Dear GS Students,
As we near the end of our first month back on campus together, I would like to thank you for your continued commitment to slowing the spread of Covid-19 as we strive to get our GS and Columbia community to green.
The last 18 months have made abundantly clear that the only way to contain this virus and to have some semblance of normalcy is by working together as a community. As Provost Boyce and University Covid Director Donna Lynne highlighted in their message to the Columbia community on Friday, we have made great strides and, overall, have done very well in safely returning to campus and the Columbia classroom.
However, it is essential that we all remain vigilant in our adherence to campus Covid protocols so we may continue to enjoy the benefits that come with our return to campus and the low Covid risk level that we have achieved. All students must accurately complete the daily attestation on the ReopenCU app before accessing campus and must remain masked while indoors, including in the GS Student Lounge. Please note that per campus Covid protocols, brief removal of masks for eating and drinking is permitted indoors if, and only if, at least 6 feet of distance can be maintained from those around you. Due to the volume of students utilizing the Lounge, you should not expect to be able to eat in this space in most instances. We encourage you to take advantage of the outdoor tents around campus (including on Dodge Plaza) as an alternative. Our continued progress as a community requires everyone to adhere to the same guidelines. Failure to do so will result in increased transmission of Covid-19 and increased restrictions for students, including the potential closure of the Lounge.
Let’s continue to work together as a community to keep our campus healthy and to ensure all GS students can safely, comfortably enjoy and participate in our return.
In community,
Marlyn Delva, EdD
Dean of Students
