New changes to building access

COVID-19 infection rates among members of the Mount Holyoke campus community continue to remain low. We are grateful for everyone’s continued adherence to health and safety guidelines such as indoor masking, practicing safe physical distancing in social situations and, when applicable, obtaining regular COVID-19 tests.  

While we have made great strides to reduce the incidence and spread of COVID-19 within our community, COVID-19 does remain an ever-present factor in our daily lives. Our community must therefore move toward a future in which we learn to live with COVID-19 while going about our standard day-to-day operations. In light of this reality, the COVID-19 Health and Safety Group has discussed a layered approach to slowly and safely allow external community members to utilize campus buildings and spaces. The group will continue to review the efficacy of proposals put forth for these types of allowances. 

Access to campus facilities for external events not sponsored by MHC has thus far been limited to Willits-Hallowell. Effective immediately, this access will be extended to Abbey Chapel. Capacity at Abbey Chapel will be limited to 75%. In the coming weeks and months, Event Services will work with external groups and organizations to host events in other campus buildings in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Event contracts for any and all facilities require that all event attendees wear masks when not actively eating, drinking or presenting to a group. 
• All event attendees are asked to complete a symptom self-check prior to coming to campus.
• Event attendees are not allowed access to any other facilities.

Vaccinated overnight guests staying at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center and Hotel are permitted to visit the Dining Commons for breakfast only. They are provided with a voucher upon showing proof of vaccination, and must wear a mask when not eating or drinking. Guests are also provided with the option of a continental breakfast at Willits-Hallowell. 

On October 25, 2021 we welcomed emeriti faculty and retired staff members to utilize the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex with proof of vaccination and participation in the College’s testing program. On December 1, 2021 Kendall will open to a limited cohort of extended community members who pay a fee to use the space. The following guidelines will be in effect:

• Access will be limited to those members who are the spouse, partner or child (ages 16-26) of an MHC student or employee. Kendall will remain closed to other external groups, guests and programs until further notice. 
• Members must provide proof of vaccination when registering. 
• Once their registration is approved, members will be provided an activated OneCard to access the building. They will not be granted access to any other campus facilities.
• Members will not be allowed to bring guests to Kendall. 
• Members must adhere to all health and safety regulations, including wearing a mask at all times. 
• If members do not adhere to these regulations, they will be asked to leave the premises immediately. 

The Kendall team and the COVID-19 Health and Safety Group have established these guidelines to ensure safe management of the approximately 55 members who will be invited to resume their membership.

As we assess the impacts of these changes, we will continue to modify and adapt – always with the health and safety of the community at the forefront of our strategy. The COVID-19 Health and Safety Group will continue to communicate relevant updates to our community. Thank you for your continued diligence and compliance with health and safety protocols.