Colleges: Remote and on-campus plans

By Susan Bailey
CFP Correspondent

After a summer of deliberation, the three Catholic colleges and universities in the Worcester Diocese have made their plans for the Fall 2020 semester. Those published plans were changed again Monday to eliminate, for now, on-campus housing at two of the colleges. Like all other Catholic institutions across the country, flexibility has been, and continues to be, key to all the decisions made during a pandemic. As one college president put it: “It’s been a year like no other.”
Assumption University has described its handbook as “a living document that is regularly evaluated and updated as the public health situation or state and federal guidelines change.” President Francesco C. Cesareo, in a video outlining the plans for the school’s reopening, stressed that their “Pathway to Fall 2020, ... aims to answer only those questions we can answer right now, and only to do so to the best of our ability.”
Many issues needed to be considered regarding the health and safety of students and staff; these considerations involved logistical and ethical questions. Governing these decisions were the themes of solidarity, concern for the vulnerable and protection of the sacredness of life — the core of Catholic social teaching. These themes are apparent in the detailed plans presented by each of the Worcester institutions on their websites.
Because of new restrictions recently imposed by Gov. Charlie Baker for Phase 3, many colleges and universities are scrambling to change their plans by either delaying the start of the semester or transitioning to fully remote learning.

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS

The College of the Holy Cross had originally intended to have students on campus but has now decided to shift all learning to a remote model for the fall semester.
Jesuit Father Philip L. Boroughs, president, explained the school’s change of course on the Holy Cross website: “Over the past several months, we have been doing everything we can to affect as safe an opening as possible this fall. We have watched with some alarm as the virus has spread quickly to some schools and other organizations that have recently reopened. In response to increasing concerns about virus transmission within the state, Governor Baker has imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine for persons traveling from anywhere outside seven states designated as ‘lower risk,’ has tightened restrictions on gathering sizes both on public and private property, and announced that the next step of the current phase of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely.”
Father Boroughs acknowledged the great disappointment of the college community in not being able to return to campus, and, in particular, expressed regret for the Class of 2024 who are beginning their college experience.
“We will all return to campus when we believe it is safe to do so,” he said. “We will continue to monitor the virus and public health guidance in order to make final decisions on the January term and spring semester as they approach. Because we have developed the plans for a full return already, we will be able to quickly implement them when the conditions allow.”
Faculty and staff have been planning for the eventuality and have received professional development on instructional design and online course development.
“The College has invested significantly in new technology to support course development and delivery and we have set aside funds to provide broad technology support to our students who may have limited access to technology and internet connectivity,” said Father Boroughs.

ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY

Assumption University had planned to have students on campus in a limited capacity with options for remote learning for those who wish it. However, on Aug. 10, Assumption University President Cesaero announced that, due to the current public health situation, the fall semester would begin remotely for the first two weeks, beginning on Monday, Aug. 17.
“Resuming face-to-face learning has been and remains the goal of the university,” said President Cesareo. “Achieving this goal has always been contingent upon procuring ample supplies of personal protective equipment, securing testing for students, faculty and staff, the COVID-19 infection rate and public health situation.”
Should the public health situation sufficiently improve after two weeks, students will be allowed back on campus where in-person and hybrid classes (part remote, part in-person) will be made available. According to President Cesareo, “The plan offers all students the option to continue remote learning for the entire fall semester if they so choose.”

ANNA MARIA COLLEGE


Mary Lou Retelle, president of Anna Maria College, announced that classes will resume on campus on Monday, Aug. 24.
She said, “Classes will continue until the Thanksgiving break, when on-campus instruction and residence will end. In general, this may vary by program; students will complete their comprehensive or final exams before they leave for Thanksgiving break and participate in planned remotely scheduled coursework through December 4. The academic calendars for eight-week fall term online graduate/DCE students remain unchanged. On-campus instruction and residence will again resume in February 2021 for the spring semester.” Classes will include a blend of in-class and remote learning with virtual engagement.
Anna Maria and Assumption will follow the rigorous series of protocols mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to keep students and faculty safe from the virus. Students will be housed on campus with two per room. They can make reservations for seated dining or opt for takeout. Reservations are required for the use of public facilities such as the gym or the chapel.
All three schools have yet to make a decision regarding athletics. President Retelle of Anna Maria stated that “there are still many challenges moving forward, and guidance on how to best navigate the COVID-19 health issues associated with athletics is still evolving.” The gym and the fitness center, however, will be open with strict safety protocols.
Holy Cross stated on its website that “like other college athletic conferences, the college’s main athletic conference, the Patriot League, is currently assessing the viability of a fall season. Student-athletes and the campus community will be notified of the Patriot League’s decision as soon as it is made available.”
Much will be required of students and faculty as they return to school this fall. President Boroughs thanked Holy Cross personnel for their continued flexibility and patience.
“The uncertainty with which the global community has been forced to live is deeply unsettling, and this decision adds another dimension to the sense of loss that all of us connected to Holy Cross are carrying,” he said. “As people of faith, we believe that God is with us in both moments of sadness and joy to bring us new life and hope. I am confident that, with God’s help, our sense of community will be strengthened, our creativity will be invigorated, and our commitment to our educational mission will be reaffirmed as we face the challenges of the present and the opportunities of the future.”

– Additional source material for this article was provided by Carol Zimmerman of Catholic News Service.
Editor’s Note: We recommend that you stay in touch with your school and prepare to be flexible during this fast-changing environment.
Assumption University’s website is assumption.edu; the College of the Holy Cross website is holycross.edu; Anna Maria’s website is annamaria.edu.