Capital has released a detailed document on their plans to reopen campus this fall in the midst of COVID-19.
Back in May, Capital announced plans to reopen campus for the Fall 2020 semester. Information on that story can be found here. They have now released a detailed plan of action on how they’re going to do that.
While the 17-page document (linked here) is filled with pertinent information on how the campus will operate this fall, there are some that may not have the time to scan through the whole thing, so here’s 10 of the most important things to know about, in no particular order.
1. Most dorm rooms will be singles
Ideally, the University wants to restrict the density of people that are living in shared living spaces. During step four of reopening residential facilities, part of the document reads, “‘New normal’ occupancy levels with most rooms as singles.” This now begs the question, are there enough total rooms for all the residential students to be able to live in a single? I reached out to ResLife, but they declined to comment at this time.
2. Move-in will be a phased process
Last spring, residential students were assigned specific time blocks on when they could move-out. This was done to prevent large amounts of foot traffic and maintain social distancing. As the semester approaches, we’ll most likely see the University use this method again.
3. Everyone will be required to wear a face mask
Students, employees, and even visitors are required to wear a mask while present in shared spaces on campus. Visitors, such as high school students and parents, will be given a disposable mask.
4. Capital will provide protective equipment for students and employees
Upon move-in, residential students will get two washable face masks. Hand sanitizer stations will be located in areas that regularly receive foot traffic. In addition, cleaning kits will be located in classrooms so that work areas can be washed down after use. The university is also working on installing plexiglass barriers in reception areas.
5. Use campus resources if you test positive
Okay, so what if you take all the necessary precautions but still manage to contract COVID-19? Well, according to the document, students are advised to report to the Health and Wellness Center, while campus employees who test positive should report their status to the HR department.
6 . Housekeeping will use enhanced cleaning protocols
There will be an increase in how often the cleaning staff will sanitize high contact surfaces. Campus vehicles such as the van that transports student to the O-lot will be cleaned after each trip.
7. Courses will be delivered through a variety of methods
Depending on the nature of the coursework, certain classes may only be taught online, in-person, or a hybrid of the two. This is in hopes of reducing the total density of people present in a classroom.
8. Dining services will continue, but no buffet service
If positive progress is being made in combating the virus, the campus will start to open up dining services as much as it can. This includes giving students the option to dine-in, but having kitchen workers serve students food at the buffet lines may not be plausible under the conditions.
9. Study abroad is cancelled
Unfortunately, students will not be able to partake in coursework that’s outside of the country. The document specifies that “essential” University-related travel has not been suspended though. This includes activities such as admission recruitment and athletic-related travel plans.
10. Guests will not be allowed to stay in living quarters
Students will not be able to open up their rooms to outside guests that are visiting them on campus.
At this time, Capital is developing a website that will launch in mid-July that will provide continuing updates on their reopening status.
