Updates Archive

April 6, 2022

As the United States and Michigan shift their response to COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic, the University has done the same, effective April 1, 2022. 

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in Genesee County and throughout the state. The University has recorded 10 active COVID-19 cases since in-person instruction began on Jan. 31. At the end of the Winter term, we had no cases to report.

Given the current conditions and vaccination rate of the campus community, we have returned to normal operations with the understanding that we will maintain COVID-19 guidelines as long as there's a need to deter the virus from affecting the campus community.

The University has revamped its COVID-19 Guidelines, which are available on the University website. The revised guidelines include the following:

• Faculty, staff, students and visitors are not required to wear a face covering or mask. Anyone, of course, may choose to wear a mask at any time.
• All students and employees can access buildings and facilities according to the published schedule unless under quarantine or isolation.
• The University follows CDC Guidelines for isolation and quarantine whenever anyone experiences a positive test result or exposure.
• Students requiring isolation or quarantine (per the CDC guidelines) should contact the Academic Success Center to coordinate with their instructors to complete required coursework.
• Employees requiring isolation or quarantine (per the CDC guidelines) should coordinate with their supervisor to work remotely.
• There are no restrictions on domestic travel or travel to Canada
• Students and employees who choose to travel internationally to any country (except Canada) must:
• If NOT vaccinated:
• Stay home and self-quarantine for a full five days after travel.
• Contact the Wellness Center to schedule a drive-up rapid test three to five days after travel.
• Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full five days.
• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
• If vaccinated:
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

As we return to normal operations, please remember individual responsibilities remain important.

• If you test positive, don’t hide it, report it immediately. To do otherwise is selfish and puts others at unnecessary risk. Off-campus positive tests should be promptly reported to Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students).
• If you feel ill, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, receive a positive test result, or suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19, do not come to campus. Instead, immediately self-isolate and contact Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students) for testing and further direction.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Read recent federal, state and county announcements:

• CDC’s How to Protect Yourself and Others
• MDHHS Updates Mask Guidance as State Enters a Post-surge Recovery Phase in the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Genesee County Health Department Update on Public Health Orders and School Guidance

Still need to be vaccinated?

Genesee County Public Health Department offers free, walk-in/no-appointment vaccines at multiple locations around Flint. To find clinic locations and details, go here.

Send questions to COVID-19@tanxiqiao.net.

March 16, 2022

As the United States and Michigan shift their response to COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic, the University will do the same, effective April 1, 2022.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to decline in Genesee County and throughout the state. The University has recorded 10 active COVID-19 cases since in-person instruction began on Jan. 31.

Given the current conditions and vaccination rate of the campus community, we are returning to normal operations with the understanding that there will always be a need to have COVID-19 guidelines in place to deter the virus from affecting the campus community.

Therefore, the University has revamped its COVID-19 Guidelines, which are available on the University website. The revised guidelines include the following:

• Faculty, staff, students and visitors are not required to wear a face covering or mask. Anyone, of course, may choose to wear a mask at any time.
• All students and employees can access buildings and facilities according to the published schedule unless under quarantine or isolation.
• The University follows CDC Guidelines for isolation and quarantine whenever anyone experiences a positive test result or exposure.
• Quarantined students should contact the Academic Success Center to coordinate with their instructors to complete required coursework.
• Quarantined employees should coordinate with their supervisor to work remotely.
• There are no restrictions on domestic travel or travel to Canada
• Students and employees who choose to travel internationally to any country (except Canada) must:
  • If NOT vaccinated:
    • Stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel.
    • Contact the Wellness Center to schedule a drive-up rapid test three to five days after travel.
    • Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full seven days.
    • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
  • If vaccinated:
    • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

As we return to normal operations, please remember individual responsibilities remain important.

• If you test positive, don’t hide it, report it immediately. To do otherwise is selfish and puts others at unnecessary risk. Off-campus positive tests should be promptly reported to Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students).
• If you feel ill, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, receive a positive test result, or suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19, do not come to campus. Instead, immediately self-isolate and contact Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students) for testing and further direction.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Read recent federal, state and county announcements:

• CDC’s How to Protect Yourself and Others
• MDHHS Updates Mask Guidance as State Enters a Post-surge Recovery Phase in the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Genesee County Health Department Update on Public Health Orders and School Guidance

Still need to be vaccinated?

Genesee County Public Health Department offers free, walk-in/no-appointment vaccines at multiple locations around Flint. To find clinic locations and details, go here.

Send questions to COVID-19@tanxiqiao.net.

January 29, 2022

Office of the President

Important information on COVID Policy as of January 31

We look forward to welcoming you back to campus and to resuming in-person classes on Monday, January 31. Earlier this week, we published revised guidelines concerning masking on campus and since then some members of the campus community have expressed concern that they include no strict masking mandate. Others have praised these changes as long overdue. Both hold their opinions strongly and I respect the sincere nature of both groups.

The Previous Policy Versus the New One

It is important first to note that our original Winter 2022 COVID policy as communicated to the campus in a Coronavirus Update on December 15, 2021, did not include a universal masking requirement. What it did require applied only to masking in group settings and meetings; it reads:

Inside all University facilities, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear face masks in all group settings or meetings of 3 or more people and at any time when social distancing is not possible regardless of group size. Masks should be fully over the nose and mouth.

Under this policy, for example, you were not required to wear a mask when walking with a friend through the Tunnel, or when meeting with a few friends seated apart in the Great Court. But you were required to wear a mask in all classes regardless of the number of students present or the size of the classroom.

The primary differences therefore between this policy and the revision communicated earlier this week are that: any masking or distancing requirements for specific classes and labs are now to be set by the professor of record in the course; groups meeting in other spaces and university facilities may establish together whether masks are required and appropriate for their meeting; and staff may similarly define the masking requirements for their meetings. Mask wearing indoors remains recommended, as it was before, as does vaccination and social distancing, etc.

Under this policy revision, for example, a group of students who live together in a house off-campus can decide as a group not to wear masks when using a d.space to study together, but if another student that they don’t see frequently joins them, they can then elect to all wear masks respecting the wishes of all in the group. Or a professor who teaches a small group of students in a large classroom can elect to forgo masking to enhance communication and instead insist that all students spread widely out in the space. Or a staff member meeting with students to review their course schedules can insist that all in the meeting are masked before the meeting starts, but with the flexibility to move the meeting to a large room where everyone is comfortable spreading out and meeting without masks if they wish to.

Track Record

Over the course of the pandemic, the COVID response team (which includes faculty and staff) as well as various campus leadership groups have spent hundreds if not thousands of hours meeting, analyzing data, publications, and trends and debating possible approaches and responses as the pandemic has evolved. All have always operated with the best interests of the student and the safety of the community in mind, balancing other factors such as personal responsibility, the student experience, and living by our values along the way. And we have also spent many sleepless nights worrying about whether we did the right thing in each case.

Since February 2020, we have also issued no fewer than 65 COVID update communications to faculty, staff, and students and have maintained a comprehensive website and archive1 containing these as well as up-to-date campus case numbers, current guidelines, campus vaccination levels, emergency relief fund information and safe campus recommendations.

Because of the hard work and dedication of so many, together we have navigated this pandemic better than almost any other University in the country – especially if we are measured by our outcomes and not simply against whether we are doing the same thing that others are doing.

Our relative campus case rates, for example, have consistently been lower than most universities, many of which have taken far more severe stances like vaccine and booster mandates. This has held true even though the University sits in the heart of what was at times one of the most heavily impacted communities in our nation. We were one of the first Universities in the country to successfully pivot to on-line instruction and then later one of the first to resume in-person instruction. We have managed through two years of COVID with consistently low case rates while providing as uncompromised an educational experience for our students as circumstances would allow.

