Provost Sue Mattison sent a message to campus Jan. 11 announcing that the first two weeks of classes for the Spring 2022 semester will be held remotely. See highlights from her message below.

• Classes will begin Monday, Jan. 24, as scheduled, and the first two weeks of classes will be held remotely.  For Law students, classes begin on Tuesday, January 18, and will also be remote.  
• Based on current scientific evidence, cases are expected to peak in Iowa during the last week of January/first week of February.  This means the likelihood of extreme disruption to the classroom experience due to students in isolation and quarantine is very high.  

For students 

• Residence hall students may move in Jan. 22–23 as planned, although students are not required to return at this time. 
• Chief Student Affairs Officer Jerry Parker will share more information in the coming days regarding move-in details for residence hall students. Please watch your inbox.
• Students are strongly encouraged to administer a COVID-19 test at home prior to returning to campus. This could alleviate having to move to and from campus multiple times, and most importantly, exposing others.
• Students who participate in off-campus experiences such as student teaching, clinics, and practica must consult with their advisors and follow policies of their host institutions.  
• Law students will receive additional information on orientation to the Legal Clinic. 
• Many student activities and events will be postponed or held virtually during the first two weeks of the semester. This does not include athletic events. Chief Student Affairs Officer Jerry Parker will provide additional information to students later this week.

For faculty and staff

• Managers should consider allowing staff to work remotely during this time where practicable, but individual departments and managers will determine and communicate changes regarding remote work based on their departmental needs.
• Please watch for an update this week from Chief Administrative Officer Venessa Macro with more information.

For faculty 

• Information and resources on virtual teaching support will be sent from Deputy Provost Renee Cramer and Executive Director of Online Programming Christina Trombley.

The importance of getting and reporting your booster

• Emerging research shows that those who have been fully vaccinated—including a booster—have a much lower risk of severe illness compared to those who have not been vaccinated or who have not received a booster.
• Booster shots will be key to our ability to enjoy a robust, in-person spring semester with all the traditions and activities we cherish. 
• Once you have received your booster, please upload a photo of your vaccination card through Drake’s secure online form.
• Reporting your vaccination helps to shape our plans and decisions. Important to note: Those who report their boosters will be exempt from quarantine (in accordance with new CDC guidelines) if they are exposed to COVID-19 and not experiencing symptoms.