FOX 2 - Oakland University announced Monday that it plans to continue all courses online for the rest of the month, due to the state's spike in omicron cases.
The university said it is tentatively planning to resume in-person classes by Feb. 1
"We are hopeful that by waiting until February 1, we will be able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and return to face-to-face classes more seamlessly," the school said in a statement. "During this period, the university, Kresge Library, Oakland Center and university auxiliaries, will remain open to provide in-person services and activities as scheduled unless otherwise posted. "
All students are recommended to get the vaccine shots and boosters when eligible. Students need to then upload vaccination verification – including booster shot records – to Graham Health Center's Secure Patient Portal.
For more information, see the complete statement below:
"Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, OU will continue to deliver most Winter 2022 courses, including hybrid and in-person classes, in an remote and online format through Monday, January 31. We are hopeful that by waiting until February 1, we will be able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and return to face-to-face classes more seamlessly.
"During this period, the university, Kresge Library, Oakland Center and university auxiliaries, will remain open to provide in-person services and activities as scheduled unless otherwise posted. We advise the OU community to be vigilant in proactively following the university's established infection prevention measures, and ask that employees continue to work with their supervisors regarding the feasibility of remote work.
"All campus community members are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, to receive booster shots as soon as they are eligible, and to upload vaccination verification – including booster shot records – to Graham Health Center's Secure Patient Portal. COVID-19 testing is also highly recommended regardless of vaccination status as a means of both monitoring and minimizing community spread. Ongoing testing is available in the Oakland Center and is free of charge.
"Please rest assured that we will continue to make data-informed decisions to protect the OU community. We are grateful to all students, faculty and staff for your continuing cooperation in keeping the OU community in good health."
Sincerely,
Britt Rios-Ellis, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Glenn McIntosh
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer