Category: Official University Communications

Dear Fellow Patriots:

At long last, it can be said: George Mason University is winning the battle against COVID-19. We have not won yet, but we are close. I am writing to share with you steps that we are preparing to take as the omicron variant’s presence continues to fall.

At the approach of the two-year anniversary of COVID-19’s arrival, Mason is seeing light at the end of this very long tunnel. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, Mason continues to maintain some of the lowest rates of transmission of any university in the nation, making it one of the safest places anywhere to weather the pandemic. This did not happen by accident.

We are here because our approach worked, and so did you. Guided by CDC recommendations, we realized early that only by requiring masking, frequent testing (including pretesting of our on-campus students), isolation and quarantine, and full vaccination would we have a shot at keeping COVID-19 in check. In turn, you took those measures seriously and observed them in unity.

Today, nearly 93 percent of the campus community is fully vaccinated, which far exceeds Virginia’s 69 percent and the nation’s 64 percent full vaccination rates. What’s more, our positivity rate from all sources of testing is down to 2.4 percent and dropping.

Given our high vaccination rate, the continued decline of the omicron variant, the Governor’s recent executive orders and directives, and the recent Attorney General’s opinion, we will now strongly encourage vaccination protocols for all Mason students, faculty, and staff, though we no longer require them. We also strongly encourage everyone to upload their vaccination status so we can continue to understand the effect of the virus on campus community.

In addition, I am very pleased to share that we are setting a university goal of Friday, March 4 as the day we can consider lifting university-wide masking requirements. The weekend spring break starts will mark the two-year anniversary since COVID-19 first disrupted our campuses, and so early March will be a fitting time to consider changing course. We would, however, continue to strongly encourage masking indoors and when required for isolation or quarantine, per CDC guidance.

To get there successfully, we will need to keep a consistent positivity rate among our tests of 4 percent or less for the next five weeks. Testing will remain a requirement for students who are at higher risk for transmission, such as those in our residence halls, athletic programs, and the unvaccinated. In order to accomplish our goal, I strongly encourage everyone to continue the four steps that have gotten us this far: keep masking, get vaccinated and boosted, stay home when sick, and keep testing when you receive an email reminder.

I understand the concept of personal freedom. But we must also understand the need for collective responsibility, and just because we can do something does not mean that we should. We have shown that we can manage COVID-19 and keep people safe, and you have stuck with us on this journey.

If we can hang in there for just five more weeks, we can finally make COVID-19 controllable so it stops controlling us. Once we reach this milestone we can consider reducing our masking protocols to encourage people to wear masks as they see prudent. Should unforeseeable conditions arise and bring a return of COVID-19 to pandemic levels at Mason, we will need to reverse course.

Can we power through the next five weeks? Of course we can. As we have proven for two years straight, we know what to do, what it takes to do it, and what the outcomes are when we pull together to get the job done. So, fellow Patriots, let’s finish the job.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

In observance of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Executive Directive issued January 15 for managing responses to COVID-19, George Mason University will now strongly encourage employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, and to share their vaccination status with Mason. Campus mechanisms to obtain and store this information will remain in place. This is a departure from our requirement issued earlier.

National data and our own continue to show that vaccines have been proven to be the single most effective means to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the severity of its symptoms.

All other masking and testing requirements remain in place at this time.

Dear Mason Patriots:

As we prepare to return for the Spring 2022 semester, I am writing to give you important updates on how we plan to manage operations with current pandemic conditions. The arrival of the omicron variant has changed many of the rules of engagement, and it is now the predominant strain in the local area.

Given the highly infectious nature of omicron, we have seen unprecedented numbers of Mason students, staff, and faculty contracting the virus. While the numbers are sobering, we are prepared to manage under current conditions. We continue to see milder symptoms among those who are vaccinated, especially among those who have received their booster shot.

This spring we are guided by three goals for success: preserving health and safety, minimizing operational disruptions, and stopping the spread of the virus to hasten the end of the pandemic.  We urge administrative and academic units to review their contingency plans and update them as appropriate.

