COVID-19 Spring 2022 Update

Castleton Community: 

Our Spring semester is on track to begin on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. While we are monitoring the increase in COVID-19 cases in our state and region, Castleton University remains committed to an on-time and in-person semester. There are some specific actions you can take now so that together we can minimize the impact of COVID-19 on that goal.   

Testing before your return to campus 

I encourage all of you to complete a COVID-19 test prior to your return to campus and, if positive, stay home and complete the isolation period. A rapid antigen test will be provided to each enrolled student during the first week of classes since identifying a positive case early, ideally before arrival, will contribute to a successful start of the semester. Weekly PCR tests for students will continue to be offered, with an expectation of weekly testing for those who are not vaccinated.    

Complete your vaccination by getting a booster shot 

Our community benefited greatly in the fall from the high vaccination rate of students and employees.  It is now recommended by the CDC for those who are vaccinated to get a booster. In addition to our current mandate for students to be vaccinated, we are requiring that eligible students receive their booster. We are requiring that by February 1, 2022, or within 15 days of your eligibility date, students receive the booster. Read the latest CDC guidance regarding booster eligibility, including recommendations if you've recently recovered from COVID-19. 

Vaccination requirements for all employees are being considered. You can submit evidence of your booster shot by emailing a picture of your vaccination record to Wellness@castleton.edu, or by confidential fax at 802-468-1104. If you received an exemption for vaccination in the fall semester you need to do nothing. However, new requests should complete the appropriate exemption form and send it to the same email address. 

Isolation for positive cases this semester 

Castleton has adopted the new CDC guidelines for isolation periods in the event of COVID-19 positive test. We have maintained limited separate isolation housing for residential students. In the event that COVID-19 cases outpace the room availability, we will allow for recovery in place. All isolation and recovery policies and practices will be made in consultation with the Vermont Department of Health.     

A successful and safe semester ahead 

With the anticipated return to a vibrant and active campus this semester we must remember how we got here. Therefore, this is an excellent time to review our basic protections against the spread of COVID-19: