Thursday, November 4
Members of the Springfield College Community,
The Springfield College community has been attentive to and considerate of the health, safety, and testing protocols that have been in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. We continue to follow guidelines shared by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As you have seen on our dashboard, vaccination rates are high and the rate of positive tests is steadily low. At this writing, there are no students who are in isolation or quarantine spaces on campus. The measures we have had in place are working and all indicators suggest that we will be able to successfully complete the fall semester on campus and in person.
After careful consideration, and in collaboration with the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, and Staff Council, we are writing to provide you with the following updates:
Face Coverings
Face coverings are optional for vaccinated individuals when outdoors, including at all outdoor events effective Thursday, November 4, 2021. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly advised to wear a face covering and keep socially distanced.
Guest/Visitor Policy
Currently, only residential and commuter students are permitted to enter the residence halls. We have heard the feedback from some of our students, who would like to see this policy revisited more quickly than our planned timeline of the end of the semester. We are continuing to gather feedback and are speaking with more students and expect to be able to communicate with you again early next week.
The last two years have required us all to be mindful of what is right for us not only as individuals but also for our friends, classmates, and colleagues. Let us continue to be aware that the personal and family circumstances are different and individuals will make the decisions that are best for them. Those who have small children at home, have aging or ill family members or are themselves immune-compromised may elect to remain masked outdoors, even when it is not required.
The President’s Leadership Team continues to regularly evaluate and review our COVID-related policies and procedures. Updates will be shared via e-mail and on the COVID-19 webpage.
Sincerely,
Slandie Dieujuste, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
Mary Ann Coughlin, PhD
Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Patrick Love, PhD
Associate Vice President for Administration
