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Change taking effect Thursday, September 8

Good afternoon, Keene State College Community,

I offer my heartfelt welcome to Fall 2022! I am so happy to see our campus energized with our students’ return.

Some of you have not received an email from me and some of you have received too many, particularly about today’s topic: COVID-19. I have heard from our students that less is more. Today I open with “less”: a brief message about what we are doing. The “more” part follows for those who find it helpful, with details about “why” we’re doing it.

Here’s the what:

  • Effective tomorrow, Thursday, September 8, 2022 masks are required in classrooms for everyone.
  • Effective tomorrow, Thursday, September 8, 2022, masks are required for instructional and support staff in our Child Development Center.
  • We will monitor the situation but intend for this mandate to expire September 22, 2022.
  • Masks are available free of charge in all KSC buildings.
  • There are no other changes to campus operations or requirements.
  • If you are feeling ill, wear a mask to protect others and visit our symptomatic testing center at 115 Winchester Street, Monday through Thursday, 9am-1pm or use an at-home rapid-antigen test (PCR tests are not required). If you test positive, please upload your results so you can receive the best guidance from our Rapid Response Team about how to proceed. If you have any questions, please contact covidinfo@keene.edu.

Here’s the why:

Keene State’s response to COVID has always been rooted in science and emerging data. This approach has supported our nimble and effective management throughout the pandemic. You all have adapted and we have cared about one another and the broader City of Keene — thank you.

While we would all like to think COVID is a thing of the past, we are continually reminded it is still with us. However, we have adjusted our approach to managing COVID this year because vaccinations, treatments, and detection methods significantly empower individuals and reduce risks presented by the virus.

Keene State College is experiencing what we have over the past several years of return to community. What is different is that COVID is not an unknown risk for us this semester. We will respond as needed to protect the community throughout the year and we will continue to share information openly.

We have made significant investments in our air handling systems and campus safety measures — these remain in place. We will periodically share updated information and ask individuals to take actions to protect themselves and others as a part of our new normal. The College will be measured in institutional requirements largely because the risks are significantly reduced, we all know how to limit risk to ourselves and others, and we act to limit disruption associated with necessary isolation protocols with a positive diagnosis.

Before we returned for the fall semester, the wastewater in the area showed an increase in COVID-19. In the past week, we have experienced an increase in reported cases of COVID-19 at Keene State. This is not surprising but we want to take quick action to slow the spread and limit disruption to our operations and your experiences here at Keene State College.

Our classrooms were significantly enhanced to provide a safe environment with air filtration and exchange improvements. Masks are a highly effective method to limit risk of sharing or contracting COVID-19.

Enacting a mask requirement in the classroom recognizes that students, faculty, and staff are required to attend the class and that our classes require extended time in contact. Masks will limit risks for all.

Masks continue to be required in the Wellness Center during clinical operations. In all other settings, masks are optional; but please do honor any individual request to wear a mask in an office, residence hall room, or other spaces, for the comfort of the requester.

The level of risk from COVID-19 does not warrant broad changes to plans for gatherings by the College at this time. Slowing transmission and increasing awareness to support good personal decisions will help us limit disruptions. Making the community aware and asking for individuals to be attentive to their own well-being and that of others has worked for us – I am counting on that positive energy to continue for Keene State College.

In gratitude,

Melinda D. Treadwell, Ph.D.
President, Keene State College
Alumna, Class of 1990