President Charles Wight explained the latest updates to Salisbury University's COVID-19 policies and mask mandates during last Thursday's briefing.
“Since the start of the semester, we've seen a precipitous decline in just about all of the metrics that we use to track the spread of the virus," Wight said. "Effective tomorrow, Friday, March 4 at 3 p.m., masks will only be required in classrooms and laboratories during instruction.”
Masks will also be required on the university shuttle and during appointments with Student Health Services. KN95 masks remain available at the Guerrieri Student Union information desk.
Chief of Staff Eli Modlin answered questions posed by SU community members.
“A part of the discussion [about mask guidance] was the densely populated nature of the classrooms and the fact that students and faculty are required to be in the classroom as opposed to some of the other areas on campus,” Modlin said.
The university will continue to regulate protocols throughout the Spring 2022 semester.
Wight also brought attention to the recently-hacked Black Lives Matter Zoom panel and announced post-steps to be taken by the university. He said those who hacked the event are assumed not to be campus community members.
SU will now offer minors in Africana studies and disability studies, as well as require that new students complete further diversity training.
“This is in addition to diversity, equity, and inclusion being integrated into the new general education model,” Wight said.
Spring 2022 graduates were sent a survey asking students' preferences for commencement May 20-22. Results will soon be announced on the commencement page after the survey closed last Friday.
Wight concluded by expressing condolences for those affected by the war in Europe.
“I want to end today's briefing with a message of solidarity with the people of Ukraine," Wight said. "The people of Ukraine have proven stronger and more resilient than any of us could have imagined. And they remain in our hearts and our minds today.”
By HALEY RAWLS
News editor
Featured image courtesy of Andrea Gerber