Page Navigation SaintsRiseUp Safe Return
In September, St. Scholastica will return to in-person classes and welcome students back to our residence halls. Together we’ll follow a carefully constructed SaintsRiseUp Safe Return plan created with input from groups across campus.
In a newly designed hybrid approach, we will restart our distinctive St. Scholastica on-campus living and learning experience that prioritizes health and safety for all. To reduce the number of people on campus and in groups, many classes will be offered in a virtual format. Students may choose to complete classwork remotely instead of in person.
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
For now, we are planning for students to return to the classroom and 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
In the fall the College will provide all on-ground students, faculty and staff members a Saints Kit that includes a face covering, neck gaiter and hand sanitizer.
Everyone will be 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 planning a safe return to 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.
Students
Information that students need to know about our SaintsRiseUp Safe Return.
Faculty and Staff
Information for current faculty and staff members about our SaintsRiseUp Safe Return plan, including health and safety details.
Visitors
Information visitors need to know, whether you’re a prospective student/parent, vendor or contractor.
