ObieSafe Weekly: August 18, 2021

President Ambar answers the thorniest questions—2021 edition

In this video conversation, President Carmen Twillie Ambar addresses some of the thorny issues surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She sat down with Vice President for Communications Ben Jones to discuss the outlook for the upcoming academic year. Find out why she’s optimistic that this year is on course to be completely different than 2020.

Watch the ‘thorniest questions’ video

COVID-19 then and now

Keeping up with the most up-to-date information about COVID can be a full-time job. The public health advice on how to cope with this pandemic changes frequently. To apply the latest thinking to Oberlin’s layered strategy, Katie Gravens, Campus Health Coordinator, met last week with Dave Covell, Lorain County Health Commissioner, and David Hertz, Oberlin College Chief of Staff.

Watch the ‘COVID-19 Then and Now’ video

Update on vaccines

For the past several months, the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered under an emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. News reports now indicate that full FDA approval is imminent. With this in mind, Oberlin will require all students to be fully vaccinated within 45 days of the FDA’s announced approval. Students who have health or religious reasons preventing them from becoming vaccinated may fill out an exemption form and apply for special consideration. The process by which you can fill out the exemption form will be forthcoming.

Read the updated ObieSafe policies and FAQ

ObieSafe Community Agreement

All students are required to sign an ObieSafe Community Agreement demonstrating their commitment to responsible participation in a residential educational experience that supports the health, wellness, and safety of all community members. An updated ObieSafe Community Agreement will be forthcoming.

Student Health summer hours

Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No walk-ins available. Please call 440-775-8180 to schedule an appointment. For non-urgent questions or concerns, please leave a voicemail or email health@oberlin.edu and we will get back to you the next business day.

Visit the Student Health Services website

Get in touch with the ObieSafe team

Have something to share in a future issue of ObieSafe Weekly? Email obiesafe@oberlin.edu with story ideas or information you’d like to have considered for publication.