Dear Members of the Campus Community,

We continue to see declines in infections from the Omicron variant around the country, across the state, and here on campus. This is good news! As tempting as it may be to let down our guard, it is essential that we continue to observe the campus health and safety guidelines that allow us to attend class, conduct research, participate in meetings and events, and fully engage in our studies and in our work.

Over the coming weeks we might see more relaxed guidelines from Washington state or our local health department. We will take any changes into consideration to inform our own campus policy, but at this time we are continuing with our testing, masking, and other requirements currently in place.

A few reminders:

Proof of Booster Shots Due by Feb. 14
As announced in December, booster shots are required. The majority of the campus community has already uploaded updated vaccination cards that include proof of receiving a booster shot. If you have not yet done so, please upload your vaccination card now. Any students who are out of compliance with this requirement will be contacted directly by Counseling, Health and Wellness Services; faculty and staff will be contacted by Human Resources.

Mask Guidance
We no longer recommend the use of cloth masks. KN95, N95 or surgical/medical masks are recommended for those who are vaccinated, and required for those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Masks are available for pick up at Facilities Services, Security Services, and outside the Dean of Students Office in Wheelock Student Center.

Masks must be worn at all times indoors in classrooms, meetings, and public areas; and outdoors when it is not possible to be appropriately socially-distanced from others. Those who are teaching, performing or delivering presentations may remove their masks for the duration of their commentary/performance only, and only if appropriately distanced from others. 

Testing
Free weekly PCR testing continues Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Upper Marshall Hall. Test kits are also available for pick up and completed tests may be dropped off across from Wheelock Student Center, Rm. 208. Please drop off your weekly test no later than 3 p.m. on Thursday of each week. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available at pugetsound.edu/coronavirus. 

I am so proud of the ways in which our campus community continues to work together to support each other. I hope you are enjoying your time on campus this semester, and taking advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities for engaging in campus life, in and beyond the classroom. This weekend alone features opportunities to celebrate Black History Month; the Northwest Conference swimming championships; and home games for our baseball, tennis and basketball teams—including a pivotal game between the top two ranked women’s basketball teams in the conference on Saturday. (Go, Loggers!)

Be well, stay safe, and thank you for everything you continue to do to make our campus a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

Sincerely,

Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President