On March 12, Vermont Governor Phil Scott released a new policy regarding cross-household visitation. The new policy stated that “for individuals and households who are not fully vaccinated, social gatherings indoors and outdoors in private spaces are limited to two unvaccinated households or individuals at one time, plus any fully vaccinated households.” Northern Vermont University, however, will not be lifting its restrictions on cross household visitation.
Jonathan Davis, the Dean Of Students for NVU, confirmed that saying, “we are going to stick to our current policies.” These policies allow students to visit only with students who live in the same residence hall, which is defined by the state and university as one household. If students do not live in the same residence hall, they may not mingle in household spaces, including those who live off-campus. Davis went on to say “[The NVU Executive Team is] making decisions for the entire NVU community, that includes off-campus students.”
The decision to keep the household policy in place with no adjustments in part had to do with the fact that the university allowed students to adjust their living situation to be closer to their peers. “We feel like we are taking the right steps,” Davis stated when asked about the current policies.
Next fall, however, could see a new more relaxed policies if vaccinations are more available as current political figures hope. These new policies could also see an increase in in-person classes and events.
Feature Photo by Quinlan Peer || NVU Dean of Students Jonathan Davis