Dean of Students Update: Graduation, Ending PolicyPath, Campus Status

Dear Students,

This final DOS update of the spring semester features important information about Campus Status webpage changes, the sunsetting of PolicyPath, a fascinating digital display in recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, post-COVID-19 cardiac matters, and information on move out procedures. 

Congratulations, Graduates!

I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all our graduating seniors. I know this was not the final year any of you envisioned and that many of you are still grieving that. However, the challenges you encountered make your strong finish an even prouder accomplishment. You have been an inspiration to us, and I can’t wait to see and hear what you do next. I wish you happiness and satisfaction in your next chapter. 

Campus Status Page Updates 

Evolving Vermont requirements, continued low local prevalence of COVID-19, rising vaccination rates, and the de-densifying of campus as students depart for the summer have allowed us to make substantial changes to the Campus Status page. Please be sure to read them thoroughly if you will be on campus in the coming days and weeks.

PolicyPath End of Use

Thank you for your efforts this year to help the College meet the Vermont mandate to implement daily health checks for students and employees. Effective May 30, we are discontinuing the use of PolicyPath. We recommend you delete the app from your device once you leave campus or on Sunday, May 30. If you need help deleting PolicyPath, please contact the ITS Helpdesk via Zoom at http://go.middlebury.edu/Zoom2help/ or by calling 802-443-2200. 

Students who remain on campus may use this health screening tool  http://go.middlebury.edu/healthcheck/.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

As we reach the conclusion of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we reiterate that Middlebury supports all AAPI faculty, staff, and students and condemns racism and bigotry in all forms. I encourage you also to visit the excellent digital display that the Middlebury Libraries created in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, which highlights books, music, film, and related podcasts that celebrate and reflect on AAPI history and culture. These rich resources pay tribute to generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their critical role in United States history.

Dining Halls for Friday Dinner

Ross and Proctor dining halls will host senior dinners tomorrow night. Non-seniors are asked to eat dinner in Atwater which will be open for the normal dinner hours of 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Contactless Move-Out

With many students still not fully vaccinated, we advise a contactless move-out. During a contactless move-out, guests remain outside, limit activities to helping their student load at the curb, and avoid contact (within six feet of any individual) with anyone outside their household. All guests on campus for move-out purposes are required to wear a face covering. Unvaccinated guests should not enter campus buildings. Students are required to take all belongings, including bicycles, with them when they leave. Students needing assistance can ask friends and neighbors for assistance. 

Post-COVID-19 Cardiac Guidance and Requirement

Medical reports suggest that the COVID-19 virus can potentially have a negative impact on the heart and lungs, thereby posing a potential risk to individuals who return to exercise post-infection. An expert panel from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and the American College of Cardiology has developed a tiered approach and algorithm for medical assessment. While all individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 infections are strongly encouraged to discuss a plan for safe resumption of activity with their personal healthcare provider, Middlebury College students planning to participate or try out for an athletics team who have had COVID-19 are required to: 

1. Notify Sports Medicine staff that they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (at any time).
2. Provide a signed Middlebury College Student-Athlete Post-COVID-19 Infection Return to Activity Clearance Form from their healthcare provider showing that they are cleared for safe participation in athletics prior to returning to campus for the fall 2021 semester, or anytime thereafter following a COVID-19 diagnosis.  

Forms and information can be found at Health Services Post-Covid Return to Activity page or the Sports Medicine Clearance Procedures page.

Happy summer!

Derek Doucet

Dean of Students