President

Important Updates to Campus COVID-19 Policies

June 14, 2021

Dear all,

I am writing to update you on several changes in campus COVID-19 safety policies and practices.  Because so many in the Vassar community and the surrounding Hudson Valley have been vaccinated against COVID-19, effective immediately, we are making the following changes. In so doing, we are being consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control as well as New York State. Later this week, Human Resources will also send additional information regarding telework and work on campus in anticipation of both students and faculty returning in the Fall.

Vaccination against COVID-19 not only protects you but also protects those around you, including those at higher risk of serious illness. 

  • Daily health attestations: These will be required only for employees and students who are not fully vaccinated. Employees who have completed the Human Resources confidential survey about vaccination status and have provided proof of their fully vaccinated status will no longer receive the Daily Health Screen Questionnaire from Human Resources.
  • Masking: Masks are not required indoors for employees and students who are fully vaccinated. Masks continue to be required indoors for employees and students who are not fully vaccinated. Please remember, however, that masks are not an indication of vaccination status.  For personal and public health reasons, individuals may choose to wear masks regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Masks are not required outdoors regardless of vaccination status.
  • Room capacities: Room capacities are lifted and social distancing is not necessary for vaccinated individuals. Rooms in the College Center may be reserved for use again.
  • Dining: Fully vaccinated students and employees may eat indoors at Gordon Commons. Also, masks are not required for those who are fully vaccinated. Students and employees may eat together indoors if fully vaccinated. Dining accommodations can be provided for anyone who is unvaccinated by contacting Stephen Scardina at sscardina@vassar.edu.
  • On-campus events: If attending an on-campus event, guests must abide by the event sponsor’s guidelines, and guests who are not fully vaccinated, including unvaccinated children of Kindergarten age or older must wear masks if indoors. Event sponsors should be clear with guests about this requirement.
  • Open campus: The campus including the Farm and Ecological Preserve are open to all campus and non-campus community members. Organized gatherings and events held outside must be approved and spaces reserved through campus activities.   Students may leave campus as desired.
  • Building access: Academic buildings will be on card access throughout the summer as usual; students have access to buildings during the day with ID cards and by permission after hours.
  • Library: The Library is accessible by the campus community including Emeriti faculty with card access. Non-campus community members may use the Library resources by appointment or by obtaining Library guest privileges.
  • Francis Lehman Loeb Art Gallery: The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Gallery will be open to campus and non-campus guests Tuesday through Sunday, 11AM-5PM. Masks required for unvaccinated guests.
  • Athletics and Fitness Center (AFC) and Pool: These are accessible by the campus community and Emeriti faculty, and their families.  Reservations are required.  Please visit the Athletics website for specific hours and additional information.
  • Admission visitors: Admission information sessions and hosted tours resume on Tuesday, June 15, and require advance registration and proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the visit. See our Admission site for more information.
  • Campus Survey: If you haven't already completed the campus vaccine survey, please  take a moment to complete this confidential survey now: go.vassar.edu/vaxsurvey.

All Vassar employees are eligible for four hours of paid leave to get a vaccine shot.  Employees may also be eligible for up to 12 hours of paid sick leave for side effects following a vaccine shot.  The Vassar Service Desk can support you in getting a vaccine appointment or completing the vaccine survey. For assistance, start by contacting the Service Desk at (845) 437-7224 or servicedesk@vassar.edu. For more vaccine facts and safety information, including which COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, consult your healthcare provider.

Thanks again for your part in keeping our community healthy and safe.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar