March 7, 2023

Dear AU Community,

As we conclude the third year in responding to COVID-19, the pandemic is rapidly moving to an endemic phase. President Biden announced the public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. We have consistently evolved our response as conditions changed over the past three years to best support our community. We will continue to use the latest information and conditions to inform our decisions. Our approach moving forward is to support community health and safety within the context of the overall public health situation, advance good health choices and behavior by our community members, and recognize that individual response elements will continue to change.

Our current COVID-19 practices will continue through the end of the spring 2023 semester. On May 11, the following updated protocols will go into effect. These updated protocols were developed in consultation with members of the community.

Vaccinations­­­­
COVID vaccinations and boosters will be strongly recommended, but not required for AU community members and guests, including commencement attendees in May. Vaccination and booster shots are readily available near campus, including pharmacies and grocery stores, and can be located on the CDC’s vaccine location webpage.

Testing­­
Free rapid tests will be available beginning June 1st on main campus, at WCL, and in the Spring Valley and 4401 Connecticut Avenue buildings. PCR tests will no longer be available on campus but can be obtained through your health care provider.

Masks­­
Masks will continue to be optional, including in classrooms. Masks will be available at the MGC Information Desk, the AU Welcome Center in the Katzen Arts Center, Bender Library, 1st Floor Suite 116 in the School of International Service, the Spring Valley Building, the WCL Warren Reception Desk, and the first floor reception desk at 4401 Connecticut Avenue. If a member of our community asks others to mask when in close contact with one another, please treat these requests with respect and give them full consideration. Masks will be required in the Student Health Center if a student is presenting with respiratory symptoms. Anyone who tests positive for COVID should wear a mask when in public or in proximity to others.
 

Isolation Protocols­­
Community members who test positive should continue to isolate in their personal residence. When the new protocols go into effect in May, on-campus residents will continue to isolate in their current residence halls room, but can acquire food and supplies, attend medical appointments, and conduct other necessary activities. Beginning in May, university staff will no longer proactively reach out to individuals who test positive.

Good Health Practices­­
To support our community and your personal health, you are strongly recommended to stay home when you are sick, get tested if you exhibit COVID symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed case, and wash your hands often.

We know there are community members who are immunocompromised, and we are committed to providing support. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends immunocompromised individuals consult with their physician, adopt a regular booster/vaccine regimen, and wear masks. We also have processes for requesting reasonable accommodations for students and for faculty and staff.

We have developed updated FAQs that provide additional information about the new protocols that begin in May. If you have questions, please contact covidhealth@american.edu. Thank you for your continued support for the health and well-being of our AU community.

Sincerely,

Fanta Aw
Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life, and Inclusive Excellence

Sarah Baldassaro
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence