Dear Marist students:

We are happy to share that, effective today, February 18, the Marist College COVID-19 Alert level has been updated to GREEN. As part of this transition, Marist has also moved to a mask optional policy: the use of masks is supported and encouraged for all who choose to wear one. This is particularly important for individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe infection. 

Additionally, Marist will discontinue mandatory surveillance testing.  Marist will continue to offer testing for asymptomatic students on Mondays and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at 51 Fulton St. Testing for students with symptoms will continue to be done at the Health Service. 

Since the start of the pandemic Marist has relied on public health guidelines and our Medical Advisory Group to inform COVID-19 policies. Today’s update was informed by Marist’s high rate of vaccination and booster compliance, declines in COVID transmission at Marist and in Dutchess County, along with recent changes to New York State masking guidelines, including the HERO Act.  

We recognize that some members of our community may choose to continue to wear masks. We encourage a “mask friendly” approach, whereby those who wish to wear a mask respect those who do not, and those who do not wish to wear a mask respect those who do. As a campus community, we ask that everyone demonstrate empathy and understanding toward each other as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. Those who would like to obtain a supply of either surgical or KN-95 masks may do so by emailing PPE.requests@marist.edu.  

Thank you for your continued commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy campus throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Sincerely, 

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