COVID-19 FAQ | Springfield College

Academics and Academic Schedule (updated 1/14)

Our spring semester begins with classes on Monday, January 25, 2021. For the first two weeks of the semester (Monday, January 25 through Friday, February 5) all classes will be remote regardless of their designated modalities. On Monday, February 8, classes will transition to their designated mode (in-person, e-engaged+, e-engaged, or online). 

In an effort to keep our community safe, there will be no spring break this year. Instead, we will have Wellbeing Wednesdays on Wednesday, February 24 and Wednesday, March 10 to give students and faculty a beneficial break from classes. In addition, no classes will be held on Friday, April 2. Faculty are asked to refrain from scheduling any major tests, assignments, or classes immediately following those days.

Classes will end on Wednesday, May 5, with a reading day on Thursday May 6. Final exams will occur on Friday, May 7, and Monday through Wednesday, May 10-12. Residence halls will close on Wednesday, May 12 at 5 p.m. We anticipate holding our Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16, 2021. 

Athletics (updated 3/1)

Following the announcement from the NEWMAC Presidents Council about Spring Sports that was released on March 1, Springfield College will be competing in traditional conference seasons and conference championships in the sports of baseball, softball, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's track & field. Additionally, competition opportunities are being explored for men's volleyball, which is not a NEWMAC-sponsored sport.  Due to the variance of the rate of COVID-19 spread and the different local, state and institutional restrictions, the Presidents have proposed a limited conference-only schedule among member institutions willing and able to compete.   

Club Sports (updated 1/14)

There has been no decision about Club Sports events or contests for the spring semester. We will continue with our comprehensive plan for return to play, including practices and conditioning, in accordance with evolving Massachusetts state guidelines. These activities will require strict adherence to requirements, physical distancing, and disinfection protocols. Specific information about Club Sport programs is provided to the student athletes and coaches through the Assistant Director of Intramurals and Club Sports.

HEERF II Fund (Updated 3/10)

Federal Relief (HEERF II) fund amounts were determined based on a student’s expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA as well as their course load in the spring term of 2021 and degree program.  Fund amounts ranged from approximately $100 to $800.  Compared to the previous CARES Act fund from spring of 2020, more students were eligible for funding.  Using guidance from the US Education Department, a committee at Springfield College developed a formula to distribute the funds as widely as possible, at the same time making the grants meaningful.

Facilities and Buildings (updated 1/14)

Students will have access to all campus facilities and buildings during the Spring semester pending any mandated restrictions. Students are expected to self-quarantine, except for carry out meals from Cheney Hall, until they have a negative test result from their arrival testing. At this time, occupancy limits will remain in effect for the Campus Union and Wellness Center in accordance with state guidelines. All facilities will be cleaned on a regular basis with emphasis on high-touch areas. Appropriate mask wearing and social distancing will be required on campus and in all facilities.

  • • Learning Commons: The first and second floors of the Learning Commons will remain open 24 hours a day with key card access. Full access to all four floors of the Learning Commons will begin Monday, February 1. 
  • • Wellness Center: Hours and the facility use guidelines for the Wellness Center are available on the Campus Recreation webpage
  • • Campus Union: The Campus Union will be open for students throughout the semester Monday through Friday from 7am-10pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-10pm.  

Financial Aid (updated 1/14)

Many factors go into financial aid offers. Any changes that you make to housing, meal plans, and course load may impact your financial aid offer. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid (413-748-3108 or financialaid@springfield.edu) to discuss those implications before you make decisions.

Refunds (updated 1/20)

A refund will be processed for a two-week reduction of room and meal plan costs. In addition, need-based aid, if any, has been reduced by 5%, as the refund represents approximately 5% of the total cost of attendance at the College. Students who receive a housing and/or meal plan grant are excluded from the refund.

Housing and Residence Life (updated 1/19) 

Preparing for Move-In

As we prepare to welcome you back to campus, we first want to acknowledge that we know this Spring comes with many new complexities about living on campus, in light of COVID-19. Please know that we have been and continue to work diligently to put various systems in place that will ensure that you continue to have a great experience on campus, and remain well in spirit, mind & body throughout the year. Please read thoroughly to familiarize yourselves with our expectations rooted in the college’s humanics philosophy. 

Residential students will follow a staggered move-in schedule beginning at the Testing Annex (239 Wilbraham Avenue) next to Towne Health Center, during their scheduled window. Students are encouraged to arrive at the earlier portion of their move-in window. Students will present their pre-arrival testing documentation and undergo their arrival test BEFORE moving into their residence hall room. Students moving into a new assignment will pick up keys in their residence hall lobby/foyer after being cleared by the Health Center. If you do not have results of your pre-arrival test, you will not be permitted to move in.  Students who have tested positive in the last 90 days do not require a pre-arrival test but still need to report to the testing center for clearance to move into their residential space. 

What if my child wants to stay home now? Can they withdraw from housing?

Yes. They would need to contact the Residence Life and Housing office at 413-748-3102 or reslife@springfield.edu.

