COVID-19 Protocol Update

Dear students, staff, and faculty:

We write today to announce changes to Smith’s COVID-19 protocols that will take place at the end of May. These changes are consistent with our practice to adjust protocols based on caseloads, research, current data, and government guidelines and recommendations. They coincide with President Joe Biden’s and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s plans to end the federal and state coronavirus public health emergency on May 11, 2023, and Broad Institute’s plans to end its PCR testing program this summer. This will affect our testing program as well as the resources and services provided by the Schacht Center for Health and Wellness.

Here’s what you need to know:

Testing

• Beginning Friday, May 26, 2023, Smith’s COVID test site will close and asymptomatic PCR testing services will no longer be offered on campus.
• Symptomatic COVID-19 testing for students will continue to be available at the Schacht Center.
• Rapid antigen tests will continue to be available to students, including School for Social Work (SSW) students, throughout the summer.
• Employees will no longer have access to COVID testing at Smith, nor will they need to report a positive COVID case to Health Services. Employees are encouraged to work with their private health care providers to address their diagnostic concerns.

Schacht Center

• Beginning Tuesday, May 30, the Schacht Center will return to working exclusively with students, as it did before the pandemic.
• The Schacht Center will continue to offer students and employees access to annual flu shots.
• COVID vaccine distribution opportunities will be considered when availability details emerge.

We will continue to examine and adjust protocols, such as isolation requirements and student testing upon arrival to campus, based on evolving information. Please continue to check the COVID-19 Information page for updates.

We want to thank our dedicated COVID Care Team at the Schacht Center and test site for their hard work and diligence over the past three years. We also wish to recognize our campus community’s vigilance and commitment to everyone’s health and well-being. Our collective efforts made it possible for Smith to maintain a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Sincerely,

Kathleen McCartney
President

David DeSwert
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Michael Thurston
Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Alexandra Keller
Interim Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of the College