Nov. 30: Returning Undergraduate Spring Return to Campus Information

Dear Students and Families,

We hope this email finds you all well and having enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. As the semester comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your efforts in ensuring an engaging and successful fall here at Stonehill. These past few months have truly demonstrated the strength and commitment of our community in both caring for and supporting one another.

We also write today to share some important information as we prepare for the spring semester. Please review this information carefully as it pertains to your intended student status for spring.

Similar to the start of last fall, all resident and commuter students will be required to receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test before returning to campus. Students may either come to campus with documentation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test (taken no earlier than January 19th for MA residents or within 72 hours of arrival to campus for out-of-state students), or students may test on campus. Our Testing Center will be available once again to assist students with this process, and onboard testing hours will be held from Tuesday, January 19th to Friday, January 22nd from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Please plan accordingly given the requirements outlined below:

• If testing on campus, resident and commuter students who live within a reasonable driving distance (within three hours) will be required to test between January 19th-22nd and then return home to await their negative results.

• The residence halls will officially open on Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th.

• Resident students who live a greater distance from campus will need to make arrangements with Residence Life to arrive between January 19th-22nd to test and quarantine in their room until negative results are received. Students in this category will receive additional communication from Residence Life the week of December 7th for the opportunity to schedule their arrival day/time.

• Two out-of-state students rooming together will need to make special arrangements given current guidance. Residence Life will be in touch directly with these students with additional scheduling information.

• Current guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is that all students coming from out of state must receive a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their arrival on campus. As such, out-of-state students must plan accordingly.

• Remote students will remain exempt from both onboarding and surveillance testing.

• International Students are asked to take note of the following:
   
  • Students who resided in the US throughout the entirety of winter break should follow protocols for “resident students” as mentioned above.
     
  • Students who are re-entering the US from another country will need to coordinate directly with Residence Life to finalize their move-in details and testing and will quarantine in their rooms until negative results are received. Students in this category will receive additional communication from Residence Life the week of December 7th for the opportunity to schedule their arrival day/time.
    
    Note: Due to the Pandemic and its potential for travel disruptions and regulatory changes, international students should remain vigilant for emails from Aliki Karagiannis, Director of International Programs.

As we all know, state guidance is continually evolving. We will keep you informed of changes as they are announced and how they may impact the start of the spring semester. For ongoing information and updates, please visit the College’s Spring Return to Campus website.

For any questions or concerns regarding the move-in process, please contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@stonehill.edu.

As a reminder, resident and commuter students must register for a weekly COVID-19 testing day and time for the spring through the Add/Drop process in myHill. After selecting the “Add/Drop Classes” link, select “COVID Testing” in the subject area of the Course Listing Search to find the CRN for your preferred day/time. Those students who do not complete this process by January 11th will be automatically assigned their day/time.

Lastly, please be reminded that the Massachusetts Department of Health is requiring resident and commuter college students to receive a flu vaccine. In order to confirm compliance with the Commonwealth, students are asked to submit verification of their vaccination to Health Services as soon as possible. Additional information regarding flu vaccines can be found here. Students who have not demonstrated proof of receiving a flu vaccine will be required to engage remotely until documentation has been verified.

Know of our best wishes as you begin your finals and may you and your loved ones have a healthy and joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,


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


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