Because we have worked together, not just defining what we would do by replicating the actions of others, but instead by defining what we thought was best for Kettering, we have sometimes taken different approaches than other institutions, often emphasizing our values, personal responsibility, and accountability over the exercise of central authority. I believe this is one reason why we have been as successful as we have and why we all have had a role to play in our success.

Compliance

The Faculty Senate is our representative assembly of the faculty. They met Friday along with other faculty to discuss our revised COVID stance, during which some members expressed that they thought in the interest of safety and to ensure compliance that we should reinstate the previous form of the policy.

Such debate is healthy. As you return to face-to-face instruction, please reflect on and in your actions honor the concerns of our faculty and staff and follow without objection any masking and distancing guidelines that they establish for their courses or their interactions with you.

Our Common Responsibilities

It is fundamental that no one’s health is completely in their own hands; this is true not only of COVID, but also with many other diseases and seasonal infections. It also means that, now and in the future, we each must consider how our actions impact the health of others even if not mandated to take specific ones. Your actions both inside and outside of the classroom contribute to the safety of our community; and you should continue to, and urge others to, make choices that reduce and not increase the risk for yourself as well as others.

In this light, we continue to urge all members of the Kettering community to follow behaviors on and off campus that reduce the risk of infection for everyone in the community:

• Consider getting fully vaccinated and, if appropriate, your booster shot.
• Wear a properly fitted face covering in indoor spaces where you may come into close contact with people you do not normally meet.
• When you do wear a mask, select an N95 or KN95 and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to wear it and how often to replace it. Cloth face coverings or bandannas convey little if any benefit to either the wearer or those around them.
• Get tested.
• If you test positive off-campus, don’t hide it, report it immediately. Off-campus positive tests should be promptly reported to Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students).
• If you feel ill, are experiencing COVID symptoms, receive a positive test result, or suspect that you have been exposed to COVID, do not come to campus. Instead, immediately self-isolate and contact Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students) for testing and further instructions.

Know that we will continue to monitor case rates and the responses of students as we move through the term. If conditions warrant, we may reinstate a masking mandate or a temporarily return to virtual instruction. It remains our expectation, however, that this is but one more positive step in continuing to move towards more normal operations as COVID transitions from an acute crisis to an endemic problem.

I look forward to seeing all of you on campus.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Robert K. McMahan

President and Professor of Physics

1 http://saxy.tanxiqiao.net/covid-19

January 26, 2022

We look forward to welcoming all students back to campus on Monday, Jan. 31, and to resuming in-person classes on that date.

Furthermore, upon our return and as of Jan. 31:

• Although we continue to encourage you to do so when in indoor spaces, you will no longer be required to wear a face covering or mask throughout the University except that:
  • Faculty may establish at their discretion reasonable and separate classroom masking and separation requirements for their courses, which may include a requirement to wear a mask at some or all times in their class or lab sections. This discretion covers only individual class and lab sections and does not extend to creating a general masking requirement for specific classrooms or laboratory areas.
    • Faculty should communicate to their students their instructions concerning masking and distancing prior to Jan. 31, and their students will be required to adhere to them as a condition of class attendance as of that date.
  • Similarly, and on a case-by-case basis, faculty and staff may also establish reasonable and separate masking requirements when conducting specific meetings in indoor spaces or offices with individual students or groups of students. This discretion covers only individual meetings and does not extend to creating a general masking requirement for areas frequented by students or areas in which meetings with students may be held.
• Groups of students or employees meeting in indoor spaces or offices should decide together, respecting and honoring the concerns of everyone in the group, whether masks are required in a specific setting. 
• The University may, on a case-by-case basis, establish reasonable and separate health screening, masking, and separation requirements for events on campus that include visitors from outside the campus community.
• Normal building and facility access for all students will be restored unless students have been quarantined/isolated.
• Anyone, of course, may choose to wear a mask at any time.

Individual responsibility is heightened with this relaxation of requirements and reflects our belief that all members of the Kettering community will make choices that act to reduce and not increase the risk for themselves and others in the community.

A dramatic increase in the number or severity of cases on campus may necessitate a temporary return to virtual delivery. It is our hope, however, that this is but one more step in continuing to move toward more normal operations as COVID-19 transitions from an acute crisis to an endemic problem.

As such, all members of the Kettering community are encouraged to follow behaviors on and off campus that protect themselves and others from serious infection:

• Get vaccinated and get your booster shot if appropriate.
• Wear a face covering in indoor spaces where you may come into close contact with people you do not normally meet. When you do wear a mask, select an N-95 or KN-95 and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how to wear it and how often to replace it. Cloth face coverings have been shown to convey little benefit to either the wearers or those around them.
• Get tested. Unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff must be tested prior to returning to campus or provide proof of vaccination. Thompson Hall residents who have not checked in for the term must also get tested prior to move-in, regardless of vaccination status. 
  • Anyone who wishes to be tested may do so next week, at no cost. Testing will take place in the Campus Center on a walk-in basis. The testing schedule is:
    • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, in BJ's Lounge
    • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, in the Sunset Room
    • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, in the Sunset Room
• If you test positive, don’t hide it, report it immediately. To do otherwise is selfish and puts others at unnecessary risk. Off-campus positive tests should be promptly reported to Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students).
• If you feel ill, are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, receive a positive test result, or suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19, do not come to campus. Instead, immediately self-isolate and contact Human Resources (employees) or the Wellness Center (students) for testing and further direction.

January 19, 2022

Virtual Learning to Continue Until Jan. 28

The University has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Due to the continued surge of the Omicron variant, we will extend virtual instruction by one more week for the safety of our students, faculty and staff. All instructions will be virtual until Jan. 28. The University will return to in-person instruction on Jan. 31, 2022.

Please note the following:

• All classes will be virtual through Jan. 28. No hybrid or in-person sessions will be offered, except for some lab sessions. In-person lab sessions will take place at the discretion of the instructor.
• All classes will be recorded and made available in Blackboard as supplemental materials.
• All campus offices will remain open during posted hours.
• The Library, d.spaces and other study spaces in the Academic Building will be open during the extended period of virtual instruction.
• All extracurricular activities may take place during the period of virtual instruction.

Testing Available Week of Jan. 31

Testing will be available the week of Jan. 31. Additional details will be sent to you when they are available. They also will be posted on the University website at tanxiqiao.net/COVID-19.

The University strongly encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated for your safety, as well as that of our colleagues and classmates. More information about vaccines and where to get vaccinated is in the links below:

• Vaccine locations in and around Flint at vaccines.gov
• CDC COVID-19 vaccine information

Employees can send proof of vaccination to Human Resources at hr@tanxiqiao.net. Students can send it to the Wellness Center at wellness@tanxiqiao.net.

January 5, 2022

To: Kettering University Faculty, Staff, and Winter Term Students
Subject: Important information on the Opening of the Winter Term 2022

I hope this finds you and yours well, safe, and healthy.

As we look forward to the promise of the new year, we also face some lingering challenges of the old.

As a community over the past two years, we have handled well the many trials presented us by COVID. We have shown resilience and flexibility in our operations and in our working relationships. Thank you again for your dedication and perseverance over these challenging times; your commitment has made our many successes to date possible.

As you certainly know, cases attributed to the COVID Omicron variant are surging across our state and country. In response, and to assist in moderating the spread of this new variant within our community as we begin the new term and converge on campus after the long holiday, we will be taking the following steps:

1. Instruction during the first two weeks only of the Winter 2022 term will take place virtually, after which we will again move back to in-person instruction on January 24. During this period, there may be some laboratory sections or other practicums that will still need to meet in person; this will be at the discretion of the instructor of record for the course.

