This is the second email update and contains progress, changes and actions taken since the previous email (June 26, 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-19 webpages.
Academics
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Alternative Teaching Locations (Team Leads - Marshall Bradway, Mary Ann Coughlin and Kevin Roy): Researching options for tents (and restrooms) as additional options for teaching locations. (updated since previous email)
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De-Densifying Classrooms (Team Leads - Mary Ann Coughlin and Marshall Bradway): Classrooms are being evaluated to determine how many students the space can safely and reasonably accommodate for Face to Face (F2F) classes. Assessment of classroom ventilation is being considered in the planning, and sample classroom set-ups have begun. In conjunction with Department Chairs, the Team Leads are determining which courses/sections should be held F2F, remotely, small group, or a hybrid.(updated since previous email)
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In-Person Teaching/Internships & Clinicals (Team Leads - Patrick Love and Mary Ann Coughlin): Programs that require the most hands-on learning (AT, PT, OT, PA, Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education) are being evaluated to see if physical changes to spaces will allow for hands-on learning. Plans and protocols are being developed for programs that require in-person internships and clinical rotations (e.g., PA, PT, OT, education). (nothing new to report)
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ROCE (Team Leads - Mary Ann Coughlin and Elayne Harney): This new group will be tasked with addressing the specific opening needs of the regional campuses.(updated since previous email)
Student Affairs, Programs and Facilities
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Athletics (Team Lead - Craig Poisson and Barclay Duggar): Athletics has convened a committee and they are actively working on a plan for safer resumption of athletics in accordance with all NCAA rules and state guidance. A review of the fall calendar is underway. (updated since previous email)
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Barriers (Team Lead - Kevin Roy): Installation of the barriers and signage is 80% complete, with additional issues being addressed as they are identified. (updated since previous email)
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Common Space Use (New Group, Team Leads - TBD): This group will identify structural needs and policies regarding non-academic common spaces on campus (e.g., Campus Union, Learning Commons, building lounges).(updated since previous email)
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Conduct and Behavioral Expectations (Team Lead - Dave Hall): A COVID-19 addendum to the Code of Conduct has been created and approved. Overarching policies related to social distancing, gatherings, masks, personal cleaning, and staying home if sick are being developed along with plans for education/awareness and enforcement. (nothing new to report)
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Counseling Center (Team Lead - Brian Krylowicz): Plans are in progress for the continuation of telehealth. Alternative office space on campus is being identified for students to engage in teletherapy. (updated since previous email)
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Deepening Current Student Engagement (Team Lead - Brianna Kirk): Offices continue to program and release information via the Virtual Student Affairs Page. (updated since previous email)
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Dining (Team Lead - Christine Johnston): Harvest Table has extensive plans in place to adjust the procedures, capacity and structure of Table @ Cheney Hall (formerly known as Cheney Dining Services). All relevant CDC and state guidance will be followed. Ongoing meetings with stakeholders and key campus personnel will continue and plans will be adjusted as necessary. They are currently planning for 50% capacity and adjustments to how food is served and how diners flow through the facility. (nothing new to report)
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Guests and Travel (Team Leads - Mary DeAngelo and David McMahon): Jennifer Tempone (Conferences and Special Events) and Erica (Hollot) Bridge (Athletics) have been added to this group. (updated since previous email)
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Health Center (Team Lead - Kathleen Hogan-Soltys): Plans have been developed to reconfigure the Health Center; budget, staffing plans, testing and treatment protocols are still being developed. (updated since previous email)
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HR Policies (Team Lead - Elle Morgan and Jonathan Howell): Telework policy is being developed that would apply to staff members. (nothing new to report)
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International Students (Team Lead - Deb Alm): Group will identify the specific needs of the international student body for them to successfully transition to campus. Costs associated with the needs of new arrivals (transportation, phones, supplies) are being identified and programming, academic, and other needs are being investigated. (updated since previous email)
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Orientation (Team Lead - Annie Warchol): New Student Orientation will take place Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30. (updated since previous email)
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Residence Life Move In (Team Leads - Robert Yanez and Annie Warchol): A tentative plan for a staged move in of new students will take place over multiple days, followed by the staged move in of returning students. As of 7/1, MA guidelines will require fourteen day quarantine for anyone arriving from outside of New England, New York, and New Jersey (subject to change based on state guidelines). (updated since previous email)
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Residence Life Structural Operations (Team Lead - Robert Yanez): Plans, policies and procedures are being developed for appropriate use of the space with considerations being made for traffic flow, elevator, bathroom and communal kitchen usage. Guidance is being taken from the State and the American College Health Association (ACHA). (nothing new to report)
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Springfield College Connect (Team Lead - Patrick Love): Next issue scheduled to be released July 7. (updated since previous email)
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Wellness Center, Intramurals & Club Sports (Team Lead - Dave Hall): Equipment is being moved, signage is being developed, and protocols for facility usage are being developed. (updated since previous email)
Public Health Issues
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Contact Tracing (Team Leads - Christine Johnston, Raldy Laguilles, and Kathleen Hogan-Soltys): Contact tracing plans are being drafted, and initial meetings with the City of Springfield Department of Health have taken place to develop a working relationship and delineate responsibilities. (updated since previous email)
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Isolation and Quarantine (Team Leads - Robert Yanez and Kathleen Hogan-Soltys): Plans are being developed for on-campus isolation spaces to include considerations for move in/out, cleaning, linens/laundry, food delivery, testing, and communication. Researching both on and off campus options for quarantine. (nothing new to report)
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Team Leads - Kathleen Hogan-Soltys and Kevin Roy): A campus-wide assessment is being completed to determine the need for PPE for a variety of departments including Health Center, FACS, Public Safety, Wellness Center, academic programs, etc. Currently sourcing PPE through AICUM (Association of Independent Colleges & Universities in Massachusetts) and various other vendors/options. (nothing new to report)
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Rapid Response Team (Team Lead - Sue Nowlan): The Rapid Response Team is designed to meet quickly in the case of a positive case on campus. The team will make the decisions about moving the case to isolation, implementing isolation protocols, activating contact tracing, identifying what to do with residence hall contacts, etc. (nothing new to report)
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Testing (Team Lead - Kathleen Hogan-Soltys): Actively working with a consortium to have testing available at appropriate levels while taking into account privacy concerns. (nothing new to report)
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
Springfield College
The Office of Student Affairs
413-748-3100
