August 5, 2022
Dear Undergraduate, Graduate & Professional Students,
The COVID-19 pandemic remains a historic challenge, but thankfully, with the remarkable advances in vaccine development and treatments, we are in a different position now than when we recorded our first campus case more than 24 months ago. This position is further strengthened by Tulane’s exceptionally high vaccination and booster rates.
Over the past 12 months, we have seen the majority of COVID-19 cases begin to resemble a cold or the flu. In light of this, we are making some changes to our campus COVID protocols. These changes will align us more closely with the practices of our peer institutions throughout the country, and with the recommendations of public health experts. In alignment with City of New Orleans guidelines, however, we continue to strongly encourage indoor masking.
This fall, students can expect the additional COVID-related changes below:
We will continue to require new members of our community, including students, faculty and staff, to show proof of vaccination and the appropriate booster shots. More information about Tulane’s COVID vaccination policy can be found here. Faculty, staff and students who are immunocompromised or those who are unvaccinated are encouraged to take necessary steps to minimize their risk, including masking and frequent testing. All undergraduate, graduate and professional students will be required to take a COVID (PCR or antigen) test before they return to Tulane in the fall. Instructions for uploading test results can be found here. Students who test positive should complete the COVID Reporting Form and a Case Manager will contact them to work through any adjustments that may need to be made relative to their arrival.
While we are optimistic that we are on the other side of this pandemic, we know it is not over and we still must continue to follow the best public health guidance from federal, state and local health officials. The past two years have taught us that anything can happen, so we remain prepared to respond and readjust our protocols and policies in reaction to changing circumstances. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding our new approach to this evolving situation.
Sincerely,
Erica Woodley
Dean of Students