Residence Halls Closed Through April 3rd, 2020
SENT BY PJ BOGGIO, VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Dear Students;
Thank you, first and foremost for your truly incredible patience and positive attitudes as we maneuver along these new paths together. To say that the situation is “rapidly-changing” has, after only one week, become rather cliché. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that we have little choice but to react to the changing directives and the changing conditions. With that said, over the weekend Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has issued new directives as it pertains to allowable sizes of gatherings (under 25 only). He has also issued strong guidance as it pertains to eating establishments. Both of which have an impact on our ability to serve our student population in the foreseeable future.
Therefore, as of this notice on Monday, March 16, 2020 and following the latest guidance from the Governor; Nichols College residence halls will remain CLOSED through April 3, 2020 and we can no longer allow students to return right after the spring break period as they transition to online only classes.
As stated in the email sent from President Engelkemeyer, beginning with classes on Monday, March 23, 2020 and extending through Friday, April 3, 2020, Nichols College will conduct classes via online methods only.
Residence halls will NOT remain open during this time for those students who want to have access to campus; this is a change from our previous position based on the Governor’s new guidance. Students needing access online for classes should respond to tomorrow’s forthcoming email from Academic Affairs, regarding other campus locations that may become open to you. That email should be finalized and sent sometime on Tuesday.
As of this notice, we are hopeful that students will be allowed to return on April 4th/April 5th and details regarding that return will be released in the coming week. We must all consider that this may not be a possibility.
Understandably, due to the precautions we as a campus community must take to prevent COVID-19, the campus will be moving toward our College State of Emergency Protocol within our residence halls. These regulations are enacted to ensure absolute compliance of policies and are meant to help our campus operate as responsibly as possible with as few resources engaged as necessary. Thank you in advance for understanding their purpose.
The following will begin effective immediately for all residential students currently residing on campus for Spring Break and including those residential students returning to campus on April 4th/5th, continuing until further notice.
Several policies were updated and are effective March 16, 2020 and will continue until further notice. Details can be found in the email sent to students
Additional information contained in the email to students includes: why the College State of Emergency protocol has gone into effect; implications if a student does not follow the updates policies; and returning to campus.
QUESTIONS? If you have a question regarding staying on campus, please email Reslife@nichols.edu directly.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding while we navigate this rapidly changing situation. You will continue to receive updates and information to your Nichols College email address.
Bison, our absolute hope is that our campus will be able to be open and we can finish the semester here on the Hill together. We promise to notify you of the changing situations as soon as we are able and while not ideal for any single one of us; we do thank you again for your patience and understanding in this really confusing time. There are many more answers to come; please work with us and communicate with us as we put many facets of our normal campus life into a new dynamic model that will surely test us in many new ways.
Be safe out there and know we are doing all we can from campus to help you through these trying times. Remember we are Bison, we adapt, and we persevere, and we look out for each other
About Nichols College
Within a supportive community, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education.
Media Contacts
Denise Kelley
Writer/Editor
denise.kelley@nichols.edu
508-213-2219