The Rice Crisis Management Team continues to monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Should there be updates to our policies, we will post them here.
For the Glasscock community, success in maintaining a healthy learning environment is dependent on each of us acting with the best interest of our whole community as our priority. Towards this, we have made modifications to the Glasscock School’s Anderson-Clarke Center, including:
- Upgraded HVAC systems to include higher efficiency filters, UV disinfection lights and improved airflow
- Equipped the facility with multiple sanitizing stations
- Heightened cleaning protocols to maintain sanitization through the Anderson-Clarke Center
- Maintained robust selection of online courses, allowing for individuals to pursue remote education in accordance with their own specific health needs
Additionally, we ask that everyone review the following In-Person Policies, implemented for our safe and successful return to campus. Participation in the Glasscock School’s in-person classes is dependent on adherence to this policy.
Please remember that the Glasscock community has an incredibly diverse student demographic, and that student demographic may include individuals who are age 3 to age 101. We may take additional precautions in order to provide a healthy environment for all our students. Please refer to your specific program communication regarding any additional precautions in place at the time of your class/program.
Glasscock School In-Person COVID-19 Policies
VACCINES: All participants and instructors who plan to be on campus should be FULLY VACCINATED. Individuals who are not vaccinated should consider participating in one of our many online offerings.
FACE MASKS:
Indoors
Masks are strongly encouraged in classrooms and in the Hudspeth Auditorium. The wearing of a mask is considered part of the basic classroom etiquette. Note:
- Instructors may require that students wear masks in class. Please be prepared for this possibility.
- Visitors are not required to wear a mask while eating or drinking. Food and drink are not allowed in classrooms or the auditorium.
For mask specifications, please refer to the Center for Disease Control’s “Your Guide to Masks.”
Rice community members are encouraged to use their best judgment in all situations and should carry a mask with them at all times.
Outdoors
Masks are not required outdoors.
EXPOSURE OR SYMPTOMS: Regardless of vaccination status, individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, should:
- Take a test
- Abstain from Glasscock School classes and any other social settings that will put others at risk of exposure.
- Isolate from others in your home
If you receive a positive result from your test after attending an in-person class or event, please contact the Glasscock School so that we can take necessary measures towards the safety of those who may have also been exposed. After receiving a negative test and completing a 5 day-quarantine free of symptoms and fever (without using fever-reducing medications), you may return to your regularly scheduled class.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING: A physical distancing recommendation of six feet remains in practice on the Rice campus for all individuals, when possible. Classroom capacity at the Anderson-Clarke Center does not always allow for this distance and the Glasscock School cannot guarantee this for participants.
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of getting very sick.
SANITIZING: We encourage all individuals who come to the Anderson-Clarke Center to wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the building. Sanitizing stations are available throughout the facility.
These measures are designed to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks and allow us to continue to maintain in-person instruction. Policies and recommendations may be modified as circumstances dictate and in accordance with CDC guidance and Rice policy. If you are not able to maintain your part in these measures or have extenuating circumstances that make in-person instruction a high-risk activity, we invite you to consider our wide variety of online opportunities.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. We look forward to seeing you soon, in person or online.