I hope this message finds you well preparing for the Christmas break. Below, please find information shared with students today about the University’s planning for the spring 2022 semester.

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

President

Dear Assumption Students,

A word of gratitude once again to our students, faculty and staff for following the safety protocols. While a challenge, we have once again successfully completed another semester amid a persistent pandemic. I wish to share with you information on our preparations for the spring 2022 semester including details on:

In preparation for welcoming the community back to campus in January for continued in-person classes and the residential experience, the University strongly encourages eligible individuals to get the COVID-19 booster shot. Given the marked increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, Worcester, and on campus, the booster shot is an effective means to prevent acute illness from COVID-19.

Pfizer recently announced that while its vaccine is ineffective in protecting individuals from the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, its booster shot offers “significant protection” from the Omicron variant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.

Public health officials have indicated that the United States and, particularly New England, will witness the full effects of the Omicron variant in the early part of the new year. By getting the booster shot, you are doing your part to help students to continue enjoying in-person classes and a residential experience. While the University strongly encourages you to voluntarily get the booster shot, this optional policy may change depending upon incidents of COVID-19 on campus and in the city in the new year, as well as guidance by the CDC or a change in the definition of what constitutes being fully vaccinated.

The campus has begun to witness a rise in students testing positive for influenza. All members of the community are encouraged to please get the flu vaccine. Please upload a copy of both your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine to Medicat.

Before your return to campus, students (except those who have tested positive since October 15) must take a home COVID-19 antigen test. If you test positive, please upload to Medicat your test result with your name and the date of the test (write it on a piece of paper next to the test and take a photo). The home test has effectively identified several positive individuals over the past week. The OTC Binax at-home test is readily available at your local pharmacy. Please delay your return to campus if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive prior to your return. Students who test positive for COVID-19 will attend classes remotely until they have completed the required quarantine period.

Move-in Dates

Specific times will be provided after the first of the year. Upon returning to campus, students will be tested for COVID-19, then quarantine until they receive their test result, usually provided within 24 hours. Students will receive their test results before the first day of classes. Unvaccinated/exempt students and commuting students will test on Fri., Jan. 7, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 since October 15 and have uploaded their documentation into the Wellness Portal will not need to test and will move in on Sunday, January 9. 

If the campus or neighboring community reports a sharp increase in positive COVID-19 cases during the spring 2022 semester, the University is prepared to briefly transition to remote learning to discourage an outbreak. We are hopeful that through vaccinations, the booster shot, regular testing, and taking precautions, such will not be necessary, but we are prepared to implement this temporary change if need be to ensure your degree program is not interrupted.

I hope you have a wonderful and restful Christmas break. 

Sincerely,

Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

President