Gettysburg College is updating the indoor masking policy, and visitor policy, and providing guidance for Family Weekend and Fall Break.
Dear Members of the Gettysburg College Community,
We hope you’re enjoying the start of autumn and the many joys this season brings. We write today to update you on a change in our indoor masking policy and visitor policy and to offer guidance for Family Weekend and Fall Break.
In August, the College implemented a temporary indoor masking policy. This health and safety measure required all individuals—regardless of their vaccination status—to wear a mask when inside campus buildings, with a few notable exceptions. Over the past several weeks, we have closely monitored many indicators, including our consistently low campus positivity rate. Based on the favorable trends observed—and supported by the guidance of our medical experts—the College will begin incrementally lifting this temporary measure.
Please note that if conditions warrant a shift back to a community-wide indoor masking policy at any point this academic year, the College will respond accordingly.
New indoor masking policy
Effective today, the College will adopt the following indoor masking policy:
Vaccinated students, employees, and visitors
Masking required:
- In classes
- In official meetings/events in classrooms, meeting rooms, and event spaces (e.g. a student organization meeting in a classroom; a department meeting in a conference room; a faculty meeting in the CUB Ballroom)
- In Musselman Library
- In public administrative office areas (e.g. Financial Aid Office)
Those meeting in private offices may choose to remove their mask if all occupants agree and are vaccinated.
Unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors
Masking required:
- All indoor spaces
Additionally, effective today, visitors are permitted in campus housing areas. Overnight visitors are currently not permitted.
Again, we intend to be incremental in our approach. COVID-19 vaccinations within Adams County remain lower than state averages, and the current county risk of infections remains high. We encourage all community members to stay patient and to take the necessary precautions when in the town of Gettysburg.
Family Weekend
On October 22-24, our community will celebrate Family Weekend. This is a wonderful Gettysburg College tradition and we are pleased to be in a position to welcome student families to campus.
Given the influx of people on campus, our entire community—regardless of vaccination status—will return to indoor masking in all College buildings and spaces (excluding housing areas) during those three days. This policy will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Friday, October 22, until 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 24. Visiting families are expected to likewise comply with the College’s COVID-19 policies. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Fall break
We understand that many Gettysburg students and employees travel over the Fall Break. It is a great time for our community to recharge with family, friends, and loved ones. As you make your plans, we encourage you to take a moment to review guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to protect yourself and others during your travels.
- Follow all state, local, and international recommendations and requirements, including masking and social distancing.
- Mask when on public transportation as required.
- Mask in crowded settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
In closing, we’d like to extend our gratitude to the entire Gettysburg College community for your continued understanding as we navigate this pandemic together. As we slowly begin to lift some of our indoor masking protocols, please remember that there are many reasons why a student or employee may choose to continue masking on campus. We support our fellow Gettysburgians in making these decisions based on their personal circumstances.
If you have any questions, please visit the COVID-19 website or contact covidupdates@gettysburg.edu.
Sincerely,
Anne Ehrlich
Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students
Jen Lucas
Executive Director of Human Resources