Update on January Return

January 3, 2022 / Uncategorized

Dear NOVA Community,

Like you, I have been watching the rapid rise of COVID cases due to the Omicron variant. As we approach the holiday break, our college has been tracking local COVID positivity conditions and trends to determine how we should plan to approach the start of the spring term. Public health officials have indicated that the current increase in COVID cases will continue through the holidays.

While most evidence is that the Omicron variant produces minimal symptoms in fully vaccinated and boosted individuals, your health and well-being are our priority. Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided to adjust our approach to the January start of spring term as follows:

Temporary Move to Telework for Most Employees

  • Most NOVA employees will be in temporary telework status from January 3 through 11.
  • Unless notified otherwise, NOVA employees in temporary telework status will return to campus on January 12.
  • NOVA employees whose presence is required on campus from January 3 through 11 will be advised by their direct supervisors.
  • NOVA employees who are in ongoing telework status will see no change.

Campus Events

  • All campus events will be suspended from January 3 through 11.
  • Spring Convocation will be virtual. Look for updates in the coming days.
  • Campus Convocations will be virtual. Look for updates in the coming days.

Access to Buildings

  • As has been previously announced, NOVA will be closed and all buildings locked during winter break, from December 24 through January 2.
  • Employees will be able to access buildings beginning January 3 but are asked not to work on campus unless directed by their supervisor.
  • No student or employee services be offered onsite.
  • NOVA’s website, building signage, and targeted emails will direct students, employees, and the public to remote services from January 3 through 11.

Your health and well-being are our priority, and I will notify you by January 7 if, based on local conditions, there are any additional changes to the start of spring semester.

Remember that NOVA’s COVID updates are always available on our website.

I hope you had a wonderful winter break and look forward to seeing you all at our virtual convocation on January 10!

Sincerely,

Anne

 

(This is reprinted from Dr. Kress’ Letters to the College, Dec. 21, 2021 and Jan. 3, 2022.)