Updated Aug. 23, 2021

COVID-19 policy

This communication updates the June 14, 2021, COVID-19 policy. 

 Hartford Seminary wishes to maintain a healthy environment for all of its students, staff, faculty, and visitors. The Seminary follows CDC guidance for all of its gatherings. (See also WHO guidelines.) In addition, the city of Hartford issued a mask mandate on August 11, 2021. To provide a safe place the following measures have been taken:  

• Filters in the central air system in 77 Sherman Street have been upgraded 
• All shared spaces without central air filtering have been equipped with room-sized HEPA filtration units 
• Rooms have limited capacity based on a minimum 3-foot social distance. 
• Only classrooms with adequate airflow will be used for classes and events.
  Classes will meet for only one hour, before a break of at least 10 minutes to enable the air to ventilate properly. 
• There will be a 30-minute break between different classes using the same room. 
• Eating indoors in public spaces is not allowed. 
• Frequent handwashing with soap and water is encouraged 
• Hand sanitizer is available near building entrances 
• All individuals will be masked in public spaces. 
• All students will be required to be vaccinated upon FDA vaccine approval (see below). Those students who have received a waiver for the vaccine will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test weekly. 
• Tests can be scheduled through the student GoHealth app.  

Vaccine Policy 

Now that the FDA has given final approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, ending its “emergency use” status, all students taking in-person classes at Hartford Seminary will be required to be vaccinated. Students should plan accordingly therefore, so that they do not need to miss classes because they have not yet been vaccinated. International students should check with their program director about vaccination timelines and opportunities for, when needed, vaccination upon arrival into the country. Students should submit proof of vaccination to the registrar immediately.  

 

FAQs 

What will the Seminary accept as proof of vaccination?
For students receiving their vaccine in the United Sates, the preferred proof of immunity is a copy of your official CDC or other national vaccine card. Students unable to provide proof should contact the Dean’s Office (Dean@hartsem.edu).   

I don’t plan on receiving a vaccine. Are exemptions available?
Yes. The Seminary will allow for both medical and religious exemptions. Students who have received exemptions must provide negative COVID test results before attending class each week. Students attending classes on campus who cannot provide a vaccination record or a negative COVID-19 test result will need to shift to a remote modality. If their course is only offered in a face-to-face format they should drop the course, following the normal add/drop policies.  

To request an exemption, please fill out the following exemption form and return this to the Registrar’s office (registrar@hartsem.edu). 

I’m planning to take a course on campus this fall, will I need to show proof of vaccination before I can attend?
Proof of vaccination will be required to attend courses on campus. Please submit proof of vaccination to the Registrar’s Office prior to the start of the fall semester. In order to provide the safest environment possible, students who cannot provide a vaccination record will need to shift to a remote modality. If their course is only offered in a face-to-face format they should drop the course, following the normal add/drop policies. Student building access will be restricted until their proof of vaccination or negative test result, for those students who have been granted a waiver, within three days of their class period is received by the registrar. 

Do I have to wear a mask when I return to campus?  

The Seminary is following current CDC guidance. Currently, the CDC recommends that all individuals wear face coverings while indoors in public spaces and to maintain a minimum 3-foot distance. In addition, the city of Hartford issued a mask mandate on August 11, 2021. Masks are made available to those who need them upon entering any campus building. 

 

Stigma and Discrimination

Guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control offers a reminder that people of Chinese and Asian descent, as well as travelers returning from areas more affected by the virus, could be at risk for stigma and discrimination. If you are experiencing any concerns along these lines, please contact Academic Dean David D. Grafton at dgrafton@hartsem.edu.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Coronavirus, please use these reference links, which are updated continually:

CDC Coronavirus page

World Health Organization Coronavirus page

State of Connecticut Coronavirus page 

Questions or Concerns 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Ann Crawford
Chief Operating Officer
Hartford Seminary
anncrawford@hartsem.edu
860-509-9501 (this phone # will be monitored during business and non-business hours)