Fall semester policy update: No masks or social distancing, vaccination required

Sequoia Cumming, Senior Reporter|June 22, 2021

Katherine Fink

Kayla Betacchini, Assistant Director for Orientation and Transitions in SDCA, and Caitlin Galvin, a master’s student at the University of Maine who is living on campus while doing a summer internship in the area, chat at the Kessel Student Center, June 22, 2021. Kessel is already showing signs of loosening restrictions, such as uncovering the pool table.

Pace University President Marvin Krislov released updated policies on mask mandates and vaccinations in a statement addressed to the Pace community Tuesday morning. Pace’s “normal return” is assisted by the requirement of everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including faculty, staff and students. Additionally, effective July 1, all masking and social distancing guidelines, as well as pandemic capacity restrictions, will be lifted on all Pace campuses for all vaccinated individuals.

According to Krislov, “Proof of vaccination must be uploaded to the Confidential Patient Portal by August 1, 2021… They’re the best way for us all to protect our own health and those of our fellow community members, and they’re how we’ll get back to a much more normal living and learning environment.”

Community members can request vaccine exemption for religious or medical reasons by submitting the necessary forms. President Krislov noted that emailed requests for exemption will not be considered.

“Those who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be responsible for wearing masks and observing distance.” The statement continues, “If you do not get vaccinated and do not have an approved exemption, you will not be permitted to physically access campus.” 

Most fully vaccinated Setters will be exempt from University testing protocols. Some groups may be required to test (although it is not clear which groups) and COVID-19 tests will be provided for those who request one. The completion of the Pace Safe questionnaire continues to be required each day an individual is on campus.

Circular residue marks where arrow stickers once showed which direction to walk in Kessel Student Center hallways, June 22, 2021. Some stickers still remain on furniture as well as signs reminding people to maintain social distance. (Katherine Fink)

The University reserves the right to update protocols if there is an increase of positive COVID-19 cases. 

There are two planned conversations to help dissect the details further, one for Students Wednesday, June 23, and one for faculty and staff on Thursday, June 24. Details can be found on the Return to Campus site.