Responding to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

How is Assumption responding to COVID-19?

Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing & Compliance Data

Updated July 27, 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF TESTS

4,060
(+257)

NUMBER OF POSITIVE TESTS

CUMULATIVE PERCENT POSITIVE

NUMBER OF POSITIVE STUDENTS

NUMBER OF POSITIVE EMPLOYEES

University Vaccination Information

Updated July 20, 2021
(Note, the July 27 update will be delayed given the number of vaccination cards uploaded to Medicat from July 23 to 26. Once Health Services provides the updated figure, it will be posted to this page. Thank you for your patience.)

GROUP	NUMBER OF VACCINATIONS	PERCENTAGE	CHANGE
Students	1,395	72%	(+112)
Faculty and Staff	485	99%	(+18)

University administrators continue to closely monitor the rapidly changing international, national and local COVID-19 situation. Our approach to this global health crisis has been two-fold: promote and maintain the safety of our campus community and ensure the completion of academic programs with as few disruptions as possible. We take seriously the safety of our students and the campus community, a community that includes several individuals at high risk for serious illness from coronavirus.

Fall 2021: Easing the Safety Protocols

A Proactive Approach to the COVID-19 Situation

Since the outbreak, Assumption has proactively responded to the coronavirus situation since concerns first arose in January 2020:

Reminded students of flu prevention efforts
Suspended all University-related international travel and non-essential domestic travel
Urged students studying abroad to return to the United States
Temporarily suspended Rome Campus operations
Students studying in Florence through the AIFS program as well as the Rome students have returned to the U.S., are self-isolating for two weeks and may return to campus after the isolation period with a physician’s approval.
Strongly, and several times, discouraged members of our community from traveling outside of the country during spring break.
All public spaces, residence halls and bathrooms were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during spring break
Informed those who did travel outside of the U.S. that they may not return to campus for 14 days following re-entry to the U.S.
Extended spring break by three days; temporarily transitioning to remote learning.
- Offered on-campus housing to international students, students living more than five hours from campus and those with internships.
Extended remote learning to April 13; Spring sports canceled
Extended remote learning through the end of the semester; students invited to move out of residence halls; Commencement rescheduled to August
Supporting the needs of the Class of 2024
- Extended the enrollment deposit deadline to June 1
- Decreased enrollment deposit from $400 to $50
Created a $3 million fund to provide additional financial aid for students

Additional Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 135,000,000 individuals in the United States have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 89,000,000 are fully vaccinated. Here in Massachusetts, more than 2.15 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. The University recognizes that additional research is necessary.

VACCINE INFORMATION FROM THE DIOCESE

Vaccination Exemptions

The University has set a goal of achieving a minimum 90 percent vaccination rate for the campus community. To reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and the possibility of acute illness of those infected, the University is requiring all members of the campus community to obtain a vaccine prior to their return to campus. Exemptions for medical, religious, moral and freedom of conscience objections are available to members of the community. There are serious medical-moral questions that must be considered in order to form one’s conscience so as to make the best vaccination decisions possible amidst the competing voices surrounding us. Here, too, the University recognizes that additional research is necessary.

Learn More

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC has created a comprehensive online resource of information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Visit the CDC's website for information on how coronavirus spreads, prevention and treatment, what to do if you are sick, symptoms, and much more.

Centers for Disease Control

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Throughout this situation, Assumption will follow guidelines as issued by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Visit the Mass. DOH website for additional information.

Mass DPH

Study in Rome, Italy

While operations at our Rome Campus are temporarily suspended, plans are underway to resume programs for the fall 2021 semester. Let the city become your classroom! Interested in studying at the Rome Campus? Apply soon to reserve your spot!

Learn more