Summer 2021 Masking & Distancing Policy Updates

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday Governor Scott announced that with 80% of eligible Vermonters vaccinated, the state has lifted pandemic restrictions. As a result, we are updating Champlain’s masking, social distancing, and occupancy policies on campus.

  • Masking: Students, employees, and visitors who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors on campus.  Those who are not fully vaccinated are still required to wear a mask at all times except when alone in a personal office or when eating. Outdoors, masks are required of students, employees, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated when they are within 6 feet of others. These updates apply for summer only. Please remember that while vaccinated students and employees are not required to wear a mask, anyone may wear a mask at any time. Masking to protect yourself and others became a necessary practice as a part of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some people may not feel comfortable removing theirs yet.  Please be respectful of others and their choice to wear a mask.  
  • Social Distancing: Physical distancing is no longer required of vaccinated individuals and encouraged for those that are not vaccinated.
  • Events and Gatherings: Room occupancies will return to standard levels. Please be patient as we work to replace occupancy signage on room doors and return furniture to spaces across campus over the next few weeks and days to reflect this change. 

Champlain’s Summer Health Pledge has been updated to reflect these changes. Toward the end of the summer, we will provide additional details regarding policy updates for the fall semester.

This is a welcomed update for many of our summer residential students and employees who have already returned or are returning to campus. We look forward to utilizing communal spaces with others, such as meeting rooms, common areas, and community kitchen spaces without a mask.

Lastly, we remind all to stay home if you do not feel well. 

Additional information about employee return-to-work specifics will be coming soon.  Please direct any questions to Feedback@champlain.edu.

Sincerely,

Sara Quintana
Acting Director of Human Resources

Danelle Berube
Vice President, Student Affairs & Emergency Management Coordinator

Leslie Averill
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Chief Operating Officer