Mandatory vaccination and testing
Sept. 14, 2021
Employees and students were notified by email to review the college's policy on mandatory vaccination and testing.
Augustana President Steve Bahls and other college leaders answered faculty and staff questions regarding COVID testing and policies on campus in a virtual Q&A. (See summary.)
President Bahls reiterated that Augustana's policy — that employees and students who are not vaccinated must be tested for COVID-19 weekly — follows the orders of the state of Illinois, and forthcoming federal mandates.
Campus briefing: testing requirements
Sept. 3, 2021
President Steve Bahls and Dean of Students Wes Brooks briefed the campus on COVID-19 Illinois testing requirements. (Transcript).
Important points:
If you have been vaccinated and submitted your record of that to the college, no further action is required on your part. (Keep your mask on indoors.)
Everyone else will be required to have weekly COVID-19 testing. Students and employees who must be tested include those who:
• Do not plan to be vaccinated.
• Have not communicated with the college about their vaccination status.
• Are only partially vaccinated at this time.
• Indicated that they are or would be vaccinated, but did not submit verifiable documentation.
Employees and students who are required to test will receive an email with their assigned testing day.
If you need to report your vaccination status, do it today. Students should go to the Dean of Students office to register their vaccination status. Employees should contact Kirk Anderson in the Business Office.
Illinois mandates and Augustana
Aug. 27, 2021
College leaders discussed the FDA-approved vaccine and new Illinois COVID-19 rules during a campus briefing.
• • •
The college is operating under the COVID-19 mitigation plans of the Augustana Strong Task Force.
The college will operate under one of four alert levels:
Level 1 Low Alert/New Normal
Level 2 Moderate Alert
Level 3 High Alert
Level 4 Very High Alert
Movement between these alert levels will be guided by the a number of factors, including the positivity rate on campus and in Rock Island County. Currently, the college is operating at Level 1. (See Augustana College COVID Alert Levels)
Augustana's COVID-19 Testing Dashboard will be updated every week when classes are in session.
Make a virtual appointment
Virtual appointments now are available at many campus offices. When possible, students and families should use this service instead of going into offices in person.
Information for visitors
Campus is open to visitors and welcomes organizations interested in using Augustana’s campus to host an event.
Masking is required in all indoor public areas for all visitors, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings must be worn correctly, with both mouth and nose fully covered (chin to bridge of nose).
Admissions group tours and visit days have resumed. Visitors now have access to all facilities, including indoor tours, the dining hall and residence halls.
Camps, conferences and meetings resumed at full capacity as of July 1, 2021. For scheduling, contact Rita Gustafson, campus scheduling coordinator, 309-794-7322.
Notification
The college will not automatically send a campus notice if a student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Augustana will provide information as required by legal and health authorities, and will work closely with the Rock Island County Health Department.