CCS Reopening Frequently Asked Questions

This page serves to answer questions students, faculty and staff may have regarding the College’s reopening. It will continue to be updated as information becomes available. 

COVID-19 Vaccine

CCS COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

CCS will require a COVID-19 vaccination record for faculty, students and staff for the 2021-2022 academic year. See the CCS Immunization Recommendation page for more information.

Vaccination Locations

All Michigan adults were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine after April 5, 2021.

Detroit Vaccination Sites: City residents (16+) and employees that work in the city can now schedule vaccine appointments by calling 313-230-0505 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Locations include the TCF Center with Walk-Up or Drive-Up options, the Northwest Activity Center, as well as some neighborhood sites. At this time all sites will administer two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Other Options: Pharmacies and other locations across the state are also opening up appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more at michigan.gov and find a vaccine location near you.

Vaccine Types

All currently available vaccines (Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna) are safe and highly effective. Pfizer is approved by the FDA; Moderna and J&J have emergency use authorization by the FDA. Some vaccines, such as Novavax and Astra-Zeneca, are not distributed in the United States, but are safely distributed in other countries. The best vaccine is the one most available to you.

International Students and Vaccinations

If you are traveling to the USA for the fall 2021 term, from a country where you do not yet have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine in the USA when you arrive in late August or early September.

Please contact the International Student Services Office for more information.

All vaccine types and brands will be accepted as complying with the requirement.

Facemask Policy

Face Masks

Masks will become optional on campus beginning March 21, 2022. Those who feel more comfortable wearing masks indoors should continue to wear them.  All CCS community members should continue to monitor their symptoms and practice responsible social and health behaviors, as we have throughout the pandemic.

Illness and Quarantine Policies

Shortened Isolation Plan

How will the shortened isolation plan be implemented?
On the fifth day of isolation, CCS contact tracers will check in with the positive case. They will ask for a history of symptoms and fever, and if approved, will instruct the individual to take a rapid antigen test.

As long as conditions are met and the test is negative, they will be able to return to campus functions starting on day 6 of isolation.  The process may repeat on day 7 and day 9 if a test is still positive or symptoms have not improved. Individuals are permitted to opt out of the isolation check-ins and will be ok to return to campus after 10 days without additional testing as long as symptom requirements are met.

If released from isolation prior to day 10, individuals MUST wear a N95 or KN95 type mask for all campus activities through Day 10. Shared dining spaces and fitness center use are not permitted during this time. 

What are the days of isolation?
Day 0 – first day of noticed symptoms OR day of positive test if without symptoms
If an individual develops symptoms after an asymptomatic positive test, their isolation timeline starts over to the day when symptoms developed.
Day 6 – five full days since symptom onset. Individuals are safe to return with consistent mask wearing, as long as symptoms have improved and they have a negative test. 
Day 11 – ten full days since symptoms. Individuals are safe to return to all activities with or without a mask so long as symptoms are improved. A test is not required. 

Who cannot exit isolation after five days?

  • If their rapid test is positive
  • if their symptoms have not improved significantly, and/or if they still have a fever
  • Unable to take a rapid test between day 5 and 10

Immunocompromised individuals should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

I still have some mild symptoms after five days, is that ok?
Some symptoms can persist for weeks after infection. This may include headache, brain fog, fatigue, slight cough or congestion, and loss of taste or smell. While unpleasant, if the CCS community member feels well enough, they do not need to include these symptoms as a criteria for active infection after the 5+ days of isolation are complete and they are testing negative for COVID-19. 

Masks Optional Policy Change
As of March 21st, 2022, wearing masks indoors will be optional for the CCS community.
Masks will still be required for individuals leaving isolation early for days 6-10.
If you will not be able to comply with the mask requirements of day 6-10 you should continue home isolation for the full ten days.

What are the other limitations to ending isolation on day 5? 
Do not go to places where you are unable to wear a mask, such as restaurants and some gyms, and avoid eating around others at home and at work until a full 10 days after your first day of symptoms. You should not travel on public transit. 

Can residential students move back to their dorm on day 6?
While you are able to leave isolation under the conditions outlined above starting on day 6 of isolation, this does require constant mask wearing while around others.  It is not feasible to wear a mask in the residence halls at all times.  Students in isolation housing should plan to stay in their temporary rooms for the full 10 days even if exiting official isolation prior to day 10.

