Despite the current pandemic, Benedictine University has continued to adapt to rules and regulations in order to keep its students, staff, athletes, and coaches safe. Kenneth F. Newbold, Benedictine University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer prepared a detailed description of what this semester would look like academically, resident life, and athletically.
“As we continue to learn and adapt during the pandemic, we remain committed to providing a safe learning environment that offers online and face-to-face courses as well as expanded student clubs and organization activities,” said Newbold.
In order to “Protect Our Flock”, the university has expanded its testing protocols for residential students, commuter students, student-athletes, and faculty and staff. All athletes, residents, coaches, and staff are required to participate in weekly covid screenings. “As in the fall, there will be no out of pocket costs for testing,” said Dean of Students, Marco Masini. Because of these precautions, the university is striving to widen its regulations with increased in-person instruction after spring break. These changes will depend on state and local public health officials and in which the university keeps close communication.
Although much of the campus is virtual. students are allowed to use student study spaces in Goodwin Hall (rooms 111 and 211), the computer lab on the second floor of the Library, and Krasa Hall. In order to use these spaces students are required to register for space in these locations through bookings.
Due to many courses and clubs participating virtually, the university will continue to offer face-to-face music lessons, labs, practicums, pre-clinical and other experiences. A way for students to interact with others is by joining clubs. On January 19, 20, 21 between 12 PM and 2 PM and January 26, 27, 28 between 12 PM and 2 PM a Virtual Eagle Stop Student Club/Organization Fair will be held so that students can make connections.
This upcoming athletic season, which all sports teams will be participating in, will be virtual for fans. The athletics program will be streaming all home contests on the university website so that eagle fans can cheer virtually as the teams return to play. Some teams are required to wear a mask during all practices with a once-a-week surveillance test while other teams are allowed to not wear face masks but have to be surveillance tested three times a week. As in the fall, all student-athletes must complete a Covid-19 screening survey, at least thirty minutes before a practice, game, or lifting session. which asks questions about symptoms and contact with Covid-19. This also applies to all students who will be attending in-person classes or is a resident.
To welcome new eagles to campus, the week of January 11th, new students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions and programs so they are able to learn about what it’s like to be a student at Benedictine and discover the resources that the University the offers. This will allow new students to visit campus with a limit of two guests to receive their parking pass, student ID, walk the campus, tour the residence hall, submit health service paperwork or financial aid paperwork, and visit the bookstore/Benny's to be prepared before the start of the semester. The Academic and Career Enhancement (ACE) Center and Library and Student Engagement staff have also arranged sessions for new and returning students to participate in order to be prepared for the spring semester.
Newbold affirms, “ We will remain in touch with you throughout the coming academic term with plans and details to safely engage as a community. Wishing you a successful and transformative term ahead.”
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