Dear Assumption Students,
The commencement of a new academic year is upon us as faculty and staff eagerly anticipate your 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 students 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 students will not need to wear masks while in their residence hall room but must wear masks in restrooms, common area spaces, while visiting friends and all other public spaces.
If the public health condition improves, thereby allowing for the lifting of the mask requirement for vaccinated students, unvaccinated students will still need to wear a mask indoors and outdoors. As stated in the Safety Protocols for the fall, vaccinated students will be tested once per week and unvaccinated students will be tested twice per week.
The University plans to ease a number of safety protocols this coming semester as we provide students an enjoyable Assumption experience.
This fall, students will enjoy several changes to the safety protocols:
- Visiting friends in other residence halls
- In-person classes with professors and more students in each class (as compared to last semester)
- A full slate of in-person events (Check the events module in the AU Mobile App towards the end of the month for the full schedule of events).
- Leaving campus at your leisure (No need to complete a travel form)
- Testing once a week, rather than twice, for vaccinated students (Unvaccinated students with an exemption will be tested twice a week).
- Attending athletic competitions and once again supporting your fellow Greyhounds.
- Visiting the Chapel, Library, Plourde, and Dining Hall without having to make a reservation.
These are but a few of the protocols the University is easing to enhance your Assumption experience while also promoting the health and safety of the campus community amid the ongoing pandemic. If you have not done so yet, please upload your vaccination documentation to Medicat as soon as possible. I also urge those who have received an exemption from the vaccine to reassess this decision to protect their health and the health of others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends obtaining the vaccine as the most effective form of mitigating the effects of COVID-19.
Assumption students have impressed time and again through your selfless efforts such as complying with the safety protocols during the last academic year to obtaining the vaccine in an effort to protect the University community and our neighbors in the greater Worcester community. Your actions are indicative of the type of student that is accepted to the University - one who puts the common good before self. We are asking once again that you put the Assumption community first.
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.
Thank you once again for your cooperation and willingness to protect the Assumption community, your families, and the Worcester community. I look forward to welcoming you back to campus.
