COVID-19
This page serves as a hub for information pertaining to COVID-19 for the Sterling College community. Sterling College continues to closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 in coordination with federal and state health and emergency response organizations. As new information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates.
September 15, 2021 Update:
A vaccinated community member based on the Vermont campus has tested positive for COVID-19. At present, this is our third positive test result this semester, though not all day seven tests have been returned. The first positive was on August 23 and the second on August 30. The person who has tested positive is now in isolation at their home, off campus. They are receiving care and support, and report no symptoms.
The community member has provided a list of potential close contacts, all of whom have been notified by the Director of Wellness Services. If you are not contacted by the Office of Student Life or the Department of Health in the next 48 hours, you are not considered a close contact. Sterling College has complied with the reporting guidelines under the Clery Act.
Since Arrival Day at Sterling, all people on campus, regardless of vaccination status, have been wearing masks at all times when indoors in communal spaces and when unable to physically distance outdoors. Unvaccinated individuals have been, and will continue, enjoying Sterling meals outside of Dunbar Dining Hall
September 2, 2021 Update:
Sterling College is happy to report that — after seven different on-site testing days, and many individual off-site testing events — all Day Zero and all Day Seven tests have come back negative on the Vermont campus, minus to two positives previously shared to Front Porch Forum.
We will test the students participating in the two field intensive classes after their return, on 9/7. The College has also asked that all students joining us for the long block provide a negative test result before coming to campus for classes or for visits.
The Sterling community is being asked to continue following Sterling’s COVID guidelines, known as the Commitment to Shared Responsibility, and to wear masks at all times when indoors or unable to physically distance outdoors.
August 30, 2021 Update:
A vaccinated commuter student based on Sterling College’s Vermont campus has tested positive for COVID-19. At present, this is our second positive test result this semester, though not all Day Zero or Day Seven tests have been returned. The person who has tested positive has been notified by the Office of Student Life and is now in isolation at their home. They are receiving care and support, and report no symptoms.
The student reports no close contacts in the two days prior to taking the test. If you are not contacted by the Office of Student Life or the Department of Health in the next 48 hours, you are not considered a close contact. Sterling College has complied with the reporting guidelines under the Clery Act.
COVID protocols, known as the Commitment to Shared Responsibility, can be found here (https://www.sterlingcollege.edu/coronavirus-2019/). Sterling is continuing its policy that all people, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks at all times when indoors and when unable to physically distance outdoors until further notice.
August 23, 2021 Update:
A vaccinated Sterling College student on the Vermont campus has tested positive for COVID-19. At present, this is our only positive test result, though not all tests from opening weekend have been processed. The person who has tested positive has been notified by the Office of Student Life and is now in isolation on campus. They are receiving care and support, and report no symptoms.
If you are not contacted by the Office of Student Life or the Department of Health in the next 24 hours, you are not considered a close contact. Sterling College has complied with the reporting guidelines under the Clery Act.
Because we now have this breakthrough infection, and because many students have not yet arrived on campus for their mandatory Day Zero test, all people, regardless of vaccination status, must wear masks at all times when indoors and when unable to physically distance outdoors until further notice.
The State of Vermont has lifted most COVID-19 related restrictions, including those that regulate colleges and universities. Sterling is making adjustments to its policies while also continuing to have our community’s health as our highest priority.
Over the past year students and employees have upheld a daily commitment to one another in order to reduce the impact of the pandemic on our lives and on learning.
At present, over 90% of the Sterling community (students and employees) participating in the Fall 2021 semester have shared proof of voluntary vaccination.
As of now, the circumstances under which Sterling will likely require vaccination include permanent FDA approval of any one of the COVID-19 vaccines and the state of Vermont requiring the vaccination of college students. All members of the Sterling community must follow the Fall 2021 Commitment to Shared Responsibility which outlines protocols for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
Fall 2021 Commitment to Shared Responsibility
Sterling’s buildings remain closed to the public unless you are a registered guest of an employee or student.
Thank you for being in community with us!
For more information on state-specific management of COVID-19, please follow these links:
If you have any questions or concerns about the information on this page, please contact the Director of Wellness Services, Clare Dolan.
