Need to Know: April 2021

April 21, 2021

Greetings, Andrews University friends,

It's amazing to think that we are now in our final weeks of this remarkable, challenging and rewarding school year as we together have faced the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In this April edition of Need to Know we'll share some significant reminders on how we can continue to keep ourselves and each other as safe as possible against the risks of COVID-19—especially urgent as our country and the State of Michigan face the threat of new waves of COVID-19 infections.

We are convinced that your ongoing, careful and full commitment to COVID-19 safety and mitigation measures will help keep you, the Andrews University family and your community safe and prepared for our graduation next month and also help prepare us for a return to the new normal we all yearn for.

We need to #FinishStrong

Even as COVID-19 vaccinations have begun for many of our students, faculty and staff, we still face risks, especially as there is a growing wave of COVID-19 cases in Michigan that has captured national and international attention.

Even though those risks are challenging, it is essential that we remain fully committed to our Community Covenant of Care and take the following steps to keep ourselves and each other safe in the final few weeks of this semester:

• Stay at least six (6) feet away from others who do not live with you. This includes refraining from hugging or any other physical contact.
• Consistently use #CampusClear to record any and all symptoms.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• When you are inside, consistently wear a mask that completely covers your nose and mouth.
• Wash/sanitize your hands frequently.

If you haven't seen or read VP Faehner's letter yet, you can find it here.

Further updates on spring graduation (including drive-in options!)

Andrews University has made plans to carefully conduct minimal, but in-person, graduation ceremonies for students who are eligible to participate in spring graduation, May 7–9, 2021.

As we shared last month, Commencement services are scheduled throughout the May 7–9 weekend as follows (please note that no guests are permitted at these Commencement services):

Friday, May 7, 5 p.m.
College of Health & Human Services

Saturday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
Honorary Degree Candidate: Wintley A. Phipps

Sunday, May 9, 9 a.m.
College of Education & International Services
College of Professions

Sunday, May 9, 1 p.m.
College of Arts & Sciences

You can review additional details on the entire graduation weekend schedule, including Sabbath's Baccalaureate Services in Pioneer Memorial Church with guest speaker and honorary degree candidate, Wintley A. Phipps, here.

We're also happy to let you know that following suggestions from graduates and families, we have made plans to have a drive-in viewing area in the PMC parking lot (right next to the church where the Commencement services will take place) during each Commencement service.

Due to limited parking space, this drive-in option will be available by ticket only (one ticket per regular passenger-size vehicle). In-person graduates can pick up their allotted tickets at the University Bookstore during the week of May 3–7. Those taking part in this outdoor option are invited to bring outdoor chairs to sit in front of their car and watch the service if they wish.

Ongoing updates for this spring's graduation, including information on how families and friends can watch and take part online, and dining options for those on campus, will continue to be provided on the University's spring 2021 graduation website.

Understanding your options for COVID-19 vaccinations

We want to keep you informed on your options for a COVID-19 vaccination, especially as Michigan and the United States are now working to make vaccines available for all those 16-years-old or older who wish to receive one.

Here in Berrien County, you can find a list of vaccine sites on the Berrien County Health Department website. Spectrum Health Lakeland also offers an online vaccination scheduling option for those 18-years-old and older here.

We are continuing to work with the Berrien County Health Department, Spectrum Health Lakeland, Rite Aid Pharmacy and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services to confirm timing and specific options for a vaccination clinic on our own campus for those who don't have transportation for off-campus vaccination options.
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Once again, we're grateful for the commitment, prayers and active involvement of our Andrews University family here on our main campus and all of our Andrews University families around the world. We continue to be reminded of the sacred power and the incredible mission that World Changers Made Here means for our University and this world—now more than ever.

God's blessings as this spring semester draws to a close and we celebrate our graduates once again.

Andrea Luxton
President

Christon Arthur
Provost

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Image credits: Andy the Cardinal images, art direction and edits by Darren Heslop, Justin Jeffery and Jeff Boyd; University Communication, Andrews University.