Dear Franklin Community,
Welcome to the year of recovery and change!
Franklin is preparing to welcome new students on August 17 and returning students starting on August 20, 2021 (OSL front desk open times between Aug 20-22 will be posted in the Franklin App). Together, we can build a stronger community as we all come together again for an in-person Franklin experience. Fall 2021 orientation and classes will be held in person, in accordance with the health and safety guidelines from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. As we are resuming in-person teaching in all courses, all students are expected to be in attendance from the first day of class. Please refer to VP Andrew Starcher’s recent message for more details.
In order to keep our community healthy, Franklin continues to require masks in classrooms, offices, dining halls, library, and indoor common areas. We have updated the COVID-19 Information on our website with the current guidelines and regulations. Please read through them as you prepare for your return to campus. I want to point out and encourage you to download the COVID-19 related Apps currently in use in Switzerland to facilitate contact tracing, monitor attendance of vaccinated individuals at certain events and venues (night clubs, discos, etc.), and to support independent travel. The Franklin community is also expected to download the Franklin App and the Safety App to always be up to date with Franklin communications.
Franklin strongly encourages the entire community to get the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to campus. We thank all of the students who have communicated their vaccination status by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery Form and are helping to keep our community safe. Franklin is pleased to announce that more than 84% of students reported that they are vaccinated or partially vaccinated, and others intend to get vaccinated in Ticino after they arrive.
We understand that not everyone is able to get the vaccine before arriving, depending on your location and personal situation, but we hope you will continue to do your part by wearing a mask and social distancing. By taking the Franklin Pledge, you have the opportunity to express this commitment to following the health and safety guidelines that have proven key factors in keeping our community healthy during the pandemic.
Please note that individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine outside of Switzerland can request to have their vaccination validated in Switzerland by following the instructions available in the COVID Related Apps section. New students will need to wait until they receive both their health insurance card and Swiss residence permit before making their vaccination validation request or scheduling their vaccination appointments in Ticino.