Dear Redhawks:   

As you know, winter term classes will return to their originally scheduled formats on Monday, January 31, and we expect the rest of the term will resemble the experience of fall term before Thanksgiving.  While a few undergraduate and graduate courses were originally scheduled and will continue to be held in a virtual or hybrid format, for most students, this means a return to in-person instruction on Monday. I am excited to see you back on campus, but I want to recognize that many members of our community are concerned about returning in person next week.    

The university’s decision to return to primarily in person instruction is based on data indicating that the recent surge in Omicron infections is receding. This does not mean that the pandemic is over and there is no risk of transmission, which is why we continue to have several measures in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  These measures include: requiring vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff; entry testing for all students who will be physically on campus; regular testing for residential students; a Face Covering Policy; and the required daily Safe Start Heath Check, which helps us to identify and isolate cases as quickly as possible.  In addition, if you have a specific disability-related concern as we return to in-person instruction, please contact Disability Services to discuss what accommodations might be available to you.   

Should you experience symptoms of COVID-19 or come into close contact with someone who tested positive, please get tested as soon as possible and notify your faculty members if you need to miss class, and campus job supervisors if you work on-campus.  Your faculty will advise you on how best to engage in the coursework while you are absent. If you test positive, please report your test result to covid-19-report@seattleu.edu.  Learn more about public health guidance for symptoms, isolation and quarantine here: https://www.seattleu.edu/coronavirus/testing-guidance/.  

Please also understand that faculty may sporadically pivot a class session to virtual or make other temporary changes due to COVID and students should continue to be flexible in those situations.   

As we return to campus next week, I am grateful for your continued commitment to each other and for acknowledging the varying levels of comfort with this transition.  You can help ease our transition back to an in-person experience by remembering our community’s responsibilities related to disease prevention.  As a reminder, compliance with these policies is required per section 2.33 of the Code of Student Conduct:   

• Face Covering Policy
  The university’s Face Covering Policy, which requires the proper use of face coverings indoors and in certain outdoor settings, remains in effect. Cloth face coverings are discouraged in favor of respirators and procedural/surgical masks. The university is making a limited supply of masks available to faculty, staff, and student workers who need them. The University has a limited supply of ASTM 3 and KN-95 disposable masks available to the campus community with priority for KN-95 given to members of the campus community who have a higher risk of exposure due to job functions or academic settings that require close contact.  
   
• Entry Testing
  As a reminder, all students who will be physically on-campus this quarter/semester are required to submit the results of a COVID-19 test no later than February 4, 2022.  If you submitted test results earlier this quarter, you do not need to get tested again.  For detailed information about entry testing requirements, visit https://www.seattleu.edu/student-health/covid-19-health-resources/covid-19-testing/winter-2022-entry-testing-requirement/. 
   
•  Vaccination & Booster Shots 
  Per the university’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, all students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and register their vaccination information with the university.  Additionally, we strongly encourage members of the campus community to stay up to date on their vaccinations by getting a booster shot as soon as they become eligible. Boosters are highly effective against severe illness from the Omicron variant.  Once you receive your booster shot, please update your vaccination registration with the university.  

Mental Health Resources 

If you have experienced increased stress, symptoms of anxiety or depression, or other mental health-related concerns, you are not alone.  I highly encourage you to check out the mental health resources available through Wellness & Health Promotion and Counseling & Psychological Services.  If you are concerned about a friend or would like to request non-emergency support for yourself, you can also submit a referral to the university’s CARE Team using this referral form.  

 I recognize that these last two years have been exceptionally challenging for students, faculty, and staff, and that there is much uncertainty about how these next few months will unfold.  I’m also grateful for your commitment to each other’s health and wellbeing as we continue to manage these difficult circumstances.  If you have any questions, I invite you to contact deanofstudents@seattleu.edu.  

Sincerely,  

James Willette, Ph.D. 
Associate Provost & Dean of Students