Other than this change, no other modifications to the opening of the term will be made including:

1. All Campus facilities, including the Thompson Residence Hall, the Academic/Mott/Campus Center Buildings, the Library, Dining facilities, and the Johns Recreation Center will open as scheduled and as listed in prior communications.
2. Thompson Hall move-in will take place as scheduled. All Thompson Hall residents are required to be tested with a negative test result prior to move-in. If you were planning to move into Thompson Hall this weekend, it will be open and available for you to do so.
3. All unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff are required to present either proof of vaccination to the University or to have a negative Covid test result from a test conducted by the University prior to rejoining the campus community. If you have been fully vaccinated since you were last on campus and have not yet submitted your proof of vaccination to the University, you should do so before the beginning of the term on January 10. Employees may send proof of vaccination to Human Resources at hr@tanxiqiao.net. Students may send it to the Wellness Center at wellness@tanxiqiao.net.
4. The University will once again offer free, walk-in testing in the Sunset Room of the Campus Center prior to the start of the term on the dates and times listed below. No appointment is necessary.

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10

Similarly, all campus protocols regarding masking and social distancing indoors will remain unchanged. As always, you may find comprehensive information on our COVID-19 website.

I look forward to seeing all of you on campus.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Robert K. McMahan

President and Professor of Physics

December 15, 2021

Below is information all students, staff and faculty should read prior to the start of Winter Term.

Topics in this Update:

• Required COVID-19 Testing Prior to Winter Term Start
• Safe Campus Winter 2022 Guidelines
• Travel Guidelines
• Stay Safe, Stay Updated During the Holidays

Required COVID-19 Testing Prior to Winter Term Start

All Thompson Hall residents are required to be tested with a negative test result prior to move-in. All unvaccinated students, faculty and staff are also required to get tested. Testing will be available to anyone who requests it.

The University will offer free, walk-in testing prior to the start of Winter Term. No appointment is necessary. The following dates and times are when testing will be available in the Sunset Room of the Campus Center:

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7
• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8
• 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10

For those seeking additional testing not offered by the University prior to the holidays, there are many locations within our community other than on-campus where students and employees can be tested. These locations may be searched at the links below:

• Testing locations in and around Flint at Michigan.gov
• Local updates, information, and resources at Genesee County Health Department

The University strongly encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated for your safety, as well as that of our colleagues and classmates. More information about vaccines and where to get vaccinated is in the links below:

• Vaccine locations in and around Flint at vaccines.gov
• CDC COVID-19 vaccine information

Employees can send proof of vaccination to Human Resources at hr@tanxiqiao.net. Students can send it to the Wellness Center at wellness@tanxiqiao.net.

Safe Campus Winter 2022 Guidelines

We have revised our Safe Campus Guidelines for Winter 2022, which are posted on the University website at tanxiqiao.net/COVID-19. The following changes will be in place at the beginning of Winter Term:

• Check-in Stations: There will be no check-in stations or health screenings for faculty, staff and students. Guests still are required to enter at the main doors of the Campus Center to sign in with Campus Safety and complete a health screening.
• Building Access: Students will have access to buildings from 7 a.m. to midnight. Employees will have 24/7 access.

Inside all University facilities, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear face masks in all group settings or meetings of three or more people at any time when social distancing is not possible regardless of group size. Masks should fully cover the nose and mouth.

Travel Guidelines

There are no restrictions for domestic travel. If you decide to travel internationally to any country except Canada regardless of testing rate, you must:

• If vaccinated:
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
• Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms
• If NOT vaccinated:
• Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
• Contact the Wellness Center to schedule a drive-up rapid test 3-5 days after travel.
• Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
• During the isolation period, students should contact the Academic Success Center who will work with you and your professors to complete required coursework. Employees should coordinate with their supervisor to work remotely during the quarantine period.

You can find the University travel policy on our COVID-19 website.

Stay Safe, Stay Updated During the Holidays

Please note the University will be closed during the holiday break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4.

The situation in Michigan remains fluid and may change over the holidays. We therefore strongly encourage everyone in the Kettering community to stay informed during the break and check the Kettering COVID-19 website regularly to receive updates and the most current information on our plans for the Winter Term.

This includes:

• Check your emails occasionally during the holidays in case there are updates from the state or University.
• Review the COVID-19 section of the University's website. All updates, including these emails and reported cases, are posted there.
• Sign up for Kettering Alerts.

Have a safe and fun holiday break.

November 22, 2021

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we want to encourage everyone to celebrate safely. Protect yourself and others by social distancing, properly wearing a face mask, and washing your hands often. 

If Traveling for the Holiday

For travel within Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), has issued a mask advisory for everyone over the age of 2 gathering at indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.

If you decide to travel to a state in the U.S. with a COVID-19 positive testing rate of 10% or higher on a seven-day rolling average, or travel internationally to any country except Canada regardless of testing rate, you must:

If vaccinated:

• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
• Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms

If NOT vaccinated:

• Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel
• Contact the Wellness Center to schedule a drive-up rapid test 3-5 days after travel
• Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
• If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
• During the isolation period, students should contact the Academic Success Center who will work with you and your professors to complete required coursework. Employees should coordinate with their supervisor to work remotely during the quarantine period.

To determine the positive testing rate for a given state, the University will utilize the data supplied daily by the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center through its website link “Testing Trends Tool.” If the state to which you traveled is shown to have a positive testing percentage of 10% or higher on the day of your return, you will have to take one of the two safety measures outlined above before returning to campus.

You can find the University travel policy on tour COVID-19 website.

If Gathering Locally

• Remember that outside gatherings are safer than inside
• Wear a mask
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
• Wash your hands often
• Cover coughs and sneezes

Resources

• Vaccine locations in and around Flint at vaccines.gov
• Testing locations in and around Flint at Michigan.gov
• Local updates, information, and resources at Genesee County Health Department 
• Tips for safer holiday celebrations from the CDC

Questions? Send an email to COVID-19@tanxiqiao.net

You, your family and friends, and the Kettering community will all benefit from safe practices. Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving holiday.

August 25, 2021

Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Sunset this Thursday (tomorrow)

For anyone who wants to be tested, the University will offer free, walk-in COVID-19 testing provided by Helix Diagnostics tomorrow (Thursday, August 26) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The testing will take place in the Sunset Room of the Campus Center. Helix will utilize a rapid test with results available in approximately 15 minutes.

For the past two days, Helix Diagnostics has been on campus providing COVID-19 testing tied to the University's contact tracing efforts and also providing testing for all Thompson Hall residents.

Sample Testing to Resume

As an added measure of safety for the remainder of the Summer Term, the University will re-implement weekly, required COVID-19 testing of select students and employees. Individuals will be contacted with information by the Wellness Center (for students) or Human Resources Office (for employees).

August 23, 2021

We are experiencing a growing number of positive cases and potential exposures to COVID-19 on campus and in our Greek community as the delta variant continues to spread through the Flint Community. Genesee County has been elevated to a “High” transmission rate by the Genesee County Health Department.

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing illness of ANY kind, DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS. The delta variant can mimic seasonal flu and allergy symptoms. Please stay home and immediately notify the Wellness Center if you are a student and HR if an employee to schedule a required COVID-19 test before returning to campus.

