status on Wolverine Access. Continue to get a weekly COVID-19 test until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Exemption and temporary postponement requests may be denied for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Incomplete information/documentation 
• Failure to provide supporting documentation from a medical provider (where applicable)
• Required fields were not completed 
• Form was completed by someone other than the U-M student or employee (where applicable)
• Information provided does not meet the criteria for that particular type of exemption

There is no appeal process for exemption or temporary postponement requests; decisions are final.

Ann Arbor Campus: For asymptomatic individuals, weekly testing must be administered through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program. For symptomatic/exposed students, testing must be administered by the University Health Service.

Students arriving from international locations who have been granted a temporary postponement are expected to obtain weekly testing through CSTP upon arrival to Ann Arbor/campus, until they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

UM-Dearborn Campus: Information regarding testing procedures for the UM-Dearborn campus is available here: https://umdearborn.edu/​offices/external-relations/​key-issues/um-dearborn-covid-​19-response

UM-Flint Campus: Information on testing for UM-Flint campus is available here: https://www.umflint.edu/​covid-19/covid-19-testing/

Additional questions about exemptions and temporary postponements from students can be directed to:

U-M Ann Arbor Students: COVID19TestingCompliance@umich.edu

UM-Dearborn Students: Specific information regarding the testing expectations associated with your exemption will be provided to you via email from the UM-Dearborn Dean of Students Office. If you have any questions about the vaccine exemption process or participating in the outlined risk management strategies, please contact the Dearborn COVID Support Team at (313) 593-5056 or DearbornCOVIDSupport@umich.edu.

UM-Flint Students: Flint Reopening Committee: reopeningcommittee@umich.edu.

Find more COVID-19 information specific to the UM-Dearborn Campus and the UM-Flint Campus.

While the weekly testing requirement for unvaccinated students remains in place, those individuals who are in fully remote situations are not required to test weekly, but it is expected that they be tested within the previous week if they come to campus for any reason. ResponsiBLUE will track compliance with weekly testing for all students and employees who are unvaccinated, even those usually in a fully remote arrangement.

UM-Flint Campus: Fully online students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (flint.avc.dos@umich.edu) regarding testing obligations for qualified fully online students. Additional information is available at the UM-Flint FAQ.

The exemption and temporary postponement request review team reviews employee submissions as quickly as possible. Receipt of a confirmation email confirms that your submission was received. Decisions will typically be conveyed within two weeks, although some requests may take longer to review. Please do not submit duplicate requests as that will complicate the review process. Please continue to check your email for an update on the status of your request.

Get a weekly COVID-19 test and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy. Also complete ResponsiBLUE daily health screen.

Because you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you are required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. 

If you receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the future, you are asked to be sure to upload your vaccination information to Wolverine Access at that time.

All students, faculty and staff will need to download the ResponsiBLUE app and be prepared to show it when requested.

Because you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you are required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. 

All employees (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint) who are granted a religious exemption are highly encouraged to complete the online COVID-19 health educational module.

The online module should take 30-45 minutes to complete and can be found at: EHS_OHS_COVIDw COVID-19: Working Safely at U-M.

Employees who are also students must complete the student module as this is a requirement for students. Course details will be sent via email to all students who need to complete this module.

Obtain an FDA/WHO authorized vaccine as soon as possible. 

Submit your updated vaccination information by completing the appropriate form in Wolverine Access by the date indicated on your approval email.

Continue weekly COVID-19 testing until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, and follow the U-M Face Covering Policy, per the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. When you are near or in Ann Arbor, you should obtain that weekly testing through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program.

You should obtain an FDA/WHO authorized vaccine as soon as possible and update your vaccination status on Wolverine Access. Continue to get a weekly COVID-19 test until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Exemption and Temporary Postponement Requests may be denied for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Incomplete information/documentation
• Failure to provide supporting documentation from a medical provider (where applicable)
• Required fields were not completed
• Form was completed by someone other than the U-M student or employee (where applicable)
• Information provided does not meet the criteria for that particular type of exemption

There is no appeal process for exemption requests; decisions are final.

