Spring Hill College lifted their mandatory mask policy on Feb. 18, students and faculty are no longer required to wear a mask while entering buildings on campus. 

An email sent out to the Spring Hill community on Friday afternoon announced that masks are now optional on campus. Masks are no longer required in the Caf, McKinney’s or Einstein’s. Additionally, those attending mass in St. Joseph Chapel, or the Sodality Chapel are no longer required to wear masks.  

While masks are no longer required in classrooms, faculty members are allowed to require students to continue to wear masks in their particular classes. Students should still be prepared with masks and follow the instructor’s request. 

Additionally, some offices may continue to require masks in order to enter. Those who wish to have people continue to wear masks were asked to create a sign and display the masking information on their office door. 

Senior Christina Larson said, “I’m really excited that things are getting back to normal for my last semester at Spring Hill. Things have been so crazy since sophomore year, so it is nice to have a normal last few months.”

The College continues to encourage those who are not yet fully vaccinated to continue to wear a mask and to follow CDC guidelines in order protect the health and safety of themselves and others. For all meetings and indoor activities, people are encouraged to continue wearing masks if it makes them feel more comfortable. 

The College has also stated that if COVID-19 cases reach a level where masks and other more stringent containment protocols are required, they will communicate that information to the SHC community as soon 

as possible.

In regard to COVID-19 vaccinations, the College continues to encourage all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated and boosted as protection against COVID-19. However, the College cannot require vaccinations. 

The College encourages members of the community to continue to monitor their personal health and follow the COVID-19 policies in regard to reporting positive cases and exposure.