In order to protect the safety of our community, while operating as normally as possible under current conditions, WE ARE REINSTATING THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PROTOCOLS IMMEDIATELY and until further notice:

• Inside all University facilities, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear face masks in all group settings or meetings of 3 or more people and at any time when social distancing is not possible regardless of group size.
• This includes: Classrooms, labs, d.spaces, the Library, and dining facilities.
• Faculty may elect to remove their face masks when teaching if and when they deem necessary.
• Even when not in a group, everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) is encouraged to wear a mask in all public, indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect others. Masks should fully cover the nose and mouth.
• Within the next 24 hours, we will suspend the Gold Screen exemption from the daily health screening, and everyone will be required to complete the daily health check questions to show a green screen (regardless of vaccination status) upon entry to campus buildings.
• Administrative meetings should be held virtually when practical.
• Scheduled events with large groups of people must be reviewed and reevaluated including potential changes in location, postponement, or cancellation to conform with these guidelines.
• Accordingly, we have decided to postpone the following events this week: Wednesday's Senior Reception and a number of this week's events organized by Student Affairs. More information on future dates for these events will be forthcoming.

Campus-wide Testing Coming This Week

Specifics will be announced and communicated via email within the next 24 hours.

Access to Classes When Restricted From Campus

We are not moving to hybrid classes at this time; however, all faculty are required to record all lectures and classes. These recordings are accessible to students via Blackboard. If you are having difficulty accessing recordings, immediately contact provost@tanxiqiao.net.

We will move to hybrid classes in the future should circumstances warrant.

Vaccination Availability

As of today, the Pfizer vaccine is FDA-approved.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. To provide proof of full vaccination, you will need to scan your vaccination card and/or official documentation of when you received your vaccine and what type. 

Students can email this to wellness@tanxiqiao.net; faculty and staff should email hr@tanxiqiao.net. Please note that full vaccination occurs two weeks after the final dose is administered.

The Genesee County Public Health Department continues to offer free, walk-in/no-appointment vaccines at multiple locations to anyone 16 and older. To find clinic locations in Genesee County, click here.

Everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) should wear a mask in all public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the delta variant, and to protect others. For information and MDHHS guidance on face masks recommendations, click here.

Vaccination Rates and Ongoing Safety Measures

Our campus vaccination rates continue to far outpace local, state and national levels with approximately 73% vaccinated for A-section students and 80% of employees.

Because of the evolving delta variant situation, we will maintain existing screening and safety measures on campus until further notice. 

This includes daily health screening check-in via your mobile phone at building entry points, and mask requirements while indoors for those who have not provided proof of vaccination. Those who are vaccinated and provided verification to either the Wellness Center or Human Resources are not required to wear a mask, but may choose to wear one if they feel more comfortable. While the University is not mandating vaccinations, we strongly encourage everyone to consider getting vaccinated to ensure our campus community's continued safety.

We will continue to monitor the situation, and will adjust or amend guidelines as appropriate. 

For local and federal guidelines and information, you can go to:

• Coronavirus - Michigan Data
• CDC Covid-19 Data Tracker - County View 

Further updates will be communicated via email to the campus community, as well as shared on the Staying Safe section of the University’s website. 

Quarantine Reminder

If you are not vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will be required to be tested and quarantine for two weeks to ensure the incubation time is met. If you are a resident of Thompson Hall, you will be quarantined on a separate floor from other students or if able, return home. Off-campus students and employees would need to self-quarantine off-campus. Upon receipt of a negative PCR test, you will be allowed to return to campus. 

Current Status

As of this week, one unvaccinated student has tested positive for COVID-19 and has left campus to quarantine. Two other unvaccinated students identified as having had close, recent contact have tested negative through a rapid test but are quarantining and will undergo PCR testing per University protocol. 

Questions about Quarantine or Vaccinations?

Students can email wellness@tanxiqiao.net.

Faculty and staff should email hr@tanxiqiao.net.

July 30, 2021

Update to Access Hours for Campus Buildings

The University continues to monitor evolving federal guidelines regarding the delta variant as a well as safety conditions on campus and in the greater Genesee County area.

Because of currently low relative infection rates in our community and the diligence of our campus community, we are now able to adjust our COVID-19 safety protocols to provide more flexibility of access for our faculty, staff and students.

Indeed, because of the excellent vaccination rates we have seen for both students (approximately 73% vaccinated for A-section) and employees (approximately 80%), building access hours will be extended to 10 p.m. effective Monday, August 2 to allow students to more fully utilize campus d.spaces, the Music Room in the Campus Center and the Library.

Coinciding with this change, the d.spaces will be open until 10 p.m., and the new Library hours will be as follows:

• Monday-Thursday – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday – Closed
• Sunday – Noon to 7 p.m.

Please note that students will continue to have access to BJ's, Sunset Room, Abbey and d.space in the Campus Center until midnight each night by using the front entrance of the Campus Center and being "buzzed in"& by the Campus Safety Officer on duty.

As stated recently by President McMahan during the Welcome Back Bulldogs event, we intend to further ease safety protocols over time as conditions improve. We are, of course, closely monitoring and evaluating the progress of COVID-19 variants in our community and may have to adjust our protocols in response to them should the situation warrant.

Further updates will be communicated via email to the campus community as well as shared on the Staying Safe section of the University’s website.

Wearing Masks and True Kettering Values

In keeping with our True Kettering Values, we ask students and employees who have not been vaccinated to respect classmates and coworkers by wearing a face mask while indoors on campus. Others who have friends or family who are at risk or who simply wish to take the same precautions may also wish to wear a face mask while on campus. We ask everyone to be respectful of those who need to or wish to wear a mask in our community, regardless of setting.

Vaccination Proof and Availability Locally

While not required at this time, everyone is encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. To provide proof of full vaccination, you will need to scan your vaccination card and/or official documentation of when you received your vaccine and what type.

Students can email this to wellness@tanxiqiao.net; faculty and staff should email hr@tanxiqiao.net. Please note that full vaccination occurs two weeks after the final dose is administered.

The Genesee County Public Health Department continues to offer free, walk-in/no-appointment required vaccines at multiple locations to anyone 16 and older with Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen now in wide availability.

At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine has emergency use authorization for those aged 12 or older. If you are 12-17, you must attend a clinic with Pfizer vaccine. To find clinic locations in Genesee County, go here.

May 26, 2021

Fully Vaccinated or With Antibodies May Remove Masks

In accordance with recent state and federal announcements concerning COVID-19 restrictions being lifted through July 1, the University will enact the following updates to its current safety guidelines effective immediately:

• Those who have provided proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or antibodies test results will be allowed to remove their masks while on campus upon receiving a non-transferable checkmark decal for their ID badges. Decals are available now through Human Resources and the Wellness Center. Please note:
• Full vaccination is reached two weeks after the final dose.
• To provide proof of full vaccination, you will need to scan your vaccination card and/or official documentation of when you received your vaccine and what type. Students can email this to wellness@tanxiqiao.net; faculty and staff should email hr@tanxiqiao.net.
• Those who have provided proof of full vaccination or antibodies will also receive a gold screen on the Safe Return to Campus phone app, which will allow quick passage (no temperature check or health questions) at entrance monitoring stations to campus buildings.
• Until further notice, those who do not verify full vaccination or antibody existence status with the University will continue to be required to wear masks indoors on campus. 
• Effective immediately, masks are not required to be worn outside on campus.
• While vaccinations are not mandatory, they are a key step in our return to normal operations for the Summer Term beginning in July (see below for vaccine clinic scheduled for on-campus).
• Those who have provided proof of full vaccination will be exempt from any COVID-19 testing required prior to the beginning of Summer Term.

Vaccination Clinic June 4 in Sunset Room

The University and Genesee County Public Health Department will host a vaccine clinic for students and employees from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, June 4 in the Sunset Room. First and second-dose Moderna vaccines as well as the Johnson & Johnson one-dose will be available. The second dose administration can be a follow-up from the May 7 clinic on campus or any other location as long as it's been 28 days since your first dose. Please bring your vaccination card and Kettering ID. No appointment necessary. 

