Jan. 16, 2022: Message to Students
(see Jan. 16, 2022 message to staff)
Dear students,
At the start of the term, we committed to reviewing our COVID-19 policies two weeks after our return to campus; and so we are writing to share updates regarding Dartmouth’s policies for winter term.
Please read for information regarding:
Social gatherings
Dining
KN95 face masks
COVID-19 testing
Booster shot documentation submission
Isolation instructions
We recognize that some of the limitations imposed at the beginning of the term have led to confusion. We hope the adjustments we are making will provide clarity and give students, faculty, and staff more opportunity to participate safely in campus activities with additional resources that can help minimize the risk of virus transmission on campus.
We also recognize that since the start of the new year there have been many more cases of COVID-19 in the Dartmouth population than ever before, and although this was an expected consequence of the arrival of omicron in the region and the return of students to campus, we know that this situation is a source of anxiety. As we navigate this time of uncertainty together, we must be respectful of those around us and understand that our decisions affect our community as a whole.
Social Gatherings
Beginning Monday, masked indoor social gatherings on campus are permitted but must occur without food and drink. We expect all students, faculty, and staff to use their best judgment when organizing any gathering and take steps to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission. Virtual alternatives are still encouraged where possible.
Event organizers should plan to have KN95 masks available for those who want one. Students can pick up masks at Collis Center for any gatherings they are organizing.
Dining
Beginning Monday, the Class of 1953 Commons will be open for indoor dining.
Keeping this space open for dining will partially depend on consistent mask-wearing in food service areas. Please be diligent about wearing a face covering, particularly when standing in line or interacting with dining staff. If you are not actively eating or drinking, you must wear your mask.
Please be advised that staffing shortages continue to be an issue in our region and for Dartmouth; if many staff need to isolate or quarantine, we may need to close certain dining areas, or other areas on campus, for a period of time.
Grab-and-go dining options will remain available.
Students who are in isolation or quarantine must pick up their meals at Sarner Underground for 10 days after their positive COVID-19 test.
KN95 Face Masks
KN95 masks are available for free for students at West Gym or Collis. Beginning Monday, KN95 masks will also be available for individuals at all test kit pick-up locations.
Given the transmissibility of the omicron variant, use of KN95 masks is strongly recommended.
The KN95 masks we are distributing are able to be worn multiple times before being thrown away. Please replace your mask if it becomes dirty or wet, has holes or tears, or becomes stretched or damaged and can no longer snugly or securely cover your nose and mouth.
Faculty and event organizers have the discretion to require use of KN95 masks in the classroom or other gatherings, so be sure to bring a KN95 face mask to class and other events. Exceptions are limited to those with formal accommodations from Student Accessibility Services.
Please continue to follow Dartmouth’s face-covering policy, as it is a key part of our response to slow the spread of COVID-19.
All individuals—regardless of vaccination status—are required to wear face masks indoors. Indoor spaces where masking is required include, but are not limited to, residence hall lobbies and hallways, dining halls when not actively eating, and all other campus buildings. We also remind you to follow the masking requirements of local businesses, out of respect for our community.
COVID-19 Testing
Most COVID-19 test results are returned within 24-72 hours; we thank you for your patience when there are unexpected delays.
Students with positive or inconclusive results will be contacted by secure message and will no longer receive a phone call if they receive a positive or inconclusive test result. If you need a copy of your test result, please respond to the secure message and it will be sent to you within one or two business days.
To reduce waste and preserve the supply of test kits, please check your residence and backpacks for take-home test kits before requesting additional supplies.
Booster Shot Documentation Submission
All students are required to receive a COVID-19 booster shot by Jan. 31, or within 30 days of becoming eligible.
If you have not yet done so, submit your booster records by sending documentation to medical.records@dartmouth.edu. If you were immunized in the United States, your Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination card is the primary source of proof of vaccination. Other acceptable sources may include formal documentation from your health-care provider or state or local department of health. All documentation must include your name, date of birth, vaccine manufacturer, number of doses and date received, vaccine lot number, and site of administration.
Please consult the CDC website for more information about booster shot eligibility.
Isolation Instructions
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate for 10 days from the day their positive test was taken, but may end isolation early if their symptoms are improving and they receive a negative on-campus antigen test result on Day 5 or Day 7 of isolation. (Note that Day 0 is the day you tested positive.) Read Dartmouth’s isolation guidance for more information.
If your roommate tests positive for COVID-19, please read our Isolation FAQs for further instructions.
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we thank you for your flexibility and appreciate the steps you are taking to protect yourself and our community.
If you have questions, please contact covid-19.info@dartmouth.edu or call the COVID-19 Info Call Center at 603-646-2019.
Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Response Team