Return to Campus Fall 2021

Dear CTX Community,

As promised, we are sharing our preliminary announcement about the Fall 2021 plans. We will continue to monitor emerging public health news and guidelines and make a final decision before July 1.

After careful consideration, updates to safety guidelines, and the wide availability of COVID-19 vaccinations, we have decided to return to in-person learning for the Fall 2021 semester. Over the last 18 months, we have learned how vital in-person learning is in building a supportive and caring campus community that ensures you have the resources and relationships you need to thrive.

Caring for our community is core to who we are as a university which means your health and safety will remain our top priority. As we navigate the upcoming academic year together, we will continue our efforts to provide each of you with high-quality learning experiences that prepare you for lives of service and meaningful work.

The following sections provide more details. You can also visit the Return to Campus section of our website for additional information.

Health and Safety Protocols

While we will return to in-person learning, we will maintain all other health and safety protocols. These protocols include continuing our cleaning and sanitation practices, requiring face coverings in public space, practicing social distancing, and using larger classrooms and meeting rooms for classes, when possible, to increase the distance between students and faculty. We will also continue offering COVID-19 testing and making the vaccine available to you here on campus.

Vaccinations

We encourage each member of our community to receive a vaccination. However, vaccinations are not required. Receiving a vaccination will remove testing and quarantining requirements for residential students, student-athletes, and students participating in performance-related or other extracurricular activities. We will not require all students, faculty, or staff to report vaccinations. However, students engaged in athletics, performing arts, university-related travel, or student groups that meet in person will be required to report vaccinations to remove other COVID-19 related testing and quarantining protocols. Nursing students will also be required to report vaccinations.

While vaccination reporting is not required of the entire campus community, informing the University of your vaccination will help us understand the potential risk for COVID-19 spread and exposure on our campus. You can let us know you have been vaccinated by sending a confidential email to COVID-19@concordia.edu.

In-Person Learning Exemptions

Students with a documented medical concern may apply for an in-person learning exemption. We will work with students who receive a health-related exemption individually to ensure they receive a robust and equitable learning experience. Applications for the exemption will be available on July 1. Students will receive more information and detailed instructions before July 1.

We will continue to monitor infection rates in Travis County and the surrounding area and follow guidelines from local, state, and national public health experts. 

If you have questions or would like to express a concern, please email Student Central at studentcentral@concordia.edu or call 512-313-4700 for assistance.

Sincerely,

Jennielle Strother, M.Ed.
Vice President of Student Development and Enrollment Management