Weekly COVID testing for the Ann Arbor campus community: For asymptomatic individuals, weekly testing must be administered through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program. Employees with symptoms of COVID-19 can access testing through their MyUofMHealth patient portal. Instructions on how to access the testing through the patient portal are available here. Workforce members who are unable to access the portal may call Occupational Health Services to report symptoms and arrange for testing if appropriate. OHS can be reached by phone at (734) 764-8021 7am-5pm.

UM-Dearborn Campus: Information regarding testing procedures for the UM-Dearborn campus is available here: https://umdearborn.edu/offices/external-relations/key-issues/um-dearborn-covid-19-response

UM-Flint Campus: Information on testing for UM-Flint campus is available here: https://www.umflint.edu/covid-19/covid-19-testing/

Additional questions from all employees (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint) can be directed to: Covid-19HR@umich.edu.

Find more COVID-19 information specific to the UM-Dearborn Campus and the UM-Flint Campus.

Unvaccinated employees working 100% remotely without an exemption or temporary postponement are subject to the enforcement steps outlined here.

However, employees who do not come to campus and/or would not in the course of their job have in-person contact are exempt from the weekly testing requirement.More information can be found here.

Information collected through the COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Self-Report forms will be used to direct public health-informed decisions related to living, learning and working at U-M. It will also be used to produce reports for university administration, support vaccine verification and aid in decisions on face coverings, testing and quarantine requirements, social distancing needs, and other public-health informed plans and decisions.

For more information, see the Privacy Policy for COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Self-Reporting.

Individually identifiable information may be shared as required by law, and with university officials, public health officials, and external service providers that support U-M COVID-19 response efforts.

When information is shared with service providers, we have contractual agreements to require such service providers to keep your personal information secure and confidential, and do not allow them to use or share personal information for any purpose other than providing services on the university’s behalf.

For more information, see the Privacy Policy for COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Self-Reporting.

Self-reported vaccination and exemption information is not considered Protected Health Information (PHI) and is not regulated by HIPAA.

No. Compliance with the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy requires U-M faculty, staff and students to make their vaccination and exemption information available to U-M for pandemic management and reporting purposes. For more information, see the Privacy Policy for COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Self-Reporting.

Student self-reported vaccination and medical exemption information is not regulated by the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For students, this information is regulated by FERPA. The University of Michigan takes appropriate measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of student records and personal human resources information.

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.

Due to the high transmissibility of omicron, in-depth case investigation interviews are no longer feasible. Limited contact tracing is being conducted. Case investigation teams are now providing guidance and encouraging individuals to inform their close contacts of exposures and to get tested accordingly. The teams are currently focused on students in our congregate living settings to provide education about isolation, criteria to complete isolation and resources to successfully complete isolation. Referrals to Q & I Housing are made if necessary.

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. Individuals identified as close contacts through limited case investigation or who self-identify as having a close contact exposure, will be assessed for their need to quarantine based on their vaccination status. Contact tracers identify, monitor and support the close contacts who have been exposed to, and possibly infected with, the virus.

Contract tracing is important because it identifies those most at risk of contracting COVID. If identified early enough, the individual can quarantine prior to becoming infectious and prevent further spread of disease.

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 U-M 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.

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 generate a notification so they can seek testing, and guarantee they get the support and resources they may need during quarantine.

Spring/Summer Update: Effective May 2, masks are no longer required during class times or while on U-M buses for the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses. Masks remain required in patient care areas and at campus COVID-19 testing sites on the Ann Arbor campus. Michigan Medicine will maintain its current universal masking policy in all facilities where a patient may arrive as part of their care – including for billing or administrative purposes.

Students, faculty and staff will continue to be required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Use of the daily symptom checker tool, ResponsiBLUE, is expected.

The policy is posted here: https://ehs.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/U-M-Face-Covering-Policy-for-COVID-19.pdf

The policy applies to the U-M Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses. Michigan Medicine will maintain its current universal masking policy in all facilities where a patient may arrive as part of their care – including for billing or administrative purposes. The U-M Medical School will follow campus guidelines and protocols.

