Paul Smith’s reinstates indoor mask mandate

​In-person learning to continue amidst ongoing pandemic

With the fall 2021 semester now underway, Paul Smith’s College will again require mask wearing in indoor spaces as one of a number of measures to ensure a safe start to the academic year.

The measure, in place regardless of vaccination status, reflects a nationwide effort to combat the surge in coronavirus cases that followed the emergence of the highly infective delta variant of the virus.

Paul Smith’s will not require new and returning students to be vaccinated in order to attend, though officials do highly encourage students and staff to receive the vaccine if they haven’t already.

“ These are difficult times, and we recognize that there are differing viewpoints on how best to deal with the COVID threat,” said Paul Smith’s College President Scott Dalrymple. “A task force of professionals from across the College will continue to monitor the situation, and we’ll pivot as needed. Meanwhile, we strongly recommend that all students, staff and faculty get vaccinated as a continued commitment to not only their own personal health and safety, but to that of our entire campus and local communities.”

Students enrolled for the fall semester are required to submit either proof of vaccination status or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Random testing will continue to take place and policy decisions will remain fluid, informed by both federal and state guidance.

Through 18 months Paul Smith’s College has avoided substantial outbreaks, attributed at least in part to its community’s commitment to COVID-19 policy, as well as its rural educational setting. In addition to mask wearing, Paul Smith’s is exploring on-site vaccine clinics or scheduled trips to vaccination sites.

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu »