We as faculty and staff members must do our part to keep the Lafayette community safe and healthy. No one has to do it alone. Everyone — students, faculty, and staff — has an equal responsibility to one another. By working together and following the guidance outlined here, you can help our community navigate these challenges safely and effectively.
We encourage you to continue to reference community transmission levels to inform your decisions about masking and other precautions to protect your health and the health of those around you.
The standard for being compliant with COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all employees and students (incoming and returning) is to meet the CDC definition of “fully vaccinated.” Our recommendation is that each member of the community meet the CDC definition of being “up to date for COVID-19 vaccines.” COVID-19 vaccines remain accessible and free. In addition, vaccines continue to prove effective at minimizing the most serious outcomes of an infection, especially hospitalization and death. You can check to see if you are eligible for additional boosters. If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised, regardless of age, you should contact your primary care provider to discuss available options, as there may be other strategies recommended by your provider.
Medical or religious exemptions require appropriate documentation to review. Employees can request an exemption by making a reasonable accommodation request.
In reviewing these requests, the College will also consider whether you submitted any prior exemption requests, the content and outcome of those requests, and the fact that you received a COVID-19 vaccination. Social, political, and economic beliefs and philosophies, or personal preferences alone, do not constitute religious beliefs. Faculty and staff who previously received an exemption for vaccination do not need to reapply.
Employees who are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive should follow the employee COVID-19 action guidelines shared by Human Resources.
The College has a mask-optional policy for most spaces on campus. Individual faculty members may require masking for their class meetings, laboratories, and studio sessions. In keeping with our commitment to respecting our community values, we expect everyone on campus to support the decisions others may make to wear a mask at any time. Free KN95 and surgical masks remain available for students and employees at Feather House.
It’s important to pay attention to your health and monitor any changes. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
If you test positive for COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please follow the employee COVID-19 action guidelines.