Covid19
IMPORTANT UPDATES: Return to Campus Information Web Director | January 13, 2022

To the Thomas College community, 

Next week our campus will once again come alive with students returning from winter break–rested and ready for our spring 2022 semester. 

Yet, we must recognize that the new Omicron COVID-19 variant is wreaking havoc across the state and the country.  While it is natural to feel concern, the College has been diligently preparing for a smooth return to campus since late 2021.   

Below I will detail some of the important plans, reminders, and steps the College is taking to ensure that we can continue to enjoy as near-a-normal spring semester in-person and on our campus.

COVID Policies and Community Data 

  • COVID Dashboard:  The COVID dashboard was recently revised to communicate the number of positive cases on our campus. The dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week
  • Our Spring 2022 Return to Campus Safely Plan is available for download on the website 
  • New students for spring 2022 need to sign the Terrier Pledge and Testing Consent form, both available through the myThomas onboarding portal

Booster Shots Recommendations

  • Thomas College strongly urges all eligible community members to follow CDC recommendations and obtain a booster shot as soon as you are eligible.  Like the vaccine in fall of 2021, our health care partners have stressed that a boosted community stands the best chance to stay together in-person on campus this spring and enjoy as near normal experience as possible 
  • All community members who have been boosted (or new students that have not yet submitted their cards) must submit their updated vaccination cards to the appropriate office as soon as possible.  Instructions for submission for students, faculty, and staff are at the end of this email 
  • The College is actively coordinating with our health care partners to provide booster clinics on campus with more details to come soon 


Return to Campus 

  • Before you arrive:  If possible, all students, faculty, and staff should take an antigen rapid test at least 24-hours prior to their return to campus.  If you test positivedo not come to campus.  Faculty and staff should immediately inform Human Resources and students the Health Center 
  • If you are not feeling well or are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, do not come to campus rather, contact Human Resources (staff and faculty) or the Health Center (students) 
  • Upon arrival:  All returning community members will be required to test as soon as possible upon their return to campus.  The schedule is attached below.  If you test positive or are deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive, with limited exceptions you will be required to isolate or quarantine off campus 
  • Ongoing Safety Measures:  Masks are required in all public areas on campus until January 31, 2022 unless otherwise communicated.  This includes within residence halls unless you are alone or with your roommate in your assigned room.  Guests, regardless of vaccination status, are not permitted in residences 

As we have done again and again, we are committed to remaining adaptable and responsive to circumstances and will continue to follow the latest CDC recommendations to best protect the health and safety of our entire community.   

As a caring community, we have weathered many storms over the last 22 months that challenged our resolve, compassion, and drive.  However, each time one of us felt knocked down, there were other members of this community to help us get back to our feet and lend a shoulder of support.  This semester will be no different—how we help and support one another is one of the most powerful expressions of what makes the Thomas College community so unique and special. 

I am wishing everyone a safe return and a successful spring semester!

With deep respect and gratitude, 


 
Laurie G. Lachance, President 

Laurie G. Lachance
President
180 W River Rd, Waterville, ME 04901
thomasedu.wpenginepowered.com

Students should submit their vaccination record to the Health Center.  Faculty and staff please submit your vaccination record to Human Resources using one of the methods below:

  • Scan and email the vaccination card/exemption form (please be sure to conceal your date of birth)
  • Take a photograph of your vaccination card/exemption form using your smart phone and email (please be sure to conceal your date of birth)
  • Deliver a photocopy of the vaccination card/exemption form (please be sure to conceal your date of birth)
  • Bring your original vaccination card form to the Health Center (students) or Human Resources (faculty and staff) and the College will make a copy