No, the U-M children’s centers have their own policies related to mask use in their facilities due to their nature of work and engagement with a younger population that is not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

The University of Michigan requires all students, staff, faculty and visitors to wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose in patient care areas (e.g Michigan Medicine, University Health Service and the Dental School clinical areas) and U-M Covid-19 testing sites. Repeated failure to follow the face covering policy will result in sanctions.

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

• Directly with a kind reminder of the policy.
• U-M community members who are authorized to provide service can deny services to anyone not complying with the university’s face covering policy.

Based on U-M's high vaccination rates and the fact that the State of Michigan is moving from a response phase to a recovery phase in the pandemic, the university is able to reduce the indoor mask requirement. Under the latest guidance from the CDC, mask use is not listed among the recommended prevention behavior guidance for individuals in areas with a "Medium" COVID-19 Community Level, which is the current level for Washtenaw County. Masks remain an option for anyone seeking additional protection from COVID-19.

Well-fitting masks, esp. high filtration N95 and KN95 masks, remain an effective way for an individual to lower their personal risk of acquiring COVID-19.

Public health guidance is shifting away from a position that others need to mask to protect others except when conditions in the community are "HIGH." However, individuals may recommend, but may not require, others to wear masks in settings such as one-on-one meetings.

Here's some sample language to consider using if you'd like to recommend that another individual wear a mask around you: "I’m choosing to wear a mask as another layer of protection against COVID-19 infection. And while I cannot require you to wear a mask, would you be willing to wear one while in this [meeting.], as well? Of course, this is your choice, and there will be no consequences if you choose not to, but I appreciate your consideration as it would make me feel more comfortable."

All students are responsible for understanding the COVID-19-related expectations and their responsibilities as stated in the U-M Vaccination Policy.

A Compliance and Accountability Team has been established to monitor compliance with the U-M Vaccination Policy, follow up with students to encourage and facilitate compliance and escalate issues of non-compliance as appropriate.

Students who are not in compliance with the U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy will have a COVID-19 administrative hold placed on their account. The hold prevents the student from adding or dropping classes, registering for the upcoming term and requesting an official transcript.

Students not in compliance could be subject to other accountability measures, including canceled housing contracts and referral for formal student conduct processes.

U-M Facilities & Operations has taken many steps to ensure a safe classroom environment while the university remains in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. See the full list of steps taken here.

The U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is available here: https://ehs.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/COVID-19_Vaccination_Policy.pdf

The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities prohibits "Making, possessing, or using any falsified university document or record; altering any university document or record, including identification cards and meal cards." Producing, providing and/or presenting a falsified vaccination card or a screenshot of the ResponsiBLUE app would violate this expectation and is prohibited.

When a student has a COVID-19 administrative hold on their account, the student is unable to add or drop classes, register for a future semester, and request an official transcript.

A COVID-19 administrative hold does not impact a student’s ability to graduate or receive their diploma.

All employees are responsible for understanding the COVID-19-related expectations and their responsibilities under the university’s policies.

Non-complaint employees on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses will be subject to disciplinary action, which will be carried out using a two-step process at the unit level. The first step will focus on further education about the policy and the vaccine, and will include a verbal warning.

If after seven days the employee has not initiated the process to become vaccinated,the second step includes a written warning, ineligibility for next year’s merit increase and possible additional disciplinary actions. This applies to both faculty and staff.

Additionally, staff members will be put on a two-day unpaid disciplinary layoff and face restricted access to funds for professional development and university travel. Faculty will have access to professional development and discretionary funds restricted and may have sabbaticals delayed or become ineligible for university honorific recognition.

All employees not in compliance will be required to complete weekly COVID-19 testing until they are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Employees who have initiated an exemption or temporary postponement request, or who are awaiting verification of vaccine status, will be considered in compliance while their information is under review, but may be subject to weekly testing.

All employees, regardless of vaccination status, must follow the U-M face-covering policy and perform daily symptom checks using the ResponsiBLUE app.

Unvaccinated employees who do not comply with face-covering rules, weekly testing and daily symptom checking could be subject to further discipline, including discharge. Bargained-for employees should refer to their collective bargaining agreements.

