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Dear Members of the Stonehill Community,

We are writing to provide an update on our commitment to in-person learning and preparations for welcoming students back to campus in the weeks ahead. As we discussed in our July 27th message, we are continuing to monitor guidance provided by state and federal officials relative to ensuring a safe and healthy semester.

At this time, 85% of our total community has submitted documentation of full vaccination. This number will continue to grow as additional students, faculty, and staff complete the process in the days ahead. This exceptional response to our vaccine requirement leaves us well positioned to sustain a fully on-campus living and learning experience as the semester approaches.

Based on current guidance, the College is planning the following steps to monitor and mitigate any spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Masking Policy

The College will continue to follow Massachusetts guidelines for mask wearing and physical distancing for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Currently, masks are only required in Health Services, Counseling Services, the Admission Welcome Center, and the College's COVID Testing Center as well as other pre-approved areas displaying a sign that reads “mask required.” Any change in the current masking policy will be communicated directly.

Pre-Arrival Onboard Testing

All students are required to submit a negative pre-arrival onboard test taken within 72 hours prior to arriving to campus, regardless of vaccination status. You are then required to upload your negative test result to the Health Services Portal. The test can be either a PCR or a rapid antigen test that can be done at a local testing site in your area or at a number of retail pharmacies. A list of testing resources is available on our Health and Safety website.

  • If you cannot locate a provider of one of the tests described above, please contact the Stonehill Testing Center to arrange a test at least 48 hours before your scheduled arrival to campus. The Testing Center can be reached at (508) 565-1166 or covidtestingcenter@stonehill.edu.

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, either on your pre-arrival test within 72 hours prior to your arrival or within the past 10-14 days, please remain at home and contact either Maria Sullivan, Director of Health Services, or Monique Avila, Director of the Testing Center, directly.

  • If you tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days, current guidance notes that you should not test again for 90 days from your positive test. Please upload positive test results to the Health Services Portal and contact Health Services at (508) 565-1307 or health-services@stonehill.edu to inform us.

Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing

At this time, the College anticipates requiring regular surveillance testing of all vaccinated and unvaccinated students and employees throughout the first several weeks of the semester. A determination on the extent and duration of surveillance testing will be made based upon the results of onboard testing as well as campus and local infection rates.

Symptomatic Testing

The College will be providing symptomatic testing to students, faculty, and staff. During normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday), students experiencing symptoms should contact Health Services directly at (508) 565-1307 or health-services@stonehill.edu. Outside of normal business hours students should submit the Symptom Reporter and follow the guidance provided. Employees experiencing symptoms should always contact their primary care provider first and then follow up with Monique Avila, Director of the Testing Center, at (508) 565-1608.

Guests and Visitors

Currently, resident and commuter students who have met all requirements to be on campus will be eligible to visit residence halls other than their own. Student guests who are not affiliated with Stonehill will be required to show a proof of vaccination before entering campus. Guest registration procedures will be provided closer to the start of the semester. Non-student campus visitors, including prospective students, alumni, parents, and vendors, will be required to submit a daily health check and present a campus visit credential to the gatehouse attendant.

Student Check-In

The mandatory student check-in process in myHill, which assures compliance with the College’s vaccine and testing polices, will go live in the days ahead. Students who do not successfully complete all required compliance items will be restricted from campus.

We have revised our COVID-19 Health and Safety and Vaccine Information sites to reflect current policies and practices as we prepare to welcome students to campus in the coming weeks. You are strongly encouraged to review all the information available on our COVID-19 Updates site. Present guidance regarding mask policies, campus visitors/guests, residence hall access, testing, and quarantine requirements are subject to change based upon regulations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Regular updates and any potential changes to our COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be communicated on an ongoing basis as they emerge.

Sincerely,

DeBrenna L. Agbényiga, PhD, MBA, MSW
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office of the Provost
provost-office@stonehill.edu
(508) 565-1311

Pauline Dobrowski
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs
studentaffairs@stonehill.edu
(508) 565-1363

Maria Sullivan, M.M.Sc., PA-C
Director of Health Services
Office of Health Services
health-services@stonehill.edu
(508) 565-1307

Lily Krentzman
Director of Human Resources
Human Resources
hr-office@stonehill.edu
(508) 565-1105