Dear Moore community:
On behalf of the entire Pandemic Response Team, I want to thank you, once again, for your continued vigilance and cooperation as we navigate yet another chapter of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s thanks to our work as a united community, and our commitment to looking out for each other, that we have been tremendously successful thus far in avoiding outbreaks on campus and continuing our important work of educating and supporting our talented students.
As the Omicron variant continues its rapid spread, we have put together new updates and guidance for the weeks ahead, in order to ensure a safe and healthy start to the spring 2022 semester. In an abundance of caution, and in line with current trends at other higher education institutions, classes will begin virtually on Tuesday, January 18 and continue throughout the first week of the semester. We will resume on-campus classes on Monday, January 24.
Starting January 18, students will have full access to the Connelly Library, studios and other shared spaces. Students must take precaution when utilizing these spaces, including always wearing a mask and refraining from congregating in large groups.
As a reminder, we have staggered our move-in schedule for new and returning residential students as follows:
- Friday, January 14, 1–2 pm: Transfer students
- Saturday, January 15, 9 am – 5 pm: Returning students, last names starting with A–H
- Sunday, January 16, 9 am – 5 pm: Returning students, last names starting with I–P
- Monday, January 17, 9 am – 5 pm: Returning students, last names starting with Q–Z
Some other quick reminders for new and returning students:
- When you arrive, you will need to present a paper copy of your negative test result to a Housing Department staff member at a sign-in desk in the campus lobby.
- The negative COVID-19 test result must clearly show your name, date of birth and date of test.
- A COVID-19 home test result will not be accepted.
Until January 24, SAGE Dining Services will provide all meals in to-go containers and the Dining Hall will be closed for in-person seating. Students will be asked to eat in their own rooms or other private spaces, on or off campus. The Dining Hall will reopen for seating on January 24, with expanded dining space to allow for social distancing. After that date, SAGE will continue to-go meal service for those who feel more comfortable eating elsewhere.
We will continue our current policy of allowing outside classroom visitors and speakers if they are able to provide proof of vaccination.
In addition, students may invite visitors to the residence halls, but those visitors must show proof of vaccination upon entrance at the front security desk.
Lastly, don’t forget to get your booster! Prior to the winter break, we sent a notice that Moore College of Art & Design now requires a COVID-19 booster vaccination for all current students, faculty and staff, excluding those with previously documented medical or religious/faith-based exemptions. We are acting upon a request from the City of Philadelphia’s Health Commissioner and following suit with a growing number of higher education institutions across the country.
Boosters will be required for all eligible students, faculty and staff by Tuesday, February 1, or within 30 days of becoming eligible, in accordance with CDC guidance.
Students, faculty and staff who will become eligible on or after February 1 should plan to receive their booster within 30 days of eligibility.
Students will have to provide a new copy of their updated vaccination card, with evidence of booster status, to healthservices@moore.edu. Please DO NOT provide any medical information in addition to the card.
Faculty and staff will have to provide a new copy of their updated vaccination card, with evidence of booster status, to rphillips@moore.edu. You can also bring a printed copy to her office on the second floor of Wilson Hall. Please DO NOT provide any medical information in addition to the card.
Vaccines and boosters remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of additional variants. More information about booster shots can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.
We also strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to get a flu shot if you have not already done so. Flu shots are another important tool in our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe and healthy.
While this will be yet another unusual start to classes at Moore, we are looking forward to getting past this phase, being together in person, and enjoying an extremely successful spring semester.
With gratitude,
Cecelia Fitzgibbon