The university will continue to carefully monitor a number of data points as we move forward with campus plans. 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.

Guests are being asked to complete ResponsiBLUE and ResponsiBLUE Guest before entering any of U-M's indoor ceremony sites (Hill, Crisler, Mendelssohn, Power, etc.). Guests are not required to show vaccination cards or test results. Guests may choose to wear a mask, if they prefer it. Masks will be available onsite.

Campus guests are expected to complete ResponsiBLUE Guest, the daily COVID-19 symptom check tool, prior to accessing campus buildings.

The COVID-19 Campus Health Response Committee has issued the following guidance regarding COVID-19 response for events:

• It is expected that all individuals of the U-M community and guests stay home when they are not feeling well (do not attend work, class, gatherings or events). Individuals are expected to continue to use ResponsiBLUE and ResponsiBLUE Guest as a daily symptom checker.
• In-person gatherings and events may occur and food/drink can be provided. Continued use of ResponsiBLUE and ResponsiBLUE Guest is recommended for these events.
• Non-university individuals who have on-campus residency for Spring/Summer programs will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
• Units can plan and implement their event plans at the local level; units are no longer required to submit event plans or summer programs for review by U-M’s Environment, Health & Safety or the Provost’s Office. Please refer to the U-M COVID-19 Guidelines for Campus Facilities for ideas of levels of risk associated with gatherings and events.

Each day, all members of our campus community who will enter campus buildings will be required to complete a daily healthy screening for COVID-19 symptoms by answering a brief set of questions using ResponsiBLUE.

Visitors and vendors must use the guest version of ResponsiBLUE (guest.responsiblue.umich.edu) whenever they come to campus. The ResponsiBLUE mobile app can be downloaded now from the App Store and Google Play, and is available for use by the U-M community. The tool offers advice on where to seek care if you are not well. You also are encouraged to use this tool daily, even when not coming to campus. For more information on ResponsiBLUE, click here.

Yes, 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. ResponsiBLUE iOS and Android update version 2.0 have been released to the App Store and the Google Play Store, respectively.
• Quarantine & Isolation indicator (for students and employees) appears for students and employees who have been placed into, or asked to, quarantine or isolate by U-M's Environment, Health and Safety department or the U-M Contact Tracing Corps.

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.

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.

Schools, colleges and administrative units have developed work plans for in-person operations. 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 guidance for units which are available in the U-M COVID-19 Plan.

All employees working on campus are no longer required to take COVID-19 training; , however, it continues to be recommended. Employees who work in health care settings may be required to still take training.  The training 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.

This training module is available in My LINC:

• COVID-19: Working Safely at U-M

• Employees who test positive will need to isolate for at least 5 days from their test date. The isolation process is outlined here.
• Employees who test positive for COVID-19 off campus or with an antigen test should report their test results to the university here. They will be sent guidance, which includes notifying any co-workers that they have been in close contact with during their infectious period.
• It is the employee's responsibility to notify the supervisor that they are not able to attend work due to illness.
• University departments may notify others within the unit of a positive case; however, the employee may not have been infectious at work. Students, faculty and staff — regardless of vaccination status — no longer need to quarantine following a close contact exposure but should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
• Individuals who work in health care settings must still follow health care guidance per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Read more on the HR COVID-19 information page.

Please work with your department/unit on your options which may be in-person, hybrid, or remote. The Future of Work Resource Center also provides information and resources including required steps and forms needed if working off-site is approved, as well as resources to support child and family care needs and personal well-being. Michigan Medicine employees please visit https://umhealth.sharepoint.com/sites/MMFlexFirst.

Yes, it is safe to use drinking fountains on campus and water coolers on campus.

At a time when many buildings on campus were at reduced building occupancy, there was a potential for stagnant water due to lowered or no use. Stagnant water can result in iron deposit, sediment formation, bacterial growth, heavy metal contamination, and aesthetic concerns such as discolored water with objectionable tastes and smells. Frequent flushing of building water lines can reduce these issues. Therefore a routine flushing program is recommended to prevent building water problems.

