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COVID-19 Update: May 6, 2021

May 6, 2021 (10:38 a.m. Central Time)

Dear Simpson College students, faculty and staff,  

Cabinet has fully endorsed the recommendation of the Crisis Management Team (CMT) that, rather than require, we strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Our goal is to have at least 80 percent of all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated, which would mirror the equivalent of herd immunity for our campus population. For the fall semester we will be basing our campus protocols on the vaccination levels of community members. Achieving the 80 percent vaccination threshold will allow us to transition to the Green operating phase and return to more normal campus operations.  

To achieve this goal, we need our entire campus community to get on board with being vaccinated! Every student and employee are encouraged to do their part so that we can have face-to-face interactions, in-person classes, student organization meetings, advising and more. We are creating a web form through which you will be able report completion of your vaccinations. And just like the Moodle Check-Ins, access to the individual information submitted will be restricted to HR and health services staff. Watch your email for information and instructions when the form is available.  

To help get us to 80 percent, we are, again, partnering with HyVee to offer an on-campus vaccination clinic. We will be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — one and done — from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 in Hopper Gym. You can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a48abae2ca2f94-jjvaccination

To receive the vaccine, you will need to: 

  • Print off and complete the attached consent form 
  • Provide a photocopy of the front and back of your insurance card 
  • Please include a copy of your prescription card (Rx Card) if applicable 
  • If you do not have health insurance, you must provide a photocopy of your driver’s license  

If you haven’t already been vaccinated, please take advantage of this opportunity 

  • For yourself 
  • For your family and community 
  • To help us get back to the campus life we’ve missed!  

It is up to all of us — including each of you — to determine what life on campus will be like in 2021-22. First, get your vaccine. Encourage others to do so, as well.  

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.  

Best, 

Heidi Levine,
Vice President for Student Development and Planning,
Chair, Crisis Management Team