Campus Alert Level

The Campus Alert Level is determined by the COVID Core Team based on analysis of internal and external factors and metrics, including those on the College’s COVID-19 Dashboard as well as the following:

• State and local public health guidelines.
• Contact tracing and cluster tracking within the Holy Cross community.
• Campus compliance with health and safety measures.
• Campus staffing capacity and availability of personal protective equipment and supplies.

The COVID Core Team and our medical and health professionals are monitoring these metrics constantly. If there are any changes to the Campus Alert Level or campus operations, the College will quickly communicate those to the campus community via email, on the website and through social media and through signage on campus.

The table below outlines possible operational responses to the different Campus Alert Levels. Policies can be found on the COVID-19 website and specific guidelines regarding any changes to Alert Level or operations will be shared with the campus community.

(*) Normal operations is when Massachusetts Phase 4 begins. (Most MA residents have been vaccinated.)

(1) Limited residence permitted by approval.

(2) We will communicate details depending on the situation and timing

(3) Take-out available for limited approved residential population

(4) Testing protocol continues

Residential Guest Policy

The rules regarding residential guests are dependent on the current COVID Alert Level of the College. Failure to comply with these rules will result in conduct referrals, and may also result in triggering the College to escalate the overall COVID Alert Level, resulting in further restrictions.

General Rules:

• Guests of on-campus residents must be residents of the same building. External guests, guests residing in other buildings, or off-campus guests are not permitted in the residence halls.
• Guest(s) and host(s) must practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart);
• Guest(s) and host(s) must comply with the universal mask policy;

While Under a Yellow Status [Current Status]:

• Bedroom maximum capacity is two people at one time.
• Suites and apartments have a maximum capacity of six people at one time.

While Under Orange Status:

• Guests are not permitted in bedrooms, suites, or apartments.

Campus Access for Off-Campus Students

While Under a Yellow Status [Current Status]:

Access permitted by students who are in compliance with the testing protocol.

While Under Orange Status:

Access permitted by students who are in compliance with the testing protocol, and only for the following purposes:

• January term classes & labs
• Approved science research
• Employment and employment training
• Accessing the testing center
• Athletics practices, training and competition
• Attend in person classes that have been granted an exception

Dining Operations During COVID-19

While Under a Yellow Status [Current Status]:

• Dining will operate in accordance with state and local guidance. For more information, see their COVID-19 operations page.

While Under Orange Status:

• Dining will operate using grab-and-go / GrubHub; no seating will be available.

Campus Gatherings During COVID-19

The rules regarding gatherings are dependent on the current COVID Alert Level of the College. Failure to comply with these rules will result in conduct referrals, and may also result in triggering the College to escalate the overall COVID Alert Level, which could result in further restrictions.

While Under a Yellow Status [Current Status]:

Students may gather in common areas, lounges, study spaces, and reservable spaces provided they:

• Do not exceed the posted capacity of the room;
• Practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart);
• Comply with the universal mask policy;
• Limit their access to common areas and lounges in residence halls).

Students may gather outside provided they:

• Comply with Massachusetts outdoor gathering limits;
• Practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart);
• Comply with the universal mask policy;

Students may gather off-campus provided they:

• Comply with Massachusetts residential indoor gathering limits;
• Practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart);
• Comply with the universal mask policy;

Clubs, student organizations, and staff-led gatherings can occur provided they:

• Reserve a space with the appropriate room capacity to accommodate attendees;
• Practice physical distancing (at least 6 feet apart);
• Comply with the universal mask policy;
  Do not eat or drink during the event;
• Follow additional posted directions specific to the space (if applicable).

While Under Orange Status:

Gatherings are not permitted. Exemptions require approval from the College’s Executive Team. To request an exemption, please contact: coronavirus@holycross.edu.

Current Exemptions:

• Kimball Captain training: permitted.
• Sunday and daily worship services: permitted

Affected in-person events:

• RA training: In-person cancelled. Will be all virtual.
• Peer Leader training for Orientation: Will be all virtual.

Facilities

While Under a Yellow Status [Current Status]:

• Open and following state and local guidelines.

• Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center - Closed for recreational use; open for COVID testing only during operating hours.