May 27, 2022
Below, we offer four things you should know today:
New COVID-19 cases
Since our last report, we have identified 2 new COVID-19 cases among Reed community members who were on campus in the previous 14 days. All cases have been contacted by the HCC or HR, as appropriate.
The number of COVID cases on campus is an important piece of information used in making decisions about COVID precautions, particularly once the campus indoor mask mandate is lifted on June 1. In order to help us keep this information as accurate as possible, if you test positive, please reach out to the HCC (students) or HR (employees) to report and for further support and guidance.
Mask mandate changes
As announced in our message last Friday, the college will lift the face covering requirement for indoor locations on campus, effective next Wednesday, June 1. Masks will still be required in the Health and Counseling Center, and any class, meeting, or event organizer may require masks for particular gatherings at their own discretion. With this in mind, it is strongly recommended that all community members wear or bring a mask with them while on campus, and should be cognizant of the requirements in various meetings and spaces. Supervisors are encouraged to work with their staff to determine the best masking practices for the team, and should reach out to their respective VP/Dean if questions or issues arise.
Sports Center operations
At this time, the Sports Center is open Monday - Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM for use by current Reed students, staff, and faculty. While most COVID restrictions in this space have been lifted, the Athletics, Fitness, and Outdoor Programs (AFOP) team is working with the Vice President for Student Life to develop a long term plan for alumni and families access, particularly given the challenges posed by the loss of two gyms in last year's winter storm and upcoming construction. Further updates on access to the Sports Center will be shared by AFOP and Student Life later this summer.
COVID vaccination requirement
Any continuing student who has not yet uploaded proof of COVID vaccination (including booster) to the HCC's student health portal is required to do so no later than June 1, 2022. Students who fail to provide these documents will have a hold placed on their account and will be unable to enroll or participate in classes, including for the Fall 2022 semester. Students living on campus will also be placed on housing probation for summer break and for the fall 2022 semester and may lose their housing assignment. Those who have questions or concerns about this requirement should contact the HCC prior to this deadline.
The next COVID Risk Assessment Group meeting and email update is currently scheduled for Friday, June 10. If you have questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group at coronavirusquestions@reed.edu.
In health,
The COVID-19 Risk Assessment Group
Gary Granger, Director of Community Safety
Karnell McConnell-Black, Vice President for Student Life
Kathy Oleson, Dean of the Faculty & Professor of Psychology
Tawana Parks, Dean of Students
Hugh Porter, Vice President for College Relations & Planning
Suzy Renn, Professor of Biology
Madison Riethman, COVID-19 Response Coordinator
Timmie Rochon, Medical Services Director
April Sams, Director of Risk Management & Environmental Health and Safety
Lynn Valenter, Vice President of Finance and Treasurer