[UA] Doing Our Part for a Safe IAP/Spring

Tue Jan 4 16:05:46 EST 2022

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Hello everyone!

I hope you are prioritizing your physical and mental health during this time. We have heard several concerns regarding our likelihood of returning to campus for the full duration of IAP/Spring semester, and wanted to provide you with some updates on resources available to you.

Throughout the semester, the UA has continued to advocate for the best interest of undergraduates. Most recently, this has included creating the UA COVID Policies Working Group which is actively working to shape future policies.

Last year, through the advocacy of the UA Committee on COVID-19, we were able to secure the $5,000 COVID Era grant for all undergraduates, ensure a more equitable grading policy by influencing faculty to allow the designation of a class on PE/NE, and bring the pod policy to dorms alongside DormCon. Please fill out this form if you are interested in getting involved <https://forms.gle/DDj5ExAksSTJP5yZ6> in the new working group and fill out this form if you have feedback<https://forms.gle/d9KH8dbK5yxhGhSz7> on current COVID policies.

While there is no guarantee that we will be in person for the Spring semester, MIT administrators have publicized that they are planning for an in-person spring semester and that IAP will be an important learning period for that preparation and determination.

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Here are some tangible actions you can take to promote the safety of our community and increase our chances of returning for an in-person semester this Spring:

  *   Get your Booster Shot ASAP
     *   All students are required to get a COVID booster shot and upload proof by January 14<https://orgchart.mit.edu/node/15/letters_to_community/requiring-covid-19-booster> or within 14 days after they become eligible for a booster shot if that date is after January 14. Walk-in booster clinics by MIT Medical are available in the next couple weeks.
     *   This will be a firm deadline and students who do not comply will lose access to campus, testing and Spring Registration.
  *   Ensure that your IAP Plans Registry Form is updated
     *   Please update the IAP Plans Registry<https://mit.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jLIdvSzEWUYQia> to ensure that the Institute can be prepared for the month ahead. Additionally, carefully consider the risks of being on campus during IAP and if you meet the criteria set by MIT.<https://orgchart.mit.edu/node/275/letters_to_community/response-omicron-plans-january>
  *   Plan your pre-arrival testing
     *   You are required to take a COVID-test before returning to campus. If you are in the US, complete this request form<https://myquest.questdiagnostics.com/web/program?programid=mit-lincn> at least a week before you plan to arrive on campus in order to receive an at-home, pre-campus COVID-testing kit to an address in the U.S.
     *   If you are unable to test at home because of Quest distribution or local testing delays, you can email covidapps-help at mit.edu<mailto:covidapps-help at mit.edu> to access on campus testing options.
  *   Avoid planning and participating in super spreader events and comply by MIT's IAP policies<https://now.mit.edu/undergraduate-students/>

As student representatives, we will be actively advocating for an in-person semester, but we need your help. Please ensure that you are reading the entirety of Institute emails with important updates and action items<https://orgchart.mit.edu/node/13/letters_to_community/action-required-1227-make-informed-decision-about-iap-and-complete>, stay safe, and check out now.mit.edu<https://now.mit.edu/>, as policies have changed quite a bit from this past Fall.

To keep up with the latest thought process of the Institute, you can also reference this Dropbox<https://tinyurl.com/mit-covid-calls> with recordings and transcripts of Institute COVID-19 Update calls. If you have any specific questions and are unsure of where to ask them, email covidapps-help at mit.edu<mailto:covidapps-help at mit.edu>. DormCon also created a Piazza<http://piazza.com/mit/fall2021/dormcon> where you can ask questions as well! Additionally, if you find yourself needing additional support please explore resources available here<http://studentlife.mit.edu/support/support-resources>. Wishing you all a safe and fun IAP!

Best,
Danielle and Yu Jing

Our mailing address is:
ua-secretary at mit.edu
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