Alert Level and Indicators

GVSU will continuously monitor key local and regional health metrics ("indicators") to quickly detect changes in the transmission of COVID-19, regionally and on our campuses.  A comprehensive view of the indicators will determine the University posture ("alert level"), which provides specific guidance for university operations.

The current alert level will be displayed here, on the Current Status of Indicators page, and on the GVSU COVID-19 Data Dashboard which gives a real-time view of some of the indicators. The CHAT will monitor the full suite of indicators and continuously consider whether a change in alert level is warranted based on the indicators.

For details see the information below:

and our Current Status of Indicators page. 

This guidance will be updated as needed.

Alert Levels: Descriptions and Operational Guidance

Alert Levels, Descriptions, and Key Operational Guidance

Level 0 - Near Normal
Cases are minimal, there are no clusters, and transmission controlled. Vigilance continues.
  • Prevalence of the virus is minimal, and GVSU can safely operate within current recommended guidelines.
  • Offering of Courses:
    Classes are traditional, hybrid, or online, with no reduction of face-to-face instruction
  • Work on Campus:
    No restrictions to on-campus work
  • Face Coverings:
    Face coverings not required. Faculty and staff can require in their private offices.
  • Residential Restrictions:
    No restrictions within on-campus housing
  • Dining Restrictions:
    No dining restrictions
  • Access to On-Campus Resources:
    No restricted access to on-campus resources
  • Campus Activities and Events:
    Gatherings are allowed per GVSU policies, CDC guidelines and state/local rules
  • Range of Testing Invitations:
    Walk-in testing available
Level 1 - Low Alert
Manageable number of cases with most from known sources. Restrictions may be needed in isolated situations, or small, targeted interventions.
  • Prevalence of the virus is limited, and GVSU can safely operate within current recommended guidelines, except perhaps in isolated situations
  • Offering of Courses:
    Classes are traditional, hybrid, or online. Reduction of face-to-face instruction may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Work on Campus:
    Flexible arrangements or work-from-home may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Face Coverings:
    Face coverings required in all classrooms, and several other indoor spaces. Details are in the Face Coverings Policy.
  • Residential Restrictions:
    Residential restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Dining Restrictions:
    Dining restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Access to On-Campus Resources:
    Restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Campus Activities and Events:
    Restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Range of Testing Invitations:
    Walk-in testing available. Those who are not vaccinated are invited for testing.
Level 2 - Medium Alert
Moderate number of cases with most from known sources; there may be clusters. Restrictions may be needed in isolated situations, or targeted interventions.
  • Prevalence of the virus is moderate, with some impact on GVSU systems and resources, but support services, testing and contact tracing capacities are capable to allow continued operations
  • Offering of Courses:
    Classes are traditional, hybrid, or online. Reduction of face-to-face instruction may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Work on Campus:
    Increased flexible arrangements or work-from-home may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Face Coverings:
    Face coverings required in all indoor spaces. Exceptions are posted in the Face Coverings Policy.
  • Residential Restrictions:
    Residential restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Dining Restrictions:
    Increase grab-and-go options.
  • Access to On-Campus Resources:
    Restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Campus Activities and Events:
    Restrictions may be considered in isolated situations.
  • Range of Testing Invitations:
    Walk-in testing available. Those who are not vaccinated are invited for testing.
Level 3 - High Alert
Many cases, including community spread with some undetected cases. Broad, targeted interventions may be necessary. Some daily activities are limited.
  • Prevalence of the virus has increased to a high level, and operations must be limited
  • Offering of Courses:
    Classes are traditional, hybrid, or online. Reduction of face-to-face instruction may be considered in specific situations.
  • Work on Campus:
    Expansion of flexible arrangements and work-from-home in specific situations.
  • Face Coverings:
    Face coverings required in all indoor spaces. Exceptions are posted in the Face Coverings Policy.
  • Residential Restrictions:
    Students living on campus and their guests must mask and social distance in public spaces. Should an outbreak occur in a specific residence hall, guests will not be permitted.
  • Dining Restrictions:
    Limit dining services to grab-and-go
  • Access to On-Campus Resources:
    Significantly reduce access to on-campus resources
  • Campus Activities and Events:
    Significantly reduce campus activities and events
  • Range of Testing Invitations:
    Walk-in testing available. Those who are not vaccinated are invited for testing.
Level 4 - Very High Alert
Widespread uncontrolled outbreak with many undetected cases. Campus density to be reduced considerably, and strong limits on activities.
  • Prevalence of the virus is very high, and GVSU resources on campus to safely support its students, faculty and staff is not meeting demand. Nearly all courses offered remotely.
  • Offering of Courses:
    Nearly all courses offered remotely.
  • Work on Campus:
    Nearly all work is remote.
  • Face Coverings:
    Face coverings required on campus in all situations.
  • Residential Restrictions:
    Consider measures to reduce residence hall population; no guests and limited movement of students
  • Dining Restrictions:
    Grab-and-go or delivery only
  • Access to On-Campus Resources:
    Access to on-campus resources extremely limited
  • Campus Activities and Events:
    Cancel activities and events
  • Range of Testing Invitations:
    Testing available to all, but campus density should be low

Alert Levels: Indicators

Infection Indicators

Table of Infection Indicators used to determine alert level
Indicators Near Normal Low Alert Medium Alert High Alert Very High Alert
Governmental orders and regulations affecting our operations Little or no restrictions Minor restrictions Some restrictions Significant regulation High regulation
CDC Level of Community Transmission -- Ottawa County Low Moderate Substantial High High
CDC Level of Community Transmission -- Kent County Low Moderate Substantial High High
GVSU trends monitored internally (e.g., students who live on-campus, athletics, employees, obvious clusters) Minimal incidence Limited incidence Moderate incidence High incidence Very high incidence
Conditions at other MI colleges and universities Minimal incidence Limited incidence Moderate incidence High incidence Very high incidence
State and regional case trends Minimal incidence Limited incidence Moderate incidence High incidence Very high incidence
Stress on state and regional hospitals No stress Sufficient capacity Elevated need Showing stress Capacity not supporting need

Vaccination Indicators

Table of vaccination indicators used in determining alert level
Indicators Near Normal Low Alert Medium Alert High Alert Very High Alert
GVSU Community > 75% 65-75% 50-65% 25-50% < 25%
Kent County > 75% 65-75% 50-65% 25-50% < 25%
Ottawa County > 75% 65-75% 50-65% 25-50% < 25%

Page last modified March 14, 2024
Report a problem with this page