Virus Action Team update: Spring/Summer session information on COVID testing; students interview doctor about vaccines

The end of the academic year is almost here. Thank you for working together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at the university. You have brought true meaning to our motto — Lakers Together Protecting Each Other.

Continue to take precautions against getting COVID-19 prior to the end of the semester to avoid transmitting it to your family and friends.

Spring/Summer Session

The pandemic is certainly not over. We will continue our efforts to protect the campus community and keep the virus at bay. 

• Our face covering and social distancing protocols will remain in force.
• Guidelines for travel and events will continue. These will be updated as guidance changes.
• GVSU policies and information regarding COVID-19 can be found on the Lakers Together website.

On-Campus Testing

Free on-campus testing will continue to be available for students, faculty and staff on the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses. We will not be sending out invitations. See the following schedule:

Allendale Campus

• Walk-in antigen testing for those without symptoms or exposure will be held in the Kirkhof Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
• For those with symptoms or exposure, testing is by appointment only and will be held in the Kirkhof Center, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, complete your online self-assessment and a link will be available.

 Pew Grand Rapids Campus

• Beginning May 3, walk-in antigen testing for those without symptoms or exposure will be held in DeVos Center on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Daily Online Self-Assessment

With the recent extension of some state orders, we will maintain the rules for daily online self-assessment.

• Individuals living on campus must fill out the online self-assessment daily.
• Employees must complete a self-assessment on any day they are working on campus.
• Students coming to campus for class or work must complete a self-assessment before arriving on campus.
• Visitors to campus must complete the self-assessment prior to arrival.
• For others, such as faculty on nine-month appointments, please use the self-assessment to report significant events like vaccinations or infection.

Student Vaccine Video

“If I’ve already had COVID-19, why should I get the vaccine?” This is just one question GVSU students asked Dr. Habiba Hassouna, an infectious disease specialist at Spectrum Health. Get the answer to that question and more by watching the video below.

Widespread vaccination will allow us to adjust our response to COVID-19. Remember to report your vaccination in your online self-assessment.

• To date, more than 75% of faculty and staff have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
• Nearly 4,000 students have reported on their self-assessment that they have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Stay healthy and finish strong!