In order to achieve our goals, we will do the following:

Return to classes – Mason is prepared for spring classes, and we will return to in-person instruction as planned. Mason is tracking the rate of transmission of active cases, monitoring for outbreaks, and working with public health officials to craft our Covid response. If conditions demand, changes to Mason’s public health policies and operations will be announced via email.

Vaccination – We are requiring that all students, staff, and faculty (without a vaccine exemption), who are eligible to receive booster shots, get them and upload their new documentation to the Mason health services portal by February 15. All new students, faculty, and staff must upload their vaccination status within 2 weeks of their eligibility date or request an exemption. Please visit https://www.gmu.edu/safe-return-campus/vaccination-requirements to learn more about our vaccination requirements.

Surveillance testing – All faculty and staff are required to take a Covid test January 18-23, prior to the start of spring classes. An email will be distributed to those who are required to test with information on how to test on campus, off campus, or request an exception to this requirement. An aggressive residential student Covid surveillance testing strategy is also being implemented during the first weeks of this semester to gather baseline information on the prevalence of Covid on campus.  Learn more about the safe return guidelines for students at https://housing.gmu.edu/spring-2022.

Diagnostic testing – Diagnostic tests can be hard to come by in the community, so Mason will offer drive-up diagnostic testing for employees starting January 18 at Peterson Hall. The appointment scheduler opens January 16 for January 18 appointments at https://gmu.medicatconnect.com/. Learn more about diagnostic testing at https://www.gmu.edu/safe-return-campus/personal-and-public-health/covid-19-testing.

We continue to offer students diagnostic testing and medical care through Student Health Services. To mitigate potential exposures, please do not visit one of Mason’s surveillance test sites if you are symptomatic.

Masks – Masking requirements remain in place, with the added encouragement to wear either KN95 or N95 masks. Cloth masks are proving to be less effective at stopping the circulation of microdroplets that carry the omicron variant of Covid. Mason will offer a free N95 mask to students, faculty, and staff at Mason’s COVID Test Sites and information kiosks on the Fairfax, Arlington, and SciTech Campuses. Learn more about the use of N95 respirators here.

Students who test positive – Medical staff at Student Health Services provide care to residential students who are positive and symptomatic.  Mason continues to provide accommodations and/or support to residential students who remain on campus during their quarantine or isolation. Non-residential students who test positive should reach out to their primary care provider for medical care. Non-residential students who do not have a primary care provider can reach out to Student Health Services for medical care. Information regarding quarantine and isolation requirements is available here.

Employees who test positive – Employees who test positive or are unvaccinated and identified as a close contact must observe updated isolation and quarantine guidance.

Flexibility for students who miss classes due to Covid – Instructors are asked to exercise maximum flexibility for students who miss class due to Covid isolation or quarantine. Learn more at https://www.gmu.edu/faqs-faculty-and-staff.

Stay tuned – Conditions are fluid and can change rapidly, hopefully for the better. Mason will reach out to the community frequently as events warrant, so watch your email inbox for updates.

Patriots, we have forged ahead despite pandemic conditions in four prior semesters. Together, we will get through this one, as well. Welcome back!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Dear Patriots,

As our semester comes to a close and we finalize plans for winter break, we want to take a moment and encourage all Mason Patriots – whether near or far – to please continue to prioritize your health and safety. Here are a few departing reminders to help ensure that we close out this year happy and healthy!

Get a Booster!

The omicron variant is moving quickly, and the delta variant remains a threat, so we must be diligent during this holiday season. While experts are still determining if omicron poses an increased threat, health officials agree: getting vaccinated (to include boosters) is the best way to combat COVID. The CDC is recommending COVID booster shots for anyone who is eligible for a booster, which includes anyone over 18. In addition, the FDA on Thursday authorized Pfizer booster shots for all eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who completed their two-shot Pfizer series at least six months ago. Vaccines and boosters have proven to be effective in helping to reduce the spread of COVID and the severity of COVID illness. We strongly recommend boosters for all Mason Patriots who are eligible to receive one, and Mason is offering booster shots Monday-Friday for free. Appointments can be made at https://vaccine.gmu.edu and hours will be expanded to accommodate the end-of-semester demand.

