Plans for Fall 2022

The health and safety of everyone on campus is paramount, and we recognize that physical, mental, and social health all contribute importantly to the Vassar experience. As always, our approach is consistent with current public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and New York State, and we will continue to stay up-to-date on the scientific literature as well as emerging trends related to COVID-19.

While we are moving to the endemic phase of COVID-19, it remains our collective responsibility to keep each other safe and healthy. Therefore, if anyone has symptoms, please get tested immediately, stay away from groups, and wear a mask. Additionally, Health Services and the Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO) staff are available to ensure students with compromised immune systems and other risk factors are supported and able to thrive at Vassar. Human Resources and the Dean of Faculty office are available for employees, including faculty, who may need medical accommodations.

The Fall Semester guidelines are as follows:

Vaccination and Booster

All students and employees must be COVID-19 vaccinated and one booster (when eligible) or else have an approved waiver from vaccination on file at Vassar. If you have questions, contact Health Services or Human Resources. Employees may also refer to the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

COVID-19 Testing

Rapid testing will be available to students on campus through the vending machine in College Center and, for students with symptoms, through Health Services on campus. Emergency coverage is available after hours for students who need medical attention in evenings or on weekends. At check-in, students will be given a rapid test kit with two COVID-19 tests, as well as a set of tight-fitting masks. For employees, COVID-19 testing continues to be accessible in the county and is often covered by health insurance.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms: Students and employees, including faculty, who have COVID-19 symptoms should seek testing immediately; students should go to Health Services during open hours and should call the CRC (845.437.7333) if Health Services is closed.

If you test positive for COVID-19: Students who test positive for COVID-19 should contact Health Services, who will guide students on next steps. All cases will be assessed clinically and isolation protocols will be implemented according to CDC and New York State public health and clinical guidance. The length and place of isolation will vary depending on specific circumstances, again in accordance with CDC and New York State guidance.

Isolation

Students with COVID-19 must mask at all times other than while sleeping and will be isolated in place unless they or their roommate have a documented medical condition that places them at risk of severe disease. Depending on the severity of the cases and extant risk factors, students may be isolated in on-campus buildings, or in some rare cases, a local hotel. All students who are isolated will be instructed on how to access dining and classes given their individual circumstances. Employees who test positive should stay home from work and contact Health Services for guidance.

Clearing Isolation

Health Services will clear students and employees using a symptom-based approach; a negative test is not required to be cleared as people may test positive after they are no longer infectious. Please follow the clinical guidance of Health Services.

Masking

Masks will not be required on campus, although masks will be encouraged when indoors in large groups. Hosts of events may determine masking protocols, and faculty may require masking in classes or laboratories. We ask that people routinely have a mask available, and masking is always permitted and supported.

Dining

Indoor dining will take place at Gordon Commons. Take-out options are available at the food truck, the Retreat, and the Express.

Campus Events/Meetings

Events may include food and drinks. Student organizations may work with Campus Activities and faculty may work with the Dean of Faculty office to design masking or other protocols as needed.

Campus Visitors

Visitors are allowed on campus; however, residence halls and many campus buildings other than the Library, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, and the administrative areas of Main are on card swipe access. It is the host’s responsibility to inform campus guests and visitors of campus requirements.

Buildings

We expect that buildings including the gyms will be open regular hours and accessible via card swipe.