Friends:

Some of you may have heard that the Philadelphia Water Department was advising its customers today to drink bottled water in the aftermath of a chemical spill in Bucks County, north of the city. The agency was concerned about the possibility of contamination given that it draws water from the Delaware River at a point that's downstream from the spill. So far, no contamination has been detected and as of 5:30 p.m., officials had updated their alert to say that Philadelphia tap water is safe to drink, and that bottled water is not necessary at this time.

Haverford College was not included in the advisory because we get our water from a different supplier (Aqua America) that does not draw water at points that could be at risk of contamination due to this spill. Aqua's website has more information about water service in our area as well as the latest on the situation in Philadelphia.

We will keep the campus apprised if any new concerns arise.

Sincerely,

John F. McKnight, Jr. 
Dean of the College

Nico Washington
Vice President for Finance and Administration

Hello all,

We wanted to share information with you regarding the upcoming Spring break.

Spring break begins Friday, March 3, 2023 at 4 PM ET and ends Sunday, March 12, 2023 with classes resuming at 8:00 AM ET on Monday, March 13, 2023.

The residence halls are open during this period. All students staying for any part of break must register using this form.

The Traditional and Black Squirrel meal plans are not active over Spring break. Partial plans are active over break and may be used along with Dining Dollars, Campus Cash, cash, and credit cards.

• The last Dining Center meal for Traditional or Black Squirrel meal plans is Dinner on Friday, March 3 (4 PM - 6 PM). Full meal plans will resume with Brunch on Sunday, March 12.

• Lutnick Cafe will be open on Monday, March 6 to Wednesday, March 8 from 8 AM - 2 PM. 

• The Coop will be closed during Spring break. The last meal is Friday, March 3 at 2 PM. The Coop reopens on Monday, March 13 at 8 AM.  

Please check the Dining Services website for updated hours of operation.

Other offices will have modified hours:

CAPS: Closed

Central Services: Monday - Wednesday, 9 AM - 4 PM

Health Services: Monday - Wednesday, 10 AM - 2 PM

Blue Bus Schedule

Haverford College Libraries Schedule

IT Service Desk: Monday - Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (regular hours)

The College is closed on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.

Campus Safety will continue round-the-clock operations. In the case of an emergency, please call 610-896-1111.

End of Academic Year

Residence halls will close for non-seniors on Saturday, May 13 at 6 PM ET. 

Residence halls will close for seniors on Sunday, May 14 at 3 PM ET.

Respectfully,

Res Life

Hi Friends!

Here is a brief overview of the various housing processes for next year that will occur throughout the spring semester. This email provides a sneak peek to these moving parts to keep you informed. Stay tuned to your email for more detailed communications in the coming weeks. 

ADA Housing Accommodations

The deadline for priority consideration in ADA Housing Accommodations is coming up fast!  Please submit your ADA Housing Accommodations Request form by 2/17/23. Full details on the ADA Housing Accommodations process were included in this email to hc-allstudents on 1/30/23.

Living Off-Campus

If you are planning to live off-campus for the 2023-2024 academic year, please complete the Commuter Confirmation Form.

Community Housing Timeline

New this year! The Office of Residential Life & RSL Co-Heads are partnering to expand the Community House options. “Community Houses”, formerly known as Special Interest Housing, is the umbrella term for Interest Communities & Identity-Based Communities. More information on these application-based processes will be available by mid-February, but here are some things to consider:

• Interest Communities are a way for groups of 10-11 students (regardless of class year) who share a common interest to live together. These communities will be placed in the HCA open floor plan buildings (11, 14, 15, 22, 26, 34, 38, 42, 50)

  • Interest Communities are responsible for hosting 6 small, “study break” type events each semester with 1 open house in the fall semester and 1 closing event in the spring; Interest Communities will have support from the RESE office in planning, organizing, and executing these events.

  • The Interest Community application will open on 2/13/23 and close on 3/12/23. An interview will be scheduled the week of 3/12/23 and decisions will be sent out by 3/24/23.

• Information for Identity-Based Communities like the Black Cultural Center (Ira Reid House), Latinx Cultural Center (5 College Circle), and QHouse (773 College Ave.) will be available in the coming weeks.

