Limited-term visitors and guests are not required to submit proof of or attest to vaccination status. Limited-term visitors are classified as those on campus three days per month or less. Visitors and guests are not required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

On Wednesday, May 25, the University announced the following requirements and protocols, given the high volume of activity and visitors and guests on campus ifor Commencement and Reunion Weekend and based on consultation with and following the recommendations of the Rhode Island Department of Health:

• Until further notice, all individuals – regardless of vaccination status – must wear a well-fitting KN95, KF94, N95 or disposable/surgical mask indoors, unless in a private, non-shared space (e.g., office or dorm room) or when actively eating or drinking.
• The indoor mask requirement applies to all University-sponsored events, on and off campus, taking place during Commencement and Reunion Weekend and to all attendees: faculty, students, staff, families, visitors, guests and vendors.
• Masks can be removed indoors by a speaker while making a presentation or delivering a speech.
• Individuals are strongly advised to take a rapid antigen test prior to attending large indoor gatherings.

Brown community members, visitors and guests should not attend any University events or functions if they test positive for COVID-19 and/or are experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their medical provider, and individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 must self-isolate away from others. Keeping our community healthy is a shared responsibility, and guests should consider the implications for graduating students and their families if COVID-19 were to spread. Any individual traveling to Rhode Island must follow the State of Rhode Island travel requirements, which can be found at covid.ri.gov.

The University requires that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate and stay away from others. Guests must determine if they are able to do so more easily in the dormitory or by traveling home (if they have support in doing so safely).

Brown has sanitizing stations in its facilities, but many events for Commencement and Reunion Weekend will be outdoors and in unconventional locations. Visitors and guests who choose to wear masks (they are not currently required for most facilities, except for health care and medical research facilities, etc.) are encouraged to bring their own masks and sanitizer. It is left to the discretion of organizers of individual events to provide optional masks and hand sanitizer.

Brown does not serve as a public testing site for COVID-19. Visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website providing COVID-19 information for travelers to Rhode Island to learn of testing sites and protocols for travelers.

Brown will communicate any changes to Commencement and Reunion Weekend to graduates to share with their families and guests, and with alumni classes invited to Reunion in the event of major shifts in health protocols that affect planning for graduation and celebrations of the reunion classes. Visitors and Guests also can monitor changes in health protocols by visiting the Campus Activity Status page of the Healthy Brown website.

Given the increased rates of COVID-19 across the country, we encourage all participants in Commencement and Reunion Weekend to be attentive to precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and follow CDC guidance in instances where the recommended measures can help protect your own health and that of the community.