December 3, 2021 (7:51 a.m. Central Time)
Dear Simpson Students, Faculty and Staff:
The COVID Management Team has made the decision to amend Simpson’s mask policy for most on-campus events. Effective immediately, campus events – unless expressly communicated otherwise – will now recommend, rather than require, mask use.
However, it is critical to emphasize that masks are still required in all classes/classrooms. Mask use may still be required by event sponsors; masks will be required for Lessons and Carols (Dec. 11, 12), as well as for Commencement (Dec. 17). Masks will not be required for Jingle Mingle (Dec. 9).
Events employing a mask-recommended designation must also provide a mask-required space within the venue. For example, Athletic competitions will have a designated mask-required seating area.
As of today, our full-time student vaccination rate is steady at 79% and our transmission rate is under 5%. While Warren County has seen a rise in transmission rate over the past weeks, our low positivity rate affirms our mitigation strategies have been effective. As always, CMT strives to keep the members of our community safe while creating an effective learning environment on campus. Should our campus positivity rate change CMT will adjust campus protocols accordingly.
Thanks for all you do to keep you, your friends, your colleagues and our ONESimpson community safe and healthy.
Best,
Heidi Levine, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Development and Planning
Chair, Covid Management Team