• Cadbury House, Haverford’s substance-free and 24-hour quiet house, will also be an option and have a separate application.

On-Hall Positions

Informed by feedback from our student staff and residents, the RSL position will be differentiated into two roles. Residential Student Liaisons (RSLs) will continue to assist our returning students. Residential Community Advisors (RCAs) will be the on-hall Customs team member in the first-year and transfer student communities. Applications for these positions will be available next week. Students can apply for the RCA role (along with the off-hall PAF, HCO, and CF roles) through the unified Customs application, whereas the RSL role will have a separate application. 

Room Draw Information

A full description of Room Draw Guidelines will go out to hc-allstudents [at] haverford.edu by 3/20/23. This document will detail all elements of Room Draw including eligibility and timelines. The RSL Co-Heads will also be hosting community presentations in the weeks leading up to Room Draw. Room Draw selections will occur in mid-April.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the RSL Co-Heads (hc-reslifecoheads [at] haverford.edu). You’re also able to direct questions to Residential Life (hc-reslife [at] haverford.edu).

Respectfully,

Residential Life (Darryl, Schaf, Scott, & Tina)

Res Life Co-Heads (Anagha ‘24, Nikki ‘23, & Sooyeon ‘25)

Friends,

We hope you are doing well at the start of 2023 and write with public-health-related updates to launch the spring semester. After nearly three full years of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the College continues to apply what we have learned about the virus in our practices and protocols to keep our community as healthy as possible. 

We will continue operating under the same framework from this past fall: we are a highly-vaccinated and mask-friendly campus that enables hosts to establish masking expectations, inclusive of faculty in their classrooms. We have updated and streamlined our COVID information and policies on the Be Safe website to reflect the latest CDC guidance and current Haverford practices.

Here are some overarching considerations as our campus community, mirroring broader society, continues moving toward greater individual agency in managing COVID risks.

• In the fall 2022 semester, a total of 127 students on campus (approx. 9%) and 54 employees (approx. 8%) reported COVID positivity to the College. Positive student cases typically emerged in small waves of 5-6 at a time across the semester and there were no discernable traces of widespread outbreaks on campus.

• Our high rates of vaccination help to reduce campus spread and prevent severe illness for those who contract COVID.

• We continue to see evidence that well-fitting and high-quality masks offer wearers good protection against contracting or spreading the virus. This has enabled us to shift toward a mask-friendly environment and to adjust our isolation protocols for students living in residence halls to remain in their room assignments.

• Granting hosts the authority to require masking has proven effective in providing flexibility for various community activities and mitigating against spread within classroom settings and at College events.

• Replacing surveillance testing with self-testing and individuals conducting their own contact tracing have proven to be efficient and effective methods for limiting potential outbreaks. 

After break periods, there are always increased risks of COVID transmission due to the high volume of people returning to campus from social gatherings and domestic and international travel. You might wish to wear a mask in the coming days for extra protection. 

Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home and take a COVID self-test to know their status. Students who test COVID positive should notify Student Health Services by hc-healthservices [at] haverford.edu (email) during business hours (Mon-Thu 9 am–4:30 pm; Fri 9 am–4 pm), or after hours, contact Campus Safety by phone at (610) 896-1111. You will be given information on isolation and meals. Employees who test COVID positive should inform their supervisors and the office of human resources via email at hc-covidnotify [at] haverford.edu. You will receive a questionnaire to complete and return.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing care and concern for the Haverford community and our neighbors and friends.

Sincerely, 

John McKnight 

Jesse Lytle

Co-Chairs, Operations Planning Group

Hello Friends and Welcome Back!

The residence halls reopen on Sunday, January 15 starting at 9 AM Eastern, at which time you are approved to return to campus for the Spring '23 semester.  If this is your first time returning to campus this academic year, you can pick up your room key on Sunday, January 15 from 9a-5p and Monday, January 16 from 9a-12p in GIAC Lobby. Please have your OneCard with you.

Early move in requests will not be approved. If you are arriving to campus and need to pick up your key outside of these hours, please email hc-reslife [at] haverford.edu to make alternative arrangements.

Below are a few reminders for your return to campus:

Meal plans and regular hours of operation begin at brunch on Sunday, January 15.

