Simpson College is currently in Phase Yellow
September 10, 2021 (12:06 p.m. Central Time)
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
I hope you the start of the 2021-22 academic year has been going well with you. As we continue our return to a more vibrant life on campus, I want to provide an important update regarding COVID-19 and Simpson’s ongoing efforts to safeguard our entire community.
While it’s vital for all of us to remain vigilant in following our health and safety protocols, I’m pleased to report that the campus community continues to successfully manage and mitigate persistent pandemic challenges. Those efforts have resulted in a campus positivity rate below 5% and a growing vaccination rate, particularly among the student population.
At this time, and in accordance with CDC recommendations, we will continue to require masks in indoor public spaces. Because we haven’t reached our 80% vaccination goal and because Warren County is considered a substantial-to-high transmission region, masks will help keep everyone safe.
VACCINATION RATES
- Full-time students: 68% (We are steadily climbing toward our 80% goal)
- Indianola faculty/staff: 85%; West DSM faculty/staff: 81%
COVID POSITIVITY RATES
- Campus: < 5% (Based on testing asymptomatic, unvaccinated individuals)
This result is encouraging, especially considering the transmission rate for surrounding Warren County was 11% (as of Sept. 8)
SIMPSON COVID PROTOCOLS (Aligned with CDC Recommendations)
- Masks are required indoors
(However masks are not required in personal offices when all present are vaccinated.)
- Masks are not required outdoors
RETURNING TO GOOD TIMES ON CAMPUS – RESPONSIBLY
We are thrilled to restore so many of the events and experiences that distinguish Simpson’s extraordinarily vibrant community and the outstanding educational experience offered here.
There are no caps or restrictions on events, we can dine together and we can gather as friends and colleagues all across campus. The only caveat is that we need to do so responsibly. Please wear those masks indoors and most of all, if you haven’t already, please get vaccinated.
IMPORTANT COVID RESOURCES
- General Guidelines, Protocols: simpson.edu/covid19-plan
- Testing Options: simpson.edu/covid-19/covid-19-testing-options
- Case Dashboard: Visit SC Connect (updated every Thursday)
CMT (now officially referred to as the COVID Management Team) will continue to closely monitor and evaluate evolving developments. As events warrant, we will provide timely information. Otherwise, our next COVID update will be provided Oct. 1.
Stay safe and have a great semester!
Heidi Levine, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Development and Planning
Chair, Covid Management Team