Columbia College returns in-person with COVID-19 precautions in place

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia College students start class Monday in-person and the school has put COVID-19 precautions in place.

Masks

As of Aug. 9 masks are required indoors for all students, staff, and faculty regardless of vaccination status.

There are some exceptions to the mask policy, including when people are alone in a work space and when students are in residence hall rooms with their roommates.

Vaccinations

Columbia College is not requiring vaccines to start the school year, however the school is strongly encouraging everyone in the college community to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Residential students are asked to do one of three things before coming to campus on Monday.

• Upload student vaccination cards to the Student Health Portal.
• Provide proof of a negative PCR test given within 72 hours prior to coming on campus.
• Get a rapid COVID-19 test on site.

Students, faculty, and staff who provide their vaccination cards or waivers, will be entered into drawings for incentives.

Fully vaccinated people exposed to COVID-19 do not have to quarantine if they don't have symptoms.

Classrooms

Columbia College plans to remain in-person as long as it remains safe. The classrooms will be set to allow for six feet of distancing between instructors and students and three feet between students.

All classrooms will also have air purifiers available.

Columbia College said if there is a need to transition to a virtual instruction setting, the model used last year will not be an option. Students will have access to advisors if plans do change.

Additional information

Student affairs plans to have options for the main campus community to receive the vaccine for free. All meetings on campus will require masks with social distancing in place or through Zoom.

The school said these are temporary measures that will be monitored based on CDC and local guidelines and could be adjusted.