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COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for University College

(Updated 5.8.2023)

This page will continue to be updated with the most relevant information about COVID-19 protocols for students participating in any program, course, or workshop offered through the University College.  Details about protocols are refined as the public health situation evolves.

If you have questions that are not answered by one of the resources below or by the Tufts University COVID-19 website, please email courses@tufts.edu or precollege@tufts.edu.

 

Current Protocols

On May 11, 2023 both the Massachusetts and the U.S. federal COVID-19 public health emergency will end. In alignment with this, Tufts University will lift its COVID-19 vaccination requirement effective May 11 and will strongly recommend that the general population of students, faculty, staff, affiliates, vendors, and visitors remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccines as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Students who will be in clinical settings are still required to submit proof of COVID vaccination prior to the start of their programs. The complete Tufts policy around COVID vaccines may be found here.

Flu shots are also strongly encouraged. 

 

COVID Response in Summer 2023 Residential Programs: 

Students with symptoms will have access to COVID tests during the program. In the event a student tests positive they will need to stay in their room during the 5-day recovery period (meals will be arranged with dining staff), or they may be picked up by a parent/ guardian. Depending on the duration of the program that remains, this decision can be determined in collaboration with program staff.

Please note that program departure due to COVID-19 or other illness does not warrant a refund in tuition.

How to Test

If you are a visiting student and require a COVID test, please visit your primary care physician or a nearby urgent care clinic. 

If you are a pre-college student, rapid tests will be available through the residential nurse. Please contact program staff for more information.

If you are a Tufts student on the Tufts health plan, please visit Health Services.

Masking on Campus

Masking indoors is recommended, though not mandatory. 

This is subject to change if the public health situation evolves.

 

Compliance

By registering in any UC program, you are agreeing to be compliant with all COVID-19 protocols and all other health policies.

Failure to be compliant with your requirements may result in removal from the registration without a refund.

Please note that departure from a program due to COVID does not warrant a refund. Please see refund policies for additional information. 

Accommodations on Medical or Religious Grounds

Students in clinical courses or programs that require COVID Vaccines

If you have a sincerely held religious conflict or a medical contraindication with the COVID-19 vaccine, you may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement. Exemptions require official documentation from a doctor or religious leader.

  • Exemptions due to medical contraindications: 
    • Complete this form: https://tufts.app.box.com/v/hw-2021-immunization-accom-req
    • This requires a signature from your physician
    • Send completed form to healthservices@Tufts.edu
    • Let the UC team know about this request; otherwise, you will receive messaging about being out of compliance.  (precollege@tufts.edu or courses@tufts.edu)
    • You will be notified when your case is reviewed
  • Exemptions one religious grounds:

Note: exemptions on philosophical grounds are not recognized by Massachusetts

Timeline for review: This review process takes several business days. Official approval must be received before the course or program starts, so we recommend submitting all materials 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the course or program.

Failure to be in compliance is grounds for removal from a course without a refund.