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Vassar College today announced that it will allow pre-approved supervised off-campus student travel, paving the way for its spring athletic teams to compete. The new guidelines will go into effect March 22. 

President Elizabeth H. Bradley said the decision was made following a thorough assessment of off-campus protocols and procedures to be put in place.

“These off-campus activities, including athletics, field research and volunteer opportunities, are important components of the student experience,” the President said. “They contribute to positive mental health and forge important connections with the local community. We will have extensive health and safety protocols in place for students who participate in such off-campus activities. With respect to Athletics, we are confident that the rules we have put in place—in conjunction with the policies established by the Liberty League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)—will ensure the safety of both our student-athletes and the Vassar community.” Visit Vassar Athletics for more details. 

In addition to varsity Athletics, the new policy will permit off-campus travel for pre-approved, supervised activities such as: 

• Field research
• Participation in local volunteer efforts
• Visits to local cultural sites
• Trips to local parks and natural areas for recreation and fitness
• Historic walking tours of Poughkeepsie or other nearby cities and sites
• Club sports competition

All off-campus travel must be pre-approved by a newly created body, the Off-Campus Travel Review Committee, and students traveling off-campus must be accompanied by a Vassar employee (e.g., coach, faculty member, college administrator) in a ratio of 1/12 or one chaperone per vehicle, whichever is more. No groups larger than 50 will be permitted on a single trip, and overnight travel is not permitted. Social distancing and the wearing of masks, except for eating and drinking, is required at all times. Indoor dining is prohibited.

Students taking part in these activities will be required to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of departing campus.

Bradley noted that the newly approved off-campus travel will be allowed as long as the conditions on campus continue to be at a low to moderate risk level.

Details regarding the procedure for applying for permission for off-campus travel will be announced soon.