In a series of emails Aug. 9 and 10, Holy Cross College dean and vice president of student life Andrew Polaniecki shared updated protocols for the fall semester and move-in with new and returning students.
The first email noted most Holy Cross students are vaccinated or in the process of being vaccinated.
“We are thankful for this,” Polaniecki wrote, “as it shows care for your health and the health of the community.”
Vaccinations
Students are encouraged to submit their COVID-19 vaccination documentation via the student portal or by directly emailing director of counseling and health Tom DeHorn at tdehorn@hcc-nd.edu.According to the emails, students who do not have the proper vaccination documentation will not be able to move in or attend their first classes.
If there are any positive cases on campus, those who are determined to be close contacts but are vaccinated will not be required to quarantine, per the emails.
Masking
Masks will not be required for students, faculty and staff who are vaccinated, according to the emails. Those who are unvaccinated and those who have an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine will be required to wear masks indoors when physical distancing is not possible.In the email, Polaniecki noted that some spaces on the Notre Dame campus will require masks when the space is generally open to the public, such as Notre Dame bookstore locations and the first floor of the Duncan Student Center. Therefore, students are encouraged to carry a mask with them at all times.
Visitors
All guests on campus will have to wear masks indoors when physical distancing is not possible, except when eating or drinking.While Holy Cross is not requiring a negative COVID-19 test for visitors, it is encouraged, especially for those unvaccinated or traveling by plane.
Generally, guests will be expected to limit the amount of time they are indoors and in groups.
Move-in
The email suggested family members and friends who are unvaccinated or at high risk may want to consider any travel plans to campus due to concern over the Delta variant and the number of cases nationwide.While the College is not limiting the number of guests at move-in, the email asks each family “to carefully consider what is safe and what helps to protect our college community.”
The Welcome Weekend Friday dinner will not include a formal program this year, according to the email, but an option for eating outdoors will be provided and the dinner will include staggering and spacing in order to limit the number of people eating at any given moment.
Editor’s Note: This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
