August 21, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility this past week as we navigated COVID cases during our first-year Tuck Launch orientation. The number of new Tuck student cases by day has now fallen and we will proceed with in-person classes as planned, starting with the first day of class for first-year students on Monday, August 23.
Masks continue to be required in our classrooms and common spaces on campus, and only those who are fully vaccinated or have received an official vaccine exemption from Dartmouth Health Services will be present in our physical classrooms. Students who are awaiting results of a Day 1 contact tracing test or who have received an accommodation for remote learning because of health conditions (including COVID-related concerns), visa delays, or other extenuating circumstances will participate in class virtually.
Dartmouth has a vaccination requirement in place and an exceptionally high vaccination rate. While the COVID vaccines are highly effective, they do not offer 100 percent protection. Vaccines, masks, tests, enhanced ventilation and air filtration systems—these are some of the tools we’re drawing upon to make the transition from last year’s hybrid models back to our distinct in-person learning community.
And yet, the most powerful tool available to us may be our collective judgement about the behaviors and social settings in which this highly contagious virus can spread, regardless of vaccination. Our environment at Tuck is a strength, and our community’s health and wellbeing are top priority. We will continue to encourage everyone to take advantage of our unique natural surroundings and outdoor spaces when socializing and enjoying each other’s company.
We look forward to Monday and the first week of classes for T’23s, and to welcoming our T’22s back to campus soon.
Thank you,
The Deans’ Office