Campus Pandemic Updates Overview of campus information, decisions, and plans related to the COVID-19 pandemic All of the Five College campuses are taking measures to ensure safe operations for students, faculty, and staff. Some of the related policies are highlighted on this page; specific policy information and expectations can be found on each campus' COVID-19 page. This information is updated regularly. The last update was made on December 3, 2021. On This Page Status Update Vaccination Masks Testing Campus Access Travel Meetings and Events Status Update Amherst College Because of the return to campus of students and employees after the holiday break, the College has moved to Level 2: Enhanced COVID-19 Precautions through two testing cycles (November 28-29 and December 1-2). During that time, all members of the College community are urged to adhere fully to all health and safety protocols. In keeping with the Level 2 guidelines, Valentine Dining Hall is operating at 50% capacity and all indoor events have been restricted to 50% capacity as well. Assuming that the December 1-2 test results show no evidence of a significant presence of COVID-19 on campus, Valentine will resume operating at 100% capacity on December 4 (at breakfast). Hampshire College All eligible students and employees will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. This policy is consistent with the current requirement that students and employees be fully immunized against COVID-19, and will help us maintain the safest possible campus environment. The deadline for all employees and students receiving a booster is March 21, 2022, which is the Monday after spring break. Students and employees with approved medical or religious exemptions are not required to get a booster. COVID-19 testing will continue weekly during the spring semester. All residential and commuter students and all employees working on campus are required to take part in asymptomatic testing. The indoor masking requirement will continue through the beginning of the spring semester, regardless of any changes to federal, state, or local guidance. Everyone will continue to be required to wear a mask indoors, except (1) when alone in a private office or residential room, (2) while seated and eating food in an approved dining area, and (3) when using a bathroom in a dormitory or mod. Everyone is encouraged to wear a face covering outdoors when in a crowded environment. The masking requirement may be reassessed in the spring, should conditions warrant it. Smith College All students and employees are strongly encouraged to schedule a booster shot either locally or in their home communities. The college is considering requiring booster shots as part of its COVID-19 health and safety policies. Also, students will receive information shortly regarding the January return-to-campus process and Interterm policies. Students are asked not to make final travel arrangements for the beginning of the spring semester until the arrival plan is complete. Preliminary guidance is that students should plan to arrive for the spring term no later than January 22 at 9:00 p.m. in order to test prior to the first day of classes. UMass Amherst The indoor face covering requirement will remain in effect for the rest of the fall semester and will be reviewed prior to the spring semester. The Vaccine Clinic will close on Friday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m. and reopen at a date in January to be determined. Campus Dashboards Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Vaccination All consortium campuses are requiring students and employees to be vaccinated, with exceptions allowed for health and religious reasons. See the links below for individual campus policies. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Masks All consortium campuses are requiring that masks be worn indoors unless an individual is alone in an office. Policies on outdoor mask requirements vary. See the links below for individual campus policies. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Testing All four college campuses are requiring regular testing of all students and employees; UMass is requiring testing only of those who are not vaccinated, though testing is readily available for all. See the links below for individual campus policies. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Campus Access While students and faculty members from each Five College campus are allowed access to the classroom facilities of other Five College campuses, each campus has its own policies on access to other campus resources. Click the links below for full campus visit policies. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Travel Click the links below for policies regarding campus members traveling outside the state and abroad. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Meetings and Events The campuses may have restrictions on event capacity or attendees. General information on campus events can be accessed using the links below. Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Policies at Other Campuses Greenfield Community College Holyoke Community College Related Links Coronavirus Information for FCI Staff Asymptomatic COVID Testing for Joint Faculty and FCI Staff - Fall 2021 Five Colleges®, Incorporated 97 Spring Street, Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 542-4000 Social Facebook Twitter YouTube SmugMug Quick Links About the Consortium Employment Governing Committees Log In Member Institutions Amherst College Hampshire College Mount Holyoke College Smith College UMass Amherst Login Non-Discrimination Policy Five Colleges, Incorporated (FCI) is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. 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