Initial Operating Mode

From January 1–31, the campus will operate in a one-time mode (blue) to allow all arriving students to clear isolation/quarantine in accordance with state guidelines. At the end of this period, the college will move to the appropriate operating mode.

	Current Status: GREEN
Summary	COVID rates on campus are low and do not appear to be increasing.
Residential Life	On-campus students may visit other on-campus students’ rooms and houses. Vaccinated external guests are allowed and must follow all Smith health and safety protocols.
Dining	No additional restrictions.
Learning Mode	In-person classes.
Testing	Testing is required twice weekly for students and employees.

Future Operating Modes: Green/Yellow/Orange/Red

Beginning January 31, the campus will enter orange mode. See details in the January 25, 2022 letter to the community.

Explore the Operating Mode Guidelines

Masking

	Blue Operating Mode

Indoors	Required except when alone in a bedroom (or with a roommate), in an enclosed work-space or when eating. No single-layer cloth face coverings, such as neck gaiters or bandanas. Cloth masks must be at least two layers. Surgical or KN95/KF94 masks are strongly encouraged.

Outdoors	Masks are not mandatory outdoors and we welcome those who would like to continue to wear them. We advise everyone to wear masks in crowded situations.

Testing


Students and Employees	Three times weekly for students, twice weekly for employees

Isolation and Quarantine


Contact Tracing	Individuals who test positive will receive an email and phone interview. Contacting tracers will send emails to the list of close contacts provided by those with positive results.

Students	Residential students who test positive will be moved temporarily to isolation housing. Students who have been in close contact with a positive case AND have been contacted by a staff contact tracer, must follow any guidance provided.

Employees	Employees who test positive must remain home. Employees who have been in close contact with a positive case AND have been contacted by a staff contact-tracer, must follow any guidance provided. Employees who test positive via a non-Smith test should contact testingandtracing@smith.edu

Students


Traditional Housing	Smith students are allowed to visit other residence halls. No guests are allowed in residences except for move-in.

Student meetings, gatherings, activities and affinity groups	In-person gatherings of members of the Smith community are strongly discouraged; gatherings should be remotely when possible.

Dining	To-go meals. Students are asked to eat in their rooms or to stay six feet apart when eating in other campus locations.

Classes	Courses are mostly remote.

Student research and work-study	No additional restrictions.

Off-campus guidance for residential students	Remain in Northampton—Do not eat or drink in bars or restaurants. Do not attend gatherings in any private residence other than your own. Travel exceptions are available.

Athletics	Varsity sports and club practices allowed.

Olin Fitness Center and Athletics Facilities	Open to students in the testing program.

Faculty


Classes	Courses are mostly remote.

Meetings or gatherings	In-person gatherings of members of the Smith community are strongly discouraged and should be held remotely when possible. Members of the public are not allowed. Exceptions are rarely approved by CIRT. Email covid19info@smith.edu

Dining	No group meals inside; isolated dining only.

Research and Scholarship	No restrictions.

Faculty Travel	Travel for scholarly purposes is discouraged. Please follow CDC guidance and use common sense regarding destinations and protocols.

Olin Fitness Center	See Olin Fitness Center website.

Building access, visitors and vendors	Visitors discouraged. All visitors and vendors must follow visitor guidelines.

Staff


Location	Staff urged to work remotely if possible.

Meetings or gatherings	In-person gatherings of members of the Smith community are strongly discouraged and asked to be remote where possible. Members of the public are not allowed. Exceptions are rarely approved by CIRT. Email covid19info@smith.edu

Dining	No group meals inside; isolated dining only.

Staff Travel	Travel is strongly discouraged. Please follow CDC guidance and use common sense regarding destinations and protocols.

Olin Fitness Center	See Olin Fitness Center website.

Building access, visitors and vendors	Visitors discouraged. All visitors and vendors must follow visitor guidelines.

Public Functions


Admissions	Admissions tours and activities are available. Please see the Admission website for more information.

Campus School

Fort Hill Center for Early Childhood Education

Smith College Libraries	Open to OneCard Holders in the testing program.

Museum of Art	Open.

Botanic Garden/Lyman Conservatory	Open.

Campus Center	Open.

Facility Rental	No external events.