In an email to the Saint Mary's community, COVID Response Team chair Mona Bowe announced changes to the College's masking and guest policies.
Effectively immediately, students are no longer required to mask on campus, including in classrooms. Bowe noted how this new measure would impact students, especially sophomores and first-years.
“We are thrilled to be able to announce this, and celebrate this return to a more normal college experience,” she said. “We are especially happy for our sophomores and first-year students, who can, for the first time, enter a college classroom unmasked.”
Bowe explained there are two notable exceptions to the new masking protocol, in addition to prior masking guidelines.
“Faculty have the option of requiring the use of masks in their classroom, and students are expected to adhere to their request,” she said. “And, those who are not up-to-date on their vaccinations should continue to mask in the manner already in place.”
The College will also now allow guests to visit students in residence halls, Bowe said. Guests are required to follow previously established visitation rules, including parietals.
Bowe stated the College would continue to follow health guidance and reevaluate guidelines as needed in the future.
“We will continue to monitor cases in our region and our own community, and will heed any new recommendations from the CDC and the St. Joseph County Department of Health," she said. “In the case of a significant outbreak, or concerns of one, we could bring some protocols back to protect our community.”
