Andrews University Community Covenant of Care

In humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

[2022-2023 School Year]

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian learning community, Andrews University is guided by the teachings and example of Jesus. In that context, we regard our personal rights and preferences as secondary to His call to care for the wellbeing of others, even as our campus and our world take steps to move beyond the direct impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While many restrictions and guidelines have changed in the United States and around the world, we will continue to have shared responsibilities (see Statement of Responsibility) for which each one of us as a member of the Andrews community will be held accountable.

It is still not possible to completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, each one of us as students, faculty and staff must continue to take significant steps to help significantly reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 infection (see Statement of Responsibility) by continuing to protect and care for our own and others’ health and safety. These steps, based on current protocols, are outlined in the Andrews University Community Covenant of Care below. In addition, the University will, of course, reserve the right to return to previous mitigation measures if the situation requires it.

Therefore, you, as a valued member of our campus community, are asked to help our entire campus community create a culture of care by personally committing to this Andrews University Community Covenant of Care in your own lives and activities.

The Covenant includes, but may not be limited to:


 

CARE FOR MYSELF

Testing

While testing is no longer universally required for students and employees, choosing to self-test is important, especially if you are symptomatic or if you know you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. For more information on Berrien County COVID-19 testing options, please review the Berrien County Health Department information provided on this website.

You can request a ride from the Andrews University Office of Transportation during their normal business hours to a medical appointment or testing site by completing this form. If it is an emergency and it is after hours or the weekend, call 269-471-6492.

Individuals should report a positive test, symptoms and/or exposures via this Google form. To coordinate class or work absences, students must notify their instructors or work supervisors directly upon learning of a positive test and Andrews employees must notify their immediate supervisor. 

If you miss classes or work due to illness, you should use telehealth (you can create a free AcademicLiveCare telehealth account with your Andrews email address here) or a local healthcare provider to get a doctor’s note acknowledging that illness.

Individuals testing positive for COVID-19 will also be required to follow all CDC and Berrien County Health Department recommendations, which may include isolation and/or quarantine for a recommended period depending on the type of exposure, previous COVID-19 infections, vaccination status and/or other factors. 

Good hygiene & healthy habits

As we move beyond many of the significant global threats of COVID-19, the virus and its variants are still present in many places, so it’s important to continue to practice good hygiene by washing our hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizer and coughing or sneezing into the bend of an arm or a tissue.


It’s also important to continue to practice healthy habits to build our immune system (through proper diet, exercise, sleep, hygiene, water intake, fresh air) and seek support and care for our mental health. As a guide to this goal, you can find a helpful wellness checklist here.
 

 

CARE FOR OTHERS

Physical distancing

It’s important that all members of our community respect the personal space of others and physically distance where appropriate or asked. This could include when you’re in crowded public indoor spaces or on public transportation for extended periods of time. 

Face covering

Every member of our community (vaccinated and unvaccinated) may choose to use an appropriate face covering when indoors while in public spaces and traveling on University buses and other transportation. Please be willing to respect the choices to mask—or not mask—made by others.


 

Self-isolation

If you are sick (whether it’s the flu or potential COVID-19 symptoms), you will need to assume personal responsibility and stay home or in your residence hall space. If you are a residence hall student, you can review Isolation Guidelines, including information on how to arrange meals while sick, at this link.

CARE FOR ANDREWS COMMUNITY

Clean environment

Please remember to help keep everyone healthy by actively participating in cleaning and sanitizing frequently used, shared common equipment and surfaces whenever possible.

Current Guidelines

Continue to review any updated University COVID-19 guidelines as communicated via email and the Andrews University COVID-19 website.

 

What we do for the health and safety of our community is vitally important. At the same time,
how we do it will define who we are as a community that seeks to exemplify the love of God.


TOGETHER, AS WORLD CHANGERS FOR A CHANGING WORLD,
WE WILL EXTEND GRACE, COMPASSION AND CARE
TO OURSELVES, OTHERS AND THE ANDREWS COMMUNITY.