Guilford College’s long tradition as a Quaker-founded academic institution can inspire all of us to reflect on, and act on, core Quaker values such as community, equality, integrity and peace.
Guilford is a community not only of intellectual and artistic inquiry, but also of mutual respect and care, shaped by its Quaker heritage.

Lessons from that heritage guided us when the College was severely tested by the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, COVID-19 variants remain highly contagious. We are reminded of serious illness and health complications even among those who are otherwise healthy. Now widely available, the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective means of prevention, even against these more infectious variants.

While the disease variants continue to pose serious risks mostly to those who are unvaccinated, we all still face challenges to our health, and to the health and cohesion of communities. As we prepare to resume our in-person work and lives on campus, we should:

~ Show patience and kindness to ourselves and to each other
~ Recognize that, while we cannot eliminate all risk (we cannot create a “completely safe” campus), we can find ways to reduce risk (we can put into practice ways to make a safer campus)
~ Oppose, and speak out against, all forms of racist or xenophobic treatment against people who are, or are perceived to be, East Asian or Asian American
~ Prioritize the protection of those who are unable to be vaccinated, who face heightened or disproportionate risks of exposure, infection, and illness, including those who are immunocompromised and individuals of color
~ Follow the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), recommendations of the State of North Carolina, Guilford County Health Department, and Guilford College

As we return to campus, we are eager to greet and spend time with our friends, colleagues, classmates and teammates. But in order for us to resume some normalcy on campus, we still have to do some things differently than before, and this may not be easy or comfortable. We should express that commitment to each other, by stating our individual and shared agreement to do what we can to:

~ Reduce the risks of infection to students, faculty, staff and contract employees, the broader Greensboro community, our family and friends beyond North Carolina and others by choosing to get the vaccine when at all possible
~ Foster an atmosphere of conscientiousness and responsibility, while avoiding a counterproductive, punitive, shaming approach to those who are not vaccinated for a variety of reasons
~ Continue working to create and maintain a more inclusive community, and to meet our needs for belonging, connection, teaching and learning, even amidst uncertainty

All Guilford students, faculty, and staff are required to acknowledge their agreement with the compact below as a condition of returning to campus this academic year. The point of the compact is for each of us to reassure each other that we are doing our part to uphold community health and safety.

Upon my return to campus, I agree that I will comply with the College’s public health rules and protective measures, and that any failure to comply may be subject to sanction or discipline in accordance with College policies. I understand that, at this point, some guidelines will vary for those who are fully vaccinated and those who are not.

As an expression of my concern for the well-being of everyone, I agree to do everything I can to act in accordance with the stated phase according to the current Activity Matrix of Guilford College (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wGQO7ybg45ZDd8p71rEh-5gK1FeIlns7biUmz5UO_qw/edit?usp=sharing) as well as the actions below:

Testing and Contact Tracing —
If I am unvaccinated, I will participate in the College’s periodic COVID-19 testing that will take place on campus. Vaccinated individuals will not be required to test routinely, but maybe required to do so if conditions warrant. If I test positive for COVID-19 or am identified as a close contact, I agree to contact my supervisor and provide accurate and complete information. In addition, if I am showing COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19, I will contact my supervisor so they can help assess what I should do next. The COVID Hotline (336-316-2319) is also a reliable source of guidance and information.

Staying away from Campus-
If I have tested positive, am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and/or know that I’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, I will follow the College’s protocols for isolation or quarantine.

Mask Wearing —
I will adhere to the guidelines for correctly wearing an approved face mask (if and when required).

Handwashing and Respiratory Etiquette —
I will practice proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette (for example, coughing or sneezing into my bent elbow instead of into my hand).

Maintaining Space —
I will adhere to any established guidelines for the use of buildings and other spaces on campus if/as required.

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not 100% effective, it is the best tool that we have in reducing the spread and providing a healthy campus environment for everyone. Keep in mind that a small percentage of those who are fully vaccinated will still test positive for the virus. However, their chances of becoming sick and/or passing the virus along to someone else is greatly reduced. Guilford College strongly recommends vaccination for every community member who is medically able to do so.

It is our goal to have the fewest number of restrictions and guidelines possible so that we may provide a safe environment for the community. We acknowledge that guidelines may change in the future as needs and circumstances shift.