SVSU Plans for the 2021 Winter Semester

Updated December 18, 2020

Fellow Cardinals,

In a year that has brought many twists and turns, it should be no surprise that we are adapting our plans once again. We are sharing our latest planning with you today, but I ask each of you to continue to watch for additional information during the upcoming holiday break.

In keeping with the latest guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we are adjusting our plans for the start of the 2021 winter semester. Here is a brief summary with additional information to follow.

• Classes begin Monday, Jan. 11 with fully online/remote instruction (no change to previous plan)
• In-person instruction begins Tuesday, Jan. 19 for classes scheduled to be taught in person (no change to previous plan)
• Move-in for returning residential students: Friday, Jan. 15 through Monday, Jan. 18 (please note new dates)
• All residential students must be tested for COVID-19 prior to or during check in (please note change in dates for on-campus testing)

Move-in for residential students who checked out prior to Thanksgiving

Residential students returning for the 2021 winter semester who checked out prior to Thanksgiving now will move in over a four-day period: Friday, Jan. 15 through Monday, Jan. 18. Those who have a specific need to return sooner should contact the SVSU Housing office. This replaces our previously announced dates.

For returning residential students, we will provide more information in a future communication with a link to sign up for on-campus testing during the four days of winter move-in.

We strongly encourage these students to get tested for COVID-19 one to five days prior to their scheduled return date. Returning residential students who provide documentation of a recent test will not need to be tested during check in. Students who are awaiting test results should wear masks around their roommates.

Classes and instruction

Instruction will begin in remote/online formats, as scheduled, starting Monday, Jan 11. For those classes with in-person instruction, that mode of teaching will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Students who are awaiting test results should attend class remotely until such time as they receive confirmation that they have tested negative for COVID-19. Students who test positive will receive further guidance from our SVSU case managers.

Ongoing testing

SVSU will provide on-campus testing for COVID-19 at least two days per week during the start of the winter term. We will randomly select 25% of the residential student population for testing each week. If you are selected for random testing, it is very important that you get tested to protect the health and safety of yourself and your fellow Cardinals.

Testing also will be available on campus for faculty, staff and non-residential students.

NEST Ambassadors

Our student NEST Ambassadors will again play an active and vital role in reinforcing the culture of health and safety across campus.

Once again, thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we respond to the latest health and safety guidance.

I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays.

Sincerely,
Donald J. Bachand, President