Daily Symptom Check

Employees, students, and visitors will be expected to self-monitor for unusual symptoms and stay home if there is any cause for concern. Visitors will no longer be required to complete the screening questionnaire.  Employees and students will no longer be required to complete MI Symptoms check on a daily basis in order to access CCS facilities.

 

Positive Tests and Illness

Please review the Isolation and Quarantine protocol for students and employees who become ill or are exposed to COVID-19.

If an individual feels ill or is concerned about potential symptoms, you should stay home. Let your direct CCS contacts know. This may include your supervisor(s), instructor(s), and or Residence Assistant(s). Utilize a symptom screener, a nurse line, or contact your medical provider if you are unsure. You are not required to see a doctor in order to stay home or leave campus.

Do not return to campus until you are well. You must be without symptoms for 24 hours before you can return to campus, and at least 5 days total if you have a positive COVID-19 test.

All positive COVID-19 cases must be reported.
Tests conducted on campus are automatically shared with CCS. If you are tested elsewhere, you are responsible for informing CCS of a positive case. You may do so by completing the COVID Reporting Form.

In the instance of a positive test result, CCS will coordinate with you and the local health department to ensure proper education, disinfection, contact tracing, and any other necessary policies and procedures.

The confidentiality of all medical conditions will be maintained in accordance with applicable law and to the extent practical under the circumstances. When required, the number of persons who will be informed that an unnamed student/employee has tested positive will be kept to the minimum needed to comply with reporting requirements and to limit the potential for transmission to others. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CCS reserves the right to inform other students and employees that an unnamed student/employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and other individuals may have been exposed to the disease. If exposed, individuals may take measures to protect their own health.

 

Quarantine

Quarantine
CCS is following the most recent City of Detroit Health Department Guidance.

Vaccinated Individuals
People who are fully vaccinated do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms. However, fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Unvaccinated Individuals
People who are unvaccinated and have had close contact with an infected person(s) should notify CCS and should self-quarantine for 10 days since your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. Close contact is someone who has been within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period. You should not come to campus, even if you are feeling well. It is recommended to get tested before ending quarantine and returning to campus.

Contact Tracing

Anyone who has tested positive will be interviewed for contact tracing purposes by Emily VanWormer, Health Resource Manager, and information will also be shared with their local health department. Those identified as close contacts within the CCS community will be contacted directly and advised to self-quarantine.

Close contact is someone who has been within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more within a 24 hour period.  Those who have been exposed to a positive case should notify CCS of their need to self-quarantine. You should not come to campus, even if you are feeling well.

Students: Contact the Dean of Students and your instructor(s). Instructors will work with students on an individual basis based on each circumstance to accommodate staying at home.

Employees: Please contact your supervisor and Human Resources. Supervisors will work with employees on an individual basis based on each circumstance. For many employees, this may mean working remotely, eliminating the need for PTO usage.

While in quarantine, you should monitor your symptoms daily. The CCS COVID Response Team will check in periodically. You should get tested if symptoms develop. If you test positive for COVID-19, please inform CCS.

 

Quarantine vs. Isolation

This link provides an overview of the differences between quarantine and isolation and when one of the two would be used.
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/quarantineisolation.html

Testing

Testing

COVID testing is readily available in our region and is free for those with symptoms and/or concerns of exposure. Most locations will offer one or both types of COVID Tests: PCR and Antigen.

Some free sites include the CCCN: Williams Recreation Center for tri-county residents, MDHHS Community Sites, pharmacies like CVS and Rite Aid, and county health departments. Please use the information from the state’s website to inform your decision. You may also call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136, press 1.

Facilities

Disinfection Information

CCS has developed a comprehensive cleaning and disinfecting plan to reduce risk and potential spread of infection. Environmental Services will ensure that all highly touched or high-traffic surfaces such as doorknobs, railings, etc. are sanitized every four hours.

However, all employees and students can also do their part in making sure shared spaces and equipment are safe. Disinfecting supplies will be placed in offices, studios, and other shared spaces so that equipment and surfaces can be wiped down prior and after use.  Additional supplies can be requested from Campus Facilities by employees.

For more detail please click here or review the CCS Preparedness Plan.

Air Quality in Buildings

Air scrubbers have been installed in the Administration and Fritz buildings to help keep indoor air clean. All air filters have been changed at both campuses and will continue to be replaced on a regular basis. 

