News 2021: Update on Massachusetts Health and Safety Guidance

Chancellor Fuller provides information on University policy changes ahead of the May 29 Massachusetts reopening plan implementation

Dear UMass Dartmouth Staff and Faculty,

As we head into Memorial Day weekend and transition to the summer, it has been heartening to see significant declines in COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth and rising rates of vaccination. Accordingly, Massachusetts is lifting most of the restrictions that have been in place over the past year, and the university has revised its Fall 2021 Semester Plan to reflect these updates.

Consonant with the new state guidance, I am pleased to let you know that, effective Saturday, May 29, UMass Dartmouth will no longer require the use of face coverings indoors or outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose vaccine or two weeks following a single-dose vaccine. Individuals will not be required to provide proof of vaccination status to forego a face covering indoors.

As part of our efforts to keep the campus community safe, UMass Dartmouth strongly encourages and recommends that all faculty and staff be fully vaccinated before the start of the fall semester. Please visit our vaccination information website to learn more.

While face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated individuals, you are certainly welcome to continue wearing one if you wish. It is important to note that there are some instances where face coverings are still necessary:

• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are still required to wear face coverings indoors unless they are alone.
• Under Massachusetts public health guidance, face coverings are still required in certain settings, including on public transportation, in health care sites, and childcare centers. Students, faculty, and staff will be required to wear face coverings while using campus shuttles and when visiting Health Services and the Counseling Center.

Also on May 29, UMass Dartmouth will lift all social distancing and density restrictions on campus per the Massachusetts reopening plan. Offices, classrooms, residential and dining halls, labs, and other campus buildings will return to full occupancy in preparation for the Fall 2021 semester. Human Resources will be reaching out to all staff and faculty with a timeline for returning to work on campus. 

As we all return to campus in the coming months, I look forward to meeting many of you in person. Thank you for all your creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness and determination to help our students continue their educations despite the challenges of the pandemic.

Best,

Mark A. Fuller, PhD

Interim Chancellor