We are writing to relay updates to our Covid-19 protocols, effective June, 1, 2022.
Masking: Beginning June 1, masks will be optional on campus for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, except in offices or during events/activities/classes where otherwise posted as required. Individuals in days 5-10 of isolation post positive COVID-19 test must mask at all times. 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 are available to pick up at the front desks of the Student Union, Learning Commons, Wellness Center, and in Human Resources. Anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask should do so and we ask our broader community to work together to ensure that we can achieve a supportive environment on campus.
Testing: Drop-in PCR testing is not available this summer. Instead, individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure may make same-day appointments at the Health Center to take a rapid antigen test or are encouraged to test at home prior to coming to campus. Springfield College continues to follow the CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines: stay home for 5 days following a positive test, end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free and your symptoms are improving (or never had symptoms), and wear a well-fitted mask at all times until 10 full days after testing positive. Please notify your supervisor if you test positive and arrange for remote work or sick leave.
Vaccinations: Springfield College is altering our vaccination requirement; effective June 1, 2022, all students and employees who study and work in-person at any of our campuses to have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations (2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer - preferred - or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson) or otherwise have an approved religious or medical exemption. Based on recommendations from the CDC, American College Health Association, and the State of Massachusetts Department of Health, we also highly recommend that all students and employees stay up-to-date with their vaccinations and receive a booster when they are eligible.
Looking Ahead: As we prepare for Fall semester, we 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 upcoming policy changes, and communicate those as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to keep our campus community safe and facilitate
Sincerely,
Slandie Dieujuste, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Elizabeth Morgan, PhD
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
