Greetings!
In preparation for the beginning of the academic year and as a result of the Center for Disease Control’s streamlined COVID-19 guidelines, Assumption University will move to a self-management model that empowers members of the community to assess the level of risk with which they are comfortable. Please read on to review the University’s updated COVID-19 policies.
Additionally, the University is monitoring the national rise in Monkeypox cases and is developing educational materials and contingency plans.
COVID-19 Policies
August 15, 2022
The following policy shall supersede all existing COVID-19 policies previously released by Assumption University. This policy may be amended at a future date in response to government regulations, medical analysis and developments or recommendations from the medical community.
This policy was created for the safety of students, employees and visitors to the Assumption University campus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its purpose is to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 virus on individuals throughout the Assumption Community and to empower individuals to manage the level of risk with which they are comfortable.
Vaccination Requirement and Exemptions
All students, faculty and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a medical, religious or moral/freedom of conscience objection as outlined below. If you plan to be fully vaccinated but have not completed the process, you may contact covidquestions@assumption.edu with any questions. This is in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations developed by the Centers for Disease Control, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Worcester Department of Public Health, particularly for higher education and residential campuses.
These guidelines and recommendations will change from time to time as COVID as well as scientific evidence evolve. As of January 2022, the CDC considers individuals Up-to-Date/Optimally Protected regarding their inoculations if they have received an initial vaccine or vaccine series and if they have received all boosters for which they are eligible. For more information on CDC guidelines regarding vaccination status please visit this link.
Exemptions from Vaccination Status
The University will allow exemption from vaccination status based on medical concerns, religious objections, and moral/conscientious opposition. Such requests for exemption, including any supporting documentation, should be sent directly, via email only, to Daniel DiTullio in the Office of the President at covidquestions@assumption.edu
Supporting documentation shall be as follows:
□ Medical Exemption: A letter from a qualified medical provider. The letter must specify which immunization(s) cannot be given and the specific condition that prevents the administration of the vaccine.
□ Religious Exemption: A brief written statement from you (if over 18) or (if under 18) a parent, or guardian explaining in reasonable detail that immunizations conflict with your sincere religious beliefs.
□ Moral or Freedom of Conscience Objection: A written statement from you (if over 18), a parent, or guardian explaining in reasonable detail your/their sincere moral or conscientious objection to a COVID-19 immunization.
Mask Requirements on the Assumption University Campus
Masks will be the personal choice of the wearer for the entire campus. Masks WILL be required for students, staff and faculty who present with symptoms while on campus until a negative test result is obtained. This includes students who visit Health Services or the Athletic Training Center with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 per the CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Testing for COVID 19 on Campus
There will be no further required surveillance testing on campus. Antigen tests will be available at Health Services for students presenting symptoms, and PCR tests will be available if the medical provider believes further testing is needed.
Guest/Visitor Policy
This policy does not require the pre-registration of any/all guests visiting campus. The GUEST POLICY as outlined in the Student Handbook will remain in effect. It is strongly recommended that all guests and visitors be in full compliance with CDC guidelines for vaccination. We ask that guests and visitors not come to campus if they have tested positive for COVID-19 until they have completed the recommended isolation period and are symptom free. We also suggest that visitors use their best judgment when visiting campus if they are feeling unwell or are concerned about potential exposure.
Guidelines for those who test POSTIVE for COVID 19, regardless of vaccination status
ANY student who tests positive by using a Home Test SHOULD NOT go to the Campus Health Center in person. They should immediately upload their test results to the AU Medicat site. If they test positive while at home, they should assume they have been infected and not come to campus. If they are already on campus, residential students living within 200 miles of the campus must return home and isolate themselves for five days. On day six, if they have not had significant symptoms, test negative on a home antigen test and are fever free for at least 24 hours, they may return to the campus. Upon return, students must wear a KN-95, N-95, KF-94 or double mask indoors and outdoors for an additional 5 days. Those students who are still experiencing significant symptoms should isolate for an additional five days.
Employees who test positive by using a Home Test SHOULD NOT come to the campus for a PCR test to confirm their home testing results. They should immediately upload their test results to the AU Medicat site and should isolate themselves for five days. On day six, if they have not had significant symptoms and are fever free for at least 24 hours, they may return to the campus. Upon return, employees must wear a KN-95, N-95, KF-94 or double mask indoors and outdoors for an additional 5 days. Those employees who are still experiencing significant symptoms should isolate for an additional five days.
Questions
If you have questions regarding any portion of this policy please do not hesitate to contact Dan DiTullio in the Office of the President at covidquestions@assumption.edu.
