Students and staff of Moraine Valley, welcome back to campus for our 2021 fall semester! I know many are sobbing about the end of summer vacation, and trust me, I’m feeling emotional, too, but that does not mean that this is the end of the world. Actually, we take another step closer to our career goals as another school year launches.
As our campus opens, we can cheer about taking new classes, creating lasting friendships, and joining extracurricular activities that interest us. Whether you’re taking online, in-person, or hybrid classes, I wish you the best of luck in this fall semester.
Delilah Wietasch
Student Trustee 2021-22
I have a few reminders for those coming back to campus. First, there is the requirement to mask in all indoor spaces. Both Moraine Valley and Cook County have re-instituted a mask mandate for all people over age 2, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must also be worn outside when distancing cannot be maintained.
Second, you must use the CampusClear app and receive a “Good to Go” message. This requires you to answer simple questions about how you feel. Everyone on campus – students, faculty, and staff – is asked to self-report using the honor system. If you really feel awful – fever, sore throat, headache – please report those symptoms in the app, and follow the directions to either proceed to campus or stay home. The app will also be used for contact tracing; if an asymptomatic person later tests positive, anyone in close contact with that person can easily be notified of the risk.
This is absolutely not meant to stress anyone out, or purposefully push students away from in-person classes, but to keep our community safe and healthy. I also recommend carrying some hand sanitizer with you to kill any bacteria, and help ease the anxiety of getting sick. It’s become one of my closest friends.
Get back $131 for being vaccinated
Are you aware of this amazing opportunity? Moraine is offering an incentive to all vaccinated students. If you scan your vaccination card and upload the secure form, you can receive a financial credit on your account equal to one in-district credit hour. This means that you can get one credit, which costs $131, FREE. There is a deadline of Oct. 1, so if you’ve already been fully vaccinated, scan and upload today. If you haven’t been vaccinated, there is still enough time to complete any of the three vaccines available by the Oct. 1 deadline. You have the whole month of September to cash your card in!
Fall Fest provides fun, information
Finally, Fall Fest will be on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Clubs, organizations and student service providers will be represented on the Quad, the grassy area between the Gateway, G building and the FPAC. Here, the clubs and organizations will have information for new and returning members. Student Life will have drawings and raffles, free food and prizes, as well as games set up – join a pick-up volleyball game, or play giant chess, Connect Four or Jenga. It’s a great way to make new friends!
Reach out with questions, concerns
If you have questions or concerns about Moraine Valley, please feel free to contact me at wietaschd2@student.morainevalley.edu.I will hold virtual office hours via Zoom on Tuesdays from 12-2 p.m., Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., and Fridays from 1-3 p.m. If these hours listed don’t work for you, feel free to email me to make an appointment.
This article has been updated.
