Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As we head into winter break and look ahead to the spring semester, we will continue to monitor CDC guidance for institutions of higher education and may, at times, need to adjust our policies in light of changing circumstances. This website will continue to be a resource for the Williams College community.

Our commitment to a safe campus rests on three pillars: widespread vaccination and boosters, indoor masking and mandatory testing.

Vaccination

Williams is now requiring Covid-19 booster shots for all eligible members of the college community. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, or within 30 days of becoming eligible to receive the booster, all students, faculty and staff must submit proof of their vaccination status as a condition of access to campus. Any previous exemptions from vaccination will remain in place for now, though we may need to re-evaluate them as the virus continues to evolve. We strongly encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated to do so.

Masks

Everyone is required to wear masks while inside campus buildings, regardless of vaccination status. This includes public spaces, offices, workspaces, classrooms and tents (when available), and libraries. Masks are not required outdoors in general, but unvaccinated people should mask outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible.

See full details for student masking and for faculty and staff masking.

Testing

Everyone at Williams, regardless of vaccination status, is currently required to test. All students must test twice a week. Vaccinated faculty and staff must test once weekly: those who have not yet completed their vaccination or who have received an exemption must test twice weekly.

See the Testing sections of the Student Policies or Faculty and Staff Policies page for details.

Visitors

Out of an abundance of caution, most campus buildings and programs are closed to visitors. Exceptions include the Williams College Museum of Art, Sawyer and Schow Libraries, and Thursday lunches at Faculty House. See the Visitors and Guests section for the latest information.

The gym and fitness center are not currently open to the public.

The U.S. Postal Service as well as private delivery companies and college vendors are allowed to deliver to all buildings, and access to indoor spaces is also allowed for any work performed under contract with the college.

All visitors and guests must wear masks indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status.

Williams policies and protocols may be revised in response to new public health data and guidance. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Community Updates page.