Email questions to wellness@tanxiqiao.net.  

Commencement Changes

Because of relaxed outdoor gathering limitations recently announced, the following updates have been announced for Commencement ceremonies at Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium for the classes of 2020 and 2021: 

• Ticket availability will be increased to six (6) per graduate for guests.
• The 2021 Commencement Ceremony will be moved up to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19. The 2020 Commencement Ceremony will remain scheduled at 9:30 a.m.
• Health screening at arrival no longer will be required.
• Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony — 8 a.m. for the 2020 ceremony and 1:30 p.m. for the 2021 ceremony.
• Volunteers are still needed to work both ceremonies. 

Updates are also being sent directly to graduate candidates and posted on the University’s website. 

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Read recent federal and state announcements:

• CDC’s Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
• Gov. Whitmer Announces Updates to Return-to-Work Safety Guidelines and Releases New Epidemic Order Expanding Capacity Limits
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People - June 1, 2021 Gatherings and Face Mask Order

Still need to be vaccinated?

• Genesee County Public Health Department offers free, walk-in/no-appointment required vaccines at multiple locations around Flint. To find clinic locations and details, go here.

May 20, 2021

Updated Campus Safety Guidelines Coming Soon

In response to today’s announcement by Michigan’s Governor regarding relaxing and lifting of current COVID-19 restrictions, the University is working immediately to update its safety guidelines for students, staff and faculty as well as upcoming events.

Updates will be communicated via email to the campus community as well as shared on the Safe Campus 2021 section of the University’s website. Recommendations from recent announcements by the CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be incorporated into these updates.

While COVID vaccination is not currently required for faculty, staff and students to return to campus, having a high rate of vaccination in our community is an important contributor to our ability to do so safely. We strongly encourage everyone to consider becoming vaccinated as we approach our June Commencement celebrations and the beginning of Summer Term in July.

To provide proof of full vaccination, you will need to scan your vaccination card and/or official documentation of when you received your vaccine and what type. Students can email this to wellnesscenter@tanxiqiao.net; faculty and staff should email hr@tanxiqiao.net. Please note that full vaccination occurs two weeks after the final dose is administered.

Changes to University COVID-19 restrictions will be announced in the very near future via email to the community, so please look for them. Until they are officially changed by the University, however, face masks and social distancing are still required indoors while on campus, and outdoors if in a group of more than 100 people.

Commencement Changes

The University is currently evaluating the impact of the Governor’s announcement on the scheduling of our upcoming Commencement ceremonies, including our ability under the revised order to permit our graduates to invite additional guests as well as possible modification to the start times of the ceremonies and events on that day. These changes will be announced in the very near future via email to the community, so please look for them.

Vaccination Resources Locally

The Genesee County Public Health Department offers free, walk-in/no-appointment required vaccines at multiple locations to anyone 16 and older with Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen now in wide availability. At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in those aged 12 or older. If you are 12-17, you must attend a clinic with Pfizer vaccine. To find clinic locations in Genesee County, go here.

May 5, 2021

Relaxation of Face Mask Restrictions Outdoors

Effective Thursday (May 6), face masks will not be required outdoors on campus in groups of 100 or less people per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services new epidemic order announced Tuesday. This includes gatherings in the Pool-vilion and other outdoor areas of campus. Indoors, current face mask and social distancing guidelines will still be required.

You can read the full order here.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Campus, Additional Resources and Information

Anyone over the age of 16 in the state of Michigan is eligible to receive a free COVID-19
vaccination, and as previously announced by the Wellness Center, the University has partnered with the Genesee County Public Health Department to provide the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to students, staff, and faculty from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 7, in the Sunset Room (Campus Center).

This is by appointment only, and participants must register at geneseecountymi.as.me/Kettering. In addition, an additional form is required to be filled out and submitted at the time of the vaccination. The link to that form is in the email sent May 1 by the Wellness Center. Questions can be emailed to covid-wellness-center@tanxiqiao.net.

The Genesee County Public Health Department has also announced that free, walk-in/no-appointment required vaccines are currently available at multiple locations to anyone 16 and older who lives or works in Genesee County. To find clinic locations, go here.

Please seriously consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already done so. Our collective efforts to get vaccinated will help us in our efforts to return to normalcy while maintaining a safe environment for all.

Summer Term 2021

Given the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccinations and the continued relaxing of public health department restrictions, the University plans to resume most of our normal operations with the start of Summer Term 2021. This includes employees returning to work on campus and students attending in-person classes.

The COVID-19 Response Team is currently working to update safety procedures for the Summer Term based on the current Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines available on the University’s website. As information is available, the campus community will be notified directly as well as updates made to the website.

As we do this, we continue to monitor local and state guidelines as well as recommendations to ensure a safe return to campus for our community.

April 8, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources and Information

As the state of Michigan continues to see COVID-19 cases rise, it is crucial that all students, staff and faculty continue to follow our announced safety protocols to help ensure the safety of our campus community. This includes wearing a face mask (covering both nose and mouth), practicing appropriate social distancing, washing hands, and not coming to campus if you're experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

The state of Michigan has now opened access to free COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone over the age of 16. The COVID-19 Response Team strongly encourages you to get vaccinated as soon as practical. Vaccinations are a key means in helping our campus get back to normal operations.  

The University is trying to arrange for vaccinations to be administered on campus. If we are successful in doing so, we will immediately notify the campus community. In the meantime, free vaccines are currently available at multiple locations within Flint/Genesee County as well as other areas throughout the state. More information about the vaccines can be found here.

Below is a list of the locations with contact information:

Pharmacies

• CVS: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
• Kroger: kroger.com/covid vaccine or call (866) 211-5320
• Meijer: clinic.meijer.com or text COVID to 75049
• Rite Aid: riteaid.com/covid-vaccine-apt
• Walgreens: walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19/location-screening
• Walmart: walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302

County Resources

• Genesee County: Complete registration here
• Oakland County: Complete registration here or call (800) 848-5533
• Macomb County: Make an appointment here
• Lapeer County: Make an appointment here

Ford Field

• To register, click here, text EndCOVID to 75049 or call 888-535-6136 and press 1

Vaccine Appointment Tracking Sites

These sites can help you find a vaccine appointment by searching multiple pharmacies and areas:

• GoodRx: goodrx.com/covid-19/michigan
• Find A Shot: findashot.org/appointments/us/MI
• VaccineFinder: vaccinefinder.org/

Things to note when getting a vaccine:

• You should bring a photo ID and health insurance card with you (vaccination is free)
• Plan to remain at the vaccination site for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine.
• Some individuals experience some side effects which the CDC lists here.  
• Keep your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card in a safe place to take with you to your second appointment (if your vaccine requires a second appointment).
• Take a photo of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card in case you lose it.
• Do not laminate your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as heat from lamination can cause some inks to disappear.

Exemptions from COVID-19 Testing

Anyone who has been fully vaccinated may request an exemption from COVID-19 testing on campus by providing a copy of their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as confirmation. To do so, students should contact the Wellness Center, and employees should contact the Human Resources Office.

Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines

The complete Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines are available on the University’s website. This includes: Testing & Health Services, Safety Measures, Academics & Co-op, Student Life, Facilities and Visiting Campus.

Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 must not return to campus and instead contact the Wellness Center (for students) or the Human Resource Office (for employees) for guidance.

Randomized COVID-19 Sampling Testing: The University will continue its Randomized COVID-19 Sampling Testing of students, faculty, and staff. We appreciate the participation of everyone as it has contributed to the ongoing success and safety of our campus community.

