Photo by Aly Leia Wein
Although many other colleges and universities are delaying the start of their spring terms, Gettysburg College has chosen to continue with its scheduled in-person classes for the spring semester.
“After careful consideration and consultation with public health experts, we have determined that it is in the best interest of our campus community to begin the spring semester on campus on January 17 as planned, with an initial period of restriction on in-person classes and activities as we conduct arrival testing,” said an email to the campus community on Wednesday.
“We recognize the extent to which students want to live and learn on campus with their peers and supportive faculty and staff, and that our educational experience is best delivered face-to-face. However, being together as a community during this time will require additional mitigation strategies and shared sacrifice on all of our parts.”
The campus will require all students and staff to be fully vaccinated and to receive a booster shot. The campus anticipates that the majority of students will be boosted no later than February 15, 2022.
Students must provide proof of their vaccination status using the college’s HIPPA-compliant electronic medical records system.
Students may request religious or medical exemption consideration from the vaccination mandate.
Students are also required to have a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before returning to campus and will be tested again by the campus during the week of Jan. 17. All students, regardless of vaccination status, will be tested on a weekly basis for at least the first four weeks of the spring term.
The college has updated its isolation and quarantine requirements to be consistent with the CDC’s latest guidance.
The college will begin the spring term with an indoor masking policy, requiring masks while inside campus buildings unless alone in an office or room.
Visitors and guests are not permitted in residence halls. Exceptions will be made for family members helping students move into residence halls.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.