County and U-M Partner on Stay in Place Directive to address COVID-19
Dear Social Work Community,

As many of you have seen, today the Washtenaw County Health Department in partnership with the University of Michigan issued a public health emergency “Stay in Place” directive for University of Michigan undergraduate, graduate and professional students enrolled in winter 2021 effective immediately and ending on February 7, 2021 at 11:59 PM. We are writing to clarify the impact on classes, field education and co-curricular activities.

Classes:
Currently all SSW classes with the exception of field education and SW 787, which requires participation in the Pinckney Student Run Free Clinic, are all on-line. This will continue with the current order.   

Field Education:
  • If you are currently engaged in remote field education only, please continue to do so. 
  • If your field education is currently hybrid or in-person, you are allowed to continue in-person field activities with the approval from your field site.  Please consult with your field faculty if you have questions.
Strict adherence to preventive measures is required for all in-person field activities. 

Co-Curricular Events and Activities:
For the duration of the “Stay in Place” order all U-M SSW in-person co-curricular events including student organization-related events and activities are cancelled. Avoid in-person gatherings at this time, and instead connect with friends, colleagues and family via remote technologies.

It is important for all of us to stay vigilant and:

  • Continue wearing your mask or face covering, and double mask if possible everywhere on campus and when out in public. 
  • Practice social distancing (at least 6 feet apart from others).
  • Get tested for COVID-19 weekly. Sign up for asymptomatic testing. This is strongly recommended for anyone coming to campus.
  • Watch for symptoms, and isolate and seek medical advice immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results.
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Use the ResponsiBLUE app daily.
  • Get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available to you. Complete the Blue Queue survey regarding participation in COVID-19 vaccination at U-M.
  • Continue social distancing at least six feet from others who are not in your immediate group.

We know the increase in COVID cases is causing a lot of stress in our community. We want to do all we can to protect the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff.  Please take advantage of the mental health and well-being resources we have in place.

If you have questions, call the U-M COVID-19 Hotline: 734-936-7000. The hotline connects you to U-M resources and support during the pandemic. 

Go Blue and Stay Safe,

Lynn Videka, Dean
Tim Colenback, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management
William Elliott, Director, Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science
Dan Fischer, Assistant Dean for Field Education
Lorraine Gutiérrez, Associate Dean for Educational Programs
Barbara Hiltz, MSW Program Director
Katie Richards-Schuster, CASC Program Director
Erin Zimmer, Director of Student Services