Facilities & Operations is managing this for the campus buildings that they serve following an established protocol. Other areas should consider flushing in the building by running all sources of water for several minutes before use. F&O has partnered with non-F&O facility managers at the building level to inform them of steps to take to ensure water quality in kitchenettes, drinking water sources, etc. Concerns about high purity water system maintenance should be addressed with the vendor. Flushing these systems prior to opening is highly recommended. More information can be found here.

• Individuals who test positive will need to isolate for at least 5 days from their test date and follow isolation guidance outlined here.
• When an individual tests positive from a U-M testing source (UHS, OHS or CSTP), or reports a positive test result from an off-campus testing source to the university, they will be sent guidance which includes the direction to notify all individuals who they may have been in close contact with during their infectious period of their positive result.
• Note: The individual may not have been infectious while around others.
• If faculty members, departments or units choose to notify others of a positive case, they should not identify individuals by name. Students, faculty and staff — regardless of vaccination status — no longer need to quarantine following a close contact exposure but should self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days.
• If positive in the classroom, it is the individual's responsibility to notify the instructor that they are not able to attend class due to illness. Faculty should continue to provide academic support to all students during this period. The Dean of Students Office can provide support to the student.
• More information on how to self-monitor following a close contact exposure or isolate can be found here.

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 the 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 a student’s campus life (emergency financial resources, support for physical and/or mental health concerns, assistance addressing academic concerns, navigation of and connection with campus and community resources, etc.). 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.

It’s recommended that all travelers follow public health prevention strategies to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Delay traveling internationally until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Get vaccinated or tested per CDC guidance.
• Wear a mask, especially in crowded areas.
• Practice social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid travel if ill.
• Check for travel restrictions and entry requirements for your final destination. To determine travel regulations and entry requirements for international locations, visit the COVID-19 Country Specific Information page on the U.S. Embassy site of the destination country.
• Follow U-M policy and country-specific requirements for international University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT). Locate your country on Global Michigan to determine travel eligibility and requirements.

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.

Students can travel within the U.S. for university-related purposes and are encouraged to visit Engaged Michigan for guidance.

Students can travel internationally for University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT) if they meet the entry requirements for their travel destination and follow U-M travel requirements.

1. To determine travel regulations and COVID-19-specific entry requirements for international locations, visit the COVID-19 Country Specific Information page on the U.S. Embassy site of the destination country. This site provides an overview of requirements and typically provides direct links to the host destination's entry requirement page. Meeting entry requirements is the responsibility of the student traveler. Note that:

   a. Entry requirements are subject to change, so travelers need to stay up to date to verify they are able to enter that country before making any non-refundable purchases towards travel.

   b. Before departure, travelers need to make sure that they understand and have a plan to meet all of the steps for entering that country. This often involves having the proof of vaccination that that country requires, completing any forms online including on the health portal of that country, and having the type of negative COVID-19 test results that that country requires.

   c. Without having everything in order, the host country will not let that person in the country.

   d. Travellers should review the Considerations for Planning International Travel during COVID-19 document.

2. To determine whether you are eligible to travel to a certain country for UMRT and to determine U-M travel requirements, follow this U-M COVID-19 Travel Plan and Safety Plan Process Flowchart and read the country-specific requirements for international travel for your destination country on Global Michigan.

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.

Learn what is required before traveling to the United States from a foreign country by air here.

Individuals who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations

Before you arrive in the United States:

• All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 1 day before travel, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days prior to their boarding a flight to the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. immigrants need to follow CDC guidance for air travel to the United States.

After travel:

• Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

Individuals not up to date on vaccinations

Before you travel:

• It is advised you do not travel internationally until you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Per the CDC guidelines, if you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel internationally and are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, you will need to get tested no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States 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).
• Delay your travel if you are waiting for test results.
• You must be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to travel to the United States by plane if you are a non-U.S. citizen, non-U.S. immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa). Only limited exceptions apply. More information can be found here.

After arriving in the United States:

• Get tested within 3-5 days of your arrival.
• Complete a 5-day self-quarantine period.
• Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days.
• Do not attend in-person classes or academic activities.
• Do not go to in-person work assignments.

