Fall 2021 Opening Assumptions

The College has developed a set of assumptions and guidelines that will provide the basis for the development of plans which support the fall 2021 opening of the College. The assumptions that provided the foundation for the guidelines are as of May 12, 2021. With evolving public health and other guidance, as plans are developed it is likely that certain assumptions will have already been met and that others may still be ahead. The guidelines that follow the assumptions fall into two categories, instruction and people and operations. These guidelines will provide the framework for all fall 2021 opening planning.

1. The state of Maryland and St. Mary’s county allows full reopening of facilities and the state has now reached Phase 3 of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Vaccine appointments are widely available to the general population
2. By the fall, full day care participants and K-12 students can attend in person five days per week.
3. Masks will be worn indoors. Masks will only be worn outdoors based on public health guidelines. SMCM reserves the right to have greater restrictions, if deemed necessary.
4. COVID-19 vaccinations are mandated for all students, staff, and faculty on campus for the fall semester in accordance with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemption for religious or medical reasons. Vaccine Policy details to follow.
5. COVID-19 testing will continue to be required for all SMCM students, faculty, staff, and affiliates who will be physically on the campus to monitor outbreaks and mitigate spread. Testing frequency will be determined closer to the start of the semester.
6. Daily symptom monitoring:  It will be required for those who are not vaccinated and may be required for vaccinated employees and students.
7. Isolation and quarantine guidelines will follow CDC guidelines for those with and without the vaccine.
8. CDC/St. Mary’s County Health Department guidelines eliminate/change the requirement for 6-foot social distancing in higher education classroom settings. Most general- purpose classrooms will be properly set up and available for use at their full capacity.
9. Residence halls are open to near full capacity, with some isolation and quarantine space maintained.
10. Athletic and recreation facilities will be open to full capacity.

We are now more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, our faculty, staff and students have demonstrated flexibility, creativity, dedication and resiliency. Though much of our learning and engagement have occurred remotely, we look forward to welcoming all members of our community back safely to campus for the fall 2021 semester. For those individuals who have been working on campus, your physical presence has made an important difference in the continued and successful operation of the College.

St. Mary’s College is a student-centered instructional and residential institution where students, faculty and staff thrive through personal interactions and direct relationships as members of our campus community. By once again offering an in-person living and learning community, our students will fully benefit from the residential education experience and all that our campus has to offer.

Together, our vibrant community will do what we’ve always done: embody, embrace and commit to living the St. Mary’s Way with respect for self, respect for others and respect for the environment in which we each live.

Fall 2021 Opening Assumptions

The College has developed a set of assumptions and guidelines that will provide the basis for the development of plans which support the fall 2021 opening of the College. The assumptions that provided the foundation for the guidelines are as of May 12, 2021. With evolving public health and other guidance, as plans are developed it is likely that certain assumptions will have already been met and that others may still be ahead. The guidelines that follow the assumptions fall into two categories, instruction and people and operations. These guidelines will provide the framework for all fall 2021 opening planning.

1. The state of Maryland and St. Mary’s county allows full reopening of facilities and the state has now reached Phase 3 of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Vaccine appointments are widely available to the general population
2. By the fall, full day care participants and K-12 students can attend in person five days per week.
3. Masks will be worn indoors. Masks will only be worn outdoors based on public health guidelines. SMCM reserves the right to have greater restrictions, if deemed necessary.
4. COVID-19 vaccinations are mandated for all students, staff, and faculty on campus for the fall semester in accordance with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemption for religious or medical reasons. Vaccine Policy details to follow.
5. COVID-19 testing will continue to be required for all SMCM students, faculty, staff, and affiliates who will be physically on the campus to monitor outbreaks and mitigate spread. Testing frequency will be determined closer to the start of the semester.
6. Daily symptom monitoring:  It will be required for those who are not vaccinated and may be required for vaccinated employees and students.
7. Isolation and quarantine guidelines will follow CDC guidelines for those with and without the vaccine.
8. CDC/St. Mary’s County Health Department guidelines eliminate/change the requirement for 6-foot social distancing in higher education classroom settings. Most general- purpose classrooms will be properly set up and available for use at their full capacity.
9. Residence halls are open to near full capacity, with some isolation and quarantine space maintained.
10. Athletic and recreation facilities will be open to full capacity.