Jan: 7: Urgent Actions Needed for Spring Semester

Dear Students and Families,

As we prepare for the start of the spring semester, we write to share some important information with you, as the steps you take over the next two weeks to minimize risk and complete required tasks will be vital to ensuring a smooth and productive start to the semester. As such, we ask that you review the information below carefully.

Onboard Testing

All resident and commuter students must receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test prior to being cleared to return to campus, and all onboard testing must be completed between Tuesday, January 19th and Friday, January 22nd. Our Testing Center will be open for testing on these days from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Students may test at home and submit documentation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test to the Testing Center by January 22nd. However, please note that the test must be taken no earlier than January 19th for MA residents or within 72 hours of arrival to campus for out-of-state students.

Resident and commuter students who live within a reasonable driving distance (three hours) are required to test during this timeframe and then return home to await their negative results.

Resident students who live a greater distance are required to register with Residence Life to arrive between January 19th-22nd to test and then quarantine on campus until negative results are received. Students in this category must apply to quarantine on campus by January 13th.

Students who have already recovered from COVID-19 do not need to complete the onboard COVID-19 testing process, yet they may be required to submit additional documentation. More information regarding this process can be found here.

Resident Student Move-In/Arrival

New resident students must also schedule their arrival/move-in day by completing this appointment form. Up to two individuals will be permitted to assist new resident students with their move in of belongings, so long as it occurs prior to January 23rd. Students who live less than three hours from campus will be expected to return home once items are moved into their room and may return to campus when the halls officially open.

The residence halls will officially open for those who have successfully completed the onboarding process on Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th according to the following move-in schedule.

It is important to note that no student will be able to move onto campus without having received a negative test or having made prior arrangements to test and quarantine on campus.

Required myHill Check-In Process

As in all previous semesters, all students will be required to complete a check-in process through myHill. Students will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office regarding this process on Monday, January 11th.

Required Flu Vaccination

The Massachusetts Department of Health is requiring that all resident and commuter students receive a flu vaccine. As such, students who have not demonstrated verification of this vaccination will be required to engage remotely until documentation has been received. Additional information on this requirement and how to submit documentation can be found on our Health Services website.

Virtual Student Meeting

Given the importance of this onboarding process, College and SGA leadership will be hosting a virtual meeting on Monday, January 11th at 4:00 p.m. to review this information and answer any questions you may have regarding the spring semester. Please register in advance, and you will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting.

As was the case in the fall semester, we all need to work together as a community to ensure we are diligent in our decision making, limit any exposure two weeks prior to our arrival to campus, and complete all necessary onboarding steps. We thank you in advance for your ongoing support in “protecting the nest.”

Sincerely,

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


Kevin Piskadlo, Ph. D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students