Information for Staff

Yes. As shared in an email to faculty and staff on September 3, all employees of the College are required to provide proof of full vaccination by October 15, barring an approved exemption for medical or religious reasons. The College has contracted with ReturnSafe to provide a secure, HIPAA-compliant, mobile/web-based interface for vaccination reporting. Instructions on accessing ReturnSafe and recording vaccination status will be sent via email to faculty and staff. Only staff in the Human Resources office will have access to employee vaccination records.

The College's testing protocols for the fall 2021 semester are as follows:

• The College conducted saliva PCR pooled tests for all residential students as part of check-in on each student's move-in day.
• Throughout the semester, students who have not been vaccinated (due to a religious or medical exemption) or are not fully vaccinated (two weeks post the completion of a vaccination series) are required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing on campus.
• In alignment with CDC guidelines, vaccinated students are not currently required to participate in COVID-19 surveillance testing.
• Students presenting with symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, will be assessed by Health & Wellness Center staff and tested if advised by clinical assessment.
• Asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff can avail themselves of free COVID-19 PCR testing offered twice per week on campus by safeCircle.

As with all our policies related to COVID-19, we will, along with the local Department of Health, assess this testing plan as we navigate the weeks and months ahead, and are prepared to adjust should it become necessary to do so.

Yes. All faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors must wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The exception to this policy will be for individuals dining indoors, students in their own residence rooms/apartments, and faculty or staff in a private office. A private office is defined as a designated space, occupied by one person, with a closed door; it does not include open, shared spaces that are accessible to others (such as cubes, an office with a shared photocopier/printer that others will be routinely accessing, etc.) Anyone working in such a space is required to wear a mask at all times due to the likelihood of foot-traffic around their work space. In addition, masks must be worn in hallways, elevators, and shared bathrooms.

Unvaccinated individuals are also required to wear masks outside when gathering with others.

Masks/face coverings (e.g., disposable masks or cloth face coverings) must cover the nose and mouth; individuals are not required to wear a surgical grade or N95 mask, but may choose to in accordance with their medical needs. Students must bring their own masks/face coverings from home. The covering can be homemade or purchased. It is recommended that students utilize comfortable, durable face masks/coverings that can be washed and reused.

For more on types of face masks and coverings, and how to ensure a proper fit, visit the CDC's guidance page.

Yes. Masks are required at all times in indoor shared spaces, regardless of room size or distance between individuals.

Staff who are at higher risk for complications due to COVID-19 infection, or who live with someone at greater risk, are encouraged to contact the office of Human Resources to request an accommodation, including the ability to work remotely this semester, or to request a leave of absence if remote work is not an option.