Alumni Hall and Other Updates | Springfield College

Oct. 7, 2020

Dear Students,

I am writing to share some updates about our fight against the virus.

Alumni Hall

As you are aware, Alumni Hall was placed under quarantine after three positive test results in six days. We placed the three positive students in supportive isolation housing (and two of those three are already out of isolation) and their almost 20 confirmed contacts in quarantine. The good news is that those confirmed contacts have all tested negative and some are already out of quarantine. Additional good news is that the 1300+ other surveillance tests conducted this past week have all been negative.

Currently, there are approximately 60 Alumni residents who have chosen to remain during the quarantine. Meals are being delivered to them, they are taking their classes remotely, and they are being supported by staff in Residence Life, the Counseling Center, and others. They are restricted from entering any room or building on campus except for their own and are allowed to use the facilities in Alumni Hall such as the laundry room and the foyer, while socially distanced and masked. They are allowed outside on campus and are encouraged to get fresh air and exercise, again while socially distanced and while wearing masks. Also, we have restricted the use of the plaza behind their building for use by Alumni Hall residents only during the period of the quarantine.

Additional Updates

Unfortunately, I also have very disappointing news to share with you. Approximately a dozen students were interim suspended from housing this past weekend pending their conduct hearings for violating the COVID policies that have been communicated multiple times this semester. We can only be successful in controlling this virus if all members of the community follow the guidelines that have been communicated. We want to get to November 20th together, but we will enforce the policies that have been established to help get us there.

I urge you to help each other maintain vigilance in the face of this virus and follow the rules that have been established - wear your mask, do not exceed COVID occupancy limits, and abide by the policies established to keep the entire community well. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We want all of you to complete the semester safely and healthy and know you are experiencing significant stress by trying to focus on college work during a pandemic.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Patrick

Patrick G. Love
Vice President for Student Affairs