Chancellor Fuller provides an update on University requirements related to COVID-19
Fellow Corsairs,
I look forward to welcoming you back to campus soon—we have missed you! We look forward to a year of growth and community, of lively classroom debates, new friendships, fun activities, and hard-fought athletic contests. Most importantly, we look forward to helping you learn and achieve your goals.
In response to evolving public health conditions in our region, I write to share some important updates to UMass Dartmouth’s coronavirus policies and protocols for the Fall 2021 semester. Our highest priority, as always, is to promote a safe learning, living, and work environment on campus.
Indoor Mask Requirement
In accordance with CDC guidance and the prevalence of COVID-19 in Bristol County at this time, effective Monday, August 23, the university is currently requiring that all students, staff and faculty wear face coverings in public areas indoors on campus. Given that this virus can still be transmitted by vaccinated individuals, this requirement will apply to everyone, including individuals who are fully vaccinated. We will monitor public health conditions on campus and in our region, and will continually evaluate whether it is necessary to continue this indoor mask requirement.
Student Vaccination Requirement
As you know, consistent with all the campuses in the UMass system, UMass Dartmouth is requiring all undergraduate and graduate students who wish to live, learn or physically come to campus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 28. I’m grateful to the thousands of students who have already uploaded their vaccination information through the Student Health Services portal. If you haven’t yet uploaded your proof of vaccination or applied for an exemption on medical or religious grounds, please do so as soon as possible. We want to welcome all of you back this fall.
Employee Vaccination Requirement
Your safety is paramount to us, and vaccination is our community’s best protection against COVID-19. That’s why it is UMass Dartmouth’s intention to also require that all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated, except for those who have approved medical and religious exemptions.
COVID-19 Testing Protocol for Exempt Individuals
All students, staff and faculty who have an approved exemption will be required to participate in a weekly COVID-19 testing protocol and to wear masks indoors in public spaces, regardless of whether a campus-wide indoor mask requirement is in force.
Again, I’m excited to welcome you back to campus on Move-In Day and at Convocation. Keep safe, Corsairs—get vaccinated, wear your mask, and enjoy these last few weeks of summer.
Best,
Dr. Fuller
Chancellor
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth