To All Members of the Campus Community:

This week, a few important indicators have stabilized as we’ve moved past the beginning of our semester. As reported on our COVID-19 data dashboard, case numbers and our quarantine housing usage have flattened.

At the same time, we are an increasingly vaccinated community. Currently, 95% of students, 94% of faculty and 81% of staff have reported that they are fully vaccinated. U-M’s vaccination rate is much higher than that of Washtenaw County. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect ourselves and others from infection and serious illness. They are also required for all those who work or study at U-M with only a few exemptions.

Updates at a glance:

New vaccination data: In response to requests from the community, we have updated our vaccination dashboard data to include those who are in the process of being vaccinated, in the queue for review, approved for an exemption, and those who have not submitted or had their submission rejected.

Notification change: Earlier this week, we announced that we have discontinued broad, generalized COVID-19 case notifications for classrooms and building spaces. This announcement follows recent changes to state guidance and community feedback that the general notices were confusing and of limited benefit. U-M’s Department of Environment, Health & Safety will continue to investigate cases and perform contact tracing. EHS will reach out directly to those identified as close contacts and will provide information on next steps. Please see our instructor guide for a summary of how we address COVID-19 in the classroom setting.

Briefing: Provost Susan M. Collins and I will hold a Campus COVID-19 Briefing on Friday, Oct. 8 from 10 to 11a.m. We’ll share the latest information and answer questions from the community. I’ll send an invitation that week.

Mask up and Go Blue: I join Michigan Athletics in strongly encouraging everyone to wear a mask even when outdoors at Michigan Stadium for football games. Face coverings are required for indoor events and in indoor areas of the stadium.

I will continue to provide COVID-19 updates when needed to help keep everyone informed, address concerns and respond to feedback and questions from our community. You also may read the University Record for the latest stories and the Campus Maize and Blueprint site for updates. Stay safe and be healthy.

Sincerely,

Mark S. Schlissel, M.D., Ph.D.
President