Nov. 5: Student Notice on New Mass. Public Safety Measures

Dear Students,

I write to you today regarding the new public health and safety measures announced by Governor Baker earlier this week in response to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. With these measures going into effect on Friday, November 6th and as we finish up the final weeks of the fall semester here on campus, it is imperative that we remain informed and continue to take all necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our community safe.

The Governor’s advisory urges residents to stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. As such, we ask that you limit your activity between these hours and know that the College will not schedule any in-person events after 9:30 p.m. However, please also be informed that you are still able to pick up food after this time and that the Library will continue to maintain its regular hours.

Revisions have also been made regarding indoor and outdoor gathering limits, which now include a 10-person limit indoors and a 25-person limit outdoors per designated space. Please be reminded that College policy on guests within residence halls remains the same, and classrooms used for in-person and hybrid instruction are exempt from gathering limits.

The May 1, 2020 guidelines on face masks stated that people “exercising outdoors and … able to keep physical distance from others” did not have to wear a mask. However, the Governor’s most recent order seems to no longer provide for this exception in public areas. As such, the College is advising all community members to wear masks at all times (except in one’s own private residence hall room), including while exercising. The College is currently seeking clarification on this revision and will update our community as needed.

Lastly, please be reminded that the Massachusetts Department of Health is requiring college students to receive a flu vaccine. In order to confirm compliance with the State, students are asked to submit verification of your vaccine to Health Services by November 15th. Additional information regarding flu vaccines can be found through our Office of Health Services.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing attention and adherence to these guidelines, and best wishes for a productive and safe remainder of the fall semester.

Sincerely,

Pauline Dobrowski, Ed.D
Vice President for Student Affairs