COVID-19 Safety Reminders, and Prioritizing Sleep This Term

January 20, 2022

Dear Students,

I hope that the start of classes are going well, and that you’re feeling excited about your studies this term. 

Wellness Tip - Prioritize A Sleep Routine

The start of the semester is an excellent time to build new and healthy habits. Prioritizing getting a good night’s rest leads to many benefits through the day, including increased energy and decreased stress. Set aside an hour before bed to relax–try a few of these techniques for the next week, and see whether your quality of sleep improves!

  • Shut off your devices
  • Make a to-do list for the next day, so those thoughts aren’t running through your head as you try to fall asleep
  • Breathe deeply and purposefully 
  • Move your body gently in a simple yoga or stretching routine
  • Take a hot bath or shower

Gateway Testing Deadline Extended

The gateway testing deadline has been extended to February 4, in recognition of the fact that many of you are returning once remote classes conclude. Find guidance for your specific requirements. Even with the extra time, it’s smart to set up your gateway test as soon as the schedule opens for your required testing time (usually 7-10 days in advance). If you aren’t already back on campus, remember that it is also strongly recommended that all students get a PCR test at a local testing site 48 hours prior to arrival.

Get Boosted!

The University has updated its COVID-19 booster FAQ page. The FAQs address many specific situations, including when to get boosted after a positive test and how to handle mixing WHO-authorized and FDA-authorized doses. In particular, In particular, please note that per CDC guidance as of 1/13, individuals who received non-FDA-authorized vaccines must receive a Pfizer vaccine as their booster dose.

If you are currently eligible, remember that you must upload your booster documentation by January 31. If you reach eligibility on or after February 1, please upload your documentation within 31 days.

Mask Up

Please remember that cloth masks alone are no longer acceptable protection in indoor Columbia settings. Check out the Face Covering and PPE section on the COVID-19 website for more information.

As always, please reach out to [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His

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