Test Before Traveling

For those who are leaving campus, we recommend testing before and after holiday gatherings. Mason will continue to provide walk-in tests through December 17. Please take advantage of this service before you leave. International travelers need to check with their airline and get tested 24 hours before travel to the US. If you are unvaccinated, you must quarantine upon arrival and get tested 3-5 days after arrival. The CDC provides travel guidance at their website.

Mason will also offer limited walk-in surveillance testing on Monday, Dec. 20 and Monday, Dec. 27 from 9-noon at Fenwick A Wing on the Fairfax Campus. Surveillance testing will reopen at Fenwick only on Monday, January 3.

Stick with What Works

As many of us plan to gather with family and friends, it’s more important than ever to continue the practices that have kept our community safe. We know our plan works, let’s continue to work it. Let’s maintain our safety protocols throughout the holiday break:

• Continue to use Mason COVID Health Check, as this is the provides our health experts the ability to understand the extent and impact of COVID on campus. We will streamline the Mason COVID Health Check in the new year. Look for more information soon.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• Wear masks when in large groups.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance for close contact situations. If you are notified that you are a close contact please:
    • Get a surveillance test 5-7 days after potential exposure if you are vaccinated and asymptomatic.
    • Quarantine for 14 days from date of exposure if you are unvaccinated and get tested 5-7 days after exposure.

Thank you ALL for helping to keep Mason safe and open. Your consistency and care for your fellow Patriots has contributed to a successful fall semester. Please continue to do your part by following these guidelines so that we can start 2022 healthy and strong. Enjoy your winter break!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Fellow Patriots:

As we make final preparations for fully reopening George Mason University, I am writing to share that we have new and urgent work at hand to ensure a safe return next month. Our community has done an admirable job at keeping one step ahead of COVID-19, preventing even a single known case of classroom transmission and keeping overall COVID cases to a minimum.

But COVID-19 is on the march with the spread of the far more contagious Delta variant, which the World Health Organization calls the “fastest and fittest” version of COVID yet. Children and adults under 50 are 2.5 times more likely to contract the Delta variant, according to Yale Medicine.

As CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has said, “This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated.” In just one week, new cases increased 70 percent in the United States. Hospitalizations rose 36 percent, and deaths rose 26 percent – with 97 percent of all new hospitalizations occurring among the unvaccinated.

For the sake of all who are unable to receive vaccination, the single most effective way to avoid the virus and stop its spread is for the rest of us to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Therefore, Mason is joining the growing community of universities that require all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated, and to share verification of their vaccination status, in order to work, study, and live on campus. We will, of course, approve appropriate exemptions for medical and religious reasons.  Following university policies and procedures, disciplinary action will be pursued against those faculty and staff who fail to receive an exemption and do not disclose their status and receive the vaccine.  This action could include unpaid leave or possible loss of employment. 

Mason students, faculty, and staff are required to share vaccination status through Mason COVID Health Check and, if vaccinated, your documentation through the Health Service portal by August 1.  Faculty and staff that are not yet fully vaccinated by August 1, must receive their first shot by August 15.

Students seeking a medical or religious exemption must do so by August 1.  Employees seeking a medical or religious exemption must do so by August 15. For more information on how to satisfy Mason’s vaccine and documentation requirements students should visit here and employees should visit here.

Vaccines are available on the first floor of the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. They are also widely available through community clinics and healthcare providers. Visit vaccines.gov to locate vaccination providers nationwide.

This requirement is consistent with Mason’s longstanding history of protecting our community through requiring students to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), mumps, Hepatitis B, and meningitis. It is extended to faculty and staff for COVID-19 because the extraordinary nature of the pandemic demands it.

I recognize that a mandate is an extraordinary step to take, and one not taken without serious consideration of the public health situation and the safety of our community. This week I received the unanimous support of my Executive Council to move forward with the universal vaccine requirement, and I have taken this step for the sake of the health and safety of every Mason Patriot.

