Simpson College is currently in Phase Yellow
Simpson College COVID Plan and Phases
Updated Aug. 9, 2021
Members of the Crisis Management Team continue to evaluate changes in the COVID-19 pandemic. They are thoughtfully and diligently working through the myriad details that enable us to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
The College follows a four-phased model to guide its operations through the pandemic. It also follows triggers to guide decisions in moving from one phase to another.
An outline of both the four-phased model and the transition triggers is below.
Phase Guidelines
The following guidelines take effect beginning Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021.
Green Phase:
- Mask use is optional for all individuals with the exception of classrooms, where masks are required.
- Campus community vaccination rates at 80% or greater.
- No restrictions within dining or residential facilities.
- No limitations with events, unless otherwise dictated by the event’s management.
- 50% of unvaccinated full-time students are required to be tested every week.
Yellow Phase (current):
- Campus community vaccination rates between 60% and 79%.
- Indoor mask use is required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Specifically:
- Masks are required in classrooms.
- Masks are required for campus housing public spaces.
- Masks are required when inside all non-residential buildings.
- Masks are required when in private offices when not all present are vaccinated. If all are vaccinated, masks are recommended but not required.
- Masks are not required for employees working in shared office space if all have submitted proof of vaccination; masks must be put on when others enter office space.
- Masks are optional outdoors including events; social distancing is encouraged.
- Indoor events are held at up to 100% room capacity with mask use required.
- 35% of unvaccinated full-time students are required to be tested every week.
Orange Phase:
- Campus community vaccination rates less than 59%.
- Masks are required in classrooms.
- Physical distance by maintaining six feet or more from others.
- Mask use is required for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status. Specifically:
- Masks are required for campus housing and public spaces.
- Masks are required when inside all non-residential buildings.
- Masks are required when in private offices when not all present are vaccinated. If all are vaccinated, masks are recommended but not required.
- Masks are not required for employees working in shared office space if all have submitted proof of vaccination; masks must be put on when others enter office space.
- Masks are required for outdoor events if social distancing is not feasible.
- Group gatherings will be capped at 35 participants unless advance approval is received by Student Activities and/or CMT.
- 25% unvaccinated full-time students are required to be tested every week.
Red Phase:
- Physical distance by maintaining six feet or more from others.
- Masks are required for campus housing public spaces.
- Masks are required when inside all non-residential buildings.
- Masks are required when in private offices when not all present are vaccinated. If all are vaccinated, masks are recommended but not required.
- Masks are required outdoors if unable to practice six feet social distancing.
- Seated dining only available in roommate groups.
- Visitation of other rooms in housing is restricted.
- Group gatherings will be capped at 10 participants unless advance approval is received by Student Activities and/or CMT.
Phase Transitions
Trigger to Green:
- Campus community vaccination rates greater than 80%
Trigger to Yellow:
- Campus community vaccination rates between 60% and 79%
OR - Level of community transmission is substantial to high (when transitioning from Green)
OR - Campus random positivity rate less than 5% for two weeks (when transitioning from Orange)
Trigger to Orange:
- Campus community vaccinated rates lower than 59%
OR - Campus isolation/quarantine capacity roughly at 50% occupied
OR - Campus random positivity rate 10% over 3-5 days (when transitioning from Yellow)
- Campus random positivity rate 10% for two weeks (when transitioning from Red)
Trigger to Red:
- Campus isolation/quarantine capacity roughly at 75% occupied
OR - Campus random positivity rate greater than 15% over 3-5 days (when transitioning from Orange)