Dear Members of the Campus Community,

We continue to evaluate conditions related to COVID-19 to ensure that we are doing everything we can to create a safe environment on campus this fall.

As the Delta variant takes hold in Pierce County, we have updated our mask policy and encourage everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask indoors, in congested areas, or in large groups. 

Effective Aug.12, 2021:

  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated for at least two weeks and have provided documented proof of vaccination are strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask indoors, in congested areas, or in large groups.
  • Individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to wear a mask indoors. As previously communicated, students living in residence halls and campus housing do not need to wear face coverings in their bedrooms; individuals working alone in a private office do not need to wear masks; and people do not need to wear a mask while eating or drinking.
  • Supervisors must verify that each individual they supervise has submitted a COVID-19 vaccine card to Human Resources before allowing the individual to go without a mask in the workplace, in accordance with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requirements.
  • A mask is not generally required outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. However, people who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to wear masks outdoors when six feet of social distance cannot be consistently maintained (such as in crowded outdoor areas, sporting events, concerts, and similar settings) at all university-sponsored events, both on and off campus.
  • All campus visitors must wear masks when inside any campus building. Please refer to our visitor policy for further details.
  • We support mask use by vaccinated individuals who choose to wear one. No assumptions should be made about the vaccination status of those who choose to wear a mask. Faculty and staff should not ask colleagues about their vaccination status and should respect the decision of anyone who chooses to wear a mask on campus in order to prevent exposure to themselves or loved ones.
  • The majority of campus buildings will continue to remain locked, with entry controlled via card access. Beginning Aug. 12, we will open three frequently accessed buildings to allow access without cards: the Welcome Center, Wheelock Student Center, and Collins Memorial Library. Signage at these buildings will clearly indicate that masks are to be worn while in these spaces.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted proof of vaccination. The deadline for students was Aug. 2;  as of  Aug. 3, 86 percent have submitted proof of vaccination or received an approved exemption for medical or religious reasons. The deadline for faculty and staff is Aug. 11; to date, 92% of faculty and 92% of staff have submitted proof of vaccination or received an approved exemption. If you have not submitted your proof of vaccination yet, please do so immediately. Students can do so using the Counseling, Health and Wellness Services portal; faculty and staff should submit to Human Resources. Vaccination is the single most important step we can take to protect our campus community, and is required in order for Puget Sound to resume in-person classes, work, and other activities this fall.

We appreciate your continued help and support as we prepare for a successful fall semester for all.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Emergency Policy Council
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President
Laura L. Behling, Ph.D. | Provost and Professor of English
Sherry B. Mondou | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
David R. Beers P’11 | Vice President for University Relations
Matthew Boyce, Ph.D. | Vice President for Enrollment
Joanna Carey Cleveland | Vice President and University Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Sarah Comstock | Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Ph.D. | Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity
Gayle McIntosh | Vice President for Communications and Chief of Staff
Mary Elizabeth Collins ’81, P’02 | Director of the Office of the President and Community Liaison Officer