COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

SAFE. PROTECTED. SMASHING BARRIERS. #SMASHsafe

We have missed seeing our scholars, alumni, and staff in person. With summer recruitment for SMASH programming underway, we want to update you on our planning for resuming in-person summer programming and operations. These are unprecedented and challenging times as together we move through both a global pandemic and a defining moment for racial justice and equality. Our work to live out our mission and actively engage on the central issues of the day has never been more critical.

We have been and continue to carefully plan and prepare for in-person summer programming over the past few months. The health and safety of our SMASH community has been and continues to be our top priority. Our approach is driven by data and science and modeled on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure appropriate safety measures and protocols are in place. It is important that we all take seriously the ongoing risk and threat of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Policy Update

In-person staff, scholars, and scholar interns must be up to date with their COVID- 19 vaccines by the start of their program. This means having received either two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines within 5 months of the start date or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within two months of the start date. Those who received their second dose earlier must get a booster dose prior to the start date to be considered up to date with their vaccinations. 

SMASH will comply with all enhanced COVID-19 protocols or requirements implemented by our partner host sites. Scholars, scholar interns, seasonal staff, and staff will be notified of any additional protocols or requirements as soon as possible to ensure full compliance.

Click here to view/download the SMASH 2022 Summer COVID Plan

Will considerations be made for medical or religious exemptions?

Medical and religious exemption requests for the COVID-19 vaccine will be considered. However, in addition, per the SMASH COVID-19 policy, SMASH will comply with all enhanced COVID-19 protocols or requirements implemented by our partner host sites. Scholars, scholar interns, seasonal staff, and staff will be notified of any additional protocols or requirements as soon as possible to ensure full compliance.To submit a medical or religious vaccination exemption request, you will complete an initial electronic intake form detailing why you are requesting to be exempt from vaccination requirements using a secured, third-party platform. All medical exemption requests will be reviewed and approved or denied by a medical professional.  All religious exemption requests will be reviewed by legal counsel.

SMASH Academy

SMASH Academy will adopt a new hybrid model for Summer 2022. Two weeks will be held in person at sites where it is deemed safe for scholars to attend with one additional week that will be held virtually. Vaccinations will be required for all scholars and staff. A site-specific plan will be determined in early 2022 to ensure safety for all scholars and staff. We will be prepared to run a virtual program in the case it is not safe or possible to hold in-person programming at any given site.

SMASH Admit

We will continue to implement a 100% virtual program for the 2022 cohort.

SMASH Persist

We will continue to implement a 100% virtual program for the 2022 cohort.

SMASH Rising

Some sites will be virtual, some sites will be in-person, and some sites will be a hybrid model. Vaccinations will be required for all alumni who choose, and are selected, to participate in person. There will be a question on SMASH Rising applications where alumni can indicate their preference for in-person, virtual, or hybrid sites.

SMASH COVID-19 Pivot Plan

If a quarantine mandate is enforced by local government, SMASH, or partner universities, all SMASH programming will be held virtually. Visit vaccines.gov to find out where individuals can get vaccinated in your community and identify locations near our campus sites.

Will considerations be made for medical or religious exemptions? 

You will be required to comply with the SMASH vaccine mandate for all in-person summer programs. However, vaccine exemptions will be considered based on medical exemptions, disability accommodation, or religious objection on a case-by-case basis.  

Respect Privacy Around Vaccinations

Keep in mind that vaccination status is a private health matter for every individual. Please do not ask other individuals about their vaccination status. Like other health-related information, vaccination status is private and confidential.

Required Health and Safety Practices:

  • Physical distancing
  • Hand hygiene
  • Face coverings
  • Daily self-screening and symptom monitoring
  • Vaccinations

Click here to use the Covid County Check Widget

We will continue to update this page to provide additional information on program-specific COVID-19 policies and procedures.

SMASH reserves the right to revise, delete, and add to its COVID-19 policy at any time, with or without notice. Nothing in the SMASH COVID-19 policy creates a contract or changes the nature of the at-will employment relationship.