January Move-In Shifts

January staggered move-in will be reserved for those students who live in apartment-style housing (Living Center, Senior Suites, and Townhouses), winter and spring student-athletes, upper division students enrolled in health sciences programs, international students, those who live at a great distance from the College, and essential student employees. Students who are included in these groups will be notified on January 15. Students included in this group should plan to arrive during the move-in shift for which they have already signed up, from Thursday, January 21 - Sunday, January 24, 2021. 

All other students can expect to move in between Friday afternoon, February 5, and Sunday, February 7, 2021. 

February Move-In Shifts

Starting Wednesday, January 20 at 9am, all students not included in the groups listed above must sign up for a move-in shift in “My Housing.” This must be completed no later than 9:00am on Monday, February 1; students may also adjust their shift up until that time. These shifts have been limited to allow for maximum capability for social distancing among students and their moving helpers. To sign up:

  1. Go to www.springfield.edu
  2. Log into PrideNet using your username and password in the top right corner of the page
  3. Click on the Campus Life tab along the top of the page
  4. In the left-hand column, click on Residence Life
  5. Log into Access My Housing using your PrideNet username and password on the right side of the page
  6. Scroll to the bottom, to the Assignments header
  7. Choose from an available shift under “Move-In Appointment” and click “Update My Time”

This is a live, interactive system - as soon as capacity is hit, that shift will no longer show as an option. Students may update their move-in shift selection until 9:00am on Monday, February 1. Students arriving to campus outside of their chosen shift will be turned away and asked to return at the time they indicated in My Housing.

Move-in will take place over three days in a staggered format (Friday afternoon, February 5 - Sunday, February 7, 2021). This will allow us to reduce the number of guests on campus at any particular time.

Move-In Expectations

  • Each student may have a maximum of two non-students (e.g., parents, siblings) to assist with the move-in process at any given time (other family members can remain in the car or socially distant from other families etc.)
  • All students and helpers must wear a mask
  • To the extent possible, students and helpers should follow recommendations for social distancing, and should be symptom free for at least 72 hours (3 days) before their scheduled move-in time. Anyone who is ill, with COVID-19 or otherwise, may not return to campus at this time.
  • Students and their helpers must use the stairs as much as possible. Elevators are reserved for heavier item transport for floors 3 and above (unless medically necessary)
  • Parents/family must be out of physical building after their designated 3 hour window - may remain on campus with physical distancing (Staff will use hour between shifts to clear the building)
  • Students should pack light. While it is the College’s goal to have students on campus for the entire semester, students should be prepared to pack to return home within 24 hours, if necessitated by a rapid or significant change in the progress of the pandemic. 

As always, if you have questions, please contact the Housing & Residence Life Office at 413-748-3102 or reslife@springfieldcollege.edu for assistance. 

Dining Services (updated 2/5)

The Table @ Cheney Hall

Dining service will consist of carry-out only options beginning with lunch on Thursday, January 21, through January 31. Students will be able to eat their meals in their residence hall room or outside as there will be no in person dining in Cheney Hall or the Campus Union until February 9. In-person dining at The Table @ Cheney Hall is tentatively scheduled to resume with breakfast on Monday, February 9. Carry-out meals will still be available for those students who choose not to dine in. The Table @ Cheney Hall has been upgraded to include plexiglass dividers and all tables have been reconfigured to create two-tops as an enhanced safety precaution.

  • Thursday, 1/21: lunch 12-2pm, dinner 5-7pm
  • Friday, 1/22: breakfast 8-9:30am, lunch 12-2pm, dinner 5-7pm
  • Saturday, 1/23 (regular hours resume): brunch 10am-2pm, dinner 5-7pm

Pride’s Place (formerly Union Cafe) & Learning Commons

Dunkin will reopen for carry-out orders using the GET App beginning on Thursday, January 21 with regular hours resuming on Monday, January 25. 

  • Thursday, 1/21: 7:30am-1:30pm
  • Friday, 1/22: 7:30am-4pm
  • Saturday, 1/23: 7:30am-4pm
  • Sunday, 1/24: 7:30am-4pm

Jasmine’s, La Sabrosa, Roasted, and Subway will reopen with their regular hours for carry-out orders using the GET App on Monday, January 25. Starbucks will resume their regular operation and hours of service on Monday, January 25. The Campus Union is tentatively scheduled to open for in-person dining on Monday, February 8.

Visit our website for more information on dining services: dining.springfield.edu

Stay connected! Follow us @springfielddining

Programming and Activities (updated 1/14)

The spring semester will see a robust schedule of in-person (following all state guidelines and protocols) and virtual events. Clubs and organizations will continue to meet virtually for regular meetings but can request in-person meetings and events by completing the Event Request Form that can be found here: https://forms.gle/dcGnViDmhhDhE7fn9. Additional information regarding club and organization guidelines and procedures will be posted here: 

https://springfield.edu/student-life/student-activities/clubs-and-organizations

Code of Conduct (updated 1/14)

The Code of Conduct continues to address issues specifically related to COVID-19. Some changes outlined for the spring semester include:

  • A mask, which covers both the nose and mouth, must be worn in public areas (e.g. hallways, bathrooms, parking lots, classrooms, lounges) at all times and outside. 
  • Commuter students may not enter any housing space or residential building. 
  • Resident students may not have any guests on campus. A “guest” refers to any non-Springfield College person and commuter students.
  • Resident students may have campus visitors (no commuters) in their housing space based on the COVID Occupancy Limits (see table). Not adhering to these guidelines equates to a large social gathering.

