Policy Update: September 9, 2021

Dear students, staff and faculty:

Following up from yesterday's all-community meeting, we write to share our updated Culture of Care COVID-19 protocols. As always, please monitor the Culture of Care website and the weekly emails from this address for further updates.

• Twice-weekly testing until at least the end of October: Students are required to be tested two times each calendar week (between Monday and Friday) in Smith’s asymptomatic testing program. It is recommended that students spread their testing out during the calendar week if able (e.g. Monday/Thursday, Tuesday/Friday.) As a reminder, the campus testing site is located in the Carroll Room at the Campus Center which is open Monday – Friday, 7 a.m – 5 p.m. Appointments are required for testing and can be scheduled online at this link.
• Student travel restrictions until September 14, 2021: Student personal travel is restricted to Hampshire County. Travel organized by course instructors or college offices for curricular or co-curricular purposes is excluded from this travel restriction. This restriction will be lifted on Tuesday, September 14. As always, students are strongly encouraged to avoid indoor activities where masks cannot be worn (e.g. bars, restaurants, parties).
• Reduced dining capacity until at least the end of September: We are reducing seating capacity in the dining halls to 50%. We also encourage outdoor eating and small groups when indoors.
• External guest restrictions until at least the end of September: No external guests are to be hosted in residential buildings. Requests for exceptions should be directed to residence life. Guests must follow all Smith health and safety protocols. Guests are not allowed in student dining rooms. Smith students are allowed to visit other residence halls.

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