Dear Assumption Students,
This has been a difficult year for many students in which you discovered your ability to be resilient and maintain a commitment to your academic programs. I understand the pressure you experience, but you continue to impress through your perseverance and cooperation with the safety protocols. Given the continued low COVID-19 positivity rate on campus thus far, I am pleased to make the following announcements:
- Hound Day
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Classes are canceled for Wednesday, March 24, and several events are planned for students
- Modifications to the Travel Policy
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Effective Friday, March 19, after completing the Travel Form, students may travel off-campus for essential purposes, which have been expanded as defined below. You are not required to use the card swipe to exit campus.
Hound Day: A Day Off for Students
Modifications to the Travel Policy
The Health Protocols Group discussed students’ suggestions following last week’s meeting. Effective Friday, the University will revert to the fall Travel Policy. After completing the Travel Form (for contact tracing purposes), students may travel off-campus for essential needs such as groceries, medical appointments, and prescription medication. Please use online ordering and pick-up services when possible. I have also directed that the card swipe at the exit of campus be disabled. We trust you to make good decisions regarding what is essential, bearing in mind that off-campus travel prompted the shelter in place this past fall. It is imperative we are judicious and make the necessary sacrifices to prevent the presence (and potential spread) of COVID-19 on campus and in the Worcester community.
I thank you once again for your commitment to the safety protocols. While a challenge and for some, a burden, as other colleges and universities are reporting lockdown situations, Assumption continues to report a low positivity rate and students are enjoying in-person classes and a residential experience. However, we must remain committed to the safety protocols. If we experience an increase in COVID-19 positivity rates on campus as a result of the modifications, this could result in a campus-wide quarantine situation with the potential of completing the semester remotely. It is up to all of us – you, me, faculty, and staff – to maintain our commitment to the Community Promise and make decisions that benefit all in the community.
Expanded Library Hours
Starting this weekend, the d’Alzon Library will be open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Planning for the Fall Semester
The Administration has already begun planning for the fall semester. One of the key components in planning for the fall will be the percentage of students and employees who are fully vaccinated before the start of the semester. I encourage you to get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible so we may plan for as close to normal a semester as possible in the fall, depending on guidelines from the Commonwealth and the public health situation at the time. Information on the fall semester will be shared in mid-April.
When the University community engages in respectful, constructive dialogue, we benefit from opportunities to learn from one another and make decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole. I hope Hound Day and changes to the travel protocols will provide to you a more enjoyable campus experience as we operate amid a pandemic, which remains a public health concern.
Sincerely,
