For Korea Campus

February 8, 2022

Dear Mason Community,

Yesterday the Korean Ministry of Education (MOE) announced its Spring 2022 recommendations for higher education related to the COVID pandemic.

I am pleased to announce that the MOE’s recommendation that higher education instruction be conducted in person this semester affirms Mason Korea’s plan, announced last fall, to hold this semester’s courses in person.

We plan not only to hold our classes in person this semester, but also to ensure that we protect the health of our entire community. To do so, we will be taking several steps that will require everyone’s care and cooperation.

Beginning at the start of the spring semester, all students, faculty and staff will be required to complete a simple, electronic COVID health check each day to confirm that they may safely enter the building.  Those who are symptomatic, have tested positive, or who are close contacts with positive COVID cases should not come to campus. We will make accommodations in those cases, as appropriate.

As we have over nearly two years, we will operate one entrance, the B1 garage entrance. There will continue to be a temperature check at this entrance.

Masks will be required in classrooms and all other shared spaces on campus. Masks may be removed only when someone is alone in an office with a door, and masks may be moved during active eating and drinking (which are discouraged in shared spaces). We strongly recommend KN94 or KN95 masks for all community members while on campus.

Classrooms will be spaced for social distancing. Sanitizing sprays or wipes will be available for use in each classroom.

Many events will be held in person this semester as well.  Non-classroom university activities will require proof of full vaccination. After 90 days of vaccination with the two-dose vaccines or 60 days after vaccination with the single-dose J&J/Janssen vaccine a booster shot will also be required.

We continue to review the MOE guidelines and consult with our campus partners. Pending this review, additional information will be forthcoming about further precautions, as well as instructions for what to do if you test positive or are a close contact.

I want to close by emphasizing that the success of this first semester fully back to in person in two years depends on you. Your actions affect the entire community. So please be sure that

  • you are vaccinated and when eligible receive a booster.
  • Avoid high-risk situations such as crowded indoor spaces where people are not wearing masks.
  • If you suspect you may have COVID isolate yourself, notify anyone you believe may be a close contact, and get tested.  If you’re not sure what to do, seek advice at the IGC health center.

Back in the US, George Mason University has had some of the lowest COVID transmission rates of any university in the US. Let’s show we’re made of the same stuff here in Korea, Patriots! Remember: we thrive together.

See you on campus!

Sincerely,

Robert Matz
Campus Dean
Mason Korea