March 12, 2021

Required COVID-19 Testing for Spring Term
All residential and non-residential students that will be on campus during Spring Term will be required to be tested on campus for COVID-19 with a negative test result in order to have access to campus buildings (Note: Thompson Hall residents will be allowed in the residence hall with limited access to the Campus Center for meals). All employees who will be on campus during Spring Term must also be tested; however, since employees will have no significant break in workload, a negative test result will not be required to have continued access to buildings on campus.

The free COVID-19 testing will be conducted by Helix Diagnostics and will be held in the Campus Center during the period of April 1-5.& As done in previous terms, appointments for testing must be scheduled in advance. More specific details on the appointment times available along with the link to online scheduling will be sent via email by Friday, March 19.

Anyone who has been fully vaccinated and can provide a copy of his/her COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as confirmation may request an exemption from the required COVID-19 testing as outlined above. To do so, students should contact the Wellness Center, and employees should contact the Human Resources Office.

For anyone whose test result is positive, safety protocols will be followed as directed by the Wellness Center or Human Resources Office. This will likely involve quarantining and undergoing additional COVID-19 testing before access to campus buildings is restored.

Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 must not return to campus and instead contact the Wellness Center (for students) or the Human Resource Office (for employees) for guidance.

The University will also continue its Randomized COVID-19 Sampling Testing for all students, faculty, and staff that launched during the Winter Term. We appreciate the participation of everyone as it has contributed to the ongoing success and safety of our campus community.

Safety Guidelines for Travel
Please note that the University’s safety guidelines relating to travel continue to be in effect. Students or employees who choose to travel to another state in the U.S. with a COVID-19 positive testing rate of 10% or higher on a seven-day rolling average must take one of two safety measures prior to returning to campus, either:

• Self-quarantine for 14 days without symptoms of COVID-19 arising, or
• Self-quarantine for a minimum of 7 days and then be tested for COVID-19 with a negative test result.

To determine the positive testing rate for a given state, the University will utilize the data supplied daily by the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center through its website link “Testing Trends Tool”. If the state to which you traveled is shown to have a positive testing percentage of 10% or higher on the day of your return, you will have to take one of the two safety measures outlined above before returning to campus.

During the quarantine period, students would need to move to virtual/online instruction and employees would need to move to working remotely. If an employee is unable to work remotely during the quarantine period, he/she would need to use available vacation, personal, or sick time hours in order to be compensated.

If you have any questions, please contact the Wellness Center (for students) or Human Resource Office (for employees).

Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines
The complete Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines are available on theUniversity’s website. This includes: Testing & Health Services, Safety Measures, Academics & Co-op, Student Life, Facilities and Visiting Campus.

Spring Term Course Delivery
As we did in Winter Term, the University will continue to operate in an “exceptions model,” with activities and facilities open and permitted subject to our ability to maintain safe practices with respect to masks, hygiene, distance, and density.

A majority of classes will be delivered live, face-to-face, by a professor in the hybrid model. This means that students will be able to attend in-person, and lectures will be captured (recorded) so students can log in virtually to the synchronous class. A limited number of courses will be delivered in the virtual mode only.

Students will continue to be able to opt to attend classes virtually, but in the absence of specific health exceptions, they will be strongly encouraged to attend all face-to-face lectures available to them.

February 10, 2021

Randomized COVID-19 Sampling Testing

In an ongoing effort to keep our campus safe, the University will implement new Randomized COVID-19 Sampling Testing for all students, faculty, and staff beginning February 15.

Since June of 2020 when testing became available, the University has provided more than 2,400 free COVID-19 tests to our campus community. As a result of everyone’s diligence and responsible actions, our campus has been successful at keeping active cases low in number with very limited adverse impact on the campus. But it is critical that we do not let our guard down.

It is very important for the well-being of your classmates and colleagues that you participate in this new testing effort. This new strategy for ongoing, free testing aims to proactively mitigate risk by identifying potentially asymptomatic individuals, who might otherwise unknowingly spread the virus. It includes:

• Weekly, a group of students and employees will be randomly selected to provide an appropriate sample size to assess risk levels.
• Selection will be done randomly within residency groups for students (e.g. Thompson Hall, Campus Village, Greek housing, commuters, etc) and working groups for employees (e.g. University Advancement, Student Life, Custodial Services, etc).
• Those selected for testing will be notified via email (Wellness Center will contact students and HR Office will contact employees) later in a given week to schedule testing for early the following week.
• Testing for both students and employees will be conducted on campus by Wellness Center staff or Helix Diagnostics.
• Testing results will be provided to students by the Wellness Center and to employees by the HR Office, normally within two to three days.
• There will be no impact on access to the campus for those selected for testing, unless of course there is a positive test result for a given individual that requires further action and contact tracing.

Please note: This new, additional testing will not replace existing required testing to be on campus for individuals who are symptomatic, have been identified via contact tracing for potential exposure, or who have traveled to an area with positivity rate above 10% as defined by the University’s travel policy in the Safe Campus 2021 guidelines.

Spring Term Testing Dates

For the upcoming Spring Term, all students and employees who will be on campus will be required to be tested during the period of April 1-5 and have a negative test result before being granted access to the campus. Further information, including links to schedule an appointment, will be communicated in the coming weeks.

If you have questions, email welcomebackbulldogs@tanxiqiao.net.

December 23, 2020

Safe Campus 2021: Important Testing Information, Guidelines Online

Topics in this Update:

• Required COVID-19 Testing Details
• Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines Online

Required COVID-19 Testing Details for Winter Term

All residential and non-residential students, faculty and staff that will be on campus during Winter Term will be required to be tested on campus through Helix Diagnostics with a negative test result. The University will offer free, scheduled testing on campus through Helix Diagnostics prior to the start of Winter Term during the first week of January.

All testing will take place within the Campus Center. 

Employee testing will be January 4 and January 7. Human Resources will be sending an email directly to employees with a link to schedule an appointment. It is important for employees to arrange schedules to get tested during these assigned dates.

• January 4 (9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Abbey) – Testing only for employees designated by their respective vice president who must be working closely with students on opening weekend or perform other essential duties on campus the first week of January. 
• January 7 (9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Abbey) – Testing only for employees (faculty and staff). 

Student testing will be January 8-11. Appointments will be available every 3 minutes and can be scheduled online. Some limited times will be available for employees who are unable to get tested earlier in the week.

• January 8 and January 11 (9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center Abbey) – Testing for students not residing in Thompson Hall with limited times for employees unable to attend testing earlier in the week.
• January 9-10 (9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center d.space across from the Welcome Center) Testing for students not residing in Thompson Hall and limited times for employees unable to attend testing earlier in the week. 
• January 9-10 (9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. in the Abbey) – Testing for Thompson Hall residents only. 

The University will not be offering COVID-19 testing on campus during the holiday break from December 24 to January 3.

For those seeking additional testing before or during the holiday break, there are many locations available within our community to be tested. Many of these do not require a doctor’s order, and/or may be obtained at no cost. These may be searched at the links below:

• Testing locations in and around Flint at Michigan.gov. 
• Genesee County COVID-19 page for local updates, information and resources.

December 18, 2020

Topics in this Update

• Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines Published
• Required COVID-19 Testing Prior to Winter Term Start
• Plan to Self Quarantine For a Week Before You Arrive On Campus
• Stay Updated During the Holidays

The University’s Winter Term will begin in January with students on campus and operations in place as normally as possible, as stated in the President’s recent email to the campus community.

Under Section 5(c) of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revised order announced today, universities and colleges are no longer restricted from holding in-person classes and other events sponsored by the educational institution. The complete order can be read on Michigan.gov.

