January 7, 2022
Dear Reed students, faculty, and staff,
We are excited to welcome you back to campus for a vibrant educational semester at Reed College. Even as we all absorb new information about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (including the omicron variant), Reed is planning an in-person program of campus life and instruction, relying again on the community’s commitment to the tools at our disposal to keep everyone healthy.
Below we have highlighted the major elements of our COVID-19 Prevention & Response Plan for the spring 2022 semester. In addition, major updates to our COVID-19 Prevention & Response Plan website will be made by next Friday, January 14.
Paideia and Student Arrivals
Paideia 2022 will begin on Saturday, January 15, and run through Sunday, January 23. In response to the recent surge of COVID activity locally and globally, in-person participation will now be limited to current Reed students, faculty, and staff. Some courses will be presented in online formats; all community members and alumni are welcome to participate in online Paideia classes. This arrangement will allow the college to better manage the safety of the event as students, staff, and faculty return to campus from winter-break travels. Should the status of Paideia change, we will note any changes on the Paideia website.
Before attending an in-person Paideia course, individuals should review the information shared below on the college’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements, as there are elements that may impact your ability to participate.
Reed College housing opens on Friday, January 14, at 9 a.m. All students will be able to access their rooms after this time. Students living on campus for the spring 2022 semester will receive an email with additional instructions and information later today.
Prior to returning to on-campus activities, all students should obtain a negative COVID-19 test result and upload this result to the Student Health Portal. This should be a molecular test collected within 72 hours before your arrival at Reed. Students who are unable to access a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival should test on campus at the first opportunity and self-quarantine until a negative test result is received.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
All students are required to be fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization authorized COVID-19 vaccine and upload a copy of their records to the Health & Counseling Center's Student Health Portal prior to the start of the spring 2022 semester. In alignment with Oregon law, students may request an exemption from this vaccination requirement for medical or non-medical reasons; those with an exemption are required to test on campus once weekly. Students who have not met this requirement by the start of the semester will not be permitted to attend in-person classes. If you are a student with questions about accessing vaccines or wish to request an exemption, please contact the Health & Counseling Center prior to your arrival.
Following recent OSHA regulations, Reed faculty and staff are also required to be fully vaccinated with a World Health Organization authorized COVID-19 vaccine and provide a copy of their records to Human Resources via Etrieve. Those who are not fully vaccinated or decline to upload their vaccination records are required to test on campus once weekly.
In addition, all students are required to obtain a COVID-19 booster vaccination by January 24, 2022, or as soon as they are eligible. Recent evidence shows that those with booster doses have significantly more protection against COVID-19 infection, especially the highly transmissible omicron variant. Records should be submitted to the Health & Counseling Center's Student Health Portal following these instructions. Individuals who have already requested an exception to Reed’s COVID vaccination requirements do not need to do so again. If you have questions about booster access or eligibility or wish to discuss your situation further, please reach out to coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
Faculty and staff members should also provide the college with records of their COVID-19 booster vaccinations via Etrieve by January 24, 2022. Employees who choose not to upload a copy of their booster records will be required to participate in testing on campus weekly. Bon Appetit employees should provide proof of vaccination (including boosters) in person to Matt Talavera.
We appreciate that many of you have already found boosters in your home community or received a booster at Reed’s Health & Counseling Center. Reed will again offer vaccinations to students during the spring semester, although those who are eligible should arrange to receive a booster prior to returning to campus.
On Campus Testing
This semester, Reed will continue the practice of offering on-campus saliva testing free of charge to community members who wish or are required to test. Additional information on the testing process, including dates, times, and locations, can be found on our testing webpage.
Prior to returning to campus for the spring semester, all students should obtain a negative COVID-19 test result and upload this result to the Student Health Portal. This should be a molecular test collected within 72 hours prior to your arrival at Reed. Students who are unable to access a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival should test on campus at the first opportunity and self-quarantine until a negative test result is received.
In addition, all community members should participate in on campus saliva testing during the week following their return to on-campus activities. Community members who are not fully vaccinated are to begin their required weekly testing immediately following their return to on-campus activities.
During the spring semester, individuals who have not received all required doses of COVID-19 vaccine (including a booster for those who are eligible) will be required to test once weekly. Community members who are not required to test are welcome to do as desired, although anyone exhibiting COVID-like symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and should not come to campus.
Daily Health Check
All students are to complete the Daily Health Check each day before coming to campus or leaving their residence hall room. This survey, sent via email each morning, asks a few short questions about COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors. Students should begin to complete the Daily Health Check one week prior to their return to campus.
Face Coverings
In alignment with current Oregon law, face coverings are required in all indoor spaces on campus, with limited exceptions. This requirement applies to all individuals on Reed campus, regardless of vaccination status.
In addition, face coverings are required outdoors when individuals are in a group or crowded space or are attending an event with a face covering requirement.
Individual Responsibility
Community members are strongly encouraged to reflect on additional steps they can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to themselves and others. These additional steps may include the following:
- Staying home when sick, and contacting a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.
- Keeping 6 feet of physical distance from others when possible.
- Washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently.
- Using a reliable face covering in all indoor spaces as well as outside when in groups or crowds. The best face coverings are new or freshly washed for each use and fit snugly around the nose, cheeks, and chin.
- Reviewing the COVID-19 precautions in place for events and gatherings before attending.
- Making a plan with supervisors, instructors, roommates, and friends for how to respond if someone develops COVID-19 and returning to Reed with any supplies you might need if you were to fall ill.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
In health,
The COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group
Gary Granger, Director of Community Safety
Mandy Heaton, Executive Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Karnell McConnell-Black, Vice President for Student Life
Kathy Oleson, Dean of the Faculty & Professor of Psychology
Tawana Parks, Dean of Students
Hugh Porter, Vice President for College Relations & Planning
Madison Riethman, COVID-19 Response Coordinator
Suzy Renn, Professor of Biology
Timmie Rochon, Medical Services Director
April Sams, Director of Risk Management & Environmental Health and Safety
Lynn Valenter, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer