Important COVID Information for Fall 2022
Hello,
I hope you are having a great summer, and enjoying time with friends and family. In anticipation of the start of the semester in September (the first day of class is September 2!) I wanted to remind you of information related to COVID-19 safety protocols for the 2022 fall semester.
The pandemic continues to evolve, and so do college policies and procedures. I’d like to thank those students who engaged with college staff during the COVID information sessions this summer, offering feedback and suggestions for how best to move forward. Our team continues to monitor the public health situation and seek guidance and direction from our partners at Tufts Medical Center, as well as the Boston and Massachusetts departments of health. I know this is a long email with lots of information, but if nothing else, please remember that the One Emerson section of the College website will continue to be your best place to find the most up-to-date information and resources.
Before you return to campus:
Make sure you are up to date on your vaccination status and have information properly uploaded into the Student Health Portal. As of this past week, more than 1,000 students had not met the July 15 deadline to upload this information. All students noted as out of compliance have received emails from health services and from the Dean of Campus Life email accounts.
The college requires anyone who will be attending in-person classes or living on campus to have received a full initial COVID vaccination as well as one booster shot. You must have this information uploaded on the student health portal, or have an approved exemption or extension, or you will not be permitted to move into your residence hall or enter any college buildings. As the review process may take 24-72 hours, you will need to seek alternative accommodations at personal expense, and will not be able to attend class in person until this is resolved.
Before you begin your journey to Boston, Los Angeles, or Kasteel Well, you should take a rapid COVID-19 test. If you test positive, do not begin your return to campus until you have completed the appropriate isolation period.
If you will be requesting accommodations due to COVID-related concerns associated with a documented disability, be sure to contact the staff in Student Accessibility Services in advance to discuss what options might be available to you. Waiting until you return to campus will likely result in delays in responding to and evaluating your requests.
Fall Semester Information
The most recently updated COVID safety protocols were announced in April 2022. The One Emerson site contains all the most recent and updated information regarding COVID and college policies.
A few highlights include the following:
Individuals who experience COVID-19 related symptoms should take a COVID-19 test. We recommend you pick up a small supply of rapid COVID 19 tests prior to your return to campus. The health services staff at the Emerson Wellness Center have a limited number of rapid tests available for those in need.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should complete the COVID Self Reporting Form, which will share relevant information with health services staff at the Emerson Wellness Center.
Questions about your health status? Be sure to email the health services staff at the Emerson Wellness Center (healthservices@emerson.edu) or call them at 617-824-8666.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 should notify health services staff at the Emerson Wellness Center via email at healthservices@emerson.edu. The college will follow a protocol of isolation in place, meaning students who test positive will isolate in place in their existing room assignment or off-campus residence.
Anyone living or studying on the Boston campus this fall is encouraged to use the smartphone-based app MassNotify. This app, with a focus on privacy, enables notifications to be sent to users who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
A Word About Masks
In conjunction with recommendations from the Massachusetts and Boston departments of public health, the decision to wear a face mask on the Boston campus is encouraged, but optional. Guidelines may differ in Los Angeles or Kasteel Well based on local public health guidance in those areas. Please check with staff at those locations for more information. Please also note that face masks are required for anyone using a space managed by the Office of the Arts (Cutler Majestic Theatre, Robert Orchard Stage, Jackie Liebergott Black Box, Randall Lobby, Bright Family Screening Room, Semel Theater, and Greene Theater), as well as the Emerson Wellness Center.
We’re Counting On You
We’re asking everyone to do their part, and be aware of and responsible for their own health. This includes monitoring any symptoms, reporting positive test results, and following appropriate isolation guidelines if you test positive. Failure to follow policies and directions for quarantine or isolation will result in a referral to the Office of Community Standards. We’re counting on everyone to do their part and follow relevant safety protocols and directions.
Questions?
- Questions about COVID policies and safety protocols? You can always direct them via email to COVID19@emerson.edu.
- Try the Emerson Concern Center to find answers to your questions. This online database is an ever-growing summary of campus resources that allows you to search for answers to your questions. Responses direct you to relevant websites and resource people.
- The Care Out Loud page on the Emerson website is another great resource for sharing concerns or seeking assistance, including links to reporting forms and college resources and a toolkit for students.
- Questions specific to living or studying on the Emerson Los Angeles campus should be directed to emersonla@emerson.edu
- Questions specific to living and studying at Kasteel Well should be directed to castle@emerson.edu.
- Students in the GBFA cohort studying at the Paris College of Art this fall should direct questions to studentlife@paris.edu.
Monkey Pox
College staff have been carefully monitoring this situation, and are engaging with our medical partners to determine appropriate protocols. More information will follow in separate communications at a later date.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Thanks for reading this information. It’s important that we all do our part to ensure a safe and successful fall semester. I hope you enjoy the remainder of this summer break and wish you safe travels as you return for the start of the semester.
Take care,
Jim Hoppe
Vice President and Dean, Campus Life
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