University of Michigan leaders are urging students returning to the Ann Arbor campus for the fall semester to follow social distancing guidelines, wear face covering and stay home when sick to preserve as much in-person instruction as possible.

An Aug. 24 email message to all Ann Arbor students was signed by President Mark Schlissel; Susan Collins, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Martino Harmon, vice president for student life; Amanda Kaplan, president of Central Student Government; and Saveri Nandigama, vice president of CSG.

The message outlined how campus leaders collaborated with health experts, students and local community members to prepare for the return of students during the COVID-19 pandemic and how students play a role in keeping the campus safe.

“Together, we have created an opportunity that allows you to get the most out of your University of Michigan experience during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the message said. “But we will not succeed without your help and commitment — and we’re proud to join together in sharing the importance of our collective effort.”

The message said the best chance to stay safe this fall lies in embracing the guidelines laid out in the Wolverine Culture of Care — a commitment to keeping the U-M campus community as healthy and safe as possible.

Students planning to live in University Housing are required to complete pre-arrival tests for the virus, and university leaders said nearly 5,800 had done so as of Aug. 21. Students also will be part of random surveillance testing conducted throughout the semester to screen for asymptomatic infection of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Once on campus, students are expected to adhere to public health-informed recommendations and the responsibilities outlined in the 2020 Addendum to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Campus leaders believe doing so offers U-M the best chance for in-person instruction to continue, and to avoid what has happened at other universities that were forced to move to fully remote teaching and learning.

“Often, outbreaks are being traced to events where people did not follow public health guidance,” the email said. “These include gatherings without appropriate social distancing, and those in enclosed spaces without face coverings. Indoors and out, it will be essential that you wear a face covering and keep the density of people low while you’re socializing.

“What may feel like a brief moment of letting your guard down could end up shutting down our in-person classes.”

The email requested students wear face coverings and encourage their parents and friends to do so while on campus. It said students who encounter someone not wearing a covering should courteously request that they do.

If a gathering is too large or not social distanced, students should stay away, and if they are approached by someone, including a Michigan Ambassador, about being safe, they should listen.

“We strongly believe that being forced to go fully remote for all U-M instruction would adversely — and disproportionately — effect many students who need classes that can only be delivered in person or who must rely on campus resources to fully access a Michigan education,” the email said.

“Being smart and dedicated is what got you into Michigan — and it will keep everyone here this semester and beyond, while protecting your classmates, instructors, friends, loved ones and those who are most vulnerable in our communities.”

Tags:

• coronavirus
• COVID-19
• fall semester
• Student Life