President Yager Provides an Update on Visitors and Events for the Spring Semester

Sent to students, faculty and staff Wednesday, March 23, 2022

As we approach the end of the academic year and events such as Commencement and senior thesis exhibitions and performances, University of the Arts is amending several of our COVID-19 policies for visitors and indoor events and gatherings.

Effective Friday, April 1, visitors to our campus will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination. Additionally, the capacity limits for special events, performances or other productions taking place in our many indoor spaces will be lifted, and food and drink service can resume at such events. High-quality and well-fitting masks will remain mandatory for all students, faculty, staff and visitors through at least the end of the spring semester.

Cloth masks are still permitted, but all members of our university community and visitors are strongly encouraged to continue wearing N95, KN95, KF94, or three-ply surgical masks when on campus. We continue to encourage you to ensure that any masks you purchase meet National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requirements. All community members are encouraged to keep up with CDC updates regarding mask recommendations. Community members and visitors to our campus who need a mask may visit a Public Safety desk at building entrances. If you are on campus and your mask breaks or otherwise becomes unwearable, please visit Public Safety for a replacement.

We recognize that continued masking, especially for student performers and at special events, is not something we would opt for unless truly necessary. However, our continued commitment to one another’s health and well-being has allowed us to enjoy a fruitful and uninterrupted academic experience this year. Your commitment to the UArts Healthy Promise has allowed us to keep the spread of COVID-19 to a minimum, as evidenced by our COVID-19 dashboard, which is updated every Monday.

Finally, as you are aware, our pandemic response is continually updated based on guidance and directives from government agencies, particularly the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control. If their guidance and regulations change, so too will our plan. If you have yet to do so, I strongly encourage you to bookmark uarts.edu/about/community-health-policy and check it regularly for the most up-to-date information.

I thank you all for your continued patience, understanding and support of our evolving COVID-19 policies. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,
David