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Important fall 2021 semester updates
Key messages to know
- Fall semester classes begin Sept. 7, 2021
- Campuses will be planning for an in-person return
- Courses will be delivered in face-to-face formats while capitalizing on the innovative learnings over the past 12 months. Courses typically delivered online will continue that way.
- Residence halls will be open
- Planning will focus on resuming events, studying abroad and traveling safely
- Expanded return to play for athletic teams
The College will continue to closely monitor guidelines from the MDH and the CDC, as well as guidance from federal and state leadership. With increased accessibility to vaccinations and decreased rates of COVID transmission, leaders are hopeful that the institution will be able to return to a more traditional fall semester.
Complete updates from the College for the fall semester are available in the Community Updates.
For the Fall 2020 semester, St. Scholastica’s students, faculty and staff members are following a carefully constructed SaintsRiseUp Safe Return plan created with input from groups across campus.
To begin fall semester, St. Scholastica used a newly designed hybrid approach to provide an on-campus living and learning experience that prioritized health and safety for all. Students were given the option to complete classwork remotely instead of in person. Out of an abundance of caution the College will move fall coursework to a virtual format after the Thanksgiving break.
We will continue to closely follow current recommendations from health officials as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. We will remain flexible in the event that circumstances change.
Community Safety Expectations
Campus offices will remain open and all members of the campus community are expected to follow current guidelines to protect themselves and others. These include:
- Physical distancing
- Wearing a face covering when indoors or outdoors on campus at all times
- Frequent hand-washing
- Residential students will follow the no-guest policy
Everyone has been asked to take the Saints Rise Up Community Pledge, a promise to follow health guidelines in keeping with our Benedictine values of respect, hospitality, community, stewardship and love of learning.
I choose to be in the St. Scholastica community of learners. In doing so, I accept my responsibility to live in this inclusive community, guided by the light of our Catholic Benedictine values. I will welcome each person, in each moment and each interaction, as a holy human being.
I will do my best to safeguard the health of all by following guidelines for face coverings, physical distancing, hand-washing and other safety measures. I will be attentive to changing circumstances and policies.
As a member of the St. Scholastica community, I pledge to help steward this inclusive Benedictine community and the lives of all its members in becoming the Saints the world needs.
“...let them gently encourage one another...” Rule of Benedict, Chapter 22
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life for all of us. In our continued planning for a safe campus for our students, staff and faculty, we look to these guiding principles as foundational to our work
We will be guided by our rich Catholic Benedictine legacy and our core values. In all decisions we will strive to honor the inherent dignity of each member of our community, as created in the image and likeness of God.
We are committed to providing equity in access and opportunity for all groups, with particular attention to how our decisions may affect students facing barriers. We will keep in mind that there may be students, staff and faculty members who will remain off campus for their safety or that of those with whom they live.
We will plan for hybrid engagement that supports a rich experience between those who are on campus and those who are off campus while upholding the safety of our students and employees.
We will cultivate flexibility and embrace patience as our guide in all things. We will try to withhold judgment, remembering that “everyone is fighting a great battle.”
Throughout, we will create ways to put our principles into action. COVID-19 realities and health requirements represent an opportunity to enlarge our sense of community and enrich our stewardship of our precious mission.
"Community members are not to pursue what they judge better for themselves, but instead what they judge better for someone else." The Rule of Benedict, Chapter 72
We thank the Saints community for showing patience and grace as we work through this challenging time. Please refer back to this webpage for the latest updates, or contact Pandemic Manager Mike Turner. We welcome your feedback.
To support our COVID-19 response efforts, visit our giving page.
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