Email from the Dean of Students Regarding Community Standards

Specifically related to COVID-19 policies and procedures

 

Dear Students,

I am writing to share some information about behavioral expectations and community standards, specifically related to COVID-19 policies and procedures. Below is an outline of student expectations and possible consequences if you do not comply with these expectations. The health and safety of our Viking community is most important. Note that consequences for not complying with the COVID-19 policies and procedures will likely result in suspension from the university or residence halls. We must take the precautions put in place very seriously and consequences related to non-compliance will be also be taken very seriously.

These matters can be sensitive and challenging, you are not alone. The entire student life team and I are available to assist you in understanding the community expectations about following safety policies.

Sincerely,

Carla Panzella, PhD, Associate Vice President for Student Life, and Dean of Students
Lauren Hubacheck, Associate Dean of Students for Engagement

 

Community Standards COVID-19 Expectations

Students must comply with the COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols for the 2020-2021 academic year. This includes, but not limited to, wearing a mask in class and on campus in public spaces; practicing physical distancing where possible, including in class; engaging in a daily symptom check; notifying counseling and health services at 978.542.6413 if they have any symptoms associated with COVID-19, Students should not coming to campus or to an in-person class if they have any of the symptoms related to COVID-19, until cleared by the student life wellness area.
 

Masks

Students must wear masks while on campus, except when eating or in their own resident hall room. Below, you are provided with guidance on how to manage challenges around student mask wearing. 

 In the classroom

  •  If you arrive to class without a mask: 
    • You will be asked to put on a mask or go get a mask. You are not permitted to return to class without a mask
  • If a student refuses to put on a mask or go get a mask, you will be asked to leave the class.
  • If you refuse to leave the class:
    • You will be reminded that you will be referred to community standards
    • You will be file referred to community standards
    • You will likely be dismissed from that course and potentially suspended from the university. 
       

In an office or other campus locations 

  • If you arrive to a space on campus without a mask: 
    • You will be asked to put on a mask or go get a mask—you are not permitted to enter any space without a mask
  • If you refuse to put on a mask or go get a mask 
    • You will be asked to leave the space 
  • If you refuse to leave the space:
    • You will be reminded that you will be referred to community standards.
    • If the situation continues, university police will be called
    •  A complaint will be filed with community standards
    • You will likely be suspended from the university. 

NOTE: A disability is not a reason to not complying with the mask protocol. However, you may refer a student to disability services for additional support and information if they reference a concern with a disability.

 

Physical Distancing

You are expected to physical distance whenever possible. Campus spaces will be modified to accommodate physical distancing as much as possible. Strategies may include staggered seating, closure of common or public spaces, and restricted use of shared spaces and equipment. You can assist with our physical distancing efforts by maintaining the recommended distance of six feet from others on campus.

  • If you are not respecting the six-feet distance rule, you may be asked to step back and be reminded to practice physical distancing. 
  • If you refuse to respect the six-feet distance rule or have a pattern of not staying six-feet apart, you can be referred to community standards.

 

Residents Hall and Off-campus COVID-19 Community Standards Expectations

Resident COVID-19 Testing: No Shows

All resident students are required to participate in COVID-19 testing upon move in as well as periodic surveillance testing throughout the semester.

  • Resident students who are selected and do not present themselves for COVID-19 testing are subject to a referral to community standards. 
  • If found responsible, a student may incur sanctions up to and including dismissal from the residence halls and suspension from university.

Guest/Visitor policy: Guide to Living

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors will be not allowed (in the residence halls) until further notice. Residence life defines a ‘visitor’ as any current, non-residential, Salem State University student OR any individual, 16 years of age or older, not currently affiliated with Salem State University who is visiting a residence hall. 

Residents are permitted to have one guest. Residence life defines a ‘guest’ as any current residential student who is visiting a residence hall that they are not currently assigned to. Guests are still responsible for following all policies in the guide to living and student conduct code. This includes COVID-19 physical distancing and mask requirements. 

  • Students who violate this policy will be reported to community standards 
  • If found responsible, all students (residents and guests) may incur sanctions up to and including dismissal from the residence halls and suspension from the university. 

Off-campus Behavior 

All students are expected to follow all federal, state and city laws and ordinances on- and off-campus. The local board of health has an ordinance related to COVID-19 regarding mask wearing and is enforcing restrictions for gatherings based on the state’s orders.

  • Possible violations of these laws and ordinances should be reported to the health department (health@salem.com or 978.741.1800). 
  • The Salem Police Department will send the police reports to community standards for any incident involving students for review. 
  • Students who are referred to community standards will participate in a hearing process to identify if they are responsible for violating the student code of conduct. Sanctions can be up to and including suspension from university.

Hearing Process

If you are referred to community standards, you may participate in a hearing process to identify if you are responsible for violating the student code of conduct. Sanctions can be up to and including suspension from university.

Back to top