University of Redlands
December 17, 2021
To: CAS Undergraduate Students
From: University Dean of Student Affairs Donna Eddleman
Subject: Winter Break Message and Expectations for Spring Return
This afternoon I, and many others, will end the day thankful for the start of our holiday break, as offices close at 5pm today and will not reopen until January 3, 2022. While some of us will check email during the break, please expect responses to be delayed, and priority given to inquiries that are urgent.
The rise in positive cases among students after the Thanksgiving holiday validates the importance of everyone taking a COVID-19 PCR test three to five days before their return to campus, and then again five to ten days after arrival. Members of the Information Technology team are updating the Redlands App to allow you to attest and provide proof of your pre-arrival negative test result. After returning to campus, you will use the “Report Testing” tile on the Redlands App to provide proof of a negative test result, just as you have done in the past. I will provide further instructions about this process before the new year begins. In the meantime, I encourage you to arrange for a test prior to your return to campus and to set a reminder for yourself to schedule an appointment at the on-campus, or an alternate San Bernardino County COVID test site within five, and no more than ten days, of your planned return to campus. (The county usually makes appointments for the following week available on Thursday of the previous week.)
Ok, enough about COVID! Just two more quick updates:
If you are a graduating senior whose family or friends will need overnight accommodations for commencement, consider making reservations now. As you might imagine, demand will be high with two ceremonies each on April 22 and April 23. When you return in the spring, as plans are finalized the Commencement Website will be regularly updated.
If you are not a graduating senior, while housing selection is months away, I want to be sure you know we have updated the Off-Campus Petition webpage to provide clarity and to manage expectations more effectively, particularly as it relates to our residency requirement. Residence Life and Housing, as they do every year, will provide you with the selection process timeline and additional details in the coming months.
I hope you will focus on taking care of you this holiday season and spend time with those who lift you up and love you unconditionally. Happy Holidays!
Be safe. Be well,
Donna M. Eddleman
University Dean of Student Affairs
