Truman navigated the 2020-21 school year without any COVID-related stoppages because of proper planning and so many people working together. Our faculty, staff and students made choices that supported a safe community and together we achieved what many thought would be impossible.

As we look forward to the coming school year, we need to draw on that same sense of community. The end of the pandemic is in sight, but it is not over yet. To ensure another successful school year, we must continue to work together to make informed individual and collective decisions.

In the previous year, we learned a lot about how to conduct a school year in less-than-ideal conditions. We will continue to consult local health officials, professional organizations and the plans of other universities to determine how best to move forward. This current plan reflects that work, as well as input from faculty, staff and students addressing the multitude of factors that must be considered to return to campus.

In a survey conducted from June 14-21, more than 89% of students and 97% of faculty and staff who responded indicated they are currently vaccinated or will be by the start of the semester. The strong vaccination rates significantly reduce the probability of a substantial COVID-19 outbreak on campus. Based on this data, and per CDC guidance, the campus mask mandate will end July 6. Because they are fully vaccinated, most students and employees on campus will not be required to wear masks or socially distance. Those participating in Joseph Baldwin Academy and other on-campus camps will continue to follow all currently existing COVID-19 safety guidelines until the conclusion of their program.

This fall, vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly advised to wear masks when indoors or attending a crowded outdoor event. Individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are more comfortable wearing a mask are encouraged to do so. Anyone electing to wear a mask should not be asked about their vaccination status or medical conditions.

Individuals will not be required to provide proof of vaccination in order to not wear masks or participate in routine campus activities. We expect all members of our campus community to practice personal integrity. This includes being honest about one’s own vaccination status and respecting the privacy of others’ health information.

Truman has and will continue to consider the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (COVID-19): Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education and Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence: College and University Recommendations. The University will continue to prepare for multiple scenarios and we must be ready to make any necessary adjustments should the need arise.

Additional details regarding the Fall 2021 Campus Plan can be found online at truman.edu/coronavirus and at  https://www.truman.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Fall-2021-Plan.pdf.