Vassar Closing Campus As Pandemic Precaution Before Classes Start

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Vassar College will close its campus to visitors starting Saturday through at least Sept. 7 as a pandemic protocol.

President Elizabeth Bradley said the college’s Community Care plan calls for the campus, including the Ecological Preserve, to remain closed to non-essential visitors starting Aug. 8 and continuing through the first week of September, or longer, pending county health guidance.

"We have formulated this plan in consultation with county health officials, who believe it is best for the safety of both the community, Vassar students and employees," Bradley said.

Students will begin arriving for the fall semester in staggered groups over a three-week period starting Aug. 8. All students will be tested for the COVID-19 virus before they arrive, and they will be tested two additional times before classes begin.

Also, students from states on New York State’s travel advisory list will be required to quarantine for 14 days before being allowed to attend classes.

Chair of the Vassar Board of Trustees Anthony J. Friscia said the college did not come to the decision to close the campus easily.

"We know the campus is an important community resource and want that to be true in the future,” Friscia said. “But for the short-term, it is recommended by local public health officials that we close to non-essential visitors in order to continue the success of Dutchess County and New York State in minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

"The College remains committed to maintaining a fruitful and collaborative relationship with the local community and looks forward to the time when the public can be welcomed back to fully enjoy the beauty of our campus."

The Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Community Gardens and Vassar Golf Course will remain open as usual, but cordoned off from the rest of the campus. In addition, the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center will be open to the public on weekends, with access from an entrance on Raymond Avenue, just off campus. The Wimpfheimer Nursery School and Infant and Toddler Center will also open to enrolled families towards the end of August as planned.

The Community Care plan also prohibits students from leaving the campus from the time they arrive until the end of the semester.

"This protocol has been established to maintain the health and safety of surrounding communities and to limit students’ exposure as well,” Bradley said.