Building Closures

Currently, CCS buildings are fully open. Masks are required in all indoor spaces. The housing external guest policy will be suspended until such time as guests can be safely managed as visitors to housing facilities. Once the Covid numbers in Michigan improve, this policy will be reevaluated. You will be able to check-in CCS students as guests.

 

Housing

Living on Campus

For the 2021-2022 academic school year, CCS housing will be at full capacity. In order to keep students safe, we will be requiring vaccination for each resident.  CCS housing is not mandatory and if you are registered but feel uncomfortable living in CCS housing, please contact Ryan Harrison to cancel your CCS Housing Contract.

In addition to the vaccine requirement, the following steps will be taken to mitigate the possible transmission of COVID-19. We consider these changes to be temporary restrictions to our normal housing policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Should conditions of public health improve that these restrictions can be safely lifted, we will do so and notify campus residents. 

    • Fall housing move-in will occur over a two-day period Aug 28-29 for new students and Sept 3-4 for returning students to allow for social distancing. 
    • Roommates should plan to work with each other to establish cleaning practices and shared expectations of living together.
    • Each suite has bathroom facilities used by only those residents. The residents will have responsibility for cleaning all in-room spaces/bathrooms following best practice guidelines.
    • The self-isolation/quarantine procedures will be used for residents who become symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19 and do not have the vaccine.
    • “High touch” enhanced cleaning will be continued in all housing public areas.
Visitors

The external guest policy will be suspended until such time as guests can be safely managed as visitors to housing facilities. Once the Covid numbers in Michigan improve, this policy will be reevaluated. You will be able to check in CCS students as guests.

 

International Students

Do I need a Negative COVID-19 Test prior to entering the USA?

Effective January 26, 2021, the CDC is requiring that visitors to the United States be tested before traveling by air into the United States (US), or be prepared to show proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel. A verifiable test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy) of a laboratory test result. Testing must be performed using a viral test (NAAT or antigen), and negative results must be provided to the airline prior to boarding. The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date, and the type of test. A negative test result must show the test was done within the 3 days before the flight. A positive test result must show the test was done within the 3 months before the flight.
View the CDC Order
View and print the Passenger Attestation

Student Visa Information

CCS is providing Visa advising using the March 2020 DHS Guidance and FAQS for Non-Immigrant Students. The International Student Services Office will alert all new and continuing international students of the impactful sections as needed.

In the event that the college has to move to an entirely online course delivery unexpectedly, your Visa status will be kept active from inside the USA or abroad.

Visa application fees and SEVIS fees are valid for one year from the date of payment. Please continue to work with the consulate nearest you, to schedule your VISA interview and update the International Student Services Office on your progress. We also recommend that you utilize the Education USA office in your area for Visa support.

Is it possible to attend online classes from abroad?

Yes, if you cannot return due to a current travel restriction please reach out to the International Student Services Office. Together with your department chair, we will develop a plan for your semester online.

Will I need to self-isolate when I arrive in Detroit?

No, an isolation period is not required. After travel, please monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms daily, wear a mask while indoors, maintain social distance, and avoid moderate and high-risk behaviors as much as possible both on and off campus. If you are not feeling well and you need to attend your courses remotely for a time, contact your Academic Program Administrator, or Academic Advisor for assistance.

Current Travel Restrictions

For a list of Presidential Proclamations on travel to the USA, please refer to travel.state.gov.

For US/Canada land border restrictions and information, please refer to ca.usembassy.gov.

For US/Mexico land border restrictions, please refer to mx.usembassy.gov.

International Students and Vaccinations

CCS will require a COVID-19 vaccination record for faculty, students, and staff for the Fall 2021 semester. See the CCS COVID-19 Vaccine Policy for more information.

If you are traveling to the USA, from a country where you do not yet have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine in the USA when you arrive.

Please contact the International Student Services Office for more information.

Vaccines, currently approved by either the CDC or WHO will be accepted at CCS. 

What if I only have one dose of the Vaccine before I arrive at CCS?

If you received Pfizer or Moderna in your home country, you will be able to get your 2nd dose in the USA. If you received another type of vaccine please consult your healthcare provider, or doctor regarding your 2nd dose schedule and options. We can also assist with finding your second dose of Pfizer, or  Moderna as needed. Please contact Emily VanWormer, Health Resource Manager, evanwormer@collegeforcreativestudies.edu, if you have a special situation or any other questions.

 

Contact Us

For questions please email connect@collegeforcreativestudies.edu