Thank you in advance for your continued commitment to maintaining your own health and that of your fellow Mason Patriots. We will see you on campus very shortly.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Fellow Patriots:

We are just six weeks away from the kickoff of the fall 2021 semester, and I am thrilled to confirm that the campuses of George Mason University will be fully open to welcome a record number of students. It has been a long road back from March 2020 when we had to shut operations down to stay ahead of the pandemic, but we find ourselves on the verge of fully reopening.

We are about to return to a Mason that has changed due to the pandemic, and even though we are able to return, we do so as the COVID-19 virus and its variants continue to circulate through our communities.

I am writing to share how we will open in order to balance a return to full capacity while continuing to assure safe conditions of operation.

Reopening

In keeping with our university value of putting students first, we will reopen campus fully starting Monday, August 2. At that time, we will pilot a hybrid work environment that allows for telework/remote work for one or two days per week – with the necessary assessment to ensure the responsibilities of the position are able to be achieved.  The goals are to:

• Retain the efficiencies we gained in remote working.  
• Capitalize on the contributions that result from the synergies and collaborations that occur when we are on campus. 
• Serve the thousands of students who will come to campus every day and who call Mason home.  
• Reinvigorate the campus environment that has come to define a significant part of the full Mason experience. 

Recognizing that class will not be in session yet on Monday, August 2, either at Mason or at regional public schools and that some people have to manage transitional needs (childcare, transportation, etc.) we will use the first two weeks of August to transition back into this new framework. Thus it is expected that everyone will be fully integrated in their pilot working environment by Sunday, August 15. Note, this is a pilot program and we will evaluate its effectiveness quarterly.

The Office of Human Resources and Payroll will issue more detailed back-to-work guidelines shortly.

Vaccination and proof of status 

Because we will come together as COVID-19 continues to circulate, we have an obligation to maintain a safe environment in which to study, work, and live. While those of us who are vaccinated are now able to enjoy a return to campus without masks or physical distancing, measures are still required as long as pandemic conditions persist among those who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine. Therefore, as previously announced:

Students 

All students will be required to be fully vaccinated, and share proof of vaccination, via this link by Sunday, August 1. Appropriate medical and religious exemptions will be observed, and those who are not vaccinated will be required to wear masks while on campus and undergo frequent COVID-19 testing. Those who do not share proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will have their registrations held until they do so.

The Office of University Life will issue more detailed back-to-school guidelines shortly.

Faculty and staff 

All employees will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, and required to share their vaccination status via this link by Sunday, August 1. To see incentives that encourage faculty,  staff, and students to share their vaccination documentation and for instructions on how to do so, follow this link. Disclosure of vaccination status – whether vaccinated or not – will be a prerequisite for eligibility for any future merit pay increases. Those who are vaccinated but do not disclose vaccination status and upload proof through Mason COVID Health Check by August 1, will be considered unvaccinated. Those who cannot or choose not to get vaccinated will be required to wear masks while on campus, physically distance, and undergo frequent COVID-19 testing.

All students, faculty, and staff should follow this link to upload their vaccination status.

Focus on well-being 

It is important for us all to recognize that our return to an open campus is accompanied by a mix of excitement and uneasiness. We are excited to resume life that feels normal again – to be together on our campuses, and to see each others’ full and healthy smiles. But it is also natural to feel reluctance to venture back onto campus, given the experience we have all been living through. Our plan gets Mason back on campus as it should be without endangering public health or compromising our ability to deliver excellence to our students and the community. We will all feel anxiety from time to time, and I  encourage us to be good to ourselves and each other, and take these steps together, as one Mason Nation.

Onward!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Dear Patriots,

As you know, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam last week lifted the mask requirement for people who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. As a public university, George Mason University is complying with the Governor’s order, eliminating face covering and distancing requirements for all fully vaccinated people, effective today, June 2.