Room Type

Visitors at a Time

Room Type

Visitors at a Time

1-Person Space

1 visitor - 2  total occupancy

2-Person Space

2 visitors - 4 total occupancy

3-Person Space/Suite-style housing

2 visitors - 5 total occupancy

4-Person Space/Suite-style housing

2 visitors - 6 total occupancy

5-Person Space/Suite-style housing

2 visitors - 7 total occupancy

6-Person Space/Suite-style housing

3 visitors - 9 total occupancy

7-Person Space/Suite-style housing

3 visitors - 10 total occupancy

8-Person Space/Suite-style housing

3 visitors - 11 total occupancy

The term "visitor" refers to any current residential Springfield College student present in a residential space not assigned to them. 

  • Weekly COVID testing is mandatory. 
  • If you are in supported isolation or quarantine, you must follow the guidelines outlined.

Sanctioning for COVID violations includes but is not limited to fines, reflection papers, a contact tracing exercise, loss of housing and co-curricular activities, and loss of face-to-face class privileges.

For a complete listing of all COVID policies and sanctions refer to the Student Handbook

Testing Information and Contact Tracing (updated 1/19)

If a student has received the COVID vaccine do they still have to get tested regularly or no?

Yes. The recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are unchanged for those who have received two doses of the vaccine. All safety guidelines (mask, social distancing, hand washing, etc), testing protocols, and quarantine (if identified as direct contact) still must be followed.

Will out-of-state students need to fill out a MA travel form?

Springfield College will not be collecting the MA travel form, but students will need to be prepared to show it if any official in Massachusetts requests it.

Will commuter students with on-campus jobs have access to testing prior to the surveillance period to be able to work? (i.e., during the res-hall move-in period)

Student-workers who have been cleared to work check-in weekend can get tested on Tuesday, January 19.

What is the policy on having other people help move in during the assigned move-in time? Who is allowed to assist students in moving in (family, off-campus students, etc.)?

Two non-Springfield College students, such as parents or siblings, are permitted to assist students with moving into residence halls.  

Pre-Arrival and Arrival Testing (COVID & Influenza)

All residential students must provide documentation of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours (preferred) to one week of their scheduled return to campus before they can move into their residence hall on their scheduled staggered move-in date. Students will be tested upon arrival before they move into their residence halls and will self-quarantine in their rooms until they receive a negative result on their arrival test. In addition, all students must have documentation of an influenza vaccination. This documentation needed to be submitted to the Health Center via email (healthcenter@springfield.edu or faxed to 413-748-3444) by December 31, 2020. The only exception is for students who exclusively attend classes online and NEVER visit the Springfield College campus in person.

Positive Test Within the Past 90 Days

Any person who has tested positive for COVID-19, has completed the required isolation period, and is now asymptomatic, is not required to have a pre-arrival test and should not have a surveillance test for 90 days. You must submit proof of your positive test to the Health Center to be exempt from surveillance testing for the 90-day period. You may bring this documentation to the Health Center/Testing Center, email (healthcenter@springfield.edu) or fax 413-748-3444. 

Surveillance Testing

All residential students and any commuter students who have in-person, eEngaged+ courses, or who want to access any building on campus (Learning Commons, Wellness Center, Campus Union, Cheney Dining Hall, etc.) will be tested weekly. Students who fail to comply or miss their weekly test will be quarantined in their room and prohibited from attending classes in person or entering any building on campus other than their residence hall. Failure to comply a second time will result in a $100 fine. Failure to comply a third time will result in suspension from on-campus housing and all on-campus and/or in-person activities for two weeks. The cost for surveillance testing will be covered by Springfield College.

Diagnostic Testing

Any student who reports symptoms of COVID-19 or is identified as having had a direct exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be evaluated and tested accordingly by the staff of the Health Center. Testing will be sent to BROAD Institute, Baystate Reference Lab or Quest Diagnostics and the student’s private insurance will be billed where necessary. Federal guidelines state that insurance should cover the cost of testing as it is medically appropriate.

Contact Tracing/Quarantine (updated 1/6)

A trained campus Contact Tracing team will work in concert with the Springfield Department of Public Health and the Health Center to identify anyone who has been directly exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

Any individual who is identified as a direct contact will need to quarantine. An appropriate quarantine living space will be designated. Currently, a 10 day quarantine will be required and we will follow the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to determine when a student can be released from quarantine and return to normal activities on campus. During quarantine, a student must remain in their designated quarantine space. They may not enter any other campus buildings or participate in any in-person activities (including in-person classes, athletics/club sports, in-person employment, and campus activities). Food will be delivered to quarantine spaces and weekly laundry service will be provided through Residence Life.

If a student chooses to go home to quarantine, they must be able to do so via private vehicle.