To the Thomas College Community,

It is hard to believe that we are already in July and our return to campus is only weeks away!  I hope everyone is having a productive, restorative, and safe summer so far.

In preparation for our return to campus in August, the College has issued an update to our health and safety policies including changes to COVID protocols.

Please take a moment to review and familiarize yourself with the changes.  You can download it from our website here.

A few key aspects about our policy reminders and changes:

VACCINATION POLICY

• All community members are required to be fully vaccinated unless they have received an exemption.  Per the CDC, fully vaccinated means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine (two-shots for Moderna and Pfizer, one-shot for J&J).  Should the CDC change their definition of fully vaccinated, the College will update its vaccination policy accordingly.
• All community members are strongly encouraged to be up to date on their recommended doses.  Per the CDC, up to date means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose when eligible.
• Medical and religious exemptions to the vaccination policy will be available for students, faculty, and staff.  For more information on exemptions, faculty and staff should contact Human Resources and students should contact the Health Center.
• Student athletes will continue to follow NCAA and any conference rules as directed by the athletic department.
• All fall 2022 on-campus/in-person community members must submit proof of vaccination before August 1, 2022, if it is not already on record (instructions below).

COMMUNITY TESTING

• The College does not currently anticipate a schedule of regular, ongoing testing for COVID-19. However, the College reserves the right to require testing of members of the campus community, regardless of vaccination status, if a situation/event warrants its use in the interest of community safety, or to comply with any local, state, or federal guidance, or expectations of affiliated organizations such as the NCAA or any of the College’s athletic conferences or competitors.
• Any community member required to test may be required to have a signed consent form on record with the College.

MASKING

• The College will no longer require masks to be worn indoors regardless of vaccination status.
• Regardless of vaccination status, individuals may continue to mask according to their comfort level.
• The College reserves the right to alter the masking policy at any time.

CAMPUS ACCESS

• The campus and its facilities (fields, trails, etc.) are now open to the public.

CAMPUS GUEST POLICY

• Campus guests will no longer be required to submit a screening form and Campus Security will not need to be notified.
• The College will reinstate guest privileges in student housing and continue to require that all overnight residence guests be fully vaccinated and registered with Safety and Security prior to arrival.

Should circumstances require modification of this policy, the College will communicate those changes to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Finally, if you have not already done so, please remember to submit all required medical documentation.  This includes proof of COVID vaccination (see below) and any other medical records required by the Health Center for fall 2022 enrollment (please contact the Health Center).

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and I am looking forward to seeing you back on campus this fall!

With deep respect,  

 
Laurie G. Lachance, President  

Laurie G. Lachance
President
180 W River Rd, Waterville, ME 04901
www.thomas.edu  

How to Submit Proof of Vaccination for Students

Students should submit their vaccination records to the Health Center using one of the methods below. If submitting electronically, please conceal your date of birth:

• Scan and email the vaccination card.
• Take a photograph of your vaccination card using your smart phone and email.
• Deliver a photocopy of the vaccination card or bring your original vaccination card and the College will make a copy.
• Upload a copy of the vaccination card via MyThomas and/or the New Student Day dashboard.

How to Submit Proof of Vaccination for Employees

Employees should submit their vaccination record to Human Resources using one of the methods below. If submitting electronically, please conceal your date of birth:

• Scan and email the vaccination card.
• Take a photograph of your vaccination card using your smart phone and email.
• Deliver a photocopy of the vaccination card.
• Bring your original vaccination card and the College will make a copy.