Central Services is closed on Monday, January 16.  Packages may be picked up once regular hours resume on Tuesday, January 17.

Health Services and COVID-19 information can be found here.

Maintenance issues should be submitted using "SchoolDude: Submit a Maintenance Request", which can be found on this page.

We look forward to a safe and healthy start to the semester!

Respectfully,

Res Life

Hello all, 

With everyone gearing up for finals and making final preparations for Winter Break, please be reminded of these important points about Winter Break and Spring return!

Hall Closings

Halls close at 12 PM Eastern Saturday, December 17. Card access will be shut off and Residential Life & Campus Safety will be making rounds to ensure buildings/windows are secure. Facilities staff will also be doing inspections between December 16 and 19.

Unless you are moving out permanently, you are permitted to leave your items in your assigned room.

Please lock your doors and take your room keys with you. Students will not be permitted to return to their rooms over the break for any reason. Please be sure to take important items (e.g., medication, identification, academic materials, glasses/contacts, valuables, charging cables) with you.

Students are asked to complete the following checklist before departing for break to help ensure the overall health of their community and safety of their neighbors and personal belongings.

• Check your refrigerator and dispose of perishable items.

• Remove and dispose of all trash.

• If your room or apartment has a thermostat, please set it between 68-72°F. Turn off any air conditioners.

• Return any personal items in bathrooms to your individual bedroom.

• Pack or secure valuable items (prescriptions, travel documents, jewelry, electronics, etc.)

• Make sure no water is running in sinks, showers, or toilets. Report any issues using the SchoolDude: Maintenance Request.

• Turn off lights and unplug all electronics, except fridges which can remain plugged in.

• Close and lock all windows and doors, as well as lower blinds. 

• If you have a vacant space in your room, please keep that space clear. Staff will be inspecting and cleaning the space for Spring residents.

• Be sure to take your room key and OneCard and make sure your door is securely locked.  

  • As a reminder, each time you are locked out of your room, you are charged a fee for being let in

Failure to be out of the residence halls by 12 PM Eastern on Saturday, December 17 (without prior approval) will result in a $250 fine as well as automatic drop to the bottom of the lottery for the Room Draw for Fall 2023 occurring in April or applicable spring housing draws.

Spring Return

Halls reopen on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 9 AM Eastern. Early arrivals outside of department-sanctioned students will not be permitted so that all required work/maintenance can be completed in a timely manner around student arrival; Residential Life will only approve early arrivals at the request of a department for work-related or academic-related reasons. Please make all travel plans accordingly.

If you are taking a class at Penn as part of the Quaker Consortium, you may return to campus no earlier than 9 AM Eastern on Tuesday, January 10. You will be receiving a separate communication regarding your return to campus.

Changing Rooms From Fall to Spring or Moving Out

If you were pulled into a new room for the spring semester, you must move out of your current room and into the room you will be occupying in the spring during finals week. You may not change rooms upon return in the spring as new students may be occupying these spaces and spaces must be cleaned over the break. 

Res Life will email you and the current resident of the space to which you're moving and expect that you make arrangements directly with the student moving out. As a reminder, your Fall assignment must be vacated before the halls close for break at 12 PM Eastern on Saturday, December 17. 

If someone is moving into your room and you will not be returning to that room in the spring, you may give that key to the new occupant directly, but in doing so, you must also send an email to hc-reslife [at] haverford.edu with both parties copied to confirm transfer and receipt. 

If you are not returning to your room in the spring, whether for Study Abroad, a leave, graduation, or other reason, you must return your key to the Office of Residential Life no later than 12 PM Eastern on Saturday, December 17. Key envelopes are available outside the Office of Residential Life (Stokes 022). You may then either drop the envelope in the gold slot in the door or give it directly to a staff member. 

Failure to return your key or confirm transfer to the new occupant before December 17 will result in a $150 lost key fee.

Air Conditioning Units

AC units will be staying in student rooms for the remainder of the academic year. If you request the units to be removed from the windows, they must remain in the room. AC unit removal and installation requests should be directed to Facilities via the maintenance request form.

Removing Items from Basements 

If you have any personal items stored in the basement of your building, please return them to your room, take them home, or discard them before departing for Winter Break. Any items that remain in the basements after Friday, December 16 will be discarded. 

