Dear Assumption Faculty and Staff,
The commencement of a new academic year is upon us as faculty and staff eagerly anticipate students’ return to campus in just a few weeks. As we diligently prepare for the new academic year, I would like to take a moment to share an update regarding safety protocols for the fall semester.
I realize much has been asked of faculty and staff in the past year and I understand that while the easing of several protocols is welcome, maintaining the indoor mask requirement is news that we hoped would not be necessary.
The persistent, rapidly spreading Delta variant has caused positive COVID-19 cases and illness in both unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, particularly among younger adults. With more than 2,000 individuals on campus each day, of which 7 percent of students have requested and been granted a vaccine exemption, the University campus is considered a highly densified residential environment, meaning risk of transmission of the virus is much higher. Because of this, and the prevalence of the Delta variant in Massachusetts and in Worcester County, all members of the Assumption community will be required to begin the fall semester wearing masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. (Wearing masks outdoors is optional for fully vaccinated individuals and required for those exempt from the vaccine.) The current public health conditions and strong recommendations by public health officials have resulted in the decision of many Worcester colleges and universities to extend their indoor mask requirement. Several other colleges and universities across the Commonwealth and nation have also extended their mask requirement. The requirement will also apply to all off-campus University-sponsored activities. Note that faculty and staff do not need to wear a mask while in private offices but must do so in the classroom, hallways and all indoor public spaces on campus.
We will continue to assess the situation on campus and in the community in the hopes of lifting the indoor mask requirement for those who are vaccinated, if safe to do so.
Thank you once again for your cooperation and willingness to protect the Assumption community, your families, and the Worcester community.
Sincerely,
