March 9, 2021
Importance of the Safety Protocols
Dear Assumption Families,

Some students reached out to administrators this week inquiring about the COVID-19 safety protocols which were implemented to promote the health and safety of the campus community. Compared to other colleges and universities, Assumption reports a low COVID-19 positivity rate. This is due to the safety protocols that we have in place and the community’s continued compliance with those protocols.

We have a choice: maintain the safety protocols amid a persistent and active pandemic, or risk an outbreak on campus which would force the institution to transition to remote learning and send students home for the remainder of the semester. The University has chosen to work tirelessly to provide students who desire such an on-campus experience.

Despite the premature easing of restrictions by some states, we must be mindful that the pandemic remains a serious public health threat with a recent one-week average in the United States of 58,745 positive COVID-19 cases each day. These figures are higher than last spring when we were forced to transition to remote learning. Last week’s positivity rate in Worcester was above 15 percent. Compounding the high positivity rates are warnings from epidemiologists that a variant of the virus will likely result in another spike in positive cases in the coming weeks. As a residential community, we must remain vigilant if students are to remain on campus for the remainder of the semester.

I wish to share some information to clarify any confusion:

  • STUDENTS MAY LEAVE CAMPUS FOR ESSENTIAL TRAVEL: Students may leave campus if they follow the protocol for essential travel which includes medical appointments, off-campus work and internships. 
  • Residential students, other than for essential travel, are to remain on campus. If they are exposed to COVID-19, students can spread the virus quickly across campus given the density of residence halls. This could result in the Department of Public Health ordering us to either shelter-in-place or transition to complete remote learning. (This is what occurred last semester when there was a spike in COVID-19 cases among in-residence students following Columbus Day Weekend when many students returned from trips off-campus.)
  • SUPPORTING UNIVERSITY AND WORCESTER CONTACT TRACING: With regard to the new campus exit procedure requiring a card swipe, this is an effort to support University and the City of Worcester’s contact tracing efforts for those who leave campus and test positive for COVID-19. The University is not tracking the amount of time students are off-campus nor is the gate inoperable for students.
  • COMMUTER STUDENTS ARE NOT A COVID-19 THREAT: Thus far, the presence of commuter students on campus has not posed a threat to our community, but they are reminded to adhere to the commitment they made in signing the Community Promise.
  • REMAINING ON CAMPUS AFTER EASTER: As shared in December 2020, the University will make a decision by March 25 if students may remain on campus during and after Easter. Know that our goal remains for students to remain on campus, but only if safe to do so.
  • EXTENDED DINING FACILITY HOURS: The hours for Taylor Dining Hall and Charlie’s Snack Bar were not reduced, rather extended this semester by more than 22 hours per week. Dunkin’ Donuts is also open.
  • EXTENDED POST OFFICE HOURS: An additional hour has been added to the hours of operation.

If students have additional questions about the safety protocols, the University has invited them to a meeting with the Health Protocols Group on Thursday evening. This group advises the University on the development and assessment of the safety protocols and may address any student concerns.

Students have been patient. They’ve complied with the safety protocols. We appreciate their efforts. This is a difficult time and an abnormal situation, but one in which each member of our community has risen to endure. I encouraged students to continue to demonstrate the same resilience that has inspired them during this last year. I also reminded them that this is a time when we all must make sacrifices for the common good of the campus and the greater Worcester communities.

I am hopeful that the public health situation will allow students to finish the semester here, on campus.

Sincerely,
Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.
President
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA, 01609  (508) 767-7000