Dear Marist community,

With the successful launch of our spring semester, and after a careful review of Marist’s COVID policies and protocols, we are writing to announce an update of these protocols in preparation for the upcoming Summer 2023 term and Academic Year 2023-24. We want to share this information now to provide timely, transparent information to members of the Marist community, and especially students who will be newly enrolling at or returning to Marist.

Beginning May 22, 2023, Marist will move to a policy of strongly recommending the COVID-19 vaccination series and booster for all students, faculty, and staff.  This decision comes after consultation with the College’s Medical Advisory Group (MAG) and review of the latest public health data and COVID-19 guidelines. Proof of vaccination and booster will no longer be required as a condition of employment or enrollment at Marist; however, specific programs and experiences, including certain Study Abroad programs, may require the vaccine in order to participate.

While the COVID-19 virus is not gone, public health conditions have improved to a point where COVID is effectively being self-managed similar to other illnesses. Marist’s updated policy is consistent with the federal government’s recent announcement that it will end the coronavirus public health emergency on May 11, 2023. We believe this is an appropriate update to the College’s health protocols given sustained, manageable levels of COVID in the community, the widespread availability of at-home test kits, and our campus community’s familiarity with testing, isolation and “stay at home when sick” protocols. 

We’d like to take a moment and express our gratitude to the Marist faculty and staff who participated on the Medical Advisory Committee (MAG) for the last three years. Chaired by Dr. Alicia Slater, Dean of the School of Science, members of MAG include Dr. Claudia Zegans, Director of Student Health Services; Dr. Steve Katz, Medical Director, Marist Physician Assistant Program; and Dr. Erin McLaughlin, Assistant Medical Director, Marist Physician Assistant Program, and Medical Director Occupational Medicine & Employee Health, Nuvance Health System.  Their leadership, focus on scientific data, and continuous review of public health guidelines helped Marist successfully navigate the pandemic and preserve the signature on-ground experience that attracts students to our institution. The College will continue to monitor public health guidelines and reserves the right to update its guidelines should conditions warrant; we also can tap into the expertise of our MAG once again if needed.

Removing our COVID vaccination mandate does not alleviate the personal responsibility each of us has to remain diligent about testing ourselves for COVID when we do not feel well, staying home when sick, and following the College’s isolation protocols when testing positive. These important steps will continue to promote the health and safety of our campus community. 

• COVID Resources – as a reminder, you can review our latest COVID-19 resources and FAQs on our website.

We thank everyone in our community for their support and adherence to our COVID protocols. Your action and care for each other over the last three years is a reflection of what makes our Marist community special and unique.

Sincerely,
Geoff Brackett, Executive Vice President