We write to update you on the actions being taken to temporarily pause our campus. As you probably know, many other colleges around the country have been forced to shut down because of uncontrolled COVID-19 surges. Marist has done an excellent job keeping the virus under control because of our rigorous approach to health and safety protocols, and our actions now continue that approach. Whether Marist can remain open is up to all of us.

By exercising extra precaution and pausing activities for a few days, our goal is to allow more time to continue thorough contact tracing and testing to mitigate the risk to our Red Fox community. We are also asking for your help, since it is critical that every student understand the consequences of their actions this semester. First, they should know that the College will apply disciplinary action vigorously for violations of our student code of conduct. Secondly, they should know that all directives, including mandated testing programs, orders to quarantine, and other official notices, must be followed.

We would like to clarify the requirements for the current campus pause. All students will be held to the same standard, including those who live off-campus. The following temporary measures have been put in place:

• Classes will be held remotely on Friday and Saturday
• All students must remain on campus and avoid traveling unless directed by Marist health professionals or staff, including not going home
• All official on- and off-campus on-ground activities have been suspended
• All on- and off-campus gatherings, including parties, are prohibited
• All athletic team training sessions are suspended
• The James J. McCann Recreation Center is closed
• Students are to remain on campus unless for essential travel (e.g., food shopping, medical appointment)
• The campus is closed to all visitors
• Parents should not visit campus

During this period, surveillance testing will continue, and we will immediately launch the next part of our robust testing plan - surge testing for potentially impacted off-campus student populations.

Marist encourages its students to utilize this time wisely to catch up on their rest and get ahead on course work. The College has an abundance of resources available online for students to complete projects and term papers. In addition, students can take a walk outside and enjoy the riverfront and the beautiful fall foliage on campus with a mask while practicing social distancing.

We thank you for your support. We have six weeks left of the semester, so let's work together to stay safe and proactive through Thanksgiving break. We will update the community on the status of our campus as soon as possible. If you see any member of the Marist community violating our COVID-19 related Code of Conduct, please call (845) 575-MASK.

Sincerely,
Geoff Brackett, Executive Vice President
Thom Wermuth, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Deb DiCaprio, Vice President for Student Affairs