Student Policies

Williams' Covid policies are designed to help us safely provide the core aspects of a Williams education: in-person learning and exploration, chances to socialize with friends and colleagues, and opportunities to engage with our community and the world.

While the college can and will take steps to create a safe environment, no one can guarantee a risk-free campus. Students must also take steps to protect your own health and safety. By enrolling at Williams, you have agreed that you will do your part; avoid endangering yourself or others; and comply with the college’s rules and protective measures. As a reminder, all enrolled students must sign the Public Health Commitment and Acknowledgement (available through the housing portal) attesting to this promise.

The college periodically amends our plans and policies in response to emerging health concerns. These decisions are guided by information from the CDC, state officials and our local health board, and consultation with national public health experts. The college administration will announce and explain any changes as promptly as possible.

    • Starting Wednesday, December 7, masks are optional but encouraged on campus unless otherwise specified.
    • Faculty may continue to require masking in classes and labs at their discretion. Some departments and offices may choose to do the same in their spaces. Please keep a mask with you at all times, and mask up whenever asked.
    • Additional KN95 masks can be obtained from the Jessica Park Mail Room in Paresky.
    • Please use up the masks you have before taking more, and help the environment by depositing used masks in the designated recycling bins located around campus.

    • Students are no longer required to show proof of vaccination, though Williams strongly recommends that they be vaccinated and stay up to date with boosters.
    • For questions about boosters and vaccines, contact Student Health Services.

  • Isolation

    • If you report a positive result, please isolate in your room. You will receive email instructions for the full isolation period.  
      • If you live in a single and test positive, you will continue to isolate in your current room.
      • If you live in a double and test positive, you will be relocated to a designated isolation room until you are medically cleared to return.
      • If you are the roommate of someone who tests positive, but you continue to test negative, you will stay in your current room.
      • If you and your roommate test positive at the same time, you will isolate together in your current room.
      • Everyone who isolates will receive an information packet from their staff contact person, including information about where to call for around-the-clock support.
    • Students who test positive and can get home via a personal vehicle may work with the college to determine whether you can complete isolation at home. Please speak with your staff contact before leaving campus.

    Medical and academic support

    During isolation, contact Student Health Services about any health concerns. They can also explain the criteria for release from isolation.
    Your professors can help you make arrangements to stay on track academically during your absence. If you have to miss classes, projects or assignments please contact them as soon as possible for help.

    Meals during isolation

    If you are in isolation due to Covid, you may leave your room to pick up food from Paresky. You must be fully masked with a KN95 or similar at all times, go straight to the dining location, take your food to go and carry it straight back to your room.

    • Available locations include Whitman’s and all of the GET mobile app sites: The ’82 Grill, Fresh ’n Go, and Lee Snack Bar.
    • If you choose Whitman’s you may go through the buffet lines as long as you take your food back to your room.
    • If you feel you are too ill to pick up your own food, please contact the Residential Life team for support.

    Bathrooms

    The college is no longer designating specific bathrooms for people who are isolating in place. Students may use any appropriate bathroom.

  • Students who test positive are expected to identify and inform any close contacts. If you find out you have been a close contact, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and use your rapid tests if symptoms develop. If you test positive, notify Health Services and the Residential Life team right away.