The University will operate on an “exceptions model,” with activities and facilities open and permitted subject to our ability to maintain safe practices with respect to masks, hygiene, distance, and density – and only closed or cancelled in identified situations where doing so is impractical or impossible. To read the full letter, check your email or go to tanxiqiao.net/covid-19/updates-archive.

Below are important updates and details for the coming weeks.

Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines 

In response to feedback from students, faculty and staff and with our six-month history of two terms already back on campus, we have revised the former Playbook for our Safe Return to now be a topic-driven, quickly searchable Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines reference. 

The new Safe Campus 2021 Guidelines includes the sections: Testing & Health Services, Safety Measures, Academics & Co-op, Student Life, Facilities and Visiting Campus. It will be posted on the University website before the holiday break.

Required COVID-19 Testing Prior to Winter Term Start 

All residential and non-residential students, faculty and staff that will be on campus during Winter Term will be required to be tested with a negative test result. The University will offer free, scheduled testing through Helix prior to the start of Winter Term.

More information on specific times, location and the link to schedule your appointment will be sent via email prior to the University’s holiday break starting December 24. For planning purposes, please note the following dates:

• January 4 – Testing for employees who must be working closely with students on opening weekend or perform other essential duties on campus this week. These individuals have been designated by their respective vice president and will be contacted directly by email with a link to schedule an appointment.
• January 7 - Testing for employees (faculty and staff). 
• January 8-11 – Testing for students not residing in Thompson Hall and employees unable to attend testing on January 7.
• January 9-10 – Testing for Thompson Hall residents during move-in. (Note: details specific to the move-in process have been emailed directly to those students Anyone with further questions related to Thompson Hall, including waiver requirements, should email reslife@tanxiqiao.net).

For those seeking additional testing not offered by the University prior to the holidays, there are many locations within our community other than on-campus where students or employees may be tested, however, and many do not require a doctor’s order, and/or may be obtained at no cost. These may be searched at the links below:

• Testing locations in and around Flint at Michigan.gov. 
• Genesee County COVID-19 page for local updates, information and resources.

IMPORTANT: Plan to Self Quarantine For a Week Before You Arrive On Campus

For the safety of our campus, all incoming students and employees should practice enhanced social distancing and voluntarily self-quarantine for one week prior to arrival on campus. 

This is with the understanding that in addition to potential holiday travel, people will be traveling to campus from locations around the state, country and in some cases, globally. Students or employees who have traveled internationally or those arriving from states with more than 10% COVID-19 positive testing rate on a seven-day rolling average, are required to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days before arriving on campus. You should use the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center through its website link “Testing Trends Tool” to determine the status of the state from which you will be traveling. 

While in self-quarantine you should:

• Limit the number of people you are around – in particular, from different households. Best thing to do is stay home.
• Monitor your health for any symptoms of COVID COVID-19 as defined by the Center for Disease Control including fever, cough, trouble breathing or other symptoms.  Full list of symptoms can be found here.
• Self-report and seek medical attention immediately if symptomatic.
• Wear a face mask at all times when in public.
• Maintain six feet of distance from others when outside. 
• Avoid gatherings outside of your home.

Stay Safe, Stay Updated During the Holidays

Please note that the University will be closed during the holiday break from Dec. 24 to Jan. 4. If you need medical assistance during this period, please contact your local health provider.

The situation in Michigan remains fluid and may change over the holidays. We therefore strongly encourage everyone in the Kettering community to stay informed during the break and check the Kettering COVID-19 website regularly to receive updates and the most current information on our plans for the Winter Term.

This includes:

• Check your emails occasionally during the holidays in case there are updates from the state or University. 
• Review the COVID-19 section of the University’s website. All updates, including these emails and reported cases, are posted there.
• Sign up for Kettering Alerts.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has offered guidance on students returning home for the holidays, you can find it at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

December 11, 2020

From the Office of the President

I hope this finds you and yours well, safe, and healthy. 

This letter describes our overall plans for winter term 2021. More details on each item outlined below will be forthcoming from various offices of the University over the next few weeks, so please look for these in your email and on official University social media sites. 

Before I begin, I would like to take an opportunity to thank our staff, faculty, and students for their diligence in observing our COVID-19 precautions on campus this year, as well as their flexibility and creativity in the face of the many challenges presented by the pandemic. You have demonstrated through your actions and resolve the best of what it means to be Kettering Built.

We now have a six-month, very successful operating history during the pandemic. We have experience in navigating both its peaks and lulls, and the COVID-19 Response Team and I are very confident that we will be able to operate with similar success through the winter term and beyond. Indeed, this month the tide is even shifting in the fight against the virus more broadly as we are seeing the first distributions of vaccines in our country, which I know is a comfort to all of us.

We are committed to providing our students with a robust on-campus educational experience. This includes not only the face-to-face provision of classes, but also making available to students as many as possible of the extracurricular opportunities that make a Kettering University education so special. Whether it is in the classrooms, the SAE and AutoDrive garages, a KSG meeting, or the BattleBots studio, bringing people together is part of the Kettering experience - indeed it is even the principal driver of our design of our new Learning Commons, which is now rising in the center of our campus.

Assuming government authorities permit the reopening of our University by our January 11, 2021 start date, we intend to have all students on campus in typical numbers this winter term and to operate as normally as possible.  We will operate on an “exceptions model,” that is to say activities and facilities will be assumed open and permitted subject to our ability to maintain safe practices with respect to masks, hygiene, distance, and density - and only closed or cancelled in identified situations where doing so is impractical or impossible. 

In doing so, however, we will not relax our vigilance or the overall measures we take to ensure the health of our community. We will continue to prohibit gatherings above a specified size, to limit visitors to and travel away from campus, to require the use of face coverings and other protective equipment, to limit building entrance points, to require health self-certification, and to deep clean our facilities, etc. But we will work to open as much of the campus as possible to our students, as well as to support as many extracurricular activities as possible.

We are committed to managing aggressively and creatively any obstacles or problems that may present themselves, recognizing that we all have roles to play - and responsibilities - to ensure the health of the Kettering community.

In winter, a majority of classes will be offered face-to-face with a hybrid option. A limited number will only be virtual, but the majority will be delivered live, in-person, by a professor. Based on current registrations, greater than 98% of students will have at least one face-to-face course, most will have many more than that. The library and many other functional spaces will again open regularly. We will be honoring the requirement that all first-year students reside on campus, once again bringing Thompson Hall fully to life. 

We will continue to protect the most vulnerable members of our community by permitting or requiring them to work remotely.  We will test robustly during the term.  Those who test positive will be quarantined and tested recurrently. Direct contacts of those who test positive will be asked to self-quarantine for the CDC recommended period, checked regularly for symptoms, and tested as appropriate. 

Students will continue to be able to opt to attend classes virtually, but in the absence of specific health exceptions, they will be strongly encouraged to attend all face-to-face lectures available to them and to move back to the classroom. This is important for them and for creating the kind of vibrant classroom exchange from which both they and their classmates (and their professor) benefit.

Different for winter term, and because of the dispersal of the campus population over the holidays, all members of the campus community will be pre-tested for infection before classes begin on January 11. This includes all students intending to reside in off-campus or Greek-affiliated housing. More information on this testing requirement including our testing schedule prior to the beginning of the term will be forthcoming in future communications. 

We intend to employ every measure we can to manage the challenge that COVID-19 presents us with emphasizing both the safety of the Kettering community, as well as providing the richest possible educational experience for our students. How we responded as a community was the one central factor in our success in protecting all of us at Kettering over the past two terms.  Winter term 2021 will present us with a no less challenging set of circumstances, but with your dedication to the safety of your friends, peers, colleagues, and everyone in the Kettering community, I know we will once again be successful.

