Dear Students,

It has been another exceptional semester as we continue to manage the challenges associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Your commitment and dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy campus continues to be remarkable. We offer some recommendations before you leave for break and requirements for your return.

In the last few weeks, Vermont and other states especially in New England have seen a steady increase in the number COVID-19 cases. This trend is expected to continue through the end of the calendar year and into January as people gather during the upcoming holidays. Safety starts with knowing. Get tested to protect yourself and your family and friends.

Know Before You Go!

Before traveling for the semester break, we encourage you to schedule a COVID-19 test at least 48 hours before you expect to leave to allow sufficient time to get your test results. 

  • For example, if you plan to travel home on Friday, December 17, get tested on Wednesday, December 15. You should receive your results Thursday evening.  
     
  • If you test positive, Student Health Services will contact you to talk about your options for travel and isolation. 
     
  • Be sure to continue practicing all the safeguards after your test (such as masking) to minimize the risk of infection. 
     
  • Schedule your test using the CoVerified App.
     
  • If you are flying, be sure to check with the airlines to see if there are any testing requirements. You may also be required to provide proof of a negative test prior to travel. It is simple to get a printed copy of your test results.
     
  • Check out the Testing Center hours. 

We hope that you will take advantage of this testing opportunity as you may again be spending time with people who have underlying health issues or who are older, such as grandparents, or those who are not vaccinated and are therefore at greater risk of infection. We want to be sure that you have a safe and healthy break!

Boost Up for Spring Semester!

If you are eligible, we encourage you to get a COVID-19 booster shot over break. Booster shots are an excellent way to sustain the effect of the vaccine. Booster shots are available to every Vermonter, including students from other states and countries, over the age of 18. Anyone who has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible two months after their first dose. Individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine are eligible six months after completing their initial vaccination series. Register for booster doses through the state of Vermont or by calling 855-722-7878. When scheduling your booster shot, consider the potential side effects to avoid possibly impacting your classes and exams.

We also want to encourage you to consider getting tested for COVID-19 just prior to returning to campus. Check with your state or regional health department or your primary care physician for testing locations in your area. If you test positive, contact UVM Student Health Services at health@uvm.edu. They will discuss with you ways to safely isolate before returning and arrange to notify your college or school that you may be missing classes at the semester’s start.

Day-0 COVID-19 Test Required

We are again requiring all students to complete a Day-0 COVID-19 test at the start of spring semester. We have seen the success of this requirement by being able to identify any positive cases at the start of the semester and isolating individuals to prevent further spread.

  • Students who live on campus are required to complete a Day-0 test at the UVM COVID-19 Information and Service Center the day you move into your residence hall.
  • Students who live off campus are required to complete a test between Monday, January 10, 2022, and your first class.
  • College of Medicine students are required to complete a Day-0 test between Tuesday, January 4 and Friday, January 7, 2022.
  • Please note that students who return to UVM prior to Monday, January 10, 2022 and have tested are also required to test between Monday, January 10, 2022 and your first class, regardless of where you live (excluding students in the College of Medicine).
  • Schedule your test using the CoVerified App. Check out the Testing Center hours.
  • Students testing positive will be required to isolate for 10 days. UVM Student Health Service will contact you about isolation.

Thank you again for another great semester. We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable winter break!

Patricia A. Prelock, Provost and Senior Vice President
Gary Derr, Vice President for Operations and Safety