On-Campus Posture Changes to “Modified Services”

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community:

I hope that you are all safe and well as we begin the spring 2021 semester. As we approach the start of in-person instruction and learning beginning on Monday, February 15, campus will move back into a modified services posture beginning at 11:59 p.m., Friday, February 12. University leadership continues to track a host of metrics and data to assist with our decision-making and in identifying whether the campus posture should change in the future.

As a reminder, in a modified services posture, in-person gatherings or meetings should still be held virtually whenever possible. However, in-person gatherings or meetings of up to 25 persons are permitted in spaces that allow for proper physical distancing. The campus posture impacts campus organizations, research, dining services, recreational facilities, libraries and other services. We encourage you to review the COVID website for further details concerning what this change means for students, faculty and staff.

We continue to ramp up the Tartan COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Program and each week are increasing the number of community members invited to participate. Simultaneously, we are also implementing measures to increase the number of available appointment times.

If you are participating in Tartan Testing, please make note of two adjusted points of guidance regarding how you should prepare to provide your saliva sample.

As a timely reminder to remain vigilant, last week we experienced a few clusters of positive cases in off-campus settings. These appear to have occurred in small, familiar gatherings where people tend to feel safe and are prone to let their guard down. Please continue to exercise all mitigation protocols in these situations. We must especially warn against sharing meals in close proximity to others.

The start of a new semester is always an exciting time. While we want everyone on campus to enjoy their experience, please remember that we all share a responsibility to reduce the spread of COVID-19, both on and off campus, as embodied in A Tartan’s Responsibility. Please continue to practice socially responsible behavior both on campus and in our neighboring communities: complete your daily assessment; wear a facial covering; physically distance; regularly wash your hands; and if showing symptoms, consult with your health care provider. Working together we can continue to enjoy our campus in the months ahead for another semester of academic discovery and life-changing experiences. Tartans, All In. Everywhere!

Sincerely,

Daryl Weinert
Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
COVID-19 Coordinator