HCA Cleaning

Housekeeping staff will be entering apartments over break to clean HCA kitchens and bathrooms. Please remove all personal items from sinks, showers, and countertops so that the cleaning can be done. Items in drawers and cupboards do not need to be removed. Refrigerators will not be cleaned. Be sure to remove and discard any perishable items before leaving campus.

If you have any questions, please email hc-reslife [at] haverford.edu.

Good luck as you prepare for finals! Have a safe, healthy, and restful break!

The Office of Residential Life

Friends,

I am writing to share some public health-related updates with the community as we head into fall break. 

COVID 

Aside from our initial cluster of reported COVID cases immediately following move-in, there have been small waves of no more than ten or so positive student cases at any given time this semester. A total of 91 students have reported positive COVID cases to Student Health Services between August 22nd and October 5th; four students are currently in isolation. We will continue operating under the current COVID framework so long as there are no spikes on campus or in Montgomery or Delaware counties.

• Booster shots – The CDC is recommending updated bivalent booster shots to provide additional protection against the original COVID-19 virus and its variants. Please review CDC guidance on boosters including information about eligibility, availability, and recommended timing for receiving additional doses.
• What if I test positive? – Health Services shares this information, about what to do, with any student who tests positive for COVID. Please contact Health Services by phone at (610) 896-1089 during regular business hours (Mon-Thu 9:00 am-4:30 pm; Fri 9:00 am-4:00 pm) or by email after hours and on weekends at hc-healthservices [at] haverford.edu. Health Services will be open over fall break from Monday, October 10 through Friday, October 14 from 10 am-2 pm. If you are experiencing severe symptoms and wish to receive care outside of business hours, please contact Campus Safety for transport to a local medical facility.

Allergy, Cold, and Flu Season

Seasonal allergies and a number of viruses other than COVID-19 are circulating about campus––the symptoms of which can be challenging to differentiate from COVID. Generally speaking, you should stay home if you are feeling unwell, in order to avoid spreading any number of illnesses, and take a COVID self-test to know your status. I am pleased to share that 430 students added protections against sickness this week by participating in the flu shot clinic organized by Health Services, and a number of you have let me know that you were inoculated at other off-campus locations. Good job, Fords!

Monkeypox

There have been no cases of Monkeypox reported by Haverford students. If you are experiencing Monkeypox symptoms, please immediately notify Health Services so that you can receive appropriate medical care and we can support you through your isolation period.

As always, I express my deepest gratitude for the ways you continue to show your care and concern for the Haverford community by promoting health and wellbeing. And thanks for always being mindful of your peers who are navigating the campus experience with greater health risks. I wish each of you a safe, healthy, and enjoyable fall break.

Sincerely,

Dean John McKnight

Friends,

Welcome to campus and to the start of a new academic year. We write with an update about COVID on campus after several days of students moving into campus residences. Our goal in sharing this information is to help you make informed personal decisions within the COVID framework for the start of the school year. 

A small number of students tested positive before traveling to campus and, therefore, have delayed their arrival until after completing isolation. We hope you are feeling well and look forward to welcoming you to campus soon.

Since arrival to campus over the past few days, fourteen students have reported positive test results to Health Services, most of whom were unmasked in close proximity during pre-orientation programming. All of these students are isolating in their rooms and communicating with Health Services to discuss symptoms and next steps. Health Services has asked that all close contacts of those students take a COVID test and mask for the next 10 days. The Customs Planning Committee also moved to require masks for students during indoor events to increase protection against spread.

As a reminder, all students are asked to self-test any time they are concerned. Those who test positive must notify the following:

1. hc-healthservices [at] haverford.edu (Health Services), who will discuss your symptoms and share information about your isolation period,

2. Close contacts, whom you should advise to mask and take a self-test after 5 days, and

3. Your professors and campus employers, whom you should inform about absences.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not attend classes, do wear a mask in the presence of others, and do take a COVID test to know your status. We want to protect everyone and especially those among us who may have disabilities or compromised immune systems. In this latest phase of COVID protocols on campus, each individual holds great responsibility and we are counting on your continued demonstration of trust, concern, and respect for your peers and College employees.

