Dear Incoming Students,
We are incredibly excited to welcome you to campus and the Springfield College community! In preparation, we would like to share our current COVID-19 policies and information.
Vaccinations: Based on recommendations from the CDC, the American College Health Association, and the State of Massachusetts Department of Health, Springfield College is maintaining the requirement that all students and employees who study and/or work in-person have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations (two doses of Moderna or Pfizer - preferred - or one dose of J&J) or otherwise have an approved religious or medical exemption. We also highly recommend that all students and employees stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive a booster when they are eligible.
Submitting proof of vaccination/booster
Health Center employees will be available during June Orientation to collect your health forms, including a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card. We highly recommend that you bring a copy or photograph of it with you. You can also email a picture (jpg) or scan (pdf) of your vaccination card to HealthCenter@springfield.edu or mail a copy of your vaccination card to the Health Center (Springfield College Health Center, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109). Health forms can also be faxed to 413-748-3444. Please include your name and Springfield College ID number in your communication.
Vaccinations records must be submitted by September 1, 2022. Residential students will not be able to move in without them.
Applying for a vaccine exemption
Students may apply for medical or religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. To begin the process of requesting an exemption, please download, complete, and submit the Vaccination Exemption Request Form to HealthCenter@springfield.edu.
Masking: Wearing high-quality masks (e.g., N95, KN95, or KF94) when indoors in crowded spaces is recommended, and we welcome mask-wearing in any context. KN95 masks will be available at June Orientation and are available to pick up at the front desks of the Student Union, Learning Commons, and Wellness Center. Masks are currently optional on campus, except in offices or during events/activities/classes where otherwise posted as required.
Testing: Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure may make same-day appointments at the Health Center to take a rapid antigen test; you may also take an at-home test. If you test positive at home, please seek medical assistance as necessary. Individuals on campus are not required to undergo screening testing. At present, during the semester when students test positive, the College is following the CDC recommended 5-day isolation guideline; during which students may move into isolation housing on campus or go home for the isolation period.
Looking Ahead: We do not anticipate making changes to our current COVID-19 protocols, but will continue to monitor campus and community rates of infections to assess the need for changes, as well as follow any new local ordinances. We will continue to monitor various sources of information to make decisions about summer and fall policies, and communicate those as more information becomes available. The Springfield College COVID website is an up-to-date source of information, as well.
If you have questions about our COVID-19 protocols, please don’t hesitate to reach out to StudentAffairs@springfield.edu. The College strives to support students in spirit, mind, and body. We can’t wait to partner with you throughout your college journey!
Sincerely,
Slandie Dieujuste, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Elizabeth Morgan, PhD
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
