WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College on Thursday issued updated, more stringent regulations for students returning this month.
And the dean of the college noted that violations of the school's COVID-19 safety protocols could lead to "probation, suspension or expulsion."
In a letter to students posted on the college's website, Dean Marlene Sandstrom cites "shifting national conditions" and updated guidance from the commonwealth for changes to the rules that will govern students returning to the college.
One day after Smith College in Northampton announced that it will be going fully remote for the fall semester, Williams told students that they will be quarantined in their dorm rooms until they have received two negative COVID-19 tests.
When Williams first announced its return to school plan, it included a requirement that students quarantine until after their initial test came up negative. Students were told to anticipate being kept in their dorm rooms for a couple of days.
"Initial quarantine is expected to last a minimum of five to seven days," the Thursday letter reads. "During this time, students will only be allowed to leave their rooms to use the bathroom and to go to the testing site for their second test."
Students will be required to remain on campus "at least through September." "Off-campus destinations — even within Berkshire County — will be prohibited during this time."
The college will begin the year in a "campus quarantine" until at least the end of September, Sandstrom wrote. She specifically mentioned the Stop & Shop, just over the town line in North Adams, and Walmart as off-limits destinations.
Students will not be allowed to use their personal vehicles, though they can "exercise or hike" in the surrounding areas.
If health conditions permit, Williams College students will be able to visit off-campus sites in Berkshire County only, except in the case of medical or family emergencies, and students now will initially be tested once per week.
"Any student who misses more than one test will not be able to remain on campus," the letter reads. "Their enrollment status will immediately be changed from in-person to remote, and they will no longer have access to any campus buildings or resources."
In another change, the college is now asking students to self-quarantine for 14 days before their arrival on campus, and the school "strongly recommends" that family members do not accompany students to campus.
Sandstrom notes that "an increasing number of faculty members (more than half so far)" are planning to teach their courses remotely, and that number could go up. She notes that even students living on campus will be attending "all or a significant number" of classes virtually.
Sandstrom repeated a message delivered by President Maud Mandel when she announced the original return to school plan earlier this summer: In-person instruction only will work if everyone follows the rules.
"Our ability to welcome students back to campus is possible only if all community members act in a manner consistent with our protective measures," Sandstrom wrote. "We are holding all students accountable to our public health guidelines — this includes students living in our residence halls, as well as students who are enrolled in person and living nearby in off-campus housing."
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Williamstown Fire Committee Talks Station Project Cuts, Truck Replacement
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Prudential Committee on Wednesday signed off on more than $1 million in cost cutting measures for the planned Main Street fire station.
Some of the "value engineering" changes are cosmetic, while at least one pushes off a planned expense into the future.
The committee, which oversees the Fire District, also made plans to hold meetings over the next two Wednesdays to finalize its fiscal year 2025 budget request and other warrant articles for the May 28 annual district meeting. One of those warrant articles could include a request for a new mini rescue truck.
The value engineering changes to the building project originated with the district's Building Committee, which asked the Prudential Committee to review and sign off.
In all, the cuts approved on Wednesday are estimated to trim $1.135 million off the project's price tag.
The biggest ticket items included $250,000 to simplify the exterior masonry, $200,000 to eliminate a side yard shed, $150,000 to switch from a metal roof to asphalt shingles and $75,000 to "white box" certain areas on the second floor of the planned building.
The white boxing means the interior spaces will be built but not finished. So instead of dividing a large space into six bunk rooms and installing two restrooms on the second floor, that space will be left empty and unframed for now.
The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter. click for more
Developer David Traggorth asked the trustees to make the contribution from its coffers to help unlock an additional $5.4 million in state funds for the planned 54-unit apartment building at the south end of the Cable Mills site.
click for more
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college.
click for more
Neighbors of a proposed subdivision off Summer Street last week asked the Planning Board to take a critical look at the project, which the residents say is out of scale to the neighborhood. click for more