Reminders from RIC about returning to campus

 Hello Rhode Island College Students!

It is almost time for our campus community to return in person.  We have been in close contact with the Rhode Island Department of Health and feel confident that between the numbers of positive COVID cases on the decline in the State of Rhode Island, and the mitigations we are putting in place, our campus is ready to return to a hybrid and in person experience. Here are a few reminders for your return to campus on February 7^th.

VACCINATION AND BOOSTERS

Students are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster BEFORE returning to campus, OR as soon as you are eligible.  (6 months after 2nd Pfizer/Moderna dose or 2 months after J&J). If you were positive for COVID you need not defer vaccine/booster unless you remain symptomatic. Call Health Services or consult with your provider for individual guidance.

COVID TESTING PRIOR TO CAMPUS ARRIVAL

All students will be required to upload a negative COVID test to the patient portal (rapid or PCR) within 72 hours of their first date on campus, regardless of vaccination or booster status. This first test will need to be completed OFF-CAMPUS.

All vaccinations, boosters, and negative test results will need to be uploaded to the Medicat Patient Portal. Sign into your myRIC to access the Medicat patient portal.

COVID TESTING DURING THE SEMESTER

It is HIGHLY encouraged that any student who is vaccinated, but not yet eligible for booster, test once per week until their booster is received as a precaution.

All asymptomatic students will be welcome to receive testing at our asymptomatic COVID testing site during the remainder of the spring semester.  If you are symptomatic, or have had contact with a positive COVID person, do NOT use the asymptomatic testing site. Please call Health Services for an appointment or get tested off-campus.  

Resident and commuter students who are NOT vaccinated, due to an approved medical or religious exemption, will be REQUIRED to test TWICE per week (OR once per week if you are only on campus once per week) for the entirety of the spring semester.

*Please note: certain programs or activities may have other requirements for testing which could supersede these requirements. (If you are in one of these categories, you will be notified.)

MASKING:

Per an Executive Order of the Governor, all students are required to wear masks in all campus buildings.  This means no gaiters. It is also highly encouraged that all students wear paper, medical grade, or surgical masks.  Cloth masks are discouraged, as recent research has shown they are ineffective at protecting others around you.

For further assistance, please call Health Services at 401-456-8055 (Option #5 to speak with a RN).  

For the most up to date and detailed COVID information, please see https://www.ric.edu/meet-rhode-island-college/health-wellness/covid-19/campus-updates

Have a wonderful rest of your spring semester!

Sincerely,

Darcy

 

Darcy Dubois, M.Ed. (she/her/hers)

Interim Dean of Students

Rhode Island College

600 Mount Pleasant Ave.

Providence, RI 02908