COVID-19 Updates

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February 7, 2022

Good Morning,

Thank you to everyone who participated in this weekend’s Accepted Student Open House that brought 115 prospective students and their families to campus to attend information sessions, campus tours and sample classes. Despite the snowy weather, attendance exceeded expectations and we are grateful to all the faculty, staff and students who provided a warm welcome to our guests. 

As we head into the third week of classes, we do so with only two students in isolation for COVID. Positive cases are continuing to fall nationally and locally, as are hospitalizations, and we are hopeful that we may be able to loosen masking requirements in the near future. For at least the next week, we will continue to require masks in all indoor spaces and outdoors when it is not possible to remain physically distant. As a reminder, the New York State indoor mask mandate is in effect through Thursday and may be extended. The New York State Commissioner of Health has also extended the HERO Act safety plan through Feb. 15. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will reevaluate our approach in consultation with our partners at the County and State levels.  

With the semester in full swing, we are happy to announce that the Common Room opens Tuesday so that faculty and staff can share a meal and conversation with colleagues. As planned, all ‘Grab and Go’ food options have now been centralized in Saga. 

This week, everyone in the HWS community is invited to join the following two events:

  • A Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy will feature the Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh, former member of the HWS Board of Trustees and Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan. His speech is titled: “Towards Joy, Justice and Belonging in our Beloved Communities.” The event will happen via Zoom on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Registration is required.
  • The Kick-Off Celebration of the Hobart Bicentennial is happening this Friday evening at 6 p.m. via livestream. Please join our keynote speaker – the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry ’75, D.D. ’20, the Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church – who will deliver what is sure to be an unforgettable address from Trinity Church Wall Street, the home church of our founder, Bishop John Henry Hobart. Registration is required.

Best,

Sarah Kirk, Provost and Dean of Faculty
Becca B. Barile, Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students