Facilities

UMass Amherst Has Extensive COVID-19 Mitigation Measures in Place as the University Begins Welcoming Students for the Spring Semester

AMHERST, Mass. – As the University of Massachusetts Amherst prepares for the arrival of students next week and the start of the Spring Semester on Feb. 1, the university has built upon the extensive COVID-19 mitigation measures developed in the fall to protect public health in the months ahead. Measures include initial testing and quarantine upon arrival and twice-per-week testing during the semester.

By establishing one of the largest virus-testing operations in the state, implementing extensive contact tracing, following rigorous quarantine and isolation protocols, and adopting comprehensive mask and social distancing practices, UMass was able to limit the spread of the virus among the campus community at levels significantly below that of the state. Through these measures and a vigilant, collective effort, the university has a plan in place to achieve similar results for the upcoming semester. Details can be viewed at https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/, including a recent message by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy.

UMass will welcome back about 5,400 students, or 39 percent of its on-campus residential capacity, for the Spring Semester. About 1,100 students lived on campus in the fall. The university estimates that approximately 7,000 to 8,000 students will live off campus in the Amherst area, a number similar to the fall.

For all students, the great majority of classes will be remote. Public health guidelines, social distancing and cleaning protocols are in place for all facilities. The occupancy of classrooms has been modified to maintain social distancing, including assigned seating where appropriate.

Students who will be living on campus or in the Amherst area must adhere to the Interim Pandemic Policy. This policy, developed by students and staff and reviewed by the Student Government Association and the Graduate Student Senate, outlines expectations for the Spring Semester. For off-campus students, it is important to remember to maintain social distancing, avoid gathering, and be a respectful member of the community. Virtual activities will continue throughout the Spring Semester for all students. Events and programming sponsored by residence hall staff, student organizations and campus departments will be delivered using in-person, virtual and hybrid formats as public health metrics allow.

Regular Testing Required

All students will initially report to the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) for a required COVID-19 test, and will be required to be tested again on Day 4. If both tests are negative, they will be allowed to attend in-person classes, research activities and campus activities, following strict protocols. On-campus students will also pick up their room keys at the PHPC. There will be a phased move-in period from Jan. 25-31 to reduce the number of students moving in on the same day. Throughout the semester, the university will continue operation of the COVID testing center at the PHPC, requiring all students to have asymptomatic tests twice per week.

Vaccination Clinic

In partnership with Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, UMass Amherst has expanded its role in distributing COVID-19 vaccines, providing vaccinations for the foreseeable future in concert with the criteria and timeline of the state’s phased vaccination plan.

Currently, the Commonwealth is in Phase One of vaccine distribution, with first responders, COVID-facing healthcare workers (including college health staff), and congregate care and shelter staff eligible to receive the vaccine at the UMass facility. All eligible individuals must schedule an appointment in advance for the vaccine at www.umass.edu/coronavirus/vaccine. Please refer to the website for updates. Currently, the vaccine clinic is administering the Moderna vaccine, which includes two doses administered 28 days apart.

Monitoring Risk Levels

To inform decision making throughout the Spring Semester, the university has developed a system of Operational Postures to monitor levels of risk. Factors driving a change in the risk level include the number of positive cases and trends; state and federal guidance; and our capacity for contact tracing, quarantine and isolation.