Sincerely,

John McKnight and Jesse Lytle

On behalf of the Health Protocols Group

Friends,

With the start of the new academic year just around the corner, we want to keep you updated on the College’s ongoing efforts to monitor and manage several public health concerns, including the COVID-19, monkeypox, and polio viruses. 

COVID-19 –– Please note the following recap of an email message sent by President Wendy Raymond on August 1 that provided a comprehensive overview of COVID information.

• Vaccine Requirement –– Vaccination continues to provide the strongest possible protection against severe illness or death as a result of COVID. Therefore, Haverford requires all students and employees to be fully vaccinated unless approved for medical or religious exemption. Students with approved vaccination waivers should self-test on a weekly basis and upload their results to the Haverhealth Portal. “Fully vaccinated” means the initial course of a WHO-approved vaccine plus one booster. We continue to monitor vaccine development and will consider whether any changes to the requirement would benefit our community.

• Mask-Friendly Campus –– All individuals are welcome to mask at any given time or setting. A well-fitting, quality mask offers the wearer significant protection. Faculty will establish masking expectations within their classrooms and hosts of any other event will establish masking expectations for that gathering. Per our current Face Covering Policy, please have an approved (surgical mask, N95, KN95, or KF94) mask with you at all times when occupying public spaces on campus. A limited number of masks are available at Campus Safety for students and at Human Resources for staff and faculty.

• Testing –– Students are required to self-test for COVID within five days prior to their arrival to campus. Positive test results will delay your arrival to campus by 5 full days and include an additional 5 days of masking. Late arrivals must communicate with the +hc-reslife [at] haverford.edu (Office of Residential Education) and hc-healthservices [at] haverford.edu (Student Health Services). Students displaying COVID symptoms can be tested at Health Services at no charge throughout the year. Asymptomatic, close contact and surveillance testing will not be offered, but you are encouraged to keep a personal supply of self-tests. There are a variety of ways you may be able to access free self-tests, including through your insurance companies or the U.S. government. If you have test kits delivered to the campus address, you must include your residence hall name and room number to facilitate delivery. 

• Isolation –– Students who test positive for COVID are required to follow CDC guidance by isolating themselves from others for at least 5 days and to continue masking through day 10. Most students will be expected to isolate themselves in their assigned residential space or return home during recovery. Students who use communal bathrooms will be advised on specific protocols based on their residential assignment. A limited number of dedicated isolation spaces will be available on campus and managed case-by-case by Student Life. Students in isolation will be expected to communicate with campus supervisors and faculty about their absence and will be responsible for making up missed classwork, as determined by their professors.

• Contact Tracing –– The CDC has recently provided updated guidance for those who believe they have been exposed to COVID. Instead of quarantining, close contacts should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. Students who test positive will take responsibility for notifying close contacts––this process will not be facilitated by the College. 

Monkeypox –– There have been a number of outbreaks of monkeypox cases in the United States and several countries worldwide. The CDC provides helpful information about monkeypox, including common symptoms, ways of transmission, and tips for prevention. 

While rarely fatal, the monkeypox virus can cause illness, physical pain, or discomfort for periods of 2-4 weeks. The following measures will be taken to help prevent monkeypox infection and spread on campus. 

• Testing –– Most individuals will know they have been infected with monkeypox because of their specific symptoms as noted on the CDC website. However, students with symptoms are advised to take a test at Student Health Services to confirm their status.

• Isolation –– Students who have monkeypox will be required to isolate themselves for a period of 2-4 weeks and to return home if possible. Typically, the infected person is no longer contagious when the rash has completely healed. Because of the extended period of isolation, students will need to communicate with faculty and advising deans about implications for their coursework. In some cases, you may be advised to take a temporary medical leave from the College.

• Cleaning and Disinfection –– The monkeypox virus can survive on and be transmitted through touching surfaces, both porous (e.g. clothing, bedding) and non-porous (e.g. glass, plastic, metal). Especially if cases are present, students may wish to keep a personal supply of disinfectant wipes to assist in their daily cleaning of non-porous surfaces. You can also pick up a small supply of disinfectant wipes from Student Health Services. Washing bed sheets and linens with regular detergent is sufficient to eliminate the monkeypox virus. You should also frequently wash your hands with soap and water.

