Term II Set to Begin In-Person on January 10
Elmira, NY (12/23/2021) — While the COVID-19 virus, particularly the omicron variant, continues to spread and be a concern for many, Elmira College administration has been monitoring the situation nationally, and in Chemung County. At this time, Elmira College intends to begin Term II in person on January 10, as planned. This includes:
- International and New Student Orientations on Thursday, January 6, and Friday, January 7.
- Residential students returning to campus by Sunday, January 9. Additional details will be forthcoming from Campus Life. Students should continue to watch their email and check the homepage of MyEC for announcements and updates.
- The first day of Term II classes is in-person on Monday, January 10. Per the current Elmira College COVID-19 Guidelines (page 5), if a student must isolate or quarantine due to COVID symptoms or exposure, there will be no special provisions provided for classes. The student will not be able to attend classes in person so as not to expose others, and there will not be an online option. It will be handled like any other illness. The student will be responsible for contacting their faculty members and making up any missed work. This is the same process that would occur if a person contracted measles, hepatitis, or some other contagion.
During Term I, the small number of positive coronavirus cases at EC mainly resulted from exposure off-campus. As identified through contact tracing, there was no transmission of the virus resulting from classroom contact.
However, the entire campus community must do its part to help mitigate the transmission of the virus and keep the campus safe by:
- Getting a vaccine booster. The College will host two clinics in January/February at which attendees can receive any of the three vaccines.
- Wearing a mask while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. This is a New York State mandate and part of the College's NYS HERO Act Policy which is currently in effect through January 15, 2022.
- Holding meetings (students and employees) outside, in large open spaces, or virtually.
- Students: avoiding "hanging out" inside in close quarters for extended periods. Residential students should limit gatherings in residence hall rooms.
- Participating in the College's random testing as notified. Testing will be increased during the first two weeks of the Term.
As always, plans are contingent upon any new directives from NYS but based on the low number of cases on campus during Term I, the College remains optimistic that 2022 will be a positive and safe experience for the entire EC community.
Media Attachments
While the COVID-19 virus, particularly the omicron variant, continues to spread and be a concern for many, Elmira College administration has been monitoring the situation nationally, and in Chemung County. At this time, Elmira College intends to begin Term II in person on January 10, as planned.