• Testing appointments are available to all members of the U-M community through the Community Sampling & Tracking Program. Those returning from international (or domestic) travel are directed to get tested at the 1310 North University Court Building (please note this testing site will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2. Other CSTP testing site locations and hours of operation can be found here).

  • 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, self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
• Follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

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

Faculty, staff and students must follow the U-M vaccine policy as described here. U-M will verify that students are in compliance with that policy before they travel abroad within the Safety Plan for International Travel review process and within the M-Compass program application for students who are applying for a UM-managed program.

Under an order issued by the CDC effective Nov. 8, if you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a non-immigrant, you ​are required to show proof of being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.​ Learn more here.

Please visit the COVID-19 & Travel FAQ for details.

Students can report their vaccination status in Wolverine Access by following instructions on the Campus Maize and BLUEprint website.

U-M’s vaccine requirement for students participating in international U-M managed programs is the most important and effective way to protect individual travelers while protecting the communities that travelers may be entering and/or exiting. Our goal is to provide an international experience that is safe so that students can focus on their learning objectives. We appreciate your support with helping us to achieve this goal.

For the purposes of this requirement, U-M managed programs subject to this requirement include international education programs (study abroad, internship, field work, etc.) within the M-Compass application management system. For these programs in M-Compass, U-M units organize the experience, collect application requirements, and make application decisions. Travel registrations and “funding” programs are not considered U-M managed programs even if they are considered University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT).

Note 1: Students traveling abroad independently for University of Michigan Related Travel (UMRT) and not on a “U-M Managed Program” as defined above are not subject to these guidelines. Though these students are not required to be vaccinated to travel internationally, U-M strongly encourages all students to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations before travel.

Note 2: These guidelines only apply to students traveling on U-M Ann Arbor campus managed programs. Students traveling on U-M Flint or U-M Dearborn should follow U-M Flint or U-M Dearborn guidelines.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, domestic and international travel is discouraged if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.​ Effective Nov. 8, if you are a non-U.S. citizen who is a non-immigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), you ​are required to show proof of being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations against COVID-19 before you travel by air to the United States from a foreign country.​ Learn more here.

The U-M COVID-19 vaccination policy

Faculty, staff and students must follow the U-M vaccine policy as described here. U-M will verify that students are in compliance with that policy before they travel abroad within the Safety Plan for International Travel review process and within the M-Compass program application for students who are applying for a UM-managed program.

Please visit the COVID-19 & Travel FAQ for details.

Travel during a global pandemic will require careful preparation and flexibility to adjust plans as conditions change.

Travellers should review the Considerations for Planning International Travel during COVID-19 document and the Travel Planning section on Global Michigan. Some key considerations include:

Entry/Departure

• Check your travel destination(s) on U-M Travel Designation and determine your eligibility to travel. Note that undergraduate students on U-M related travel may not travel to a U-M COVID-19 high risk country or a U-M travel restriction country.
• Review your travel destination's entry requirements to determine if you are permitted to enter, what steps are required to enter (e.g. negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination, mandatory quarantine, etc.) and the associated costs for each requirement.
• Review entry requirements for returning to the U.S. and U-M campus. Assess your comfort level and flexibility with changes in entry requirements, border closures, flight cancellations and quarantining.

In-Country Experience

• Determine if you can meet the in-country public health requirements. For example, many countries now require proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, museums, public venues, etc.
• Research the health and medical facilities and their conditions in your travel destination(s).
• Assess your tolerance of the possibility of limited personal connections due to social distancing guidelines, switch to remote learning/work, reduced building capacities, limits on social gatherings and so forth.

Contingency Planning

• Develop financial contingency plans in the event of unanticipated travel disruptions.
• Prepare for the possibility of staying abroad longer than expected and have plans for housing, food/water, funding and support networks. Travelers are responsible for any costs associated with remaining abroad longer than expected. The most likely reason for staying abroad longer than expected is if a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 before boarding their flight.
• Reflect upon your goals for your travel experience and determine if traveling makes sense at this time or if it can be delayed.