Mask and distancing requirements will remain in place for non-vaccinated individuals. Please indicate your vaccine status using the Mason COVID Health Check before June 11.  This information will help us provide support for our community’s vaccine needs, COVID testing program and other public health precautions.

Because children under age 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, we will maintain masking and distancing requirements for summer camps. See Mason’s mask policy for more detailed information.

Requests to host internal camps should be submitted to Programs, Events and Camps for approval, more information is available here: https://www2.gmu.edu/safe-return-campus/meetings-and-events/programs-events-camps-serving-minors.

As a reminder, all employees and students are required to upload documentation of vaccination by August 1.Instructions for students on how to upload vaccine records is available here. Instructions for employees can be found here.

Together, we can make Mason a safe place to study, work, live, and play. Thank you for your cooperation.  If you have any questions about Mason’s COVID response plans and procedures, please contact [email protected].

Sincerely,

Carol Dillon Kissal
Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance

Dear Patriots,

We have just completed one of the most challenging times in the history of George Mason University, and I am grateful for the important role that everyone played in making this year a tremendous success.

This week, I am pleased to share that we are reporting just one active case of COVID-19 on our campuses. Think about that for a moment. That’s an amazing accomplishment for our community and it is a testament to the number of people who have been vaccinated.

As we turn our attention to the Fall Semester, we must all continue to do our part and work together to keep Mason safe. This starts with new policies for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking. Below is a summary of what we will require, so please read this carefully.

COVID-19 Vaccination  

• Students: Mason will require that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 1.  This policy does not apply to students who take online courses only and do not come to any campus, or to individuals who have an approved medical or religious exemption.Plan ahead: Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, you may have to receive your first dose no later than July 4 to meet the August 1 requirement.Upload COVID vaccination documentation to the Health Services Patient Portal. Visit the  Student Health Services website for FAQs, information on how to upload your COVID vaccine documentation (all students), or submit your Mason Immunization Record Form (newly admitted students).  If you are an international student with limited access to COVID vaccines, please email [email protected] to request an extension. Students with approved extensions must get vaccinated when they arrive in the United States.
• Faculty and Staff: All faculty and staff are expected to be fully vaccinated in time for the Fall Semester, and are strongly encouraged to receive vaccines over the summer. All employees are required to disclose whether or not they have been vaccinated in   Mason Covid Health Check by June 11, 2021.   Those who have been fully vaccinated will be required to upload vaccination documentation into the Health Services Patient Portal before August 1. We anticipate full FDA approval of at least one COVID vaccine over the summer. At that time, we anticipate requiring that all employees receive the vaccine. An exemption process will be made available.We encourage everyone to learn about the vaccine and get immunized. Mason will continue to host vaccination clinics on campus at no cost through the fall semester. To set up an appointment, go to vaccine.gmu.edu.

Masking

• Mason will lift mask requirements for all fully vaccinated individuals on campus as of May 29 – except in medical facilities, public transit, child care facilities and in accordance with the Governor’s policy. 
• Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks on campus, per the Governor’s new executive order. Masks may be removed while eating, drinking, playing instruments and for other exemptions allowed. 
• Mason will encourage everyone to wear masks in classes and indoors this summer, to allow more time for people to get vaccinated, and will support anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask after that. 
• See Mason’s updated mask policy.
   

Testing  

• Unvaccinated individuals will be required to participate in COVID testing at least once a week and as frequently as three times a week, depending on conditions.
• Vaccinated faculty, staff and students may be required to participate in less frequent testing, based on the guidance from public health officials and testing capacity.  
• Symptomatic individuals, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should still self-isolate and seek evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Additional Safety Policies 

• Physical Distancing: Mason will require physical distancing of three feet during the summer; in the fall, we anticipate being able to remove physical distancing requirements once vaccination rates exceed 80 percent
• Mason COVID Health Check: Mason will continue to require everyone’s participation in the daily health check this summer; we will reassess the need for continuing in the fall, based on the vaccination data received. 

We have made tremendous strides during this extraordinary time. I continue to be amazed by the resilience of the Mason Nation. Let’s keep working together to keep Mason safe.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President