We are well into our first month back on campus and back in the classroom. I write to provide some important reminders regarding the COVID-19 policies for campus-based instruction that we previously communicated in August and to clarify information related to some of the questions we have received in the past week.

-- Test Positivity on Campus. As expected, we have seen a higher number of students reporting positive COVID-19 test results to Health Services over the past two weeks with the opening of the dormitories, start of classes, orientation activities, and other events. We will continue to monitor trends and change our protocols as required based on the public health situation on campus. Given the current data and trends, no changes to our COVID-19 policies are warranted.

-- Healthy Brown. For answers to general questions about COVID-19 and Brown’s guidelines, please continue to visit the Healthy Brown website. The Healthy Brown website is still live and actively updated. We will communicate about any changes to current policies and offer updates when public health guidance to the community would be helpful. https://healthy.brown.edu/faq

-- Testing Guidance. All members of the community should consider taking a rapid antigen test when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Rapid antigen tests are widely available from a variety of sources, and insurance companies are now reimbursing the costs of tests.

-- Masking. The University does not currently require the use of face masks on campus, regardless of vaccination status, with the exception of health care facilities. However, instructors — including both faculty and graduate students — may require masks in the classroom at their discretion. We ask all members of the community to respect the choice and privacy of those who choose to wear face masks. The Campus Activity Status page on the Healthy Brown website outlines the University’s masking policy.

-- Student Exposures. If a student in your course has COVID-19, it is the responsibility of Health Services (and only Health Services) to notify any close contacts of the student. Please do not announce to your courses if students have tested positive for COVID, even if withholding the student’s name.

You can review these helpful frequently asked questions on the Office of the Provost website that cover the following additional topics:

• The importance of holding classes in the modes listed in Courses@Brown
• Guidance related to student absences
• Guidance related to instructor absences for personal and family situations
• Managing shopping period classroom density
• Guidance concerning masks in classrooms
• Departmental events and gatherings

As we made clear in our communication to the community in early August, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our top priority, and our approach to instruction continues to be based on current health guidelines and expert guidance from public health and medical professionals. Thank you for your continued efforts and commitment.

Regards,

Richard M. Locke
Provost