Dear Campus Community:

It is my pleasure to serve as the Interim President of Albion College, and I speak for the entire leadership team in saying we eagerly look forward to a vibrant, healthy and safe Spring 2022 semester. I would like to extend a warm welcome as we prepare for students to return to campus.

We all know that the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the country and the State of Michigan. Albion College staff members have continued to monitor this situation closely and communicate regularly with the Calhoun County Health Department.

At this time, the College has decided to move the first day of Spring 2022 classes to Monday, January 24. This is a change from Tuesday, January 18.Move-in will now take place on the weekend of January 22 and 23 instead of January 16 and 17. Classes will be extended into the first week of May. The dates of spring break will not change. Further information pertaining to the start of spring semester and other details about the academic calendar will be communicated over the next several days through email and on theTogether Safelywebsite.

For students preparing to travel back to campus, we understand the impact this may have on your ability to continue your normal plans to return. If you’re traveling by plane, train or bus, please know that many transportation providers currently offer very flexible rescheduling policies, and you are highly encouraged to adjust your travel plans accordingly. Students who are unable to adjust their travel plansmustcontact the Office of Community Living to discuss alternative arrangements via[emailprotected].

I look forward to making meaningful connections with you throughout this semester, knowing that we will be responsive to all COVID-19 protocols and safety measures in order to keep our campus healthy and safe. We will not waver in keeping our campus moving forward with the health and safety of our students and employees as our highest priority.

Earlier this week, I connected with Jim Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., founder of our Wilson Institute for Medicine and a 1977 Albion alumnus, and he shared this insight with me:

“As most or all of us know by now, the Omicron variant is highly contagious, and the latest estimates from the medical community indicate that Omicron cases will peak in the U.S. over the next couple of weeks. Among those who are vaccinated and boosted, particularly young adults, the symptoms have shown to be predominantly mild, which strongly suggests that the vaccines and boosters together are doing their most important job in preventing severe illness.”

While we remain vigilant against all coronavirus variants, including Omicron, it is critical that we continue to nurture a sense of normalcy with safety precautions, maintain a clear understanding of the CDC guidelines, focus on our own personal health, be aware of the changes developing as a result of COVID-19, and remain ready to let our Briton spirit shine through. Our students, staff, and faculty will continue to be supported during the challenges of the pandemic. We will need to be ready for what may come in the next few weeks and months.

As a reminder, campus offices are now open again to assist you in preparing to return to campus. Please continue to enjoy the rest of your winter break, check your Albion email, and visit theTogether Safelywebsite for periodic updates.

Go Brits!

Joe Calvaruso, ’78
Interim President