Together Safely
Maintaining a safe and healthy campus for our students, faculty, staff and community members.
Our Together Safely plan for the 2024-25 academic year prioritizes maintaining safe and healthy face-to-face instruction in a residential learning environment. As of May 11, 2023, the United States government and the World Health Organization have declared that COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency. Even though the public health emergency has ended, our COVID-19 team will work closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Calhoun County Public Health Department (CCPHD) to monitor coronavirus developments in our region, and establish protocols and mitigation strategies that follow the science. Masking, testing, and vaccinations continue to be important tools to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Guidelines
Masking
Wearing a mask is optional throughout the campus of Albion College.
If the level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Calhoun County as defined by the CDC is at a High level for a sustained period of time we will consult with local health officials regarding masking in college buildings.
If you test positive for COVID (Students)
Albion College students and employees must notify Melissa Sommers at [email protected].
All students who test positive for COVID will be required to stay in their assigned campus residence until they are symptom free for 24 hours. During this time the student may not attend class or events on campus. The student may mask and get meals in a to-go box. This will be coordinated with Melissa Sommers and METZ. Under the new guidance the roommate of the student who has tested positive for COVID – 19 can remain in class.
If you Test positive for COVID (Employees)
Albion College employees who test positive for COVID must stay home and email [email protected]. Melissa Sommers will ask positive employees to coordinate any COVID-related absences with their supervisor. Melissa Sommers will provide you with further information regarding your return to on campus work.
Employees with questions about COVID symptoms or exposure should email [email protected].
Vaccines
Albion College Employees and Students are not required to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination. However, Albion College encourages all employees and students to receive their COVID-19 vaccination and remain up-to-date with booster shots as they become eligible. More information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the Calhoun County Public Health Department website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID?
As of May 11 we no longer have close contacts. Please monitor symptoms for 10 days after exposure. Only if you are feeling ill is a test recommended.
How will a student who has to remain on campus receive meals?
Albion College will work with Metz to have boxed meals prepared for the student to pick up. The student will wear a mask and pick up dinner with a continental breakfast and then return the next day to pick up lunch.
What if a student's roommate is not comfortable staying in a room with a COVID positive student?
We will work through these situations on a case by case basis. We want all students to feel safe and comfortable. In this scenario, we will have limited space available for the positive student or the roommate.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
With the State of Michigan COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ending and funding potentially being depleted by the end of September, free tests will be harder to find. Oaklawn Express Care will still offer testing, but will bill your insurance. You can also purchase a test at any local pharmacy.
- Family Fare Pharmacy 1406 N. Eaton St, Albion
- Parks Drug Store 318 Superior St, Albion
- While supplies last, the Calhoun County Health Department will have take home tests as well as in office testing available. If you choose to pick up a rapid at home test and it is positive please contact [email protected]. Calhoun County Health Department is located at 115 Market Place in Albion.
Who do I contact if I test positive for COVID-19?
Students who test positive will go home for their required stay-at-home period and contact Melissa Sommers at [email protected] for guidance.
What are other campuses doing?
Other residential campuses with congregate living similar to Albion will be following the guidance of their local county. In the Spring of 2023, most campuses in our area stopped offering isolation housing and shifted towards educating students on healthy hygiene, the importance of being vaccinated, staying home when you’re ill, and masking when you’re sick.