January 24, 2022
Today, we write with updates to our previously announced campus posture. As we collectively manage and balance the impact of the pandemic, we continue to be inspired by our community's strong commitment to one another.
As this latest wave of the Omicron crests and begins to taper, epidemiologists and public health officials forecast the eventual movement from pandemic to endemic status. However, it is still not certain how severe or disruptive the virus will become over time. Given the highly vaccinated nature of our community, we are experiencing limited severe illness. In addition, cooperation and compliance with our mitigation protocols continues to help all of us avoid unnecessary exposure.
Federal and local government health entities are beginning to shift their focus from containing the spread of the virus to reducing risk and making it easier for people who have been vaccinated and boosted to resume normal activities while still adhering to precautionary measures.
We are heartened to witness the daily demonstrations of compassion and grace and appreciate how the community has come together to support one another.
Sincerely,
Jim Garrett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Daryl Weinert, Vice President for Operations, Interim Vice President for Research, COVID-19 Coordnator
Campus Posture Change to Transitional
Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon Community,Today, we write with updates to our previously announced campus posture. As we collectively manage and balance the impact of the pandemic, we continue to be inspired by our community's strong commitment to one another.
As this latest wave of the Omicron crests and begins to taper, epidemiologists and public health officials forecast the eventual movement from pandemic to endemic status. However, it is still not certain how severe or disruptive the virus will become over time. Given the highly vaccinated nature of our community, we are experiencing limited severe illness. In addition, cooperation and compliance with our mitigation protocols continues to help all of us avoid unnecessary exposure.
Federal and local government health entities are beginning to shift their focus from containing the spread of the virus to reducing risk and making it easier for people who have been vaccinated and boosted to resume normal activities while still adhering to precautionary measures.
New Campus Posture
As of January 31, CMU will return to a Transitional On-Campus Service Posture.Academic Experience
- In-person academic experience for students will be prioritized and a large majority of courses will return to in-person modality.
- Courses originally scheduled to be taught remotely will remain in this mode.
- We ask faculty to continue to be compassionate and flexible with students who are unable to attend class. (Note: one way to provide such flexibility is to record lectures.)
Isolation & Quarantine
- Effective January 31, following consultation with public health experts, the university is shortening isolation and quarantine periods from 10 days to 7.
- The CMU tracing team will provide specific guidance to individuals who need to isolate or quarantine regarding this shortened period.
Meetings & Gatherings
- Indoor meetings, student organization and university-sponsored events will be allowed up to 50 persons or 50% of the indoor space capacity (whichever is greater).
- Outdoor meetings and university-sponsored events are permitted up to 75% of outdoor facility capacity.
- The serving of food during in-person indoor meetings and events will continue to be strongly discouraged. However, if food is served, the event should be hosted in a space that provides for ample physical distancing between participants.
We are heartened to witness the daily demonstrations of compassion and grace and appreciate how the community has come together to support one another.
Sincerely,
Jim Garrett, Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Daryl Weinert, Vice President for Operations, Interim Vice President for Research, COVID-19 Coordnator