Summer updates to COVID-19 protocols

Dear members of the Mount Holyoke community,

As the campus transitions from a successful spring semester — including joyous Commencement and Reunion celebrations — we are updating our COVID-19 protocols for summer operations, effective June 13, 2022.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the decline in Massachusetts and Hampshire County, and overall hospitalizations and death rates are lower among those who are fully vaccinated (97% of Mount Holyoke’s population is vaccinated). Both nationally and locally, strategies are shifting from those designed to combat a public health crisis to those meant to help us live with COVID-19 as an ever-present factor in our daily lives.

Summer COVID-19 protocols

Testing: As previously announced, the College has suspended asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for the summer. For more information, please refer to our Campus Health and Safety Updates web page “Testing” section.

Masking: Indoor masking will still be required for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and those who are identified as close contacts. In all other instances, masking is welcome, but not required, indoors. The CDC recommends masks for individuals who have a weakened immune system or are at an increased risk for severe illness, or who reside with someone who is at an increased risk. For their own personal safety, community members who are exempt from COVID-19 vaccination and/or booster(s) or who have not yet received a booster (but are eligible), as well as those with compromised immune systems or other risk factors for severe COVID-19 should wear a mask indoors on campus. For more information on these updated masking policies, please refer to our Campus Health and Safety Updates webpage, specifically the “Masking” section.

Of course, anyone’s choice to wear a mask for any reason without explanation should be respected. While individuals or departments cannot create mask requirements separate from, or more restrictive than, College requirements, we ask that everyone be attentive and respond reasonably to the concerns of others. In addition, KN95 masks remain available to students and employees. Please write to mhc-testing-g@mtholyoke.edu with questions regarding pickup.

Reminder: Those living and working on campus are required to report their positive COVID-19 test results. Employees should email covid-report-g@mtholyoke.edu and students should email health-admin@mtholyoke.edu.

Resources: While these updates align with current federal, state and local guidance as well as policies at many local colleges and universities, we know that some will welcome this news and others may find it challenging. Those with concerns and questions should make use of available resources and reach out to the appropriate contacts listed below. Should conflicts not be easily resolved, we encourage community members to seek support through informal mediation and/or the ombudsperson.

Staff

• Staff with concerns should contact their supervisor, and supervisors should engage employees to determine what, if any, appropriate adjustments are necessary. A summary of these procedures can be found in this Human Resources document. Employees and supervisors can find information on ADA/504 Workplace Accommodations in my.mtholyoke and further resources are on the COVID-19-EE-Information page of my.mtholyoke.

Faculty

• In addition to the processes and resources listed above for staff, faculty may also reach out to the Office of the Dean of Faculty with any questions.

Students

• Students looking for information about accommodations should contact Disability Services.
• Other questions and concerns may be emailed to dean-students@mtholyoke.edu.

Please note that fall 2022 COVID-19 protocols are not yet determined, and will be announced later this summer (with as much time as possible for individuals and groups to make necessary plans before the start of the semester). Please continue to check our Campus Health and Safety Updates page and keep an eye on your inbox for the MHC This Week email newsletter. Students living on campus for the summer will also find helpful information in the Summer Community Compact as well as the Summer Housing Information page on Embark.

We thank you for your continued diligence in adhering to our health and safety measures, and remind everyone that we are all personally responsible and accountable for following these practices.

The COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee

• Paul Kandel, Associate Vice President for Strategic Projects (Chair)
• Lindsay Adkins, Production Coordinator, Communications and Marketing
• Penny Davis, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
• Tiffany Espinosa, Executive Director, Professional and Graduate Education
• Cheryl Flynn, Director, College Health Services
• Gary Gillis, Associate Dean of Faculty
• Shannon Gurek, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer (Cabinet liaison)
• Marcella Runell Hall, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (Cabinet liaison)
• Kassandra Jolley, Vice President for College Relations (Cabinet liaison)
• Raymond LaBarre, Director, Public Safety and Service
• Elizabeth Markovits, Associate Dean of Faculty
• Lori Smith, Director, Environmental Health & Safety
• Imad Zubi, Director, Auxiliary Services