A-Section, see you on campus in January!

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Warmest Regards,

Dr. Robert K. McMahan

President and Professor of Physics

December 9, 2020

From the Office of the Provost

During the past nine months, the University has invested in many state-of-the-art technologies to provide the best learning experience it can to the students during this unprecedented time. These technologies improve many aspects of a student’s learning experiences: from course delivery, to securely access course materials, to the assessment of learning outcomes. As virtual learning continues, the University is committed to further explore and exploit the latest technologies available with a goal to further improve the educational quality it delivers to the students in this environment. This includes the alternatives to in-classroom proctored testing.  

Federal regulations (Department of Education) and accreditors (Higher Learning Commission) have required colleges and universities to meaningfully assess student performance, and in online and distance education, online proctoring has been used as one of the standard tools to meet these regulatory and accreditation requirements. At Kettering University, Kettering University Online (KUO) has deployed online proctoring services for the past five years and has accumulated valuable experiences of how to effectively use these services to meet the assessment requirements without compromising student privacy. In today’s virtual learning environment where in-classroom proctored testing is not always possible, we are required to provide this type of alternative proctoring method to our faculty to maintain compliance with federal regulations and accreditation requirements.

After several months of careful evaluation and comparison of available online proctoring services, I, in consultation with Academic Affairs, IT and KUO leadership, chose Honorlock, an online proctoring service, as an alternative to in-classroom proctored testing. This tool will be made available as an optional proctoring means to all instructors, effective Winter term, 2021. Its use is optional and at the discretion of the individual faculty member.

We fully understand some students may have concerns about the use of Honorlock at Kettering. However, many of the concerns raised do not accurately reflect the true operation of this service as it will be implemented at our University. Students should be aware of the following:

1. Kettering has a long-standing Acceptable Use Policy (http://my.tanxiqiao.net/page/acceptable-use-policy) that is aimed at protecting all Kettering employees and students. This policy prohibits unauthorized use of any Kettering constituent data and supersedes any 3rd party vendor agreement, including Honorlock’s general terms of service. Our implementation of this service is bound by our Acceptable Use Policy. 
2. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) binds Honorlock to only collect, process, and store student information for their services and prohibits Honorlock to sell or transfer the collected information for any other purposes. Furthermore, Honorlock only collects data that verifies a student’s identity and complies with FERPA requirements. 
3. Honorlock is only active when proctoring a University exam, and only when the exam session is active. To add additional protection for students, Kettering will provision this service through Blackboard only, our secure LMS (Learning Management Systems). This means that the Honorlock extension is only active when you are in the exam on Blackboard. 
4. Honorlock acts through an extension within the Chrome browser, it only has access to the limited operations provided by the browser and does not have access to any other information on your computer. The Honorlock extension may be deleted after the exam is complete.
5. Honorlock does not otherwise access or control the host computer, mobile device, or any devices connected to the same network as the host computer, nor does it scan the network. 
6. Honorlock does not gather person-specific information such as facial recognition. It only detects unusual activities in an exam environment. For example, multiple people in a room, voices from multiple persons, etc. All data collected by Honorlock are encrypted and stored securely.
7. Honorlock does not decide whether or not an academic misconduct occurred. When it detects unusual activities in an exam setting, it generates a flag to alert the instructor, who will review the situation to make a final determination.

Attached is an FAQ that addresses many other questions regarding Honorlock’s privacy and security. Any questions may be submitted to my office at provost@tanxiqiao.net.

Warmest regards,
Dr. James Z. Zhang
Provost

Frequently Asked Questions

Why and when is online proctoring necessary?

Federal regulations require colleges offering online and distance education to verify student identity. To comply with federal regulations, proctored testing are used to ensure the academic integrity of assessments. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many courses are delivered virtually to ensure the safety of our students and employees. Even though instructors may use a variety of alternate assessment strategies, they may also rely on online proctoring to ensure the security of tests offered to in virtual environment. Online proctoring helps prevent academic honor violations such as:

• Use of a false identity,
• Unauthorized collaboration,
• Use of unauthorized materials, and
• Copying or distributing test items to others.

Are instructors required to use Honorlock?

No. Instructors may choose to use a variety of assessment methods that do not include online proctoring. However, when the nature of the course or instruction makes online proctoring a necessity, your instructor may choose Honorlock as an option to ensure the academic integrity of your test.

Does Honorlock sell my data or monetize my data to third parties outside of my school or university?
No. Honorlock will never sell or monetize your data. Honolock only shares your data with your educational institution.

What data does Honorlock collect from students using the service?

1. Student information (i.e. student name, course number, exam name.) This information is synced with the information in Kettering University’s LMS, Blackboard to verify the student’s identity.
2. During the exam, Honorlock collects a webcam video recording that includes desktop activity and audio recording.
3. Exam and web pages visited by a student during an examination.

How long does Honorlock keep my data?
Honorlock retains data for a period of 12 months. Student data is deleted after the 12-month retention period. Only a request by Kettering University will extend the retention period if the University is investigating a case of academic integrity.

Does Honorlock have control of my computer or my mobile phone?

1. No. Honorlock uses a Chrome browser extension that uses AI to detect the presence of faces in your camera and different voices. Honorlock does not have the ability to control your computer, read your passwords or download any files at any point in time.
2. Honorlock does not have access or the ability to control secondary devices such as mobile phones.

Is Honorlock tracking my online activities and watching me when I am not taking an exam?
No. Honorlock is only proctoring the University’s examinations via the Chrome browser extension. You are free to delete the Chrome browser extension immediately following an exam. However, the extension will not track any activity or record any data unless you are taking an exam and logged into Kettering University’s Blackboard.

Where is my data stored and how well is my data protected?
All data in transit and data at rest is encrypted and stored within Honorlock’s private cloud in an Amazon (AWS) data center in the US. Amazon’s data centers are SOC 2 Type 1, U.S. Privacy Shield and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant.

Does Honorlock use facial recognition to verify my identity?
No. Honorlock uses facial detection, which only detects that there is a clear human face in the webcam. Honorlock does not identify the face, store any of the facial elements, or match the face to a database. If no face is detected, or if multiple faces are detected, AI will flag the incident and a human proctor may intervene.

Is it true that Honorlock scans home networks and monitors data from any device connected to that network?

No. Honorlock does not scan home networks or monitor data from any device on the network other than the one used for testing. 

Who monitors the test, Artificial Intelligence (AI) or live proctors? Who reviews the flags?

The AI automatically generates a flag if unusual activity is detected, such more than one person’s voice is detected. There is no live person watching the student during the entirety of the exam. For some courses, a live "pop-in" proctor may join the proctoring session if any suspected academic integrity issues arise. Once addressed, the proctor will leave the session. Once an exam session is completed, instructors are able to review flagged recordings to determine if a cheating incident may have occurred.

Webcam and audio analysis has certain AI capabilities built in, such as detecting the presence of zero, one, or more faces in the camera, one or more voices, etc. This AI will generate a “flag,” prompting the instructor to review the exam session to determine if additional action is necessary to remediate any academic integrity issues.

Does Honorlock have the capability to monitor the use of my smartphone during an examination session?

Students using their smartphones to search online resources for test questions should note Honorlock utilizes a manual technology to detect academic integrity issues. Specifically, Honorlock hosts websites with seeded test questions that, when accessed during an examination session, sets off an action on the phone. This action is picked up during the student’s session and alerts instructors to review for academic integrity issues. Honorlock does not initiate any technologies to eavesdrop on the student’s smartphone activity either during or after an examination session.

It is important for students to understand they are not authorized to use their phones during an Honorlock proctored examination.