Marist Releases Comprehensive Reopening Plan, Including Masks, Grab-and-Go Dining and Restricted Access to Residence Halls

Note: Since this article was posted the morning of July 16, Marist removed the Reopening Strategy page of its website. We’ve replaced the link to the website with a link to a PDF document capturing the college’s originally published plan.

Marist College announced its reopening on June 18, and now Marist community members can discover what returning to campus will entail. With its comprehensive Reopening Strategy report, the college outlined updated plans for academics, campus environment and student affairs.

“This information will continue to evolve, so we ask that you follow our communications detailed on our dedicated website and remain flexible to changes as needed. We look forward to sharing the full details of the reopening as they are finalized,” the report includes.

“While daily life will undoubtedly be different, we are confident that this will be a challenging but successful semester.”

Academics

In his June 18 announcement, President Dennis J. Murray informed students about an updated academic schedule for the fall 2020 semester, which will begin one week earlier and continue remotely after Thanksgiving.

According to the new report, additional measures will include a “blended instructional model.” In the classroom and remotely, classes will include increased “technology-based collaboration,” and the college expanded iLearn’s functionality.

Classrooms will operate at 50% capacity. Navigating through academic buildings will require following one-way directions and floor markings to maintain social distance. Common areas are restricted, but students can still utilize academic support offices. Wherever possible, Marist community members are encouraged to use virtual means for meetings.

To enhance cleanliness of buildings, classrooms will be cleaned between sessions, restrooms and high-touch surfaces will be cleaned frequently, and HVAC systems now include MERV 13 filters.

Operations

The report states that the college will follow health and safety measures recommended by “Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State (NYS) and local government, as well as advice from our own medical and health experts.” The college acknowledged that they cannot eliminate all risk, and the onus is on individuals to uphold health and safety precautions, as well.

Two weeks prior to their return to campus, students will need to obtain a molecular PCR COVID-19 test, and the college strongly recommends that self-quarantine two weeks prior, as well. Students will agree in writing to follow guidelines, and violations could result in disciplinary action.

“We think of campus as an island, and as we welcome students back for the fall semester, we will be asking them to preserve the community as an island to minimize exposure and the spread of COVID-19,” the report states. “Students will be discouraged from going in to the community.”

Parents can visit, but not enter buildings.

Masks will be required in many settings, and common spaces will have reduced density. Marist community members will participate in a “robust, regular health screening program” per New York State guidelines.

“Students, faculty, or staff who test positive who test positive for COVID-19 will be asked to isolate at home,” the report includes.

Hand sanitizer will be available throughout campus, and the college will utilize “hospital-grade sanitization,” cleaning residence hall bathrooms and lounges at least three times per day.

Student Affairs

Only students who live in each residence hall will have access to their respective residence hall, and on-campus living will be restricted to standard occupancy, meaning usually no more than two people to a room. Dining facilities will operate with reduced seating, and may expand outdoor dining locations. The main dining hall will offer “grab and go” options, and retail operations will use Grubhub.

Like academic services, additional student support services will utilize virtual methods whenever possible. Student activities will “comply with NYS guidelines and maximize safe practices, utilizing outdoor venues and virtual options,” and campus events will be limited to the campus community. As for athletics, Marist continues to work with NCAA, MAAC, and Pioneer League to determine the status of fall events.

Six Steps

The reopening page of Marist’s website includes “six steps for keeping our community a safe place to live and learn.” This includes daily health screenings, maintaining social distance, wearing masks, washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you or a household member is sick.

The complete Reopening Strategy can be found here, as well as frequently asked questions.