• Treatment and Contact Tracing –– Close contacts for monkeypox are recommended to receive a vaccine. Student Health Services does not have access to medications or vaccines for monkeypox, but the Montgomery County Department of Health will assist with treatment and contact tracing, including identifying close contacts or other students of concern to schedule a vaccination, if appropriate. Students with monkeypox should notify others with whom they have had sexual or intimate contact, shared objects or materials (e.g. plates, cups, clothing, utensils, blankets, sheets, etc.), or who may have touched the rash through other forms of skin-to-skin contact (e.g. sports competition, massage therapy, etc.). 

Polio –– A recent sample of wastewater in New York state tested positive for traces of poliovirus, a serious disease that can spread from person to person resulting in possible paralysis or loss of life. Because of its life-threatening nature, the College has long included the polio vaccine as one of its required immunizations. If you are unsure of your polio vaccine status, contact your home health care provider. 

We know that all of these public health concerns have added immensely to the challenges of being a college student this year. At Haverford, we are fortunate to have such a strong ethos of community care guiding our daily actions and helping us to do our very best to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy. 

Sincerely,

John McKnight & Jesse Lytle

On behalf of the Health Protocols Group

Dear Students,

Welcome from Student Health Services! Hoping you have had an exciting summer! We are excited and looking forward to the new school year!  A few reminders from Student Health Services, please read the email that President Raymond sent to all students and additionally, look at https://www.haverford.edu/be-safe for all of Haverford College's policies. Regarding Health Services: 

• All students are asked to self test 5 days prior to arrival to school. We are not requiring a PCR or Antigen test, it is the student's choice.  If positive, please stay home for 5 days and notify your dean, residence life and athletics (if appropriate).  Please continue to wear your mask for any additional 5 days after isolation is completed.
• All students should bring their own masks to protect themselves when they feel it is needed, the college recommends K95 masks.

In addition:

• First-year Athletes need to upload their sickle cell test results.
• All students must be “fully vaccinated” which means 1 or 2 of the original series (Janssen is a one dose, Pfizer and Moderna are 2 doses, or any WHO approved vaccine) and 1 booster.  Health Services will continue to monitor and contact students if necessary. 
• “Decision not to Vaccinate” forms need to be completed by a physician or clergy member on professional letterhead and approved by Health Services.
• First-year students need to upload their immunization and physical BEFORE arrival to receive their housing key. If your doctor appointment is AFTER August 5th, please upload all the immunization information that you have along with last year’s physical, and upload the newest information after your appointment.

Additional Information:

Students should consider bringing their own COVID test kits for asymptomatic, close contact testing, or very mild, symptomatic testing. Most insurance companies will provide 8 test kits monthly; please reach out to your insurance  company https://www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free. Also, the US government will provide free COVID test kits at https://www.covid.gov/tests. Finally, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers the cost of 8 COVID antigen tests every month.  IF STUDENTS HAVE COVID TEST KITS SENT TO THE MAILROOM, THEY MUST PUT THEIR DORM NAME AND ROOM NUMBER IN THE ADDRESS, OTHERWISE, THE MAILROOM CANNOT GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF ALL PACKAGES PROMPTLY. 

Regarding the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), the process for this is:

• Visit an in-store pharmacy counter at one of UnitedHealthcare's Preferred Retailers (the closest to campus is Rite Aid) for OTC at-home COVID-19 tests: To get OTC at-home COVID-19 test(s) at no upfront cost, you must make your purchase at the pharmacy counter and show your member ID card. Visit any other in-store or online retailer: You may submit a receipt for reimbursement online at uhcsr.com/MyAccount along with the completion of a reimbursement form. The maximum reimbursement per covid test is $12. If the covid tests are sold in 2-pack kits, you may be reimbursed for up to $24 per kit. Any questions about the reimbursement processes should be directed to Jennifer Bailey at jbailey [at] firstriskadvisors.com. 
• Positive students will be staying in their own assigned room except for exceptional circumstances.
• Students will be performing their OWN contact tracing of exposed friends, roommates, teammates, etc.  Close Contacts are responsible for masking and for their own testing at day 5, health services will not be providing asymptomatic testing. 

Please email HC-Healthservices for any clarifications or concerns. We look forward to serving you this  year and hope we can all stay well and enjoy the fall!

Sincerely,

The Health Center Staff
Kathy McGovern, CRNP

Friends:

I hope your summer is unfolding in ways that are both restorative and inspiring. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Our preparations for the fall semester include updating campus COVID-19 policy in light of ever-evolving conditions. I’d like to offer a preview of what to expect at the start of our 2022-23 academic year. As always, the details and links to full COVID-19 policies and resources will reside on our Be-Safe COVID website.

The guiding principle is 'Prepare to Pivot': Our COVID-19 journey has taught us that most every policy or guideline eventually gets modified. Our Haverford and Bi-Co communities have been responsive and flexible in adapting to changing conditions, so please bear in mind that circumstances can compel a change in our COVID-19 mitigation practices at any time. Thank you!

After almost two and one-half years of living with COVID-19, Haverford and all of us are learning to coexist with a persistent, mutating COVID virus. Living, learning, and working well together at Haverford means committing to each other within a community of care, one in which we value others’ well-being alongside our own. As we plan for the coming year, several foundational notions guide us:

• Vaccines work. While current vaccines do not eliminate spread, they do reduce the severity of illness and the need for hospitalization. Our vaccine-plus-booster requirement for students and employees remains in place this year. With guidance from infectious disease and public health experts, we continue to track the development of new vaccines and their potential to benefit our learning community.
• Masking works. A well-fitting, quality mask offers the wearer significant protection in their daily campus life.
• Because of our understanding of the virus and how we can mitigate its risks for ourselves, we are able to shift toward more individual choice in COVID-19 risk mitigation. 
  • Our campus will continue to be a mask-friendly place to live and work. With a few exceptions (outlined below) masking will be an individual’s choice, and individuals will never be asked or expected to unmask.
  • All students, faculty, and staff are expected to stay home if they feel sick or experience COVID symptoms. We must not put each other at risk for any respiratory illness by ‘toughing it out.’
• In COVID-19s path toward becoming endemic, data are quickly out of date. We accept that we will not know with certainty the extent of COVID-19 infection on campus or any given location. We will not attempt to identify asymptomatic cases through regular surveillance testing, and we will not be maintaining a dashboard.
• We will seek to support a robust and seamless Bi-Co experience. Wherever possible, we will align our COVID policies with those at Bryn Mawr.

Key policies for the start of Fall 2022 are outlined below. Be on the lookout for further information with more details about COVID policy and practice from various campus partners as the semester nears.

Testing: 

• Students are required to self-test within five days prior to their arrival to Haverford to begin the Fall 2022 semester. The College will not provide arrival testing unless a student is symptomatic.
• Symptomatic students can get tested for COVID-19 at Health Services at no charge throughout the year.
• Faculty and staff are responsible for their own COVID testing as needed, in consultation with their medical provider.

Masking: 

• Hosts will establish masking expectations for all gatherings, inclusive of faculty in their learning spaces, and organizers of events.
• On our mask-friendly campus, nobody may forbid mask-wearing in a given space or a gathering.
• Always carry a mask!

Isolation:

• Students who test positive will generally remain in their assigned housing and follow CDC isolation guidelines: a minimum of five days of isolation and masking through day 10.
• A limited number of separate isolation spaces will be available to accommodate complex housing situations, which Student Life staff will manage on a case-by-case basis.

Contact tracing and close contacts:

• Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is responsible for conducting their own contact tracing. That means notifying all close contacts, defined as those within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes. Close contacts must follow CDC guidance, which generally means masking until day 5 and then getting tested.

Pivoting toward additional mitigations:

• We will continue to rely on the combination of county infection and hospitalization rates and our on-campus data in setting/changing policy. An increase in COVID numbers in our area or on campus could prompt a return to universal masking for a period of time. Remember: prepare to pivot!  

Feel free to share your thoughts and questions about these draft policies via our anonymous Community Care feedback form; we will endeavor to address common questions in our subsequent communications.

To those who have experienced COVID-19 here at Haverford, thanks for everything you have done to minimize campus infections through all kinds of change. Thank you in advance for working together to have a safe and healthy 2022-23!

My best,

Wendy Raymond

President