This is the fourth email update and contains progress, changes and actions taken since the previous email (July 17, 2020). If there is no new information to report, that is noted below and readers are encouraged to review the archived emails online on the college's COVID website.
Academics
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Academic Implementation Group (Chair - Mary Ann Coughlin): Marshall and Mary Ann have met with the Department Chairs to identify which courses could be held in which formats (remote, hybrid, small group, F2F). They are actively working with the chairs now to identify which courses and sections to move to the variety of formats and will begin developing the schedule and placing classrooms shortly. (updated since previous email)
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Classroom Utilization and Preparation (Chairs - Marshall Bradway & Mary Ann Coughlin): The group has been working with FACS to measure and set up classrooms and make arrangements for storage of extra furniture. FACS is working with an outside company to assess some of the buildings, and most spaces are getting adequate air exchanges per hour. A few classrooms have been identified to take offline due to ventilation. (updated since previous email)
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ROCE (Chairs - Mary Ann Coughlin & Elayne Harney): A decision has been made to move to virtual learning for campuses in Milwaukee, Tampa, and Wilmington due to both the situation in those areas and the student demographics (many are working in essential jobs). Houston is TBD as the partnership with Lonestar is hoping to move forward with some F2F courses. St. Johnsbury, Boston, & Springfield sites are still on for a limited number of F2F classes. Given the enrollment and needs of these students, most courses will be held virtually. (updated since previous email)
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Academic Spaces Planning Group (Chairs - Andrea Taupier & Mary Ann Coughlin): The group has primarily been focusing on the Learning Commons and reconfiguring the space. Some computers may be moved to enhance labs. There are ongoing discussions about the 24-hour study space, and expanding the physical space to accommodate more students. (updated since previous email)
Co-Curricular Experience
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Co-Curricular Implementation Group (Chair - Patrick Love): Student affairs is working on the staggered move-in plans, including tracking any early arrivals for testing and planning of meals. Quarantine needs of early arrivals are being addressed. The group is developing policies for student clubs, orgs, and events. A plan for NSO was outlined. (updated since previous email)
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Guests and Visitors (Chairs - Mary DeAngelo & David McMahon): A revised draft of the policies for the wide range of guests and visitors who normally come to campus during the school year has been completed and is being brought to the Fall planning group for review, and then will be brought to the expanded President’s Leadership Team (PLT+). This group will now expand discussions to include others who come to campus, including Conferences and Special events and Athletics. (nothing new to report)
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Athletics Resocialization and Return to Competition (ARRC) Working Group (Chair - Craig Poisson): Fall sports have had all competitions cancelled. Fall sports will be permitted to practice within restrictions. Move-in dates are being addressed. Tentative fall sports move in 8/25, with football moving in with the rest of the student body. (updated since previous email)
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Deepening Student Engagement (Chair - Brianna Kirk): Chat spaces are being created where students can talk about how their identities and the virus intertwine. Wellness initiative is being developed. Welcome Home video from faculty and staff is being created. (nothing new to report)
General Groups (pertain to both academics and co-curricular)
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Tents (Chair - Patrick Love): A planning and budget proposal for academic, Health Center, athletics and programming tents has been approved by the Board of Trustees. Tents have been reserved and plans are underway for their use. (updated since previous email)
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Barriers (Chair - Kevin Roy): Installation of the barriers and signage is continuing, with additional issues and locations being identified and addressed as they are identified. (nothing new to report)
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International (Chair - Deb Alm): Costs associated with the needs of new arrivals (transportation, phones, supplies) are being identified and programming, academic, and other needs are being investigated. (nothing new to report)
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Public Health Implementation Group (Chairs - Kathleen Hogan-Soltys & Christine Johnston): Contact tracing plans are being developed with best practice guidance from DPH. We will be using Maxient to assist with contact tracing data management. Hiring students is ongoing, including an hourly grad student. PPE is being ordered. A testing contract with Broad Institute has been signed. A contract with CoVerified to manage the data is under review. (updated since previous email)
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Rapid Response Team (Chair - Sue Nowlan): A tabletop exercise to work through case scenarios is planned for August. (updated since previous email)
Communication
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Springfield College Connect (Chair - Patrick Love): Next issue scheduled to be released July 27. (updated since previous email)
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Faculty/Staff Updates (Chair - Patrick Love): Next email scheduled to be released August 10. (updated since previous email)
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Student Communications Group (Chair - Julie Koivisto): An aggressive timeline has been created with videos, social media postings, and flyers to start the first week of August. (updated since previous email)
Thank you for taking the time to read through the updates and supporting documents. If you have questions or would like additional information, please email studentaffairs@springfield.edu.
Patrick Love, Vice President of Student Affairs
Mary Ann Coughlin, Senior Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
