Feb. 4: Student update regarding remote learning

Dear Students,

We write as a follow-up to Fr. John’s recent message, as our testing and behavioral trends are moving in a concerning direction. As such, it is critical that we all double down on our efforts to best care for one another and limit our community’s exposure. We know from experience what it takes to function as a campus with in-person learning, and we need to re-commit to doing all that we can to ensure we return to that type of environment as quickly as possible. Therefore, the College is implementing the following interim measures to help curb the spread of the virus.

Transition to Remote Status

We will transition to remote status today, February 4th, at 6 p.m. through Sunday, February 14th. All classes and labs will be in remote-learning mode, and individual faculty members will provide information regarding how to connect to classes virtually. Our intent is to resume in-person learning on Monday, February 15th.

Surveillance Testing

All resident and commuter students are required to continue with your twice per week COVID-19 surveillance testing.

Commuter Students

During this remote period, campus will be closed to all commuter students, with the exception of access to campus for COVID-19 testing. Commuter students coming to test must enter through the main gate and indicate to the gatehouse attendant that you are here for testing. Access to all other buildings will be prohibited.

Outside Visitors

Outside visitors will not be permitted on campus, except for family members coming to campus to pick up their student to bring them home for the remote period.

Resident Students

Resident students are restricted to their individual rooms and may not socialize outside of these rooms. Common area spaces within the residence halls will be closed, except for laundry and kitchen areas. While residents may leave their rooms to pick up food at on-campus dining locations (Commons, Gigi’s, The Hill, Au Bon Pain, Dunkin’, and Holy Cross Dining Hall), it is expected that you return to your rooms to eat your meals. Please note that no food deliveries will be permitted on campus during this time. In addition, students may access the Mailroom and Bookstore as needed and may engage in outdoor exercise with proper physical distancing, as the Sports Complex and W.B. Mason Stadium will be closed.

Resident students may choose to go home for this remote period. You will be expected to communicate your departure with Residence Life via this form and must either comply with ongoing surveillance testing or complete the onboard testing process prior to your return. Additional information regarding this process will be forthcoming.

Co-Curricular Activities and Work Study

All in-person co-curricular activities and work study shifts are temporarily suspended, including all athletic activities; virtual programming will continue.

Off-Campus Travel

In order to limit exposure to COVID-19, students are expected to restrict all off-campus travel unless absolutely necessary. If you need to leave campus for an essential commitment, you must notify the College via this off-campus travel form. Failure to do so may initiate our Community Standards process.

Students who currently have off-campus placements—including in-person internships and student teaching—may continue to attend those in person and should complete the off-campus travel form.

Violations of Restrictions/Guidelines

Resident students who violate restrictions or any stated guidelines, or those who do not comply with all processes related to quarantine and isolation, will be subject to our Community Standards process and immediate removal from campus. Additionally, off-campus students who host gatherings will be subject to a permanent remote status and will jeopardize their enrollment status at the College.

Student Support

We encourage you to continue to take advantage of all student support services (e.g., Academic Services & Advising, Center for Writing & Academic Achievement, Accessibility Resources, Career Development Center, Library, Counseling Services), which will be available virtually. All of the offices’ websites will be up-to-date with ways to access resources and staff.

Health & Wellbeing

We acknowledge that this transition to remote learning is an abrupt change. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how you are doing. Please know that the following offices are here to support you in any way.

• Health and Wellness: 508-565-1544
• Counseling Services and the 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 508-565-1331
• Health Services: 508-565-1307
• Campus Ministry: 508-565-1487
• Student Affairs: 508-565-1363

Resources for Remote Learners

We encourage students to check out our Resources for Remote Learners page.

For additional information regarding this move to remote learning, please reference the College’s website. The College will be in contact shortly regarding a virtual meeting next week for students and families.

We have no doubt that we can have a successful semester, but COVID-19 is a significant foe that will exploit any vulnerabilities. As such, it is more important than ever to remember to maintain a 6-foot physical distance, wash your hands, and wear your mask. Together, let us strengthen our resolve to do what needs to be done to stay on course and protect the nest.

Sincerely,

DeBrenna L. Agbényiga, Ph.D., MBA, MSW
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Pauline Dobrowski, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs