Dear Beloiters,

The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching — and that means it’s the optimal time to get vaccinated before coming to campus.

总统比尔曼说,在一个新兴市场ail to our campus community on June 30: “In my opinion, I have a moral obligation to do my part to be minimally infectious to those whose health depends on my ability to be safely vaccinated. I need to do this for the simple reason that I care.”

Now is the time to care for each other and ourselves. The best way of doing that? Get fully vaccinated. All students, faculty, staff and emeriti faculty and staff planning to be on campus this fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are unable to be vaccinated due to medical, religious or philosophical reasons, please contact theHealth and Wellness Centerfor the necessary paperwork.

By receiving the vaccine, you are demonstrating that “self-care is community care.”

Vaccines are safe and extremely effective in preventing infection — and in almost completely eliminating the chance of severe illness or death due to COVID-19. It’s especially important to get your vaccine now, as more infectious variants pose a growing threat to those who are not protected against the virus, including young people.

They’re also our best shot at keeping our community safe and as normal as possible this fall.

So, what can you do to help ensure that we are all safe to enjoy a more normal campus experience this fall?

Step 1: If you aren’t vaccinated already, go to your local pharmacy to get a vaccine now.

Most locations no longer require you to make an appointment ahead of time. Make sure that you submit your vaccination information tohealthcenter@beloit.edu, even if you received the vaccine months ago. Those who are unable to get the vaccine before arriving in Beloit will need to provide proof of a negative COVID test within five days of move-in. After that, they will be able to receive the vaccine at a local pharmacy.Find vaccine locations in Rock County, where Beloit is located.

在你提供完整的疫苗接种证明,assuming current conditions remain the same, you will not be required to wear a mask on campus, indoors or outdoors. You will also not be required to be regularly tested or to quarantine if you are a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID. You’ll be able to attend classes, club meetings, and all social events without restrictions or mandates, in-person and safely. Of course, we will continue to closely monitor local, regional and national trends/data and adjust our policies and practices accordingly.

Step 2: Before returning to campus, make sure that you submit a photo of your vaccination card tohealthcenter@beloit.edu.

For those who may have medical or religious exemptions, contact theHealth and Wellness Centeras soon as possible for more information. Students who do not provide proof of vaccination will need to continue routine COVID testing and wearing masks indoors while on campus. It’s that simple.

Step 3: Tell your friends and loved ones that you are doing your part to help our college and the greater community stay protected against the virus.

Tell them why you chose to get the vaccine, especially if you changed your mind. Share your story with us in an email or over social media by tagging our accounts or DMing us a photo — and we’ll continue to pass it on. Because every story makes a difference.

The more people who are vaccinated in our community, the safer we will all be, and the more “normal” our on-campus experience.

We understand how complicated, confusing, and stressful this decision can be. If you still have questions or hesitations, we’re here to help. “Let’s Talk Coronavirus” is back at 6 p.m. CDT on July 19. Professors Rachel Bergstrom and Ron Watson will return in thisFacebook Livetalk show series to provide answers to any questions you may have about the vaccine. They will be joined by Tara Girard, Associate Dean for Recreation, Wellness and Engagement.

Together, we can reach our goal of getting as close to 100 percent of our campus vaccinated as possible. Let’s make this the most safe, enriching, and fun semester yet!

Photo of the Week

Ben Katz’21 encourages all Beloiters who are able to get their vaccine now: “I got vaccinated for a couple reasons: to protect myself and the community, to feel more comfortable spending time in common areas on campus, and so my family could feel safe visiting me for graduation weekend. I couldn’t be happier